Wise people have always said that the most important lessons in life are learned from our mistakes. Well, I learned a lot this past weekend at the 2007 Age Group National Championship Triathlon in Portland, Oregon.    First, I am very happy and thankful to report that I did well enough in the race to qualify to represent the United States at the Age Group World Championship in Hamburg, Germany in early September! I will attempt in the next two months to be deserving of that honor. As an athlete that did very well in last year’s National Championship, I was hopeful to do the same or better this year. I failed in my efforts to place as well as last year, and now have to live with the fact that at a certain point in the race, I stopped fighting like I know how to fight. I was working hard the whole race, but I was too focused on my placement and apparently slow time to really push full throttle through my disappointment. My ego was running the show, instead of my commitment to doing the very best I can do at every moment - no matter what!   At this point all I can do is use this sub-par performance to fuel my passion, and not let it happen again!! Where I was weak in faith and being in the moment, I am determined to become STRONG and aware of the magic and fun of competing in this wonderful sport! It will take a lot of courage and prayers for me to feel free (I am just not feeling it now), but I will do my best to overcome this mental obstacle. I am home today with only a short workout, enjoying my family on this U.S. Independence Day. Have a great holiday!