Avia photo shoot

Avia is my new shoe sponsor. Eish! What great shoes.

Avia AVI Bolt racing flat

Since Temecula (yesterdays XTERRA race venue) is so close to the Avia headquarters north of San Diego, a photo shoot was scheduled. I hobbled around on sore legs and blistered feet, but they say we got some good shots for Avias upcoming ad campaign. I’m blown away by the company and its people’s great attitude. The rest of the day was spent eating (no, DINING) and Amber and I got to know the folks better. (Yes, that is a goofy pose- for focusing purposes only)

This is what a typical photo shoot looks like: A lot of people standing around giving directions and advice. One guy in the funny outfit runs back and forth. Everyone looks at him. Then after quite a while, the “creative team” seeks refuge in Duathlon legend Kenny Souza’s RV to hook up the camera to the Apple Mac to look at “what we have got”, and then we go out again and do it again. And Again. Then the running guy changes clothes or shoes and does it again. And again.

I’m proud to say that the make-up artist said I needed no “work” done. Amazing what enough distance from the lens can do to. Instead of make-up.

Was great to hang out with Chuckie V again. He is coaching Angela Naeth who is one of Avias’ up-and-coming road triathletes who was also at the shoot. Chuckie has the best stories ever and some interesting insights on life and sport.

Ed from Avia drives this sweet Jeep, and I was stunned by the names my name was associated with… Legends whom I idolized when I was just a school boy. (Kenny Souza and Scott Tinley) And now my name is with theirs on our shoes sponsors’ Jeep door! WOW. Have I “made it”?!

The label says “Trail Proven.” And then my name below it. Nice.