2011 is here and exciting changes are on the horizon...

2010 is in the books and 2011 is here!  Last year was a pretty low key race season for me and the main factor was the birth of our second daughter.  I did a few races, but mainly was under trained for them and did the races with no expectations.  Surprisingly, it was a very enjoyable season.  That might seem like it isn't the right attitude, but I enjoyed the races I did this past year more than I have any other season.  Having said that, I am going to go with this philosophy again in 2011, just without the under trained portion:)

I have a full slate for this year and plan on working my rear off tho be prepared, but in the same breath, I am going to focus on enjoying the event and atmosphere of the races and less on my performance.  I have come to realize that my times will be what they will be (meaning middle of the pack).  The more I stress about how fast I am or how fast those around me are going, the less I will enjoy the sport.  And let's all be honest, the vast majority of us are not making a living racing and are there by our own free will.  If it isn't enjoyable, then why do it? So look for me at one of your races this year.  I'll be the goofy guy in the bright green outfit, sweating profusely, but grinning from ear to ear realizing that I am lucky enough to be healthy and able to compete in this sport.

On to more exciting news....I am getting a new bike!  I will soon be the proud owner of a new Kestrel 4000 with Ultegra components! 

This will be my first tri bike.  I have been racing the past two seasons on a Cervelo S1 in the forward seat position with clip on bars.  Seeing that all my riding (or at least 98%) is for the sole purpose of races or training for races, I decided to take the plunge and get a dedicated tri bike.  Besides looking totally sweet, it sounds like it will have the added bonus of being fast as well.  Check out this review on slowtwitch.

http://www.slowtwitch.com/Products/Tri_Bike_by_price_/Tri_bikes_by_price_for_2011/Tri_Bikes_3800-_4700_2011_/Kestrel_4000_Ult_2011__1822.html.

In addition to the new bike, I will be trying several other new products this year including, but not limited to Avia running shoes (http://www.avia.com/endurance/).  Check back later to find out more about the bike and shoes...I'll be doing write-ups and product reviews throughout the year.

Have a great 2011 and see you at the races!