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2025 Trimarni Endurance Camp - wrap-up

  On August 24th, we wrapped up our 25th (+) camp (I've lost count since our first camp in 2014!) and what an incredible experience it was! Over three days, our 11 campers/athletes from Florida, South Carolina, Chicago, Georgia and Washington worked on their technique in the pool, excelled at terrain management, TT work and bike handling skills, and built durability with three runs —while also learning new pacing strategies, building confidence, and connecting with others who share the same passion for the sport. Over three days, our campers accomplished:  1 hour of technique-focused swimming at the Westside Aquatic Center. ~8 hours of terrain management, pacing, TT work, climbing, descending and bike handling skills.  Around 9,000 feet of elevation gained on the bike. Almost 2 hours of running - with two runs off the bike.  With athletes ranging from 29 to 67 years of age, every day was packed with opportunities to grow stronger, smarter, and more prepared for the r...

'25 Breck Epic - FINISHER!

  Stage 6: Gold Dust  31 miles  3660 feet elevation gain  3:01 19th (40-49) 8th GC (40-49) Video Recap  The last day. Karel woke up wondering how he would move the pedals with his exhausted body, let alone gather the energy to get on his bike. Ever since the first stage, he's been struggling but somehow he finds the strength to give his best. Compared to 2023, he is actually performing better overall (and on each stage) thanks to improved skills and having prior experience at this event. However, today was rough for Karel. Although "shorter" in terms of time, distance and elevation, he had no more fight left in him. He tried to give his best but his body had other thoughts.  I dropped off Karel's bag at the aid station 2 drop off at Beaver Run Lodge (although he didn't end up stopping for it) and then I drove to the rec center. I swam from 6:45-7:45 and managed to get in 3000 yards. I was very tired this morning. Although I can't compare to what Karel is go...

'25 Breck Epic Stage 5

  Stage 5 - Wheeler Pass 24.5 miles  5259 feet elevation gain 4:12 10th (40-49) 8th GC (40-49) Video recap   The Wheeler pass stage is hard to describe. I've only seen parts of it when I was spectating in 2023 but based on Karel's feedback, it is a trail that he would never ride on a mountain bike. It's rocky, technical and sketchy. Karel mentally prepared himself for the stage but he woke up incredibly sore, tired and empty. With over 5000 feet elevation gain in 25 miles, much of the ride over 12,000 feet and another 4+ hours of racing, Karel questioned how he would be able to pedal, let alone get through the stage.  I was really looking forward to cheering Karel on and also looking forward to a run (well, hike/jog) up the mountain. I set out at 7am, dropped off Karel's bag at the aid station drop off and continued up the mountain. I jogged when I could but the 6 miles and 3200+ feet of rocky uphill required a lot of walking. I'm finally feeling a bit acclimated to...

'25 Breck Epic - stage 4

Stage 4 - Aqueduct   42.3 miles 6473 feet  4:43 9th 40-49 8 th GC 40-49 Race Recap Video In 2023, I didn't see much of Karel racing as I was preparing for XTRI Icon. My workouts were long and I was gone for most of the day because the pool was 30 min away. This time around, although I am preparing for an Ironman (IM Chattanooga - I signed up a few weeks ago), I want to share as much of this experience as I can with Karel.  Karel woke up exhausted and his sinuses are bothering him because of the dry air. He once again questioned how he would get through another 4+ hours of racing. The courses at Breck Epic are incredibly challenging with a lot of rocks, dust and climbing. Every stage has over 5000 feet elevation gain.  I dropped off Karel's bag around 6:30am and had a very early start to my day. I started my ride at 6:45am as I my plan was to ride to the top of Loveland Pass in Keystone and then head a few miles back to watch Karel come through aid station #2. My plan...