SPIUK Represented...

For the past two years I've been fortunate to have had a relationship with the fine people of DPM Sports who represent the Spiuk brand here in the US. I can't say enough about how kind DPM Sports has been to me and to the cause that I represent through this blog and at the races in which I get to participate in.

The Spiuk brand is truly a fine product and one you will not regret trying out. Starting from their helmets, down to jackets, jerseys, vests, shorts, eyewear, gloves and shoes everything is GOOD! I can tell you from my own experience. But if you don't want to take it from me then just check out the people below who REALLY know about this fine products as they get to use them far more often than this age group fool...

ENEKO LLANOS - 2nd @ Ironman World Championships.

VIRGINIA BERASATEGUI - 6th @ Ironman World Championships.

FELICITATIONES!!! Congratulations to both of them!

It was pretty cool to see those professionals sporting the same brand I am very fortunate to wear when I train and race. The STOP THE CLOT movement is very fortunate to be in a relationship with DPM Sports as you too can have the opportunity to have the same gear these fine pros and The Clot Buster get to use if you have the chance to take part in the many auctions and raffles we do throughout the year to raise funds for The National Alliance for Thrombosis and Thrombophilia - NATT and their mission to spread the word about blood clots and blood clotting disorders.

So, checkout all of the goods the fine folks at DPM Sports have to offer. I am sure you will find something that your REALLY want or something that you REALLY need.

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

She is back...!

Last weekend Mrs. Clot Buster took another step in her return to full force after the birth of Clot Buster Junior.Last weekend she participated in her first Half-Marathon here in Columbus, Ohio. I am so proud of her as she had a kick "rear end" race. She looked great everytime we got to see her at different points of the race. Now she is telling me that she has the "running bug", I am not sure what that means but maybe just maybe she may consider doing a marathon... that I don't know but what I do know is that I will be cheering her on the entire way.

I have to confess that following a race with your son in a jogging stroller is no easy task. Trying to coordinate feeding times with race course locations with diaper changes with race pace predictions was a challenge that I was not exactly ready for. I have a new appreciation for what Mrs. Clot Buster does when she is out there cheering for me at the races.
Outside of cheering for Mrs. Clot Buster and changing Junior's diapers I've been thinking about my race schedule next year and how I will get things arranged... but really I've been sharpenning my dart throwing techniques...Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

The start of a new era...?

Did you get to watch/read about the developments of the Ironman World Championships?
I very much enjoyed the coverage of the race on-line. The former pro-triathelets did a good job broadcasting the race, which I magine cannot be easy... somehow they find something to talk about for the better part of nine hours which in my opinion is very impressive. Granted, I did not sit around and watch all of the coverage but everytime I tuned in they were going at it talking about something.

It seems incredibly hard for the men to have a repeat Champion... could this be some sort of curse? Every year the defending champion has been out of contention early... I am not even sure what was wrong with Macca.

But, how about the ladies?

Can anyone beat Chrissie Wellington cannot be stopped. Did you hear about her race? Not even a flat could keep her from catching up to the leaders, pass them all, and then go on to break the marathon record time...! Are you serious? Talk about potential. I am very impressed. If I can be smiling like her after surviving an Ironman I probably would be just waking up from a dream...Hard to believe but 5 years ago Mrs. Clot Buster and I were in Kona volunteering at the 25th Anniversary of the race. I even made the TV coverage when Lori Bowden is getting of the bike and she passes right in front me as I was volunteering catching bikes... of course you really have to slow down the tape to see me but I was there... it was an incredible experience to be there and see it all go on right in front of you. I hope that someday we get to go back... hopefully to race (you never know what could happen in the lottery... keep your fingers crossed)
It was a treat to be able to follow the race on-line and see it all unfold. I am looking forward to the TV special later on in December. Now, I wish I could go out an race... winter triathlon anyone?
Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

October Athlete of the Month

Our athlete for the month of October comes from North Carolina and his name is McCrord Rayburn.Just like many of you out there, McCord found me on the web while searching information about blood clots and blood clotting disorders after suffering from a clotting episode himself. Thankfully McCord was able to get the appropriate care and treatment during his clotting episode and consistently he has been able to return to "almost" his top form... I say almost because law school and being newly married is keeping busy in all fronts!

Despite being this busy he tells me that has been able to ride his beloved bike, and with him he takes his Clot Buster Jersey... I can tell you that the Clot Buster's polka-dots are well represented by Mr. McCord. As I always say, "McCord you make those polka-dots LOOK GOOD!!!"

A few weeks ago McCord wrote me an email with some updates about what he is up to and I wanted to share those with you so that you can see that this kid can ride despite of having to deal with the awareness of possible clotts...

"I have returned to relatively high levels of cycling training with the help of my doctors' direction. My doctors' and I concluded that we would maintain my INR (i.e. my coumadin dosage) at a low enough level that would provide me with protection from potential clotting episodes, while allowing me to safely cycle (with all of its potential risks). I cannot be more thankful of my doctors' understanding of my love of cycling.

In late May, I married my girlfriend of the past 5 years. She has experienced the whole process of learning what it means to be a "clotter" right with me and actually took me to the emergency room when I had my serious clotting episode. I can't thank her enough.

Between late April and my marriage I was able to complete some "epic" or "milestone" cycling rides. One of them included a ride up to Mt. Mitchell (the highest point east of the Mississippi River) from Marion, NC. This particular ride was only a 60 mile ride, but during the first 30 miles (the uphill part) the ascent was 5,920 feet. I had completed a shorter version of this ride in February, but the addition of miles and climbing were intimidating. Despite the intensity of the ride, I enjoyed (almost) every minute of it because on that day I was wearing my NATT cycling jersey and knew that upon reaching the top of Mt. Mitchell I was going to be able to capture a picture that nobody else had ever taken. I reached the top of the mountain, and sure enough nobody was around to take my picture in the NATT jersey... Unfortunately, the highest point and observation deck of Mt. Mitchell were closed due to construction when I was up there. However, that gives me another reason to return in my NATT jersey!"

Defintely GREAT to hear how it is possible to get back and do all of the things that you love to do. Reading updates like this inspire me even more to get out there and spread the word that much more.

McCord, THANK YOU for staying in touch with me. I very much look forward to hear some more of your adventures in your Clot Buster Jersey!!!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

P.S.: If you know of anyone who has had a clotting episode and he/she is back doing what they love in whatever sport, please let them know that I would love to hear from them and give them the chance to share their story on this blog!

Let the DEBATE begin...

... you thought I was talking about politics... well not really. I am sure there is plenty of that to go around everywhere these days no need for more of that here.

I am talking about the debate in my head about what to do next year with regards to the Clot Buster effort. With Clot Buster Jr. on board it is hard to commit to a lot training when I don't to be away from him for long periods of time. Right now, I have only a few hours on Friday afternoon to do any sort of long training as my work schedule goes 4 days of 9 hours and on Fridays I get to do a half day. Really not a bad deal when you consider that a lot of chores can get done during that time...

So, what should I focus on next year. I have the option to train for another marathon, this time however, with the focus on qualifying for Boston. OR, I could focus on a half-iron distance race sometime in the summer and call it good. OR, do a handful of races around here and just get the polka-dots out there just like I've done until now. I have to confess that doing another marathon with a few tri's in the summer is a formula that worked great this year. I very much liked the turnout I had of donations for the marathon fundraiser. Can I do that again next year? I guess there is only one way to find out...

For now stay tuned. The only sure thing is that I am very fortunate to have the chance to ponder these things thanks to the support of my family. Thanks to them the Clot Buster's adventures are possible and I can share them with you...

Thanks for readig,

The Clot Buster