The most inspiring event of my life

Over the past four days, we had the honor of being part of something incredible by someone in our Greenville cycling community. This feat may go down as one of the most inspiring physical and mental tests of endurance, strength and determination that we will ever experience. 

Our friend Weston Studer spent the last days (Thursday 9am - Sunday 4pm) going up and down Paris Mountain (2.03 miles, 702.1 feet, 6.6% average grade) on his bike. Sleep deprived, exhausted, physically broken and mentally depleted, Wes completed 124 laps up Paris Mountain for a total of 508 miles and 87,100 feet of elevation. 

The concept of "everesting" is to pick a hill and complete repeats of it (continuously, no sleep - unless you do more than one and then you are allowed 2 hours of sleep between attempts) until 29,028.87 feet are completed (equivalent to the height of Mt. Everest). Only 3 people in the US and 36 people in the world have completed a triple everest. Wes is now the 4th in the US.

This undertaking was in support of a friend to many and local triathlete Lauren White. In August, Lauren (mom of two) was diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkin's Lymphoma after undergoing a double hernia surgery. Lauren's husband was laid off from his job the day Lauren received the news about her cancer diagnosis. Wes decided to begin his triple everesting on the day in which he celebrated 9 years of sobriety. 

When we heard about this attempt, our immediate thought was "this is crazy" but let's face it, many of us are a bit crazy. As humans, we are naturally adventurous and we are attracted to events that push ourselves to limits to achieve things never before thought possible. 

On Thursday morning after we swam, Karel decided to join Wes for a few laps up and down Paris Mountain to support his cause. In the evening, I decided to ride a few laps and Karel surprised us all in his running gear and he ran up the mountain while we biked. 

On Friday, Karel joined Wes at 7AM and again at 3PM. In the evening, Karel was worried about Wes biking alone in the dark so he joined him again at 7:30 and rode into the night for over 5 hours. When Karel told me he was going to ride with Wes until after midnight, I quickly realized how much of an impact he was making on the community. Everyone was stepping out of their comfort zone to help Wes and Lauren. 

Wes was rarely alone in this event. From Thurs until Sunday - and through the night - he was almost always in company of another rider. Out of all 124 ascents, he only completed a handful by himself. Cyclists of all abilities joined in at various times throughout his four day feat. Sometimes for a lap or two and sometimes for several hours. His best buddy Garrett joined in for 16 hours through night one (to complete his own "everest"). It was so awesome to hear about how many people were setting their own personal records for how many times they went up and down Paris Mountain. 

After Karel rode into the night on Friday, he came home exhausted.  On Saturday morning around 6am - as I was getting ready for my morning run - Karel came downstairs in a rush, dressed in his cycling gear. I was honestly shocked to hear that he was about to join Wes again at 6:40am after only a few hours of restless sleep. Karel's response "I need to keep him company." Whereas I would not normally run up Paris Mountain, I decided to make my way to the mountain and run up and down to give Wes a cheer. 

At this point, I realized how much of an impact he was making on us. Living only 2 miles away, we felt like we needed to be there for Wes. He was motivating us all to get on our bikes. We had no excuse good enough not to ride. This event was all about Wes and Lauren and we loved being part of it. 

No one wanted Wes to be alone. Every day his kids and wife would visit. Lauren would walk up and down the mountain. And the support from the community was incredible - people were stopping to donate cash. People living on the mountain bought Wes pizza. The table of food was filling up. The donations for Lauren's cancer treatment were coming in. It was fun to peak through the trees at the base of Paris Mountain to see who would be standing there ready to ride another lap or to give a cheer. Randomly people would drive by and then stop to give a donation. 

Karel couldn't keep his eyes open during the day. He kept saying "I have no idea how Wes is doing this. I'm smashed." On Saturday afternoon, I told Karel that I wanted to do a "night shift" with Wes. I love my sleep at night but something in me wanted to experience what Wes was experiencing. I wanted to experience it first hand. I wanted to test my own limits and do something for the first time. Wes continued to thank us for joining him but we couldn't stop thanking him for inspiring us for doing things that we didn't think were possible. I wasn't sure if I would make it more than one lap but I wanted to try. I ended up completing more than I thought and it ended up being one of the most memorable days (or nights) that I have ever had on the bike. No concept of time or distance just moving forward with the help of a front light. 

I completed 10xParis Mountain (my longest was 4 times, which was on Thursday with Wes) and rode my bike from 9pm until 2am. It was invigorating. We had the mountain all to ourselves. There was four of us chatting, laughing and pedaling up the mountain. Sharing stories, learning about each other. Listening to music. All while being guided by our lights. This was the third night of no sleep for Wes and no complaints. Tired, yes. Exhausted, yes. So ready to be done, Absolutely. but he kept on ticking off the laps. We got him to 104 laps which meant "only" 20 more to go. When we left a little after 2am, he took a restless car nap and restarted a few hours later. For four days Wes lived out of his car. 

We went to bed around 3am with no discussion on riding the next morning. But by 10am, Karel was dressed and ready to ride. I joined in an hour later for 8 more laps on this last and final day. As the peloton grew so did the excitement for this feat to be completed. We met so many people over 4 days and got to know our "friends" even better. I got to know Wes (and his family) really well as I would ask Wes lots of questions as we were riding through the night to keep him alert. Wes was struggling and was ready to be done. But as the support got bigger, he kept moving forward. And a little after 4pm, it was complete. The mission was completed and documented by a TV crew, Lauren, Wes's family, friends, community, cyclists and strangers. 

 

Karel completed 21 hours of cycling, 203 miles and 36,329 feet of elevation over the 4 days. Karel joked that he had no idea that this is how he would be spending 4 days but he felt strongly that he needed to be there for Wes. I completed 118 miles, 11 hours of riding and covered 24, 537 feet. The coolest part is that we had no idea we would be riding this much over four days. We are greatful for our healthy mind and body for allowing us to participate. 

 

We are so inspired by people who have tenacity in the face of difficulty. We are also very inspired by motivated people. Whether it's internal or external motivation, we love witnessing physical feats. We are also inspired by Lauren. Her optimism, courage and strength is inspiring. She has been honest about her struggles but she keeps moving forward. 

 

Over the past four days, we had real life access to something incredible. This experience reminded me that we all need a strong cause for doing hard things. The biggest difference between motivation and dedication is action. Motivation doesn't require action. Anyone can be motivated. Dedication is hard work. It means getting uncomfortable, taking risks, and delving into the unknown. Whether it's for a friend, family member, organization or for yourself, know your why. Whatever that desire is burning in your heart, commit to it and hold yourself accountable. 

Everyone's path to a quality-filled life is different. But meaning matters. Being connected to and part of something bigger and beyond ourselves can bring great happiness and fulfillment. There are many different ways to discover what 'meaning' means in our own life but one of the easiest places to start is by helping others. 

 

 If you would like to help Lauren and her family during this challenging time, here's the link to donate. 

Thank you Wes for making a difference. Our Greenville cycling community is stronger than ever before. 

Although this goes down as the most inspiring event of my life, I know it won't be the last. I love being inspired and motivated by people who love to push physical limits!

Anyone up for a few repeaters up Paris Mountain? 😉

Dear Dad

Dear dad,

It's been six years since I last saw you, spoke to you, touched your hand and hugged you. Six years ago I had to say good-bye to you. The time we had together wasn't nearly enough. I only got to spend 32 years of my life with you as my dad. There are still so many questions that I need answers to and you are no longer just a phone call away.

I miss your words of wisdom. I miss your sense of humor. I miss your knowledge of everything. Not a day goes by when I don't think about what life would be like if you survived your 10-month fight with cancer.

When I find myself in a situation or scenario that leaves me confused, concerned or worried, I imagine what you would say or do if you were still here. I wish you were here to share in the happy moments and to help me through my struggles.

You left this world with so many great memories and you left people with a lot of great memories of you. You liked people and people liked you. You made people laugh. You always smiled. You were active and fit. You told the best stories. You always had time for others and you helped whoever you could with whatever you had. Thank you dad for your love. Thank you for being a kind, hard working human being who encouraged me to be the best person I can be and do the best I can in everything I wish to achieve. 

They say grief gets easier to bear as time goes by but I still miss you tremendously after all these years. I didn't know how big of a hole your passing would leave or how much loneliness I was about to experience. There's a lot of you in me, dad. You were my tower of strength. You gave me the best gift anyone could give another person - you were always there to support me. 

Thank you for the patience, love, guidance and understanding that you showed me in accepting me as I was. Thank you for being the best possible role model I could have hoped for in a dad. Thank you for supporting me in my every ambition and helping me through stressful times. You always taught me to never give up. Although life has been difficult without you, I promise I won't give up. You were the one who helped me to become the strong, hard working and passionate woman I am today.

Thank you for your constant love and support for the first 32 years of my life. I will continue to make you proud as you watch over me from above. 

Love, 

your daughter Marni

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Here's the tribute I wrote to my dad on the first year after his passing.
1 year ago.

20 Lessons learned from cancer

Whether you have been given a life-altering diagnosis or you were/are a caretaker, friend, family member or significant other affected by a disease/illness, it can be difficult to find gratitude in such a painful situation. Looking for the good in such a sad scenario can feel nearly impossible.

Everytime I hear of the passing of an individual with cancer, I am taken back to my dad's 10-month battle with a rare cancer that metastasized to his spine. Even though it's been over 5 years, I still struggle every day and wish he was still with me. My dad didn't like to talk about his cancer. I respected his decision to keep his cancer diagnosis silent but it was also very difficult for me to not let others know that he was suffering.  Others have choosen to be more open and vocal about a current health situation and find positivity in such a challenging and difficult scenario.

There's no denying that there's a great level of frustration, anger, worry, sadness and fear when given/hearing about a life-threatening or fatal disease. But with these normal emotions, there can also be gratitude.

For myself, after my dad passed away from cancer, I started to look at life differently. I realized that life was constantly teaching me lessons and I needed to listen. I realized more than ever before that every day of life is a gift. You can't choose to not get cancer (or any other type of disease/illness) but you can choose how you will live each day of your life.

Here are some of the lessons I've learned from cancer:

1. Don't let life pass you by. 
2. Don't wait for the right time to start/do something. 
3. Travel and see the world. 
4. Don't spend money, time and/or energy on insignificant things that are not truly important to you. 
5. Focus your energy on your priorities. 
6. Learn to say no. 
7. Don't do things out of guilt or to please others. 
8. Let go of what you can't control. 
9. Enjoy the present moment. 
10. Connect with people you love. Let others know that you appreciate them. 
11. Let go of worry and what if. 
12. Surround yourself with people who make you feel good about yourself. Ditch people who suck the joy out of you. 
13. Be your gratest cheerleader. Feed yourself positive words. 
14. Look for the good in every situation. 
15. Don't judge, compare or make assumptions. You never know what someone else is going through. 
16. Never take something for granted. 
17. Always fight for what you want. Never give up. 
18. Indulge yourself. Give into something extravegant every now and then. 
19. Be kind and compassionate. 
20. No matter what you face, don't let it define you. Stay courageous and strong. 

Athlete Spotlight: Laura Rellihan - Competing in the most important event of her life (PLEASE READ)

Each week we feature an athlete on our Trimarni blog in order to connect the multisport community, while using this spotlight as a way to motivate and inspire others to pursue athletic goals. This week is no different as Laura is an inspiring individual who has always lead an active and healthy lifestyle. As my very first friend after moving to Jacksonville, FL in 2008, Laura and I quickly connected. Funny enough, we were both wearing fruit/vegetable-themed shirts when we met at the pool - obviously we were destined to be close friends! We shared a similar love for swimming, healthy eating (she is also a Registered Dietitian) and pursuing our own nutrition businesses. Also, our dogs were best buds.

Knowing that Laura has battled Lupus Nephritis for the last 20 years, I was always inspired by her strength and determination and for her no-excuse attitude, no matter what came her way.

Recently, Laura was diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic, non-smoker lung cancer that has spread to her spine, liver, right hip and brain. This news has been devastating to everyone who knows Laura but you would never guess that Laura is going through this battle with her body as she is so strong willed, positive, selfless and caring.

Laura recently began radiation on Thursday (5/4) for the 4 small lesions found on her brain. Since her cancer is EGFR mutated driven, she will be taking a targeted drug called Tarceva (instead of traditional chemo) at the completion of radiation. While this spotlight is only a snapshot of Laura's inspiring life, please consider helping out my dear friend Laura (and her family) with a donation (link on the bottom of this page). 

Name: Laura Rellihan

Age: 35

City/State: Jacksonville, FL

Primary sport: Swimming

How many years in the sport: 25+ years

What Trimarni services have you used: Triathlon training plan, long-time friend

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Describe your athletic background and how you discovered your current sport?

I wanted to learn a sport that none of my brothers or sisters did....so I picked swimming!

What keeps you training and racing in your current sport? 

I love the feel of the water and the "silence" that it provides from the stresses of the world. Swimming drowns out and is the white noise that relaxes me the most.

What do you do for work?

Registered dietitian, business owner (Back To Balance), recent author (The Lupus Diet Plan) and mom/wife.

How does your work life affect training and how do you balance work and training?

It is so important for me to continue swimming as a way to stay in shape. I spent many years training for triathlons but after adopting our two sons over the past 6 years, I now focus mostly on swimming and any activity to stay in good health. I want to practice what I preach and exercise is very important as it gives me strength and it helps me stay in balance. It's a priority in my life, similar to work, personal life and my health.

Any tips/tricks as to how to balance work and training?

Make it part of your routine. Add it to your calendar, pick the time that works best for your schedule and make it a habit.

Do you have kids?
Noah is 16 months and Liam is 6 years old.

How does having kids affect your training? How do you balance it all?

I make sure to join a gym where child care is available. I usually go to the gym when they are in school so that it doesn't affect my family life. Sure, I have days when something comes up (a kid is sick) so then I become flexible and instead, just go for a walk.

What tips and tricks do you have for other athletes who struggle to balance training with family?

Incorporate your kids into your exercise routine. Do you YouTube videos with them and engage them in exercise. Invest in a babysitter during the times that you want to do your longer workouts and consider investing into tools that will help you complete your workouts, such as a jogging stroller.

How do you balance your training with your partner? Any tips or tricks for keeping your partner happy while you train to reach your personal goals?

Communication! Communicate your goals with loved ones, from the beginning - especially if you have kids. Whenever you can, find an activity that you both like and make it part of your training plan.

Do you have a recent story that you'd like to share?

I was recently training for a 7-mile swim and noticed a big change in my breathing capacity and strength. I also started to get significant hip pain.I went to see an orthopedic doctor who gave me an x-ray and ruled out osteoarthritis since I am only 35 (I have been on prednisone since I was 15 years old due to Lupus). It was about 2 months ago that I went from swimming 3000 yards to only 2 laps at a time because I was getting short of breath. I found this very odd that my energy level would decline that quickly. I laid off the swimming some but slowly noticed I couldn't walk or run without getting short of breath. My blood pressure also started to go up drastically which I have never had trouble with (thanks to my amazing diet) and this also caused me to have migraines. The doctors got my blood pressure under control but then the week before Easter, I went into have an echocardiogram which showed about 2.5 liters of fluid in my lung. I admitted myself to ER to get fluid drained and kept telling the doctors I'm just here for a "Pleural effusion so please just drain it so I can go home." Meanwhile they order an X-ray of my chest and CT of my chest and found that I had a mass in my left lung. As athletes, it's easy to ignore signs that something may be wrong with your body. Always pay attention to what's not normal and if you are concerned, see a doctor. 

 

What are your top tips for athletes, as it relates to staying happy, healthy and performing well?

Listen to your body and rest when you need to rest. Eat and hydrate well and surround yourself with close friends who support you.

How would you define athletic success as it relates to your personal journey?

I am proud of my past days as a triathlete! It was amazing to see how I could still perform with my body, even with all that I have been through with the lupus. I never thought I would one day finish a half ironman, especially when I spent most of my high school sick due to Lupus. I hope that I can say the same thing that when I beat lung cancer, I will be able to participate in more athletic events with my body!

What's your favorite post-race meal, drink or food?
Burger and sweet potatoes fries. YUM!

                                   

What are your goals for the next 5 years?

To beat lung cancer and enjoy every moment that I can in life! After finding out on April 28th that I have the type of lung cancer that is EGFR mutated driven, there are several targeted therapies out there for me. This is great because I won't have to do chemo and I will beat this cancer! There is a chance that I am eligible for a phase III clinical trial that is going on across the US and can be done right here in Duval county, in Jacksonville.

I've had a lot of people ask how I stay so positive and strong. I am weak at times, I cry at times, I am scared at times...and that's ok! Because when I fall short I can rely on Him to take it away. Every time I ask Him to carry my cross, He takes it away. He is my anxiety pill! You truly have to believe that He can take it away and He will! 

"Sadly, we forget that God has given us a backup plan, and so get into the habit of thinking we must rely on our own resources or on other people who may let us down when we need them. Today we stop and start trusting again. We remember that God has “co-signed” for us, and he has written his name on the contract with the blood of his Son."

 
Anything else? 

Keep fighting 💪🏻for whatever you are facing!

So much has changed since I was first diagnosed. When I went for my brain MRI, they found some small leasions (6-9mm) that were not seen on previous MRI in February so they realize how much faster my cancer cells are going and that is why I needed to start radiation on my brain as soon as possible. I will lose my hair from radiation but that's happened before and I can rock the boho scarves and cute hats. 

Patrick (my husband) and I want to continue to thank everyone for the prayers, child support, meals, reaching out to us and gifts. I think I made a few people cry tears of joy and relief from this generosity we have been shown.  It is hard for us to accept this kind of generosity at times and we often let pride get in our way. We have never had to worry too much about finances since we both worked but since I can't work now we sincerely appreciate it and nothing will go unnoticed. 

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Both Laura and Pat are hardworking business owners and Pat’s work as a specialist in live event production keeps him traveling 2-3 weeks out of every month. The main goal of the donations is to keep Pat by Laura’s side and with their boys as much possible over the next several months. This will help Laura through her treatments and will provide some financial relief from impending medical expenses. While Pat and Laura were hesitant to accept donations due to their selfless nature, raising funds for them will aid in their quality of life over the next several months.  Thank you in advance for your support!
Your generosity, prayers, and positivity are extremely appreciated! 

Donate here to help Laura and her family. 

Read more here about Laura's fight with cancer on her CaringBridge page.

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                                                 Love you Laura! Keep fighting hard!!


You are welcome to share this post or donation page with others. 

Athlete spotlight: Sara Bard - The inspiring triathlete courageously living with stage IV cancer

Name: Sara Bard

Age: 54

City/State: Saint Joseph, Michigan 

Primary sport: Triathlon

How many years in the sport: 15 years, on and off

What Trimarni services have you used: Training plan (transition plan and strength training plan) and will be attending upcoming Greenville Skills camp in May.

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Describe your athletic background and how you discovered your current sport?

I ran and swam during college and probably raced one of the very first triathlons back in 1983. I won the whole thing, which now looking back is pretty funny. I think it was because I was the only one who could swim 500 yards Having 5 children limited my workout time, so I just continued with the sport of running, which is so much more time efficient than biking or swimming. When the kids got older, I did triathlons sporadically. We moved to Saint Joseph, Michigan in 2003 and discovered an awesome triathlon community and triathletes who raced all distances. We are home to the Ironman Steelhead 70.3 which brings us all together to volunteer and to participate in a great event. Recently, our triathlon club, The Tri-Avengers got started and I joined. It is great to have this community of people cheering for one another in the sport. It has made a huge difference in my desire to compete in triathlons again.

What keeps you training and racing in your current sport?

The Tri-Avengers tri-club and the fantastic athletes here in Saint Joseph.

What do you do for work?

I'm a retired RN and I home school my youngest daughter. I am currently a Challenge B Classical Conversations tutor for her age group.

How does your work life affect training and how do you balance work and training?

Being a tutor has taken a lot of time. I think it is good for me, as I know my training hours are limited. I like to have all workouts done before 8:00 am so we can get school work going. Waiting until evening to workout is usually a big fail for me. I like to be in bed by 8:00 pm.

Any tips/tricks as to how to balance work and training?

For me it's getting up early. If I don't....It's usually not going to happen.

Do you have kids?

I have 5 kids from 26-13 yrs old. Only 2 living at home.

How do you balance kids and training?

The kids don't really affect my training now since they are grown. The youngest is a diver, so my husband and I will try to fit our strength workout in while she is diving. My advice is to workout while they are doing whatever they are interested in. But with kids, this is where getting up early works for me. Thankfully, my husband likes to workout in the evening, so when the kids were little, I would go out in the morning to workout and he would go out in the evening to workout. We also invested in a running stroller when the kids were little.

How do you balance your training with your partner? 

We do some triathlons as a team, so it works well. He is a great biker, which is where I am weak, and I do the run and swim.

Do you have a race day lesson learned that you'd like to share?

Some days it just doesn't go your way and you have to be okay with it.

What are your top 3-5 tips for athletes, as it relates to staying happy, healthy and performing well? 

1. Be thankful for what you have. 
2. Get up early. 
 3. Go to bed early.

How would you define athletic success as it relates to your personal journey?

I was diagnosed with stage IV Neuroendocrine Tumor cancer in 2013. I was training for a half marathon and kept having trouble with diarrhea while running. Short story...went to our local GI doctor and 2 weeks later I heard those dreaded words, "You have cancer." To say it was a shock would be an understatement. This type of cancer (similar to what Steve Jobs had) is a slow growing cancer. That's good and bad. Good because you have times when it is stable, bad because chemotherapy and radiation don't work. It started in my small intestine and has metastasized to my liver. I had a large surgery on my liver Jan 2015 and I'm so thankful that I have been stable since then. I have some intestinal issues and fatigue, but overall, I'm doing well. I thank God he has given me what He has, to my family and husband who motivate me to keep moving forward and I'm thankful for triathlon and my triathlon community that keeps me going.  The sport of triathlon has helped me overcome the shock of being diagnosed with stage IV cancer. I have had 2 big surgeries and after the first one, I knew I did not want to stay in convalescent mode any longer than I had to. Training for the next triathlon helped motivate me to get up and do what I could do with my body.

What's your favorite post-race meal, drink or food? 

It's a coke...full on....not diet.

What key races do you have planned in 2017

First one on the agenda is Blackwater Milton FL April 1. When I had my last MRI and labs, and all was stable in October, I celebrated by registering for that race. I grew up near there and I will be able to visit my mom. I also love the Battle of Waterloo Triathlon at Grass Lake Michigan. I especially like running through the park while swimming through the park lakes. It's funny to see people who don't like things touching them while they are in the water and then do the swim with lily pads and seaweed. I grew up in Florida, so I have a higher tolerance for strange things in the water with you.

What are your athletic goals for the next 5 years?

I only plan one season at a time right now. I actually live in 6 month cycles and plan my training and racing based on MRI and lab results.

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Athlete spotlight: Ed Peirick - Cancer survivor winning the fight with triathlon

Name: Ed Peirick

Age: 66

City/State: Fitchburg, Wisconsin

Primary sport: Triathlon

How many years in the sport: First triathlon was in 2002. Became serious in 2006. 

What Trimarni services have you used: Nutrition, long-time friendship

Qualified for 2015 IM Kona, celebrating with our home stay Ed. 

Karel's first IM Kona qualification. Celebrating with a Wisconsin IPA. 

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Describe your athletic background and how you discovered your current sport?

As I child, I always dreamed of being an athlete, but growing up in a large family on a dairy farm, I never had the opportunity to participate in team sports. So I started long distance jogging/running after college to stay in shape but never considered myself an athlete. Then later in my life, a neighbor friend encouraged my 14 year old son to do a sprint tri, teaching him the basics. My son enjoyed it and did very well so he continued to do more of them each summer. Watching & cheering him on gave me the incentive to participate too but I had to learn how to swim!! Like many other first timers, I "nearly drowned" doing my first sprint in 2002 but finished with enough feeling of accomplishment to want to continue doing them, especially with my son.

What keeps you training and racing in your current sport?

Several things. The challenge of setting tough goals, constantly learning, improving, personal achievements/recognition, meeting wonderful inspiring people, staying healthy and active, visiting other parts of the US, participating as an opportunity to raise money for cancer research/giving back, and forming long lasting personal friendships, inspiring others.

What do you do for work?

 Retired. Former CPA/Financial Exec.

How does your work life affect training and how do you balance work and training?

Doesn't apply to me but I marvel at those with full time jobs and their commitment to training.

Any tips/tricks as to how to balance work and training?

I'd say that you need a supportive crew (family, coaches, friends), organizational skills, motivation, and try not to skip the key workouts. Go to bed as early as you can so you can hopefully get some workouts in before family is up and you have to go to work.

Do you have kids?

Yes, 2 grown kids. And one beautiful grandchild.

Do you have a recent race result, notable performance or lesson learned that you'd like to share?

 Yes, so many!

#1- Ironman WI 2011. I's say it was the best "individual" day of my life. With the help of so many, including Marni, I achieved my goals, including raising over $10,000 for prostate cancer research, finished strong, feeling like a rock star in front of lots of friends, family and in my hometown of Madison.

#2- Branson 70.3 2013. First time event far away from "home" were I traveled alone, knowing this would be a very challenging event because of the bike course. I executed my plan perfectly, leaving it all out there and achieving a 1st place AG finish.

#3- Team USA 2015 Long Course World ITU Championship, Chicago IL. Never in my wildest dreams in my early years would I have thought I could possibly set a goal of qualifying for the USAT National Championships, much less qualifying for Team USA! But I achieved them all, including finishing 19th in the world in my AG at the Chicago finals. I also achieved USAT All American recognition for the year.

The lessons I learned were many including that one's body is amazing. Treat and train it right and it will perform at an incredibly high level. As Marni and Karel taught me, you must embrace the pain, thank your body and keep telling yourself that "you earned this", "you deserve to be here" and to "compete like the champion your are."

Another important lesson to always remember, all of us will experience adversity at some time in our lives. I've certainly had my share (cancer diagnosis, a house fire, broken collar bone bike accident). This much I have learned. Things don't go wrong and break your heart so you can become bitter and give up. They happen to break you down, then build you back up. Rather than looking for the "exit" sign when things don't go well or as planned, look for the "entrance" sign and the new opportunities it presents. Because if you do, you will be a winner and more of the person you were truly meant to be.

What are your top tips for athletes, as it relates to staying happy, healthy and performing well?

• Your diet. Think of real food as the "real" medicine you need to get healthier and stronger.
• Consider working with a qualified coach. Trust and communicate well with this person. 
• Listen to your body. 
• Work hard but rest even harder! 
• Remember to work on your core strength, balance and stability (i.e. pilates).

How would you define athletic success as it relates to your personal journey?

Yes, my success is somewhat about achieving tough goals, including podium finishes. But it's also the rewards of having a healthier body, life style, personal relationships, inspiring others including my family, giving back and waking up excited with energy and happiness!

What's your favorite post-race meal, drink or food?Blueberry whey protein smoothie.

What key races do you have planned in 2017?

White Lake Spring NC 70.3 in April. After month of a May vacation in France/Spain, I'll decide if there will be a "second" season for late summer or fall.

What are your athletic goals for the next 5 years?

At my age, I want to stay competitive and healthy. Anything more will be a bonus. I love this sport and what it has given me so I want to keep moving forward! "I know some day I won't be able to do this. Today is not that day!!!" 

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This is a new weekly feature on the Trimarni blog where we will be shining the spotlight on one of our Trimarni athletes (coaching or nutrition) every week.

We hope that you will feel inspired by the spotlight athlete as you learn a few tips and tricks to help you reach your personal athletic and nutrition goals.

Our athletes are normal individuals choosing to do exceptional things with a healthy body.

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Celebrating more than 32 years of life today

I started early....whipping up a delicious Trimarni creation!

Wow! I have been living for 11680 days!

Today celebrates 32 years that I have been on this Earth. 

32 years of growing, learning, overcoming obstacles and heartache, laughing, loving, traveling, making memories, crossing finishing lines and experiencing life. 

Today is not only my birthday but also the day when I met my life partner, Karel. 

Meeting Karel on my birthday not only made it easy for us to remember the first day when we met (which resulted from us being set-up by mutual friends on a group bike ride) but it's very special that I will always be able to celebrate living another year of life with someone who I get to share the rest of my life with. 

And if you know us well, we sure do love to experience life with our gift of good health. 

I could fill this blog with hundreds and hundreds of words about all the experiences and memories I have had over the past 32 years as well as dozens and dozens of pictures to capture those special moments. 

But I would not be able to experience life if it was not for the most amazing parents who brought me into this world and raised me to the best of their abilities. 

I love my family!

With a very heavy heart, this birthday is the first time I celebrate another year of life without my dad. 

The most amazing man I know, Dr. James A. Rakes, O.D., F.A.A.O., passed away on Wednesday May 28^th, 2014 at the age of 67 years after a heroic 10-month fight with a rare cancer. 

I realize that this will be recent news for many but my super healthy and active day (who never missed a day of work for a sickness and ran 3 miles every day for as long as I can remember) started his battle with cancer a few weeks before Karel and I went to Lake Placid for our Ironman last July (Karel's first Ironman). I am not quite ready to use my brain and heart to give my dad the Trimarni blog (from his daughter) tribute that he deserves so for now I want to share the obituary that my brother and I put together about our amazing dad. 

(I have personalized this obituary specifically for this blog post)

My dad was an Indiana University graduate where he completed Optometry school and continued his residency at the University of Kentucky. He recently retired from the VA hospital as the chief optometrist of the VA eye clinic in New Port Richey, FL. He was a Primary Low Vision care provider and optometric physician.

My dad touched many patient lives in his almost 40 years of working for the VA hospital as he was extremely dedicated to his work, his research, his teachings and helping others. As the director of residency and extern programs, he guided over 100 optometry students to excel in their field.  He was a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and was on the Indiana University adjunct faculty.

In 1977, my dad married the love of his life, and best friend, Susie Rakes (Congress) and together they had me (who married Karel in October 2008) and my younger brother Aaron (who married Dana in September 2013). Me and my brother have always lived a very active lifestyle, just like their father.

My dad loved life and his family. He always had a positive spirit, a great sense of humor and the ability to tell the best stories. As a high school track and wresting athlete, he continued to stay fit through daily running and held a strong passion for astronomy, stamp collecting, corvettes, classic movies, anything electronic and the weather.

My dad will be greatly missed by so many for he was incredibly kind, loving, patient and supportive. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Borish Center forOpthalmic Research.

And the Cancer Survivors Park in Greenville, South Carolina.

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In honor of my dad, who absolutely loved life, his job of helping others and his family, it is my wish for you to never wait in life to do what you want to do. 

There will never be a perfect time for something so don't wait until tomorrow to start something today. 

As you know, Karel and I made our recent move to Greenville to live an active lifestyle in a beautiful city as we continue to work hard to grow our business.  

We knew this move was risky as small business owners but even after 3 weeks, we do not regret this decision. 

You only have one life and there's nothing better than waking up excited to experience another day of life.

Dream really big and accept hard work.

Take care of your body, it's the only place you have to live.

Have fun, laugh and smile as you make memories. 

Pick your battles and don't waste your breath arguing over something that is not important. 

Stand up for what you believe in, keep an open mind, be flexible and accept others for who they are.

See the good in every minute of your life. 

Live the life you have always wanted to live. 

I love you Dad, always and forever. Thank you for being my biggest fan, for raising me to work hard for success, for always being proud of me, for taking the best pictures at my races, for never having a bad day, for loving mom and showing me what it is like to have a great marriage for over 35 years, for welcoming Karel into our family and for always loving me.