I really thought that 2011 would be the break out year for me after my first Sprint Tri, but seeing where I was going in my lack of motivation and training, I ended up sticking to the sprint distance instead of racing the Olympic. My biggest hurdle is yes, still the swim portion, and I thought that the bike and the run would be easy...I was wrong. I'm also just going to keep this a "short" race report. Pre Race: Leading up the race, I wasn't able to get any swim lessons in and before the Wednesday prior, the last time I went for a good swim was about a year ago during the last Sprint Tri. I felt good in the pool at 24 Hr Fitness and actually even "trained" a bit in breathing every three strokes technique. I was loose and pretty confident. I was running here and there but a 5K to me is just not that daunting to where I felt the need to train. I also had a good 25 mile bike ride the Labor Day Monday before w/ my Uncle Romy and once again, I was glad to have my legs still with me. I only completed one training brick and that was all indoors at a hotel gym so no, nothing indicative of road conditions. The expo was about 20% the size of last years which was disappointing and the vendors had little of whatever inventory to sell. From what I was over hearing, the prices were just too high for this race so many didn't care to participate. Shame on Competitor because I was really looking forward to it. I did happen to find another good tri top and short from Zoot replacing my 2XU stuff from last year. I spoke to Stephen from One Tri in Orange County, CA and he was awesome. Full of information and knowledge, he was fun to talk to. What ended up in the swag bag was a lot less than last year's goodies. =(

I prepared well the night before by laying everything out but unfortunately, contracted the pre-race jitters resulting in 55 mins of REM sleep.

The Race: Driving down to the start was a breeze without traffic. My wife and I arrived with plenty of time and a good parking spot. I setup my transition area, met some new friends and started to prepare mentally. I was happy to have my family there with me for the start and even have the little one wake up for the event!

I was in the third wave and after some pretty awesome 9/11 ceremonies, off we dove in. I got into the water feeling good but once I started stroking, I found myself exerting too much effort. Either my wetsuit wasn't on all the way or what, but I couldn't get a descent stroke in with the suit forcing my arm ahead of me. Frustrating as it was, I was going nowhere. It's the same Xterra suit I used last year and haven't put it on since and it was rough. Once again, I did a combination of strokes and got out of the water almost 5 minutes later than last year. The transition was a lot faster with getting my wetsuit off and bike equipment on, but I found out that I should actually put on the bicycling gloves on first rather than fidget with them while riding so that slowed my down greatly. I also forgot to turn start my Garmin Edge 500 until .5 into the bike. I didn't train with aero bars so I wasn't going to put them on last-minute and still regret it. Cycling the last-minute updated 2 lap course, was "easy," but I couldn't find a good groove to really start mashing. Transition to the run was easy but even then, I must have started with my left foot because what I had in mind wasn't what my body was doing. Disappointing but it was a great race, I finished, and my wife, mom, sister and niece were there to celebrate the finish with me. I promise to make it worth while for them next year! Thanks for waking up early and coming out!

Conclusion: The theme to this year's sprint tri... Elijah couldn't get his groove back. From a lack in form, cramping and no good motivation, I wasn't prepared. I knew that going into it, but I didn't think I would suffer that horribly. Yes I still came in under my goal of 1:30 but the course was shorter this year. Yes, I'm also one year older, but it was frustrating. I'm definitely going to sign up for the 2012 San Diego Spring Tri Rock, not only because I have a 50% off coupon, but because I know that I'll be in a different mindset and want to perform. I'm still contemplating the 2012 Oceanside Half Ironman which gives me a good 6 months to train, but the only open slots are for those than can fundraise $650. Till then, here's to the Cow Harbor Day 10K Race on Saturday!!!

I might have forgot to mention that the night before, I had an awesome pre-race dinner at The Tractor Room with a Gage Caudell from Range Traveler. He'll tell you how we first met. I just know that I want his Leica M9-P but I'll have to may e just settle for the Sony NEX-7 in November for a fifth of the M9's price!

Here's a "candid" pic that he took on the fly.

And for those that do care, here is my Garmin Edge 500 Data. It's not accurate what so ever but maybe when Garmin releases an update to their 310xt, I'll have some better data.