Winter is tough.  It can be depressing with the lack of sunshine, having to stay indoors (or move most workouts indoors), and cabin fever.  This winter has been odd.  It's been very mild (most adults don't mind this), rainy (yuck), and predictable (mild during the work-week, cold on the weekends).  For my children, this has been horrible.  My youngest has been asking for snow since June and she has been very frustrated.  Also, when you need the kids to burn off some energy, you can't have them go outside to play in the 40 degree rain. 

I'm the kind of person who likes things seasonable.  I like my summers hot, my winters snowy and cold, and my springs and falls nice.  Last year was really relaxing being able to do 5,6,7 mile runs in the falling snow.  It's quiet, no one is out driving, and it's great to come home and cozy up for hte rest of the day by the fireplace.  That hasn't happened this winter, but Steve-o and I have been taking advantage of being able to run outside in the less-than-freezing temperatures (which is also nice). 

The winter is also a difficult season for a triathlete.  Races seem so far off, motivation is lacking, the pool water seems extra cold...  but I had a little lift yesterday.  I received an email from USA Triathlon (the regulating body of the sport in the US).  Last year's Cleveland Triathlon finish qualified me for the Age Group Nationals (it's a race) in Vermont!  To be invited, your placement must be in the top 10% of your AG (age group) in a race that is submitted to USAT.  Not to be picky, I should have been invited the prior year also, but who knows what happened.

Hmmm.  Should I go?  Shouldn't I go?  It's neat to qualify.  Yet, it's also a kind-of backhanded invitation.  Sure I qualified from that race, in that location, in that time, with the competitors who were there.  Going will prove just how fast the FAST people REALLY are!!!  To put it another way, someone who was fast enough to get there will still have to come in last.  On the other hand, to let my mind run wild (and this will most likely not happen), the top people in each age group in Vermont will compete in the world competition in London in 2013.  Ooohh!  Butterflies!

So that's my good news thread.  I've been invited to Vermont!  I'd like to go, but I do have to consider the timing of the race:  August 18.  2 weeks after Cleveland.  3 days before my oldest's 8th birthday.  5 days before both kids start school (I think).  3 weeks before Rev3 half-iron distance tri (that's  almost double the length of an olympic triathlon).  What an exciting way to start another school year.....