18 memorable moments in 2018

I always enjoy reflection as I close the chapter to one year and welcome in a new year. As we roll into 2019, here are eighteen of my most memorable moments in 2018.

1. Karel became a US citizen.

2. I qualified for my 5th Ironman World Championship.

3. Karel qualified for his 4th Ironman World Championship.

4. Karel finished the 2018 IM World Championship after completing the 112 mile bike on only one gear.

5. We spent 5 amazing weeks in Europe, visiting Karel's family in Znojmo, Czech Republic, racing in Austria and Prague and traveling to Frankfurt, Germany. 

6. Karel stuck to a strict ice cream diet while we were in Europe. One ice cream a day for over 3 weeks!

7. We brought Karel's mom back to the US with us and she enjoyed 3 months with us! We took her to Madison, WI, Augusta, GA and Kona, Hawaii.

8. I wrote my first book!

9. People purchased my book! 

10. Campy survived his first dog attack. We are so thankful that he is ok!

11. We took full advantage of our off-season and enjoyed a few fall hikes. 

12. Karel and I stayed injury free in 2018!

13. We had over 30 Trimarni athletes racing at the IM 70.3 FL Triclub championship. And we placed third in division IV. 

14. On behalf of Trimarni Coaching and Nutrition, you helped us donate $532 to the Greenville Human Society.

15. We survived two days without power after a strong snow storm hit Greenville, SC.

16. We celebrated our 10-year wedding anniversary.

17. I got a new bike!

18. My Grandpa turned 95!

Lastly, a big thank you to all the Trimarni athletes and team members, our friends and family and the many Trimarni followers for your ongoing support!

Cheers to a great 2019! 

Your 2017 in Review & 2018 Looking Ahead

The end of the year signifies the turn of a page in yet another chapter of your life story. There could not be a better time than right now to take the time to reflect on the last 365 days. Whether you choose to reflect on your life through the lens of being an athlete or as a leader, parent, friend, employer or because you want change in your career or personal life, reflection fosters self-awareness and change may help you achieve greatness in 2018.

Take some time to reflect on 2017 as you answer the following questions: 

1. What events/moments went on your highlight reel?
   Your brain will most likely remember more of the negatives than the positives. Acknowledge what went well, the goals that you achieved and the events/experiences that made you feel good.  
    
2. Acknowledge your biggest fans and supporters 
   Considering all that you have been through over the past year, who played an important role in your life? Express gratitude to those who made a difference in your life. 
    
3. How did you grow this past year? 
   You are on a never-ending quest of self-improvement - always working toward a better version of yourself. Personal growth is the foundation of spiritual, emotion, physical and intellectual health and is an important component in success and happiness. 
    
4. What's not working? 
   Without judgement or self-criticism, take an honest look back to recognize what needs to change in your life. Be true with yourself to reveal what's no longer working so that you can live a more meaningful, happy and successful life. 
    
5. Theme/name of last year: 
   2017 was the year of ___________. 

Now that you reflected on last year, let's look ahead to 2018. 

1. What kind of person do you want to be? 
   You carry a lot of titles in your life - athlete, friend, parent, spouse, employee, boss. To be a better person, get specific on how you will do a better job of "showing up" for your roles in life. 
    
2. What are your goals? 
   What are your goals, possibilities, intentions? Write down all of your thoughts and make sure they are specific and realistic. Next, how will you stay committed? Make sure you have a good action plan. 
    
3. What's your mantra/motto for 2018? 
   This is powerful. If you want something in life, you must attach the positive actions and intentions that will help you succeed. It's too easy to find the negative in life, especially when life isn't going as planned. If you are stuck choosing a mantra for yourself, consider what you need or want out of life in 2018. Words that may come to mind may include: Love, brave, hope, endurance, strength, resilience, present, calm, peace, guidance, happiness, empowerment, kindness, health, joy, freedom, flexibility, commitment, respect, encouragement, confidence, faith, wisdom, clarity, knowledge.