Trimarni Coaching and Nutrition

Currently, Karel and I are traveling to Europe. We will be spending the rest of August in France.  I have been looking forward to this trip for months, but as August 15th gets closer, it is starting to feel very real. This isn't just a trip to France. It is a race, a cycling train-cation, a chance to revisit some of the places and climbs that have challenged us before, and an opportunity to experience some of the most iconic roads in cycling. First stop: Embrun From August 12–18, we'll be based in Embrun, where I'll be racing Embrunman on August 15 at 6:00 a.m. The race is no small undertaking: a 2.4 mile open water swim, a 115-mile bike (~16,000 feet elevation gain with the Col d'Izoard making an appearance before half way) and then a 26.2 mile, 3-loop run and ~1,300 feet elevation gain. The Col d'Izoard has appeared in the Tour de France around 33 times, and its summit sits at 2,361 meters (7,740 feet), making it one of the highest historic and legendary alpine p...

Ironman Lake Placid marked my 19th Ironman and my fifth time racing in Lake Placid. It was also my first Ironman-branded race since 2023, when I finally broke the nine-hour barrier with an 8:59 finish. Coming back to Lake Placid felt special, but before I even talk about the race, I have to say this: I was grateful to stand on the start line. The past two years have been some of the most challenging of my athletic career. I've had two knee surgeries for meniscus issues, and unfortunately the surgery on my right knee hasn't been successful. Ever since then, I've dealt with ongoing pain that has made consistent running almost impossible. There were many moments when I honestly wasn't sure if I'd ever race another Ironman. I've completed a few incredible extreme triathlons during that time, like ICON, The Stone and Patagonman but Ironman racing is very different. Extreme triathlons are about finishing the adventure. For me, when I think about an Ironman-branded eve...

I’m five weeks out from the most epic triathlon race that I’ve ever prepared for ( Embrunman ) and this past weekend was one of two “big” training days. I don’t do these epic rides very often but when I do, I have a few goals for the day. 1) The workout is not about gaining fitness but testing fitness. I don’t look at any metrics during the ride but rather, I go by feel and look the numbers after I finish. 2) I use the workout as an opportunity to test nutrition. I bring all my nutrition with me so that I am 100% self sufficient. 3) I enjoy sharing a big ride with other people. Unlike a normal ride or workout, there seems to be less excuses and more focus when you know it’s going to be a long day in the saddle. 4) I feel nervous but excited for these days. I know these workouts are going to be filled with highs and lows but I feel so much gratitude for my body for what it allows me to do. 5) An epic training day needs to be respected in the training cycle but I also don’t want to be so...