The CLOT BUSTER @TeamStopTheClot polka-dots are everywhere...At the end July I got the opportunity to race at the OHIO Ironman70.3 Triathlon and because we are growing I got the chance to race with the February 2020 Athlete of the Month... Michael "The Thunder"... https://clot-buster-triathlete.blogspot.com/2020/02/february-athlete-of-month.html on a truly wonderful day to suffer and display the Clot Buster @TeamStopTheClot polka-dots. Michael inspired me to fight through the pain and finish to the best of my abilities. Here is wishing him well as he is getting ready to double the distance and throw down in September with a Full Ironman in Chattanooga, TN. BLOOD CLOT SURVIVORS CAN DO ANYTHING!!!
Speaking of Blood Clot Survivors being able to do anything... We are raising the bar for the August edition of the Athlete of the Month Series. In fact that bar is so high you can hang from it and swing from it to another obstacle all while being suspended over tanks of water. These obstacles are truly insane and only a few individuals have what it takes to overcome them.
Please allow me to introduce to you CALEB... he is unreal... Why?
Well because he is one of a kind. He is a Blood Clot Survivor but also a competitor in AMERICAN NINJA WARRIOR...!!! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?!?!
I am trying very hard to think of something else to write here but I don't have the words...
We have been fans of American Ninja Warrior for many years. We have been to a variety of ninja gyms and very much enjoyed the challenges of this sport. But to learn of a Blood Clot Survivor being good enough to be on the National Qualifiers is truly mind blowing. This is very cool and I am super thrilled that Caleb has been kind enough to share his story with us.
This is so amazing... Go ahead and read on!
What is you sport/activity of choice? Why do you enjoy it?
Ninja Warrior! It is an absolutely great way to stay in shape. I prefer to "play" to keep physically fit. Whether it's ninja, mountain biking, hiking, or acrobatics, I prefer exercise to be a by-product of fun!
How did you get started in that sport?
Prior to ninja I was in the US Coast Guard for 10 years and was medically discharged (honorably) after being diagnosed with narcolepsy. When I was looking for things to do I stumbled upon a ninja warrior gym, had a ton of fun, and opened one of my own!
What is the latest milestone you achieved or plan to achieve?
I made it to the LA city finals on American Ninja Warrior, and was only 1 spot away from the Vegas finals.
Tells about your clotting episode. Are you on blood thinners now? How long were you out of commission?
Just a month after having our baby (at 33 years old), I started having burning in both of my lungs one evening. A year prior I had a condition called Pleurisy, where your lung lining is inflamed, after a backflip incident bruised my ribs. I figured that was happening again, but the pain kept getting worse so I finally went to the ER after I was unable to sit down. I told the ER it was probably just Pleurisy and I needed something to help with the inflammation. Luckily, they ran a gambit of tests on me and after a CT scan found a small PE in each lung. They kept me for a bit to monitor the situation and put me on blood thinners. I then went to a clot specialist and was put on Eliquis and told not to train for a few weeks or do anything ninja related because of falls. I was of course devastated because that's what I love! The specialist ran through the spectrum and what felt like 1000 blood vials to find the cause, but nothing was determined, which is a little scary. After getting an ultrasound and being on Eliquis for about 8 months I was cleared to switch to a daily aspirin and resume training.
8 months. It was a struggle. I lost hope and wanted to quit several times. Before my clot I was at my peak athletically, recently finishing top 10 in the world finals. When I finally got my mind right and committed to the process I felt like myself again!
What is your favorite piece of gear for your favorite activity?
My water bottle. I am big on staying hydrated and tell everyone I can on the importance of fueling your body with what it needs to perform or recover.
How much are you getting out doing your sport?
Off season is about 3 times a week, and when I get after it I'm training 5-6 days. Some days are active recovery, you can't out train your body's need to repair. Rest is important!
What is your favorite food? Either generally or after a workout.
I take a whole foods approach. If it's real and unprocessed it's in my diet. Date/nut bars and mixed nuts are my go to snack. I do have cheat days once a week or every other week where I eat junk food and regret it the next day LOL.
If you could go some place to visit and explore, where would like to go?
I want to hit the mountain bike trails of Whistler Mountain in Canada.
What would like to say to someone who is going through a clotting episode, perhaps very similar to yours? How can people return to do what they enjoy? Tells about your concerns and what you look out after as you returned to action.
It sucks. Your feelings of loss and being depressed are normal. Recognize them and feel them, but don't let them become who you are. Give yourself grace on difficult days. I almost gave up on ninja several times, and that's okay. Set small goals and work on your mindset. Remember to listen to your doctor, recovery is a marathon, not a sprint and listen to your body!
Thank you Caleb for sharing your story with us!
You are AN INSPIRATION!!! Never stop going forward and pushing the envelope. Your success as a Blood Clot Survivor on the Ninja Warrior course will inspire all those who are looking to overcome just like you have.
Someday I hope to make it to your Gym (https://flipsideninja.com/) and try to hang on some of the obstacles. I am not sure I will be able to do much else other than just "hang" on the obstacles... I will let professionals like you workout all the tricks!
BLOOD CLOT SURVIVORS CAN DO ANYTHING!
Thank you for reading,
The Clot Buster
