This isn’t necessarily a personal attack on the instigator, as I’m already aware of who’s responsible. . .
I’ve just got serious questions concerning how a little known company like this cornered the market of the federation. . .There are tons of other MUCH larger competing companies. Amino Vital? Why is it I’ve never heard of them before? Somehow they’ve supplanted MUCH larger and more widely known and accepted companies in their product areas. . .
Sponsorship packages are big deals. . .but there has to be more factors considered than who can give the biggest $ figure. . .That’s a recipe for disaster, much akin to the U.S. government policy of buying from the lowest bidder.
I guess I’m mostly concerned that we common folk were by and large unaware this company existed until we started seeing them posted as an official USAT sponsor. . .
Yup, great stuff. I’m a RD, and it’s great to see Amino Vital come on board and eliminate the Gatorade Program that was such an important part of USAT sanctioning. We USED to get Gatorade, cups, and coolers. When Amino Vital joined in, it eliminated Gatorade. Of course, Amino Vital isn’t offering sponsorship to RDs like Gatorade did. I have some very high profile events, and I didn’t get anything. To top it off, Gatorade wouldn’t help me either, because I was affiliated with USAT. Yeah, I’m really excited about Amino Vital’s involvement in the sport. Great for us age groupers (sarcasm mode turned off). In case you didn’t figure it out, it’s ALL about the money…
I guess part of my question is just to confirm that I’m NOT just a sheltered east-coaster who happens to have never heard of what may be a decent product. I seriously have never heard of these guys until VERY recently, even when I was overseas. . .in Japan, Korea, Phillipines, Australia. . .etc.
Unfortunately, but admittedly based on my limited understanding, it appears inconceivable to me that this is anything other than what it appears to be. . .a VERY small minority decision that has major implications on the membership at large. . .i.e. the scuttling of the Gatorade sponsorship and its very tangible benefits.
Thanks…what I find interesting is that I thought this stuff was for post training recovery…supplying all the amino acids to rebuild/recover kinda like what the Bio Builde people are attempting to convince us happens when we take their overpriced supplements… I didn’t buy that stuff after checking on their claims and not finding any evidence that it works. However haven’t done any research about Amino Vitale.
Dan, wish I knew who made the decision to go with Amino Vital. Believe me, I’ve voiced my opinion loud and clear to USAT. It’s more of a recovery drink, not an on-course drink. It’s only got 30 calories. I put on A half Iron, and couldn’t consider using it, due to lack of calories. Sounds like Caliman had those issues. Anyway, USAT seemed to be focusing only on the money, and the Olympics, not what makes this sport: races and age groupers…The lack of support for RD and age groupers still astounds me. Last time I checked, the we’re the MAJORITY…
I am curious what this will mean from the RD’s prespective, and the athlete’s perspective. Does this mean that we will see Amino Vital at USAT sanctioned races and not Gatorade? Or is it simply that the RD does not get as sweet a deal but can still have the drink the RD thinks is best?
Oh, the other thing that really irked me…USAT announced that Gatorade wouldn’t be a part of the RD program in late February. About 3 months too late to try to get good sponsorship proposals for other drinks. Luckily, Hammer Nutrition jumped on board with me-with their new drink, H.E.E.D. So, I’m ok…But, I’m a very high profile race. I’m guessing the majority of races who relied on having Gatorade for on course rehydration weren’t so lucky. So, they’ll have to fork over money to buy a sport drink, or go with only water. Not good for athletes or races…
The company that manufactures Amino Vital, Ajinomoto, is the world’s largest manufacturer of amino acid supplements with sales in the billions of dollars. They are much larger than almost every other sports nutritional company here in the U.S. (Ajinomoto is a Japanese company I am told).
I had never heard of Amino Vital until I downloaded the IMCDA Athlete’s Guide.
As another poster stated, way to control the market. Just start exclusively using that product for Ironman races, and you instantly control the market. I’ve spent the past several months weaning myself off the Camelbak, but may have to pick it back up again.
Also, what’s up with the the Snickers Marathon bar as the course food? I thought they did Powerbars. Are they a legitimate, digestible race food, or is this another lucrative deal that puts the welfare of the athlete below the profitability of the sanctioning organization?
I’m no expert on food science, but is a bar that is mostly sugar, corn syrup, and hydrogenated vegetable oil the best on course nutrition source?
Or is that to supplement the sugar-free sport drink? ;p
