In years past, I usually spent the winter months avoiding weekly running with excuses such as rain, cold weather, and short day light hours. Exercise was gained with indoor bike rides, swimming in a heated pool, and weekly hockey games. This is a luxury I can no longer afford. With under 200 days left until IM Canada, my work out schedule forces me outside after sunset. Armed with my iPod and a head lamp, I crank out the miles and hope the raccoons and other wild animals that live along the los gatos creek trail leave me alone!
Although it sounds like I'm complaining about running at night, I've actually come to enjoy it. The weather here doesn't drop below freezing, so a cool start is quickly over come by my own generated body heat. There are also fewer pedestrians on the trail, meaning less time spent dodging careless teenagers and young children learning to ride a 2 wheeled bicycle, and more time working on my form and heart rate.

Speaking of triathlon season, I'm pretty sure I know my race schedule for 2011, and when I confirm all the races and dates, I'll update my blog with that information so you can follow me along this season! Arn't you excited? I know I am!