Happy Holidays!

How was your holiday this past weekend?

Mrs. Clot Buster and I had a wonderful time visiting her family in Cincinnati. It is always a great time to see everyone and catch up. I always enjoy the challenge of going around the room and attempt to talk to everyone and findout something new that I did not know before. It is so interesting to learn about what they are doing and where they are heading. I am very lucky to have the chance to share the holidays with my wife's family. They are so welcoming I almost feel as if I knew them all of my life... 10 years and counting.

You are probably wondering if I got that Polka-Dot helmet I posted the other day. Well, in a way I am glad that I didn't because the price went up from $150.00 a couple of weeks ago to $189.99 yesterday when I last checked. Can you believe that? I guess that I will have to wait another year for the styling lid that would complement the Clot Buster's outfit. However, I am not giving up yet. I will continue to hammer the guy selling it to see if we can work out a deal... stay tuned for any progress on that.

What do you think about the Clot Buster's proposed schedule for next year? I think that it is taking shape and I am looking forward to it for sure. In the mean time, I need to recover from my holiday "hang over"... I seem to have picked up some sort of stomach bug that knocked me out pretty good. I better get going to tackle my third serving of saltine crackers for the day... you have to do what you have to do... 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.

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Wish you all the BEST!

Wish you all the BEST!

It has been a fabulous year for the Clot Buster I have to admit. I am incredibly lucky to have the chance to go and help NATT in any way that I can. I am especially lucky to be able to merge triathlon racing with fundraising. Yes, I do the triathlons mostly for me but getting people the opportunity to find their way towards NATT is without a question the main goal of my effort. Of course obtaining some donations through the matching of the raced miles program is also important so that NATT can continue their mission. However, getting people to learn about what NATT can offer and even more for them to learn about blood clots and blood clotting disorders is the most important thing the Clot Buster does all year around. I did not realize this but every time I get out there to race the polka dots are coming with me. They do provide that extra motivation when I can't go any faster. Thinking about all the great people I've met through this process and knowing about their stories of survival sure keeps me going to do it all over again.

This year The Clot Buster effort was able to raise $2306.40 not bad for the first year of operation. I have great hopes for next year in terms of spreading the word just a little more while getting out there to the races. But really I would like to be able to raise over $5000.00 next year for the organization. I believe that I can. I've been working already to get things moving so let's see if next summer the Clot Buster can come up with goods, not only racing but also fundraising...

Speaking of wishing... What do you think the Clot Buster has in his wish list for Chirstmas? Well, I came across this little thing I thought would complement my outfit very well check it out...

By the way, what is in your wish list? What do triathletes out there want for Christmas? What triathlon product you can't race without next year but you won't buy yourself and you hope and pray someone will get for you? I could take my list out, however, I will spare you the pain of reading through everything I would like to have... luckily for me Mrs. Clot Buster takes care of the green backs around here.

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

I need a hand...

? ! ? ! ? ! ? ! ? ! ?

I am not sure how many people gets the opportunity to check out this blog on a regular basis... I don't even know how I would track the traffic through this blog.

But one thing I know, there is some people out there who come by and read the ramblings of The Clot Buster. THANK YOU! if you are one of my "repeat" readers. THANK YOU! also if this is the first time you venture into the Clot Buster's blog.

As I am trying to figure out what races I should be doing next year I thought perhaps I should ask people for some suggestions... that way, perhaps, I could learn about some new races around these parts that I should consider doing. There is only so much searching I can do...

So, if you know of a triathlon, half-marathon, 10K, 5K, duathlon, adventure race, or eating contest that you think the Clot Buster should be doing please drop me a line and let me know. I am always interested in races all over the place. Mrs Clot Buster and I enjoy the opportunity to hit the road and see where the wind will take us... but more importantly I look for the chance to spread the word about NATT through the display of the polka-dots and just talking to anyone who is willing to listen.

I look forward to your suggestions.

I hope your Holiday preparations are going well. It is fun to have the house all decorated. I enjoy it a great deal!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Getting back on track...NATT's Fall Newsletter Part 2

Man, time flies when you are a living the dream...

Checkout Part 2 of the NATT Fall Newsletter that I promised you a few days ago... Better late than never!

What do you think about the newsletter? I have to say that it has some good reading in it.

Let's see what else it is been going on lately. During this time of the year I try to keep my workouts very basic just so that I can stay somewhat fit. I continue to be very active doing all kinds of things but I am not doing any "serious" training (if you are to call what I do serious training...) just what I can when I have the time.

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.

The Clot Buster went at it hard and posted a time of 42:39 which he thought would let him qualify for an award on his age group. Unfortunately, the 6:50 per mile pace was not good enough to allowing him an award. But the Mrs. Clot Buster as always came through in big form to get some of the good to the Clot Buster house hold.

Got to go for a run... there is a full moon out there I have to enjoy!

Thanks for reading!

The Clot Buster