How to persuade spouse you must go to a meet?

I'm seeking creative ideas on how to persuade my spouse that I simply must go to a travel meet in December. He didn't quite make vomit noises when I mentioned it, but looked a bit (not unduly) irritated/bewildered/annoyed by my desire to compete in meets. (He hasn't raced much lately.) The timing was likewise unappealing. Any thoughts? I was contemplating calling my mother and begging for a visit.