I really needed this break today! I spent a lot of time last night and this morning reading up on more training methods and am very encouraged. I need to have a more structured workout so I don't get lazy and forget to push myself. The most useful website I've found so far is hulaman.com. He's just some guy who loves tris and gives very specific training advice and day of race advice.
I'm having a hard time trying to decide whether or not to do a Sunday tri. Typically, I don't do anything other than church-related activities on Sundays but almost every tri is held on Sunday. The only LA area tri on a Saturday is very very easy and later in the summer. I wouldn't have to stretch myself at all to prepare for it. So I don't know what the right thing for me to do is. The other option is to travel to St. George, UT for a Saturday tri - but it looks like it may be too difficult for me to prepare for in time. I guess I should probably just do that one though. Our friend will be competiting in it and it would be good to see him.
I'll keep looking for local Saturday tris. And I need to get my workout routine figured out to maximize my benefits.