In 2022 it was seeking change.
In 2020 it was never take anything for granted.
When thinking about 2023, the year was all about a pursuit of self-development.
Our racing season involved a lot of travel, ultra distance events and new locations. With so many different events, this could have brought on great fear, anxiety and worry, but instead, I felt great excitement for the unknown.
2023 wasn't about specific outcomes, places or times but rather it was all about self-discovery. Every race was an opportunity to improve our self-awareness, skills and strengths. Without even realizing it, the entire season was an opportunity to help us discover our fullest potential.
Unlike events/races in the past, our 2023 events had an uncertainty component to each of them. There was no guarantee that we would finish many of the events that we planned. The weather, extreme nature of the course and terrain or residual fatigue came with unsureness. Rather than selecting races that gave us a sense of control or predictability, we were selecting races that would challenge us in ways that we could truly discover our strengths while exposing our weaknesses.
Athletes are passionate beings. They often chase (or pursue) strengths - or qualities that come naturally and enable them to thrive. When passion, ability and confidence collide, it's easy to feel joy. While it's good to pursue something that brings out the best in you, it's difficult to discover your strengths if you rarely expose your weaknesses. A life that revolves around familiarity makes it hard to achieve personal growth.
When we embrace our weaknesses, we have an opportunity for learning and development. Embracing strengths and weaknesses fosters a strong sense of self-awareness. The pursuit of self-discovery is the greatest teacher in life.
January
We started off the year with our first trip to South Africa. We loved the food, culture and people. We participated in the Xterra South Africa race (outside of Cape Town) and then flew a bit north for our first Safari. It was an incredible trip and we knew we needed to return the next year.
1st trip to South Africa
Xterra South Africa
Karel - 1st AG
Marni - 4th overall female
Our first Safari
February
It was cool to see how my mountain biking skills have improved over the past two years. Six hours on the ridge is a local race which involves completing as many laps as possible within 6 hours.
6-hours on the ridge MTB (on my new MTB)
Karel - overall winner
Marni - First overall female
March
The Whole Enchilada takes place at the Whitewater center in Charlotte, NC. The course is extremely technical, twisty and curvy.
A quick trip to Charleston, SC (gravel biking) - it was great to see our friends Kathleen and Don!
Whole Enchilada MTB
Karel - completed
Marni - First overall female
Dad's 76th birthday
April 
April was busy! I had an unexpected DNF at the Saluda SEG race. We had a very successful early season tri camp (which is our favorite camp of the year) and participated in the 6-gap gravel race. It was a hard month learning about Campy's declining health.
Saluda SEG race
Karel - 2nd AG
Marni - DNF
Early Season Tri Camp
Bootlegger Gravel race - DNS, Campy's declining health
6-Gap Gravel
May
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We continued to enjoy off-road racing into May. Xterra racing is unpredictable and so much fun!
Whitewater Off-road Triathlon
Karel - 1st overall
Marni - 1st overall female
Xterra Oak Mountain
Karel - 2nd AG
Marni - 1st overall female
My 41st birthday
June
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I experienced my first penalty in a triathlon race (or any race) but that didn't stop me from enjoying the incredible VBR race course and sharing the experience with our teammates.
IM 70.3 Virginia's Blue Ridge (5-min penalty)
Karel - relay
Marni - 2nd AG
BWR NC 131-mile gravel race - my longest time on a bike (longest distance too!)
Karel - 6th AG
Marni - 2nd AG
Oregon Trail Gravel Grinder 5-stage race - this was an incredible event for Karel and he had a really good time racing and camping.
Karel - finished
July
I participated in my first XTRI event. It was a great "first" time extreme triathlon as it was a bit familiar to me but also very extreme. It was special to have Karel there with me as my "crew" and to share the experience with him.
XTRI Canadaman
Marni - 2nd overall female
High Cascades 100 MTB event - We loved this event. Riding 100 miles on a mountain bike is no easy feat but we enjoyed the event and the incredible terrain around Bend. We absolutely loved our trip to Oregon! After the event, we watched our athletes participate at Oregon 70.3 which was a great event and race venue.
Karel - 3rd AG
Marni - 1st AG
August
Karel and I can't stop talking about our time in Breckenridge. Spending over a week at 9000+ feet was an incredible experience. We can't say enough great things about this event and the area. There are so many cycling paths and trails!
Breck Epic 6-stage MTB event
Karel - 16th AG
September
.heic)
September was an incredible month. I survived my 2nd XTRI in Livigno, Italy and qualified for Norseman XTRI world championship. We held another triathlon camp in Greenville and Karel performend amazingly well at IM Chattanooga - and broke 9 hours for the first time in an Ironman!
ICON XTRI
Marni - 2nd overall female
Endurance triathlon camp
Ironman Chattanooga (8:59!)
Karel - 1st AG
October
Our little golden nugget turned 16. Campy is getting older and we know we don't have much time left with him so we are trying to make the most of every day.
Paris Mountain 16K trail race
Karel - 1st AG
Marni - 1st AG
Campy's 16th birthday
November
We really enjoyed our time in Cozumel. It was a really cool experience to be on the island and to share the experience with our athletes.
My new Cervelo triathlon bike
Ironman Cozumel (spectating)
December
We squeezed in one last race to finish off a great year of racing. We completed over 14 races in 12 months! Thank you body!
Clash Daytona half distance
Karel - 2nd AG
Marni - 2nd overall female, 1st AG