Winter

As the days get longer and colder, it becomes harder to get out there and train. Although this is time for rest and recuperation, you still need to get some training in. I love the cold snowy days for training because I feel like I have the entire trail to myself and most of the times I do. Most people chose to sit inside by the fireplace and relax with a good book.

If you're going to go out, make sure you wear the right clothes. First, leave the cotton at home. It might be nice and cozy but as soon as it gets wet, it gets heavy and loses its ability to keep you warm. Your base layer should be either a high-tech wicking material or low-tech wool. Wool has many of the qualities of the newer manufactured products and has come a long way in the last ten years. Smartwool produces a line of socks, pants and shirts that don't itch and will keep you warm and dry.

I don't worry about my feet getting wet unless I step into a puddle or through some ice. Unless it's really warm, the snow won't melt and your feet will stay dry.
I almost always wear a stocking cap and gloves. You lose most of your heat out your head so a hat is critical to staying warm. Whenever I run either long or hard, the circulation to my hands seems to be decreased. During the winter, this leads to cold hands so I always wear a pair of gloves. Really cold days, it's mitton and neck gaiter time.

Stay warm, keep running and enjoy the snow.

Opportunity

When opportunity knocks, how do you know to open the door and once that door is opened, how do you know you should take the opportunity? This is my current dilemma. A new opportunity has appeared and I'm not sure how hard to pursue it or even if I want to chase it.

Why should I chase it? It's triathlon related but it's in a direction that I've never considered before. Since it is a triathlon opportunity, it caught my interest and that started the pursuit. In general, I'm usually up for anything as long as it's skiing, running or triathlon related.

In 2007, I had the privilege of being on the Inside Triathlon team and that was great. I don't know what I expected when it started but by the end, I was having a great time. The chance to race and represent something was very satisfying. Although the new opportunity isn't a sponsorship, it is similar. If things go well, I could actually earn a little cash to help cover this expensive habit.

Why should I let the chance pass me by? I'm already working full-time, volunteering for four different groups and training. Even though it's winter, I'm still busy and with snow starting to fall, ski patrol is starting to consume more time. I guess the time committment is the biggest negative.

For now I guess I'll do what I do best and gather more information to help make an informed decision.