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

NATT’s Fall Newsletter – Featuring Athletes and Blood Clots PART 1

Please take some time and check this out.

Newsletters like this one that let people share their story and also educate about blood clots and blood clotting disorders are the reason why I race and try to raise funds for NATT. Seeing the newsletter coming together, seminars being organized, educational brochuers being produced just drives me even more to get the Clot Buster colors out there and spread the word.

What do you think? Please don't fear I will be posting the rest of the pages soon. I just wanted to peek your interest.

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Lucky Tuesday…

If you live out here, within the confines of the Ohio Valley, you should be experiencing some of the mildest weather you can expect for this time of the year around these parts. So, without a question you MUST put everything a side and put your best foot forward in order to get out there. Definitely this will be the last time I get the chance to ride outside this year, so there I was rushing home from work trying to take advantage of the mild weather and the 55 or so minutes of day light I had left of the day.

Much to my surprise I got home and I was out riding within 11 minutes to be precise. I could not believe it! I even had my headlight (with batteries and everything packed) as I would need it if I went beyond the 45 minutes of daylight that were left at this point.

It was sensational to be out there riding. I was heading for the Olentangy River Trail because of the short nature of the ride. Everything was going well until I reached the first bridge out on the trail… it was blocked off due to construction. Can you believe my luck? Where do I go now? I thought for a second or two and I decided to climb down around the bridge on to the creek bed and get across that way. I had to move fast to attempt to beat the nightfall that was fast approaching. Shouldering my commuter bike I plunged down got over a few rocks and escaped with only some mud caked to my shoes. No trouble. Let’s keep at it.

As soon as I start the next section of the paved trail I remember that there is a second bridge coming up that is bigger and 99% of the time the creek is full feeding the Olentangy. I was hoping that the bridge repairs were not going to be simultaneous on these bridges… but not such luck today. I am all for keeping up the maintenance of the trail but not during the “Indian Summer” we are experiencing these days… the nerve of the Worthington Park Service. Their timing is a little off but then again how can I complain. So, I decided to give this creek crossing a try. I saw some rocks that would allow safe passage in the water so I went for it. Shouldering the yellow one once more I got down and just about when I thought I was across stepping off the last rock my foot slips and there I go with my foot in the frigid water… sweet! I was already almost half way out on my 15 mile ride so I was not going to turn around. Luckily I knew of a different way back that would avoid this creek crossing business.

Back on the yellow one I was hammering to keep my foot warm as the temperature continued to drop. I got to the half point mark and without any trouble I made it to the fork in the road that would leaved me home without have to do the creek crossing. I jumped over a couple of sidewalks and just when I thought I was safe to hammer home the last 3 miles I heard the sound of spokes breaking when I jumped off the sidewalk onto the road.

What are the chances of that happening but it did. With the back wheel wobbling away I made it home in the darkness of the late afternoon right around 5:45PM thanks in part of packing my headlight with its batteries. More than once I thought I was taking the headlamp with me just for a spin because the batteries I left home.

So, all things considered I am very lucky to have had the chance to be out there riding away. I would not change anything about it I have to confess.

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hard to believe that we are already here when it seems like not too long ago I was still finishing up my racing to raise funds for NATT. The down time from racing has been very good. Finally, we were able to get all of our leaves picked up and bagged away… that was some serious work. I have to confess that I enjoyed it a great deal. Just something about being outside enjoying the fall air and the many different colors the trees can produce. After many different attempts I think we finally got our techniques down on how we will approach the leaf pick up next year. It was a learning process that is for sure. We just had to stick to it and get it done.




Mrs. Clot Buster and I are heading to Cincinnati for Thanksgiving. Always a very enjoyable time to join my extended family and share some quality time with them before, during, and after dinner.

Of course, before we indulge in the traditional turkey dinner we have to burn the appropriate amount of calories so that we can enjoy the thanksgiving dinner guilt free… so Mrs. Clot Buster and I will be waking up early on Thursday morning and make our way to downtown Cincinnati, specifically to Paul Brown Stadium, and take part in the 97th Annual Thanksgiving Day Race – 10K. We have done this race for about 8 years now. Thanksgiving does not even feel the same without the run before hand (we even had the chance to participate in a Thanksgiving Day race in San Francisco last year while we are out there on vacation). So, there will be a Clot Buster sighting tomorrow in downtown Cincinnati. I’ve been running here and there attempting to keep a level base fitness but I have no idea on how the legs will respond to the pounding. Over the years, I’ve had some interesting times. I am always thrilled if I break 43 minutes but I would love to shoot for under 42. I just have to think about that additional piece of pumpkin or apple pie I will have after dinner…!

Whatever you do this holiday I hope you get to enjoy yourself.

Have a Great Thanksgiving!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

 

Pirates of the Ohio Valley…

Halloween came and went. We carved out pumpkins, gave out about 20 lbs worth of candy, watched scary movies, drank cider, and raked leaves… wait, did we miss something we must do during the Halloween…?

Yes! Of course we also had the chance to dress up and have our creative juices flow to prepare the best pirate customs we could make with what we had available… This year we had the chance to attend a pretty sweet Halloween party with a pirate theme. The host went to town to decorate his barn and make it look very original with sails, cargo nets, and of course a plank. It was a blast to see all the people dressed up in their customs. Some people out there have a tremendous imagination I have to confess…

But don’t be out there thinking now that I am out there just partying away… Here in November I will have my yearly showdown in the city of Cincinnati at the biggest Thanksgiving Day race that I have ever been a part of. The 10K course always proves to be a challenge for me and every year I try to put the hammer down and see if I can improve on my times. Stay tuned to see what happens this year. This weekend I had the chance to go for a nice long 50+ minute run to keep the legs aware that one more time this year the Clot Buster colors will be out full force.

At this point I continue to debate about my racing next season. Not sure yet about what I would like to do. I may try to increase the racing mileage to see if it’s possible to get more donations for NATT. Soon enough, I will be able to define everything and we can go from there.

I probably don’t say it enough, but a HUGE THANK YOU to all of you out there you read my ramblings and have donated to help NATT in it’s mission. We are making tremendous strides in creating awareness and educating people about blood clots and blood clotting disorders.

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

 

How sore can you become?

That is the question I am asking myself these days. Last Sunday, I got the chance to play my first indoor “football” games of the year and if you consider the way I’ve been feeling you would think that I am nothing more than a couch potato. Everything is sore, even my eyelids are sore for some reason…

It is been while since the last time I played and although I did not play bad my body sure was not ready to leave the “two dimensional” world of swimming, biking, and running. It is amazing to realize how many other muscles groups I can exercise during a “football” match. Definitely during the game you have to move from side to side, change directions suddenly, change speeds suddenly, and even fall to the ground when needed. All of these contributes to movements that are multi dimensional compared to triathlon racing.

Can you believe that I am sore between my toes? I did not know that I could feel soreness there. Thankfully this should be the last of it because with games every weekend my muscles will be able to remember that for a while now I will be moving in all sorts of directions chasing a ball around the carpeted indoor facility.

One of my games this weekend was early on Sunday morning and much to my surprise the indoor facility was packed with people already playing. I could not believe it when I pulled in into the parking lot. Although some of the people I saw looked like they were still a sleep it was very good to see people out there early starting off their Sunday with some competition. Luckily for my opponents at that time in the morning there is generally no need to get into their heads as with the sleepy eyes they are sporting no trash talking would penetrate at all…

I believe that raking leaves should be an Olympic sport if curling can be one. I’ve lost count of all the bags we have filled up but I think we are on pace for some sort of world record…!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Ahhhh, aren't we cute?

Skills

Look at Mrs. Clot Buster do the Limbo...!!! I did not even know she could go that low. I guess that all the Pilates and Yoga help with the flexibilty.

Check out all the people admiring her skills... I could never do that.

So, there is your Friday "Moment of Zen"

Have a great weekend!

Thanks for Reading,

The Clot Buster

 

Cooling Off...

This weather is not helping much in terms of setting the stage and provide the additional motivation to get out and workout. This is the time of the year when I find it increasingly difficult to stay in track. Thankfully, I don’t have many races coming up that would require me to put away some workouts in the “fitness bank.” Especially with the time change the day light is almost gone by the time you get home and with the sun setting there goes my motivation as well… usually not with a beautiful display of colors like the sunset but with a shrug of shoulders and PTI recorded on the DVR. Of course that is not the case all the time because most days I do crave some physical activity outside of just sitting at my desk at work.

Although at times I don’t enjoy the cold as much, I have to confess that I am a VERY BIG fan of fall. Every year, I am amazed at the colors some of the trees can produce. You can’t even begin to describe the different yellows, reds, and oranges that you can see on some of the leaves. At times the colors can just take your breath away. I don’t think that we could ever mix enough of our artificial colors to produce some of those colors you can see in nature.

I am beginning to ponder the different races I would like to do next season. As far as I can tell only one race seems to be set in stone… The Greater Cleveland Triathlon in August. This will be a half-iron distance race so I will need to arrange some of my other races accordingly. I guess that at this point I need to define how many miles the Clot Buster needs to race to peak people’s interest and continue to develop the “racing triathlon miles against blood clots” program. How many miles should attempt to race? 255.5 miles again? How about more? Less but with longer races?

Stay tuned to see what I can come up with. In the mean time I better get back to my rake and leaf raking process I started some time ago. After filling up several bags I had to come inside and take a break. I never knew that raking would be such a workout. After 11 years in this country this is the first time I had to rake leaves in the fall. At first I thought it would be a boring project but so far I’ve enjoyed it a great deal. My body definitely appreciates the change from the normal swimming, biking, and running. Speaking of change I am looking forward to start playing soccer this weekend. I hope that I still remember how to kick the ball. It is been a while since the last time I played earlier this spring.

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster 

Happy Halloween!

The Clot Buster will be dressing up to pass out the candy tonight. I hope that I don’t scare anyone with my outfit. The only polka dots the kids will be able to see will be on my wrists. The Clot Buster is trying out his new custom… we will see how it turns out.

What is your favorite candy for Halloween? I am a late comer to this tradition so I never really had the chance to go trick or treating (back home in Venezuela there is no Halloween… We have “Carneval” in February as the time to dress up associated to the Mardi Grass festivities) while living in the US. I hope that down the road when my kids come to age I get the chance to dress up and go out with them. That will be fun. So, back to the candy, I love Kit Kat’s, 3 Musketeers, and the new Butterfinger Crisp. Mrs. Clot Buster does not know but I have my own little private stash at work for me to celebrate my own little Halloween every year… I am lucky that the “fun size” candy is only really available this time of the year. Otherwise I would be in big trouble…!

Did you know that you can get tired from raking leaves? My wife and I have been hard at work attempting to keep up with our maple trees and their daily leaf dropping that covers our house regularly. Slowly we are learning the best techniques to get around the process as fast as possible. We have so much to learn…

Finally, indoor soccer season is about to start for me. Couple of games on Sundays will become the core part of my workout for the months to follow. I will attempt to do some swimming and trainer riding here and there whenever possible. It is time to let the body recover a little from the efforts this summer. I am already starting to think about next year’s race schedule. How many miles should I race to grab peoples attention and raise fund for NATT? The polka dots will be back in the racing circuit next summer ready to roll again.

If you would like some wristbands please drop me a line and let me know how many you would like. Every dollar we can make will help NATT in its mission to spread the work about blood clots and blood clotting disorders.

Have a safe Halloween.

Thanks for reading.

The Clot Buster 

Come and get them...!

After recovering from our adventures attempting to reach Boston and participating at the Boston seminar we are back home keeping at it.

It was a long day Friday as we attempted to reach Boston. Due to some harsh weather in the East coast all flights heading out that way were either delayed significantly or cancelled all together. At first we did not think we would make it to Boston at all for the weekend but after about 3 hours of running around through the different ticket counters and one “very special” ticket agent we were able to find our way to Boston after doing a stop in Chicago. We arrived in Boston close to 1AM and thought we were in the clear… just grab a taxi and zip over to the our hotel. Well, I wish it would have been that easy. Remember I told you that a lot of plane were delayed, well, the airport was packed full of people looking for cabs that late in the day. The lines at the taxi stations were incredibly long, I could not believe my eyes. Luckily as we waited in line Mrs. Clot Buster overheard a couple boarding a cab saying that they were heading to the same hotel we were staying at and she jumped to the chase to ask if they would not mind sharing the cab with us. Thankfully they did and we saved at least another hour on this journey of ours. So, after four short hours of sleep we were back in our feet ready to join the NATT troops at the conference room for the education seminar.

We had a GREAT turn out for this seminar and as far as I can tell from my un-official exit interviews the seminar was well worth it for everyone I got the chance to talk to. Outside of the tremendous medical professional we had as speakers my favorite part of the seminar is the patient experience sharing exercise. It does not matter who you are or what you do anyone of us can be affected by blood clots. Being aware of the symptoms can save your life. At the same time being aware of the medications available is also a very important topic that can help you along the process of surviving a clot. Knowing that there is other people out there going through the same troubles as you are is a very powerful tool that can help you along the way. I am always amazed of the connections people can make during these seminars.

We had some great interest on the NATT wristbands. I was very pleased to see people interested. We have decided that the price per wristband is $3.00. All the green backs we can obtain will go directly to NATT and the fulfillment of their mission.

If you like to get a wristband to show your support in creating awareness about blood clots and blood clotting disorders through the display of the NATT colors please get in touch with me at polka40@hotmail.com or irvarga@aep.com to place an order.

I wish that I could post some of the pictures I was able to take during the seminar but somehow at the time we were putting things away my camera “got some legs” and decided to “walk away.” I am very much disappointed about the incident but at this point there is not much we can do.

Let me know about the wristbands if you would like to have some.

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster 

Boston Seminar – Saturday, October 19, 2006

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster 

Let’s continue re-capping the season…

Spreading the word about blood clots and blood clotting disorders by letting people know about NATT was the main goal of the Clot Buster project this summer. I think I did everything that I could from racing in my jersey to manufacture and distribute well over 3000 flyers to reach out and maintain this blog updated. I hope that through all of these efforts somehow, someway people had the opportunity to get introduced to NATT and their mission.

Without the question the best thing that came out from this summer was the luck I had to meet all the wonderful people I had the chance to meet along the way. The stories I’ve heard are impressive and very motivating. They definitely keep me going on this path to continue raising “green backs” for NATT. The triathlon racing is just a vehicle for me to provide to NATT who is already providing for so many people out there. I have learned that having information available about blood clots and blood clotting disorders is paramount for people who first come face to face with clots.

I could go on and talk about my racing and my results but I think I will leave that for some other time… on this post I want to THANK all those who have contributed in this effort. Either by giving money, wearing the jersey, checking this blog it does not matter to me, THANK YOU!!!

Next year I plan to do it all over again. At this point I am not sure about my schedule and how many racing miles I will be throwing down. One thing is for sure, The Clot Buster is not going away. If anything, I am just getting started…!

Boston seminar is coming up. The Clot Buster wristbands will be available there for the first time… I know from my sources that they have been shipped so they are on their way… I can’t wait to receive them. If you can’t make the Boston seminar get in touch with me and we can arrange to get you the bands without any trouble.

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster 

Let’s start re-capping the season…

Unfortunately all good things have to come to an end at some point. In a way I was ready to stop racing but on the other hand I wish that I had one more triathlon that I could do just to finish things off… Although, I don’t have any more triathlons planned I did get the chance to race in a 10K Trail Run on Saturday at High Banks Metro Park. It was exactly what I needed to calm down my competitive edge. One more 10K on Thanksgiving Day and I should be good to go for the year…

Mrs. Clot Buster and Myself had the chance to race and we had a blast. We run a lot at this park but this is the first time we ever raced here. The nice cool morning set the stage for a nice brisk run that kept things interesting with all the ups and downs we had to face on the course. Luckily the Mrs. and I had great legs on Saturday and we both hammered away on the course to finish on top of our age groups. I could not complain with my time of 43:07. The legs responded really well to the effort considering that I have not been running much these days.

But, back to re-capping the year…

I wanted to start by showing a selection of the best Clot Buster photos of the year. The Clot Buster colors were flying high this summer so I need to dedicate this post to show the best ones in my humble opinion…

Vineyard Triathlon - The Clot Buster's first triathlon outing

Columbus Internatioinal Triathlon - One of the best 10K's of the season.

Steelhead Triathlon 70.3 - By far the best swim exit picture taken of me...

Great Lake Escape - Terrific 10K on legs that already ran a 5K and rode 40K's...

This is the first batch of my favorite pictures of the year. Let me know which one you like the most. All I know is that I make those polka dots look sensational.

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

 

What are they wearing? Part II

On one of my previous posts I talked to you about Brendan and his father Tom being clot buster color wearers. You had the chance to see Mr. Rogers displaying the colors and this time around you get to see his son making the polka-dots look pretty sweet.

Brendan, practicing his cyclo-cross skills ahead of his first cyclo-cross race this weekend.

I am still debating about the pink framed shades... but I am not a style judge so to each its own... I understand that Brendan wears the pink shades to impress the ladies. He is breaking the ladies hearts all over the UCONN... that is what the Clot Buster is hearing from his sources on campus. But outside of the shades, impressing the ladies, and racing his bicylce, Brendan is doing a great good by spreading the word about NATT through wearing his jersey and letting people know to be aware of blood clots and blood clotting disorders.

If you too would like to be a banner for creating awareness against blood clots and blood clotting disorders we still have plenty of jerseys availabe along with the new wristbands that will be available very soon. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you are interested in being part of the Clot Buster Team.

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

 

ARE YOU READY FOR THIS ?!?!?!

It is time we take the Clot Buster movement one step further in order to create awareness about blood clots and blood clotting disorders.

What better way to do that than wearing the Clot Buster colors everywhere you go? I know that you are thinking “Oh no, we have to wear that goofy jersey or hat to get noticed…? Please don’t make me do that…”

NO WORRIES! Here is a better way to show your support in the quest to educate people about blood clots and blood clotting disorders…

One side

Other side...

What do you think?

The first batch of these wristbands will be available at NATT’s Boston Education Seminar. You can get more information on NATT’s website www.nattinfo.org

If you are interested in purchasing some of this good looking wristbands please let me know at polka40@hotmail.com. We have not yet determined the price but as soon as I know let you know. All the green backs from this sale will go directly to help NATT continue doing great good.

Keep an eye for the fall newsletter as well. Should be coming soon!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster