The AM race was a normal swim-bike-run with a bike course that took us from the bottom of the valley all the way to the top of the ridge and back down. The down hill portions of the race were fast and at some locations you had to very careful because of the hair-pin turns we had to go through. The run course was pretty brutal as it took us out and back in this access roads that were not flat by any means. I raced very consistently on the AM race. In the back of my head I wanted to leave a little something for the second race that afternoon. So, all things considered I got the following splits:
TOTAL = 2:51:57 - SECOND PLACE in the 30-34 Age Group
So after all that swim-bike-run and the mandatory stretching Mrs. Clot Buster and I decided to go into town get some food and sit on my butt to rest the body for the afternoon's festivities. At around 2:40 or so I started to get my things together and prepare for the second serving of triathlon racing but this time it was going to be BIKE-SWIM-RUN. In this case the bike course a "nice" out and back loop that featured a very mean 1.2 Mile climb that broke everyone down. I was the second to last to leave in a time trial fashion. Keep in mind that at this point the first people who started ahead of me had left the start about 35 minutes before I did. So, as I was approaching Mile 8 of the course I noticed that I did have not see anyone coming back yet and I was starting to get concerned about where the people who started ahead me were. So finally at around Mile 9 I see the firt few guys as I was cresting the last rolling hill before heading down this monster of a climb... and there they were everyone making their way up this mountain. This climb was without a question the hardest I've ever done. Hands down I have nothing to compare it with, steep long it had it all and it put my weak legs to the test. Somehow I got up this thing and finally to the transition area just wishing I was in bed waking up from this dream... I wish I had a video to show you the struggle it was to get into the wetsuit for the 1 Mile swim we had to complete next. Let me tell you that it was a show... there is a reason why you are asked to wear your wetsuit and I find out why the hard way. Very warm body enters cool, cool water the feeling is very refreshing at first but then the slightest move out of sync made both of my hammstrings cramp up. You can't really swim while cramping up but you can float away the cramp in your wetsuit... So after struggling through a 35 minute swim I finally got out and began my shuffle through the run course. To my surprise I kept a nice even pace and I got it done faster than I first anticipated. Of course I was way slower than the first time around but I knew that in order to win my age group I had to finish... so put me down for a FRIST PLACE FINISH in the 30-34 AGE GROUP for the PM Race.
You will notice in the next set of photos that I look a lot more worned out. I am sure you can guess why...
but I am also exploring the use of the aero-bar mounted water bottle for some of the longer races that I am doing. I purchased the Jetstream model so we will see how it turns out while going at it during the races. If you have some experience with this aero-bar mounted bottle I would love to hear some of your wisdom... please pass on any comments you may have! 
Also, if you know of anyone who has suffered from a blood clot in the past and they are looking for any type of information PLEASE make sure you point them towards 
After getting hit by a car on my to work Thursday morning I am recovering well. My right shoulder is pretty sore from the impact with a Nissan Exterra that pulled out of its driveway right infront of me. Luckily it was nothing major (I just needed to get my front wheel trued) but it was scary for sure. Someday cars and cyclists will be able to get along regardless of the time of the day. 
But don't fear I am not entirely out of shape yet although we did our fair share of celebrating down in St. Johns with the traditional "pain killers." So, The Clot Buster is getting back into the swing of things. Just wait until you get to see the new "island" due I am sporting these days...
How about a pinata for your birthday...!?!?!
Everyone gets the chance to join in the fun... first Liz got a chance at it!
and then some other brave friends ventured in the challenge... notice who gets to control the "live" pinata. It was great fun all around!
Everyone did a fantastic job singing. You don't get a house full of people doing that very often. It was very cool. I greatly appreciated it!
Would you like to go a little bit faster this summer during your races and training rides? With the Kronos TT Helmet there is no doubt that you will go faster. This is the same helmet used by professionals in the pro-peloton in Europe as well as professional triathletes across the globe. This helmet is poetry in motion. I wish that I could tell you everything I know about this fine pieces of equipment but I will let you read more about it by following the link to the 
So, now that you have the helmet why not complete the look with a pair of sophisticated racing glasses to make you look even more intimidating at the races... The frame is made from Grilamid, a flexible, ultra-light, and resilient material. The frame ensures structural robustness and high stability with minimum weight which coupled with an anatomic nose bridge, interchangeable lenses and a design that adapts to your face with superior peripherial vision makes the 
One of the hardest things for me to do is to get through the weekend without consuming any regular coffee. The headache that comes from the lack of caffeine is pretty intense at times but in my opinion is my way to fight the addiction to caffeine. In a way, I try to de-tox during the weekend from the coffee drinking during the week. I just don't want to depend on the caffeine too much. It may be a strage logic but that is how I try to operate. So, as I am typing this drinking my decaf coffee I am experiencing the lack of decaf headache... it does not last very long but you know that is there.
This year the Clot Buster hopes to continue raising some green backs for NATT along with spreading the word about the organization. Of course, I hope to improve my performance in the Half-Iron distance races I will be doing this year (If anyone has any tips on how to improve my half-marathon times... I am all ears!). I hope that people THANK and APPRECIATE the volunteers working at the races, without them we would be in a world of trouble. Also, I hope to bring new people to the sport... at least have someone attempt their first triathlon. I always enjoy seeing people do them for the first time. 
What are some New Years resolutions people are making for 2007?
So, what triathlon related items did my fellow bloggers get for Christmas? This year I got a new PFD that should make my kayaking experience that much more enjoyable when we get out there to paddle away during our days off. So, in a way I did get something triathlon related that should help during my off days.
What do you think about the newsletter? I have to say that it has some good reading in it.
Slowly the Clot Buster's next challenge is taking shape. The schedule is coming together and soon enough I will be able to unveil the mileage, donation goal, and the specific races I will be doing next year. Stay tuned for that.
In the mean time, Mrs. Clot Buster and I are playing around the house but during the Thanksgiving break we took part in the 97th Annual Thanksgiving Day Race in downtown Cincinnati. It is without a doubt one of my favorite 10K races out there. Well over 12,000 people showed up for this race early the day of Thanksgiving. It is something else to watch that is for sure.
