Trimarni Coaching and Nutrition

  We woke up at 5am and left the house at 6am for our 90-mile drive to Saluda, SC. I did the driving so that Karel could use the Compex on his back (he has chronic back and hip issues and car rides and long rides flare it up). I was a bit tired as I didn't sleep the best the night before. I didn't feel nervous but perhaps I was a little anxious for the event since it was only my 2nd gravel race (first one being two years ago and I crashed by hitting a pot hole and my handlebars flipped forward upon impact - thankfully I was ok and finished the race).  When we arrived to the parking area we picked up our numbers and got our gear ready. One last chance at looking at our clean bikes before the adventure started. The forecast was showing storms and wind so we knew that this was going to be a wild day before it even started.  The field for the long course (103 miles) was a bit small but I didn't mind that. I knew I could still be competitive among those who showed up. There we...

On June 15th I received a group the weekly email from Jeff M., which highlighted the weekly/weekend rides and past events in and around Greenville. The email was promoting an upcoming ride called the Yolomites (which combines YOLO - you only live once and DOLOMITES - cycling heaven in Italy). Last year I heard about this local curated event and ever since, it had been on my mind. I love doing physical feats for the first time and I have never ridden over 115 miles. The Yolomites ride is as follows (starting from Lex Mullinex Park) First Loop: Watershed, Mine Mtn, Skyuka, White Oak, Hogback, Grade, Green River Switchbacks, down watershed to car. 77 miles, ~10,000ft of climbing. Second Loop: Watershed, Olivet, down Olivet, down Watershed back to car. 26.5 miles, ~2600ft of climbing.  Third and fourth Loop: Cliffs - Mountain Summit to the very top, North side of Panther, back down Panther, Down Mountain Summit, back to car. 25 miles, ~3800ft of climbing  Total: 130 mile...