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Wednesday, May 31, 2006


I guess a medal will have to do it for me... Posted by Picasa

Liz with her snazzy award. Posted by Picasa

The Clot Buster Team after the race just chillin' Posted by Picasa

It feels good to be the second lady across the line... Am I good or what!?!?! Posted by Picasa

How do I look? Would you take notice of the socks... polka-dots everywhere... What else can I do to stand out? Any suggestions? Posted by Picasa

This is the finish line that Liz crossed as the 2nd Femal Overall in the Dauthlon and I as the 1st in the Male 25-29 Age Group in the Triathlon. Posted by Picasa

This is "The Menace". I love this thing I have to confess... always a joy to ride! Posted by Picasa

The Clot Buster Team posing at the start of the race...behind us is the start of the swim...can you see the water? We had a fog delay...we could not spot the firt turn it was so thick. Posted by Picasa

Tuesday, May 30, 2006

Starting with a BANG!!!

Well, the Clot Buster’s triathlon season started with a BANG!!! On Saturday.
I cannot believe what a great day both of us (Liz and I) had. I have to confess that I was very excited to the get the season on the way and I wanted to start making a statement. I’ve been preparing for a while now and I am very pleased on how things turned.
It was very exciting to have Liz out there competing in the duathlon sporting the Clot Buster colors herself. I think she needs a hat too, what do you think…?
Liz had a tremendous race. My Lovely wife, came in to the finish as the 8th person overall in the duathlon out of 35 competitors. She was the SECOND FEMALE overall. I could not believe it when I saw it posted… I was so happy for her! She got a snazzy award to go with her efforts… check it out…

For the Clot Buster as you can see from the title the race went really well. I’ve never placed so well in the overall classification. 8th place… are you kidding me!?!?!
I almost fell flat on the floor when Liz came running to tell me the results that she saw. First place in my age group was the icing on the cake… although I did not get a fancy award like Liz’s I got a snazzy medal.

Thank God I had a wetsuit for this race. The water was COLD! It was shocking how cold it was. I did not get to warm up before the start so I had to just jumping at the start and I have to confess that it caught me by surprise. Although I never found out the actual temperature I would imagine it was about 58 to 60 degrees. So, because it was cold it made me swim faster. I was the 5th fastest swim time covering the half mile triangle course in 13:53. The came the always challenging transition one where you try to wrestle off the wetsuit and attempt to do it as fast as possible. No matter how much I practice the and how much lubrication I rub on my legs the suit always gets stuck around my ankles. Anyway, after fighting for about 2 minutes finally I get on “The Menace” to turn the heat on.

Once on the road I tried to hammer down as much as I could. The race was my second time on the aero-bard this season so I need to get used to it some more. But I found my groove early just to be interrupt by the guy on his cell phone not aware that there was a race going on. This guy blocked several times slowing my progress and breaking the momentum I was carrying with me. It was frustrating because he was a nice wide car that would not let me sneak by him. Oh well, you have to deal with people like that sometimes. But all in all I was able to hammer down to a respectable average speed of 20.3MPH. Then came the run and with it I had to concentrate to keep a steady pace. I am improving on my brick workouts just so that I can get off the bike and get on the run faster than 7:30 minute miles. A 23:13 5K is not bad but there is plenty of room to improve upon… so all together I raced for 1:26.50 on this my first triathlon of the series in order to raise funds for NATT.
I just started to scrape away on my total of 255.5 Miles for NATT. 19.6 Miles down…239.5Miles to go!

How much money would you donate for every mile that I race…?

Thanks for reading.

The Clot Buster

Friday, May 26, 2006

Here we are...Ready to roll!


As I am waiting for the time to go by before I can go pickup the race packets, I thought I would update you with the latest news…
In case that you were concerned about my blisters that run on Wednesday was pretty painful but I managed to get through it without too much screaming. Luckily Liz did not go running with me that day. She would have hated every moment of my complaining and crying… I think that by now the blisters are pretty much pain free they just don’t look very attractive at all.
So, since I was able to clear that hurdle I am now concentrating on the list of things I need for tomorrow. Let’s see if the people reading can help and let me know if I am forgetting anything:
- Clot Buster Uniform (jersey, hat, and even socks!)
- Bike (bike shoes, helmet, pump)
- Liz’s Bike (shoes, helmet, gloves… YES! She is doing the duathlon tomorrow!)
- Wetsuit (cold H2O tomorrow)
- Running shoes
- Race Number
- Sunglasses, sunscreen
- Race number
- Water bottles, gels, and anything else to keep me going.
- Silky smooth legs.
- Change of clothes, towel

I think that is all I can think of for this race. I am sure I forgot something so if I don’t discover it by tomorrow morning I will have to improvise big time. It would not be first time believe me on that!

This should be an interesting race tomorrow. Two different transitions should make the logistical aspect of the race interesting. We will see how it turns out.

I think I am ready to finish thing. That is always the main objective. Anything else is just icing on the cake

Thanks for reading.

The Clot Buster

Wow! I almost forgot SWIM GOGGLES!!!

Wednesday, May 24, 2006

Rolling with the punches

Outside of training and racing triathlons I enjoy very much playing Football (the real deal where you actually kick the ball most of the game…). Specially, when the World Cup rolls around and “football fever” hits everyone in the world, including a few people here in the United States, believe it or not!
So, in order to give my body a break from the stress of training long miles I play in a coed soccer league every Sunday. It is competitive enough to have a good time and do something other than just swimming, biking, and running (please don’t get me wrong, I still love doing all three but all things are good in moderation).
This past Sunday I got the chance to play and after all the rain we have had lately I decided to break out my new cleats as the ground was soft and I wanted to have some traction while playing. Well, that was the big mistake of the day as the new cleats were a little stiffer than first anticipated and left both of my feet generously rewarded with an array of blisters.






It is now Wednesday and I am still hurting specially from the big one on my heel. The ones on my toes are not too bad but they don’t look very good at all. I was able to pull of a nice 31 Mile ride yesterday without too much discomfort. However, tonight we will see how the running shoes will fit with the new additions to my feet. The goal today is to be out there at least 20 minutes. Hopefully the pain will not be too bad. I do have to race on Saturday and put up a good show on the Clot Buster's debut in the triathlon scene this season. I will let you know how it goes.

Thanks for reading.

The Clot Buster

Clot Buster's Pledge Letter

Hello everyone,

This is copy of the pledge letter I am distributing as part of this fundraising effort. It looks a lot better on paper I have to let you know. If you like to be amazed by my creativity let me know if you are interested and I will be more than happy to send you a packet that includes the pledge letter, the official 2006 race calendar, a donation form, and of course the handsome envelope in which you can send me your contribution to NATT.

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

“TRIATHLON MILES FOR AWARNESS ABOUT BLOOD CLOTS AND BLOOD CLOTTING DISORDERS”

From: Eager age-group triathlete (and donation seeker!) but better known as the “Clot Buster”!
June, July, August, September 2006
Columbus, OH

Watch the guy wearing the “Polka-Dot” racing outfit blow by the competition for over 255.5 miles of triathlon races throughout the summer.

Yes! During this summer the self-proclaimed “Clot Buster” triathlete plans to blaze racing courses across the Mid-Ohio region, South-west Michigan, and Morgantown, West Virginia. All of this with the aim to raise funds to support the National Alliance for Thrombosis and Thrombophilia – NATT.

How much do you know about blood clots and blood clotting disorders?
Have you ever heard about Thrombosis and/or Thrombophilia?
Would you be interested in learning more?

Well, today is your lucky day! NATT is here to help.
This non profit organization was born to educate and create awareness among the public and health care providers about the potential danger and treatment of blood clots and blood clotting disorders. NATT primarily operates through its website www.nattinfo.org but they also organize newsletters, education conferences/seminars, and on going Q/A sessions to provide an outlet in which information can be obtained.

But just like NATT is here to help they also NEED your help to continue flourishing in their quest to educate and create awareness. For that reason, this summer I will commit my triathlon season to raise greenbacks for this organization. All together between half-iron distance races and Olympic distance triathlons I will be racing a total of 255.5 Miles. Please find the attached racing schedule for more details.

Now days, what can you do with a nickel, a dime, or even a quarter? You could decide to use any one of them to match every mile that I plan to race this season which would translate into much needed funds for NATT. But since I am an engineer by profession allow me to do the math for you…
$$ Nickel per mile = $12.78
$$ Dime per mile = $25.55
$$ Quarter per mile = $63.88
$$ Double Quarter per mile = $127.75

Considering all of the options above, any alternative would surely fit your budget and consequently help a very worthy organization. But if you simply cannot make a donation this year, please use the enclosed envelope to send me a 1,000 word essay entitled “Why I can’t give to NATT knowing all the miles the ‘Clot Buster’ will be racing” along with your picture. The best essays will be posted on NATT’s website under the featured article “How to avoid tax breaks.”

Your donation will allow this organization to continue their efforts in making a positive change through education and awareness.

We look forward to your support. Follow the “Clot Buster” triathlete through his racing blog at
http://clot-buster-triathlete.blogspot.com/

Kindest Regards,


Roland Varga
The “Clot Buster”

Sunday, May 21, 2006

Just Living the dream...!

What a sensational weekend we had here in Columbus.
The weather was great from Saturday to Sunday (My wife would really say that, I would say that the morning was somewhat cool but the rest of the day incredible. You know the warm blood running through my veins is speaking at this time…). It is amazing how much energized I feel when the sun is shinning out there. All I want to do is to be outside just enjoying it all.
Liz and I had great workout on Saturday that evolved in a “Monster Brick” right before the start of my season. I needed to do a bike to run intense transition to get back in the groove of triathlon. I can’t believe that my first official race of the “Clot Buster’s” season will be next Saturday. I can already tell that the good old wetsuit needs to come out to save the day as the water will be quite chilly at Buckeye Lake.
What do you think? Do I look fat in my wetsuit?

You have no idea how much I am looking forward to this first race. I can almost say that I am having butterflies in my stomach. I would like to get things started with a bang. The Clot Buster colors will be in display and I am very excited about that.
For now, I need to get my act together and get my bike outfitted for the season. First I need to find my aero-bars and then get them on. I hope that slowly I will get everything ironed out.


I will keep you posted on how the week is going. You know that I will be out there training as long as the sun is shinning…

Thanks for reading.

The Clot Buster

Tuesday, May 16, 2006

Not Running Yet...

It is been well over a week since the last time I attempted to do any running at all. I think that my legs are definitely appreciating the chance to get a break and recover from the effort of the last race. I've been doing a lot of swimming and some riding. Courtesy of the weather that keeps bringing rain day after day after day after day...definitely I am in need of some sunshine. Maybe if I am lucky we will get some dry weather coming up soon. There is a real chance that I make out running this afternoon. We will see how it goes. It will be a nice and easy run just trying to get the legs back in the fold after the well deserved break.

Seeing that picture I remember the pain on the final stretch of the race. Why do people have to speed up towards end? Does anyone cruise into the finish line any more? Wow, I sure make some funny looking faces while racing...


I was told that I needed to take off my "finish line" outfit for a better picture. I was just cold... can you blame me? I am from a Tropical Country. Warm blood runs in my veins.


Well, here you go... I am such a whimp compared to my Lovely Wife. She was just hanging out during that time while I was about to start running again to keep myself warm.
Wish me luck today so that I can survive my run. Who knows maybe it will be raining once again...that would be a bummer...!

Thanks for reading.

The Clot Buster

Sunday, May 14, 2006

NATT's Columbus, OH Seminar a GREAT SUCCESS!!!

GREAT SUCCESS!!!
The NATT Columbus, OH Education Seminar was a tremendous event.
The Clot Buster is very glad to have had the opportunity to attend and help out. I have to admit that I learned a great deal more blood clots and blooding clotting disorders thanks to the phenomenal speakers we had throughout the day. I am sure that along with me many other people learned a lot and had many of their questions answered by the experts on hand.


The Clot Buster was in full display on Saturday getting to greet all the participants of the event at the registration table. I think that a lot of people were surprised to see me run around the conference room with my jersey and hat on. I don’t believe I scared anyone too much with my outfit. Wearing khaki pants sure helped because wearing racing shorts may have been too much since my legs are not race ready (i.e. shaved) yet.


THANK YOU TO THOSE PEOPLE WHO DONATED TO THE CLOT BUSTER’S EFFORT DURING THE SEMINAR. I hope that everyone who attended received a copy of my pledge letter and will decided to support my effort in generating funds for NATT.





The patient testimonials were very moving. I can’t even begin to imagine the challenge many people have when their life changes due to a blood cot. I was amazed to learn some of the facts this people have to go through attempting to live a normal life. It is also incredible to feel the connection in the room amongst people affected by blood clots as they share their story and they get to identify with other people like them. Allowing for spontaneous support groups to form as a result of this seminar is one of the best results the people working for NATT can expect as an outcome.

I am very proud to be able to contribute with NATT through the fundraiser I have put together for this summer. I can only hope that down the road many more people can join me in providing funds for this organization that can do so much good.

Please meet the AMAZING NATT board of directors members who came to Columbus to help with the seminar. From left to right: Dr. Moll(The GURU!), Lori Preston(the nicest Vice-President you will ever meet), Lynn Levitt(would you like to attempt to match her enthusiasm...talk about passion), Pat Koppa(You need to hear her story - WOW!!!), Liz(My Lovely Wife - Conference organizer extraordinaire), and of course me just trying to sneak in on one more picture...Polka Dots go with everything I am discovering.

It is hard to believe that the seminar for which Liz has worked so hard has already gone by. This can only mean that the triathlon season is right around the corner. My first triathlon on May 27th will be here before we know it. I just hope that it stops raining before then… 6 days of non-stop rain and we are still going strong.

Before I forget,

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!!! FELIZ DIA DE LAS MADRES!!! BOLDOG ANYAK NAPOT KIVANOK!!!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Friday, May 12, 2006

NATT's Columbus, OH Education Seminar - TOMORROW!!! Come learn and meet the "Clot Buster" in person




NATT will be holding an Education and Discussion Seminar on
BLOOD CLOTS AND BLOOD CLOTTING DISORDERS: Key Issues in Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention.

Saturday May 13, 2006
Hilton at Easton, Columbus, Ohio.


This is FREE seminar will be of interest to:
People who have had a blood clot or at risk
People with inherited clotting abnormalities
Family members
Health care workers
Anyone wanting to know more about blood clots and wishing to advance prevention, diagnosis and treatment of thrombosis and thrombophilia.

If you are interested in receiving more information about this seminar please feel free to contact me.

Thanks for reading.

The Clot Buster

Monday, May 08, 2006

Flying Pig Half Marathon - Report


Success!
After this 13.1Miles of racing I think I earned the right to wear the coveted “Pig Nose”…
Please note how dark it is on the pictures…that is because we are at the start area by 5AM trying to get prepared for the beginning of this journey. It was incredible to see the people so excited about running a marathon or half-marathon at that time of the morning before the sun was even up. But even more impressive was to see the number of supporters on the course at that very, very early hour. I could not believe my eyes at some early portions of the race where there were some considerable crowds cheering everyone on sight… even the guy who runs flipping a pancake the length of the race. This one individual has done this for 28 marathons. I saw him with my own eyes as we ran together from mile 3 to 5. He was keeping a brisk pace flipping that pancake in rhythm with his steps. I was blown away…

My Lovely wife had a great run. She clocked a time of 1:44.41 which is far better than she thought she would do. She had a great run. She told me that she enjoyed the hills mostly because running down them was really fun.
I enjoyed the race myself. Compared to the Columbus Half I did not struggle at any particular point. On Sunday I was keeping a steady pace which was fast all the way through mile 7 and then a little slower thereafter. The legs were responding really well and carried me all the way home for a time of 1:38.35 which was good enough for 19th out of 173 runners in my age group. I am very pleased with this performance I have to admit.

Now, the tables are turning and from here on out the fun of triathlon is about to start. I am very much looking forward to my first race of the season.
By the way, what do you think about the Clot Buster’s outfit? People took notice of the guy running in the polka-dot kit. I just hope that NATT receives the exposure that it needs to continue doing great good.

Stay tuned for my pictures of the race as the become available.

Thank you for reading.

The Clot Buster

5 days until NATT's Education Seminar in Columbus, OH




NATT will be holding an Education and Discussion Seminar on
BLOOD CLOTS AND BLOOD CLOTTING DISORDERS: Key Issues in Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention.

Saturday May 13, 2006
Hilton at Easton, Columbus, Ohio.


This is FREE seminar will be of interest to:
People who have had a blood clot or at risk
People with inherited clotting abnormalities
Family members
Health care workers
Anyone wanting to know more about blood clots and wishing to advance prevention, diagnosis and treatment of thrombosis and thrombophilia.

If you are interested in receiving more information about this seminar please feel free to contact me.

Thanks for reading.

The Clot Buster

Friday, May 05, 2006

Flying Pig Half-Marathon Here we come...

Date: Sunday May 7th.
Race Start Time: 6:00AM (are you kidding me!!!)
Outfit: Clot Buster Racing Uniform (Stay tuned for photos of the Polka-Dots in action)

The legs are feeling good today. After a short swim and a lovely Chipotle date with Liz the stage is set to get some rest tomorrow and hit the bed as early as possible ahead of this EARLY start time.

This is my final "tune up" race before the Clot Buster's triathlon season starts in full swing. The first race of this series is right around the corner. I am really excited as the plan is coming together nicely. I look forward to provide NATT great exposure at all the races along with some cash for this organization.

Now days, what can you do with a nickel, a dime, or even a quarter? You could decide to use any one of them to match every mile that I plan to race this season which would translate into much needed funds for NATT. Since I am an engineer by profession allow me to do the math for you...

$$ Nickel per mile -> $12.78
$$ Dime per mile -> $25.55
$$ Nickel + Dime per mile -> $38.33
$$ Dime + Dime per mile -> $51.10
$$ Quarter per mile -> $63.88
$$ Quarter + Nickel per mile -> $76.65
$$ Quarter + Dime per mile -> $89.43
$$ Double Quarter per mile -> $127.75
$$ 0.75 cents per mile -> $191.63
$$ One Dollar per mile -> $255.50


Considering all of the alternatives above I am confident that one of the options surely will fit your budget and consequently help a very worthy organization.

Please consider joining me in this adventure to help NATT continue the great work that they are doing.

Thanks for reading.

The Clot Buster

Thursday, May 04, 2006

The "Clot Buster" Jerseys are on their way home!

Check out the final design on the jersey I will be wearing this summer.
I think they look great!
If you are interested on a jersey we could make arrangements to order yours. Just let me know and we can get things started. I am not exactly sure on the price but as soon as I know I will let you know.


My 100th Triathlon Finish !!!

My 100th Triathlon Finish !!!
#100 TRIATHLONS