December Athlete of the Month

And we made it to December... 2021 almost in the books.

GOOD WORK EVERYONE in navigating the challenges and obstacles of this year.

Just like Blood Clot Survivors we all have done some sort of overcoming this year to make it through.

This year TEAM STOP THE CLOT did incredibly well at the NYC Marathon which is so inspiring... I can't get enough of seeing people finishing the grand challenge of completing 26.2 Miles.

December's Athlete of the Month will also inspire you.  MIKE is not strange of challenges and battling through to overcome and come back. Thank you Mike for your willingness to share your story. Your story is going to make a difference to get blood clot survivors going when their journey gets difficult. For my my part I am inspired to get out and do something today and everyday...!

I am eternally THANKFUL for the opportunity to meet so many incredible people through this medium, share these amazing stories, and be able to keep it up for another year... 13 years and counting!

Please read on for Mike's story and get inspired to NEVER STOP MOVING FORWARD because BLOOD CLOT SURVIVORS CAN DO ANYTHING!!!

What is you sport/activity of choice? Why do you enjoy it?    

I am an avid triathlete.   I enjoy the camaraderie of training in groups for the swim, bike and run.  Triathlon training is a mixture of solo training and team training and it all comes together on race days when everyone is cheering you on and you get to realize all that you’ve been training for.

How did you get started in that sport? 

I got started later in life, about 10 years ago.   I had gone through some life challenges, decided to get back into good physical shape (I was a former Division I football player) and I missed the competitive nature of sport.  I started small.  I started without having swam in over 20 years.   I hadn’t run more than a 5k in probably 15 years.    As a Clydesdale sized athlete (Age 59, 6’ 1”, 225 lbs.), I am not the size, nor age of the normal little skinny triathlete.  However, I routinely finish before my younger, lighter competitors do.   I am a mid-pack age grouper.

What is the latest milestone you achieved or plan to achieve?

I am fortunate to have done 2 full distance Ironman races in the last 3 years, probably 6 or 7 half Ironman distance and a bunch of Olympic and Sprint distance races over the last 7 years.   I was training for my 3^rd Ironman when I experienced my clotting episode.    My goal for 2022 is to compete in the USA Triathlon Athena/Clydesdale championships and do well enough to place in my age category.

Tells about your clotting episode.  Are you on blood thinners now? How long were you out of commission? 

I am the luckiest guy I know.   I had a bike crash in June 2021 that caused me to have a torn thumb tendon and casted for 5 weeks.   Kept working out but on bike trainer and running w/ a cast on.   Within a week after the cast came off, I started having difficulty breathing on my workouts.   My partner Jennifer told me to go to the Urgent Care on Sat AM to get it looked at rather than wait to see my family doctor on Monday.  She saved my life.  The CT scans showed I had 10 blood clots in my lungs.   Had I waited, I probably would have either had a heart attack or died in my sleep that weekend.  On blood thinners now through March as they try and figure out what caused the clots and a path forward as every test has come back as normal or negative.   The pulmonologists and hematologists have no idea what caused the clots and what happens if/when I go off blood thinners.

When were you able to get back into your activity?  How did it feel that first time?  

 I got released two weeks after my episode to begin working out and gradually increase my level and duration of exertion.   It felt weird and I was a little scared at first but things seem to be coming back but its going to take a while to get there as my lungs recover and my fitness rebounds.   As my pulmonologist said “while on blood thinners, your veins and arteries are virtually coated in WD-40 so nothing is going to happen to you” so I’m going to work on getting back to my Ironman level of fitness.

What is your favorite piece of gear for your favorite activity? 

I am a product junkie to help me be faster, stronger, more healthy, safer.   I have a Scott Plasma 6 Tri-bike, I love my DeSoto tri-suits and New Balance 860 running shoes.  I also have a Road ID that the EMS and medical staff used when I crashed earlier this summer.   I plan on getting a Polka-Dot tri-suit from DeSoto to go along with my Red Polka-Dot technical t-shirt to bring awareness to everyone about blood clots.   I also swear by Maurten mix and gels along with Skratch for hydration and nutrition during workouts and races.

How much are you getting out doing your sport?  

I train almost everyday and sometimes as I’m ramping up in IM training, its twice a day workouts.  Probably 10-16 hours a week. Its always a balancing act as I have a day job as an human resources executive for a big company and a personal life.   However, working out is a stress reliever for me and I get a lot of satisfaction trying to remain “a year younger each year”.  It’s a game to me and I love looking at my workout data during and after a workout.  My favorite workouts are 8-10 mile runs along the river in my community and 40-60 mile bike rides outside in the far western Chicago suburbs and beyond.  Swimming is necessary but not a discipline I’m very good at nor have the body shape for it.

What is your favorite food?  Either generally or after a workout.   

My favorite food is a good steak paired with a Pinot Noir.    After a workout, I often crave carbs and salt – so it sometimes is cheese and crackers and a beer or two as I rehydrate.  😊

If you could go some place to visit and explore, where would like to go?  

I’d love to explore the coasts of the Eastern Mediterranean countries of Greece, Turkey, Croatia, and Montenegro.    Someday I will get there.

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.

My advice is listen to your body.   Know what feels right and what doesn’t and act upon those perceptions.   Talk to your medical advisors and ask lots of questions.   Questions don’t mean you’re challenging their knowledge or direction, rather looking to clarify and confirm.   Don’t be afraid to stop and assess.   Don’t just work through the discomfort or pain.   Be smart so you can live for tomorrow.    And once you get treated for clots, teach your body and mind how to get back at it – smartly.   Don’t be afraid but don’t be reckless either.   Discretion is often the better part of valor.

Can't wait to see Mike in his CLOT BUSTER #StopTheClot polka-dots racing triathlons out there.  Who knows maybe someday we will be racing together out there and since you will beat me then I will be buying the "recovery beers"... Never stop going forward.

Thank you for reading,

The Clot Buster

November Athlete(s) of the Month

 RUN!

RUN FAST!

RUN AS FAST AS YOU CAN!

RUN and ENJOY ALL THE VIEWS!

RUN and ENJOY THE SWEET PAIN OF WHAT YOU ARE ABOUT TO ACCOMPLISH!

THANK YOU for RUNNING TO STOP THE CLOT!

BLOOD CLOT SURVIVORS along with FRIENDS and FAMILY CAN DO ANYTHING!

BEST OF LUCK to all of the @TeamStopTheClot Runners this weekend while they run the NYC Marathon!

The first weekend in November is always a very exciting time because we have runners representing TEAM STOP THE CLOT for 26.2 Miles at the NYC Marathon.

For 2021 we have one of our largest teams since we got this thing going in 2013... and I am so thrilled for all them.  This is going to be an incredible experience and I can't for them to toe the line on Sunday.

Please take a moment to read through the profiles our athletes have prepared for their respective fundraising pages.  Please consider donating to their campaigns even if they reached their goals.  Your donation can and will make a difference

Here they are... The 2021 Team STOP THE CLOT NYC Marathon Runners = 

BRITTANY >>> https://fundraisers.hakuapp.com/brittany-bogdan

TERESA >>> https://fundraisers.hakuapp.com/teresa-bordeaux

JULIE >>> https://fundraisers.hakuapp.com/julie-butterfield

ROBYN >>> https://fundraisers.hakuapp.com/robyn-chessman

THOMAS >>> https://fundraisers.hakuapp.com/thomas-geraghty

SANDY >>> https://fundraisers.hakuapp.com/sandy-nelson

ERICA >>> https://fundraisers.hakuapp.com/erica-saccoccio

GRETCHEN >>> https://fundraisers.hakuapp.com/gretchen-piller

NATALIA >>> https://fundraisers.hakuapp.com/natalia-siman

COURTNEY >>> https://fundraisers.hakuapp.com/fundraisers/385e4c18d13168277fc4

BILAL >>>  https://fundraisers.hakuapp.com/fundraisers/cee3f85801fd53e4eb52

This is truly an incredible group of individuals taking on one of the most amazing events in the marathon calendar.  There is no race like the NYC Marathon and I am very excited for them to get to experience it.

Cheer for them near and far because they are an inspiration to all of us.

RUN UNTIL YOU FINISH - NEVER STOP GOING FORWARD!

Thank you for reading,

The Clot Buster

October Athlete of the Month

Inspiration can come at you from many different directions. You never will know what will hit you that will get you inspired.

If you read any of the previous post from this blog you will find some inspiration from these blood clot survivors there is no question about it.

The month of October has in it a very VERY especial day for the community of blood clot survivors... OCTOBER 13th is WORLD THROMBOSIS DAY!!! For me this is a day in which we celebrate awareness, survivors, and remember all those we lost along the way.  This year STOPTHECLOT.org is celebrating World Thrombosis day with a virtual run.  Checkout all the details here >>> https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Philadelphia/RunWalktoStoptheClot 

You know that I will be running in my CLOT BUSTER @TeamStopTheClot polka-dots and I hope that you will consider joining us as well!

And speaking of running... October is also the month in which preparations intensify in order for blood clot survivors and friends/family of blood clot patients to get ready to participate as runners for the NYC Marathon in November.  This is without a question one of the coolest things that we get to do and to me it is always a thrill to meet these runners who are about to have an unbelievable experience running this marathon.  There is nothing like it.

So lets go ahead and meet on of our runners for this year's edition of Team STOP THE CLOT. 

Please allow me introduce to you NATALIA... but instead of me rambling here go ahead and read on to learn more about this blood clot survivor who is going to dominate the NYC Marathon!!!

What is your sport/activity of choice? Why do you enjoy it?

I primarily run - I really enjoy the stress relief it provides and having my body be constantly challenged.  I find that running really helps with my mental health and really jump starts my day.  It is a sport that rewards consistency and to me that is very important. 

How did you get started in that sport?

One of my friends from back home in El Salvador challenged me to run a half marathon before I turned 25. I said sure - ran that race maybe 10 days before my birthday and then finished knowing I could do better. I have said the same every single race since then.

What is the latest milestone you achieved or plan to achieve?

I am running the NYC Marathon fundraising for team stop the clot! This will be my 3rd marathon (first post PE) and I am very nervous and very excited.

https://fundraisers.hakuapp.com/natalia-siman

Tells about your clotting episode.  Are you on blood thinners now? How long were you out of commission?

A week after my 29th birthday, I was training for CIM in California and I had a run that was very very hard. (It was a 20 miler so granted, that is never easy) I had never before felt that out-of-breath feeling, especially on an easy paced run. I chalked it up to a bad day, but then when I felt out of breath dancing at a wedding a couple of days later, I knew there was something off. I remember I couldn’t take a complete deep breath on the way back from the wedding. 

I went to the urgent care the next day and because I had traveled, they wanted to check for blood clots and sent me to the ER. They told me that it was most likely bronchitis but wanted to check. 

I thought they were crazy!! That blood clots only happened to much older individuals. I went to the ER anyways because I had a Disney half marathon that weekend and wanted to get better.

I ended up having a double pulmonary embolism, every doctor that came in to see me kept telling me that my life was a miracle, that I only felt good because of how much I run. I was never really scared until my parents showed up from El Salvador and then I realized how serious this was and could have been.

My boyfriend ran the half instead of me, and I was still doing blood thinners via injection/needles. It was completely surreal to me to be at Disney having to inject myself with blood thinners and feeling weak after being marathon training a week before!! 

I went to the hematologist, described what I was taking before. I was very dehydrated, took approximately 5 flights in two weeks (this is very normal for me because I travel for work), was on birth control, so I really don’t know exactly what caused my episode, but doctors think it’s a combination of all of the above. 

 

I was on blood thinners for approximately 8 months, I was out of commission for about a month, but then it took a while to get back my running fitness. Maybe 6 months.  The mental hurdle was so much harder to deal with, even almost two years later when it is hard to breathe I panic. I went to the urgent care once for what ended up being nothing. Also with COVID wearing a mask and going up stairs gave me that same out of breath feeling that is now extremely scary to me. 

When were you able to get back into your activity?  How did it feel that first time?

My hematologist told me I could run a couple of weeks after the episode, but to take it very easy. That first time it felt scary and it was hard to breathe. I ran for only a couple of minutes and then did some walking intervals. I remember feeling so happy once I got back to a mile.

What is your favorite piece of gear for your favorite activity?

I love my aftershokz! I also got myself a roadID bracelet for when I was taking blood thinners and for safety after knowing I could have passed out during my clotting incident. (I never used to run with any kind of ID)

How much are you getting out doing your sport?

Right now I am running 4-5x a week. I am doing way lower mileage than before, both to prevent injury and I am not as fit as before!

What is your favorite food?  Either generally or after a workout.

I LOVE a cold chocolate milk after a run.

If you could go some place to visit and explore, where would like to go? 

I really want to go to Japan and spend a whole week just exploring and eating.

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

This is scary, and it sucks, and you are not alone. I did not know anyone who had a pulmonary embolism at a young age (to be honest, I didn’t even know the word embolism in English). It gets better. After a while you start to feel better and you start to trust your body again. It is a process and like any process you have to take it one day at a time. Forward is forward, and though sometimes it feels like you are treading water - you are alive, and you are making progress!! 

Can't wait for Natalia to experience the Marathon in NYC. 

No question that "it is a process" and you have to work at it every single day.  Blood Clot Survivors do this all the time and so can we. 

Thank you so much to Natalia for her willingness to share her story.  Here is wishing her all the best while she finalizes her training and prepares for race day.

Thank you for reading,

The Clot Buster

September Athlete of the Month

BLOOD CLOT SURVIVORS CAN DO ANYTHING!!!

You have seen me write this more times that I can count but it is the absolute truth.

Every story that I see about blood clot survivors overcoming the challenges related to blood clots inspires me everyday to keep the effort going about spreading awareness and celebrating all blood clot survivors.

Over the past weeks I also saw another source of inspiration in watching the coverage of the Tokyo Paralympics. I am was so proud that my boys wanted to see the coverage about the various events and what people are capable to overcome. If you have not seen Paralympic Athletes in action you should definitely make it priority because there is nothing like it. The determination to overcome by those athletes is truly remarkable.

While watching these coverage I came across a familiar face that I have known about  for many years from her participation and success in the Paralympics but also because she is a formidable long distance/endurance athlete.  I have seen her perform and win at the highest levels of the wheelchair division of famous marathons but I never really knew about her battle with blood clots (diagnosed blood clotting disorder) and how that incident almost derailed her sports career when she was at her highest level.

TATYANA certainly has a story to tell that is very much worth learning about.  She has been able to overcome the challenges of her condition to continue to be a world class athlete.  It is truly impressive to read about her tenacity, dedication, and mental fortitude.

The link below will lead you to a video in which TATYANA speaks about her experience... check it out!

https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/en/paralympics/news/videos/tatyana-mcfadden-blood-clots-almost-killed-me

"Anything is possible for those who believe"

There is no question that Tatyana believes in herself and that is what ALL Blood Clot Survivors also do in order to overcome.

For sure we will continue to see Tatyana on the biggest stage showing everyone that BLOOD CLOT SURVIVORS CAN DO ANYTHING.

Never Stop Trying and Going Forward.

Thank you for reading,

The Clot Buster

August Athlete of the Month

Can you believe it? 

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.

When were you able to get back into your activity?  How did it feel that first time?

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

July Athlete of the Month

Are you feeling the heat...?!?!?

Love, LOVE summer time.  No better time of the year as the CLOT BUSTERs #TeamStopTheClot polka-dots are out there training and racing.

I am very fortunate to be able to do what I can do swimming, biking, and running.  But even more fortunate is to get the chance to engage with folks as they see the polka-dots and they ask about them. Getting to talk about the polka-dots opens up the flood gates to talk about the work that NBCA is doing in many fronts, as well as the celebration of blood clot survivors being to do what they can in their come backs, and lastly the remainder that along the way we do lose folks because of blood clots when those clotting incidents could have been prevented.  There are plenty of reasons why we need to wear the polka-dots and all of them are greatly important.

Everyday I learn something new from this community that keeps me inspired and will inspire you as well.

Summer is also the season of Golf.

Definitely not for me but for many others it is. I truly admire the skill required to get that white little ball going where you want it to go.  I also admire the level frustration I have seen from some people when the shots don't go as planned. Just like any other sport dedication, talent, and some luck are all keep components to any success. I have tried my hand a few times and I ended up drinking more cervezas than hitting the ball with any sort of accuracy. Perhaps it is time to consider getting the CLOT BUSTERS #TeamStopTheClot polka-dots on to a polo shirt so that the polka-dots can also get on the golf courses of the world!

Well, I bring up golf on this post because I just learned through our network of blood clot survivors that an active PGA Professional Golfer is in fact a blood clot survivor.  How about that?

In fact this Blood Clot Survivor also came close to a victory in the Rocket Mortgage Classic that was played from July 1st through the 4th.  TROY MERRITT came in second on this tournament which is truly remarkable considering what he went through back in 2018 when his clotting incident took place.  He is definitely a picture of consistency despite some of the hurdles he had to overcome.

I found a couple of articles that explain in pretty good detail the extent of his clotting incident and what he had to do recover.

ARTICLE FROM THE GOLF CHANNEL 

ARTICLE FROM OTBSPORTS.com

In the more than 13 years of doing this blog I don't recall ever getting the opportunity to feature the story of a professional golfer. It is great to read that he has been able bounce back from his clotting incident and continues his professional career at the highest level. 

For sure I need to consider the polka-dots for a polo shirt at some point in the future. They will have to be subtle so that they wont distract your opponents at the golf course...

Keep on enjoying the summer as much as you can while doing what you love. At the golf course or anywhere else... BLOOD CLOT SURVIVORS CAN DO ANYTHING!

Thank you for reading.

The Clot Buster

June Athlete of the Month

Time is flying...

I blinked a few times and the school year is over + May is gone + and I have been enjoying the fires in our backyard a lot.

Racing in the CLOT BUSTER #TeamStopTheClot polka-dots is coming into focus and June, July and August will have me doing some serious triathloning... the only problem is that I have not been in a pool since last September... I am going to be scrambling to get ready for my first race in 2 weeks time... I just need for our local pool to open PRONTO!

The inspiration to race in the #TeamStopTheClot polka-dots is there and growing every day.  Getting the opportunity to meet more Blood Clot Survivors and learning about their stories keeps the fire going so that I can get the polka-dots out racing to Celebreate and Remember ALL BLOOD CLOT SURVIVORS.  

Very excited to share with your LINDSAY's story for the June Athlete of the Month post.  She does two of the sports I enjoy a great deal and that I am getting to race more and more.  Certainly Lindsay's story will bring along a great deal of motivation and inspiration to get out there because she is a perfect example of the fact that BLOOD CLOT SURRVIVORS CAN DO ANYTHING!  Many Thanks to Lindsay for sharing her story.

Please read on and enjoy!

What is you sport/activity of choice? Why do you enjoy it?

Cycling & Kayaking! I love that I can take my bike out and ride anywhere in nature and I love kayaking because it's a fun activity on the water! I get to explore different areas either by bike or kayak! 

How did you get started in that sport? 

I begged my uncle for my first bike while on a camping trip when I was really young! I saw so many kids riding their bikes around the campground and it looked so fun. I just started kayaking a few years ago when a friend of mine invited me to try their kayak on a lake near our house. I was scared at first but was instantly hooked! 

What is the latest milestone you achieved or plan to achieve? (Long bike ride, some race coming up or that you did).

I just completed my second PeloFondo event since my clotting episode. The first one I rode a total of 38 miles just 5 weeks after being cleared to get back on my bike. I set a goal to ride 50 miles 3 months later during the second event and I did it!

Tells about your clotting episode.  Are you on blood thinners now? How long were you out of commission? 

I ended up in the ER the evening of Oct 5, 2020 with severe shortness of breath, after blacking out. My imaging showed both lungs full of clots with severe right heart strain/pulmonary hypertension. I was taken to emergency surgery for 5 hours to remove as many clots as possible. After a short stay in the ICU and a couple of nights in the CCU I was discharged home. I am currently on blood thinners and will likely remain on them for the rest of my life. I was off work for 3 months and returned Jan 4, 2021. 

When were you able to get back into your activity?  How did it feel that first time?   

My cardiologist and pulmonologist cleared me to start riding my bike at low intensity/short duration on Dec 7, 2020 - 2 months after my clots/surgery. I started off on my indoor spin bike (Peloton) doing 5 min rides. I felt so weak, which was frustrating, but I was thankful to be on the bike and was determined to improve and get stronger! 

What is your favorite piece of gear for your favorite activity?

I love my Peloton and Trek hybrid bike. My favorite kayak is my Perception Tribe! 

How much are you getting out doing your sport? 

I have not been kayaking since my clotting event - yet. But plan to asap! I am biking 4-5 days/week both indoor and outdoor! 

What is your favorite food?  

I love Thai food and sushi! :) But Mexican food is a favorite as well! 

If you could go some place to visit and explore, where would like to go?

I'd love to go to Switzerland! 

What would like to say to someone who is going through a clotting episode, perhaps very similar to yours?  How can people return todo what they enjoy? Tells about your concerns and what you look out after as you returned to action.

Be patient with yourself. Your body has experienced trauma and it will take time to heal. Find what you can do comfortably and start there, and build slowly as you start to feel stronger. I wear a heart rate monitor and have my target heart rates calculated so I know what my safe zones are (and the zones to avoid/when to back off or slow down) and I discussed those numbers with my medical team. I always wear my heart rate monitor for all activity. Stay hydrated, drink lots of water and stay active as much as you can - even if you can only walk a few steps starting out. And always discuss with your medical team - your plans, how things are going, what you're seeing/experiencing, how you're feeling, and any concerns. Blood Clot survivors are warriors!! 

So glad that when you were treated adn diagnosed properly right from the start. So many times we have seen that it has taken several attempts at a diagnosis before the appropriate determination is made. It gives me hope that we are improving in our diagnosis of clotting events so that treatments can be started when needed.

Very cool that you are back on your bike CRUSHING IT and soon enough ready to get back in the water with your Kayak. No doubt that it will feel incredible when you get back in the boat and cruise along. Can't wait to hear about where you will be able to go exploring because YOU CAN!

Thank you for reading,

The Clot Buster

May AthleteS of the Month

BLOOD CLOT SURVIVORS CAN DO ANYTHING!

BLOOD CLOT SURVIVORS ARE AN INSPPIRATION!

You have heard me say this time and time again.

I believe this to be absolutely true.

I am always so proud to be able to wear the CLOT BUSTER #TeamSTOPTHECLOT polka-dots because I am inspired by what Blood Clot Survivors can do.

Speaking of Blood Clot Survivors doing...

During our March event we had 3 Blood Clot Survivors be part of the top 10 individuals who tracked their mileage every day of the month. There were more than 150 people doing tracking for the month.

How incredible is that? 

You know that I was tracking my mileage too and silently I was doing my very best to compete against these beasts.  But I only managed to be the 7th best...

One of these Blood Clot Survivors placed 3rd Overall while the other two were 8th and 9th respectively... AMAZING!!!

That is truly an incredible accomplishment because they threw down some serious miles during the month of March.

I am doing my best to get an interview with each of these survivors as I believe their story and determination would be very fitting for this blog.  

They are an inspiration because of their ability to overcome.

All Blood Clot Survivors can overcome at their own pace and ability. Every story keeps me going.

Speaking of keeping me going... my Clot Buster #TeamStopTheClot polka-dots are training hard these days trying to get ready for a little racing this summer

Are you racing this summer?

What events are you considering? 

I am going to be doing 2 - 70.3 Half Iron-Distance Triathlons as my primary races for the year.  

At the moment it looks like these races are a go so I am starting to prepare. Stay tuned for more information down the road.

I really hope that you get a chance to get you Clot Buster #TeamStopTheClot polka-dots in some races this year.  I fully expect to see some pictures of polka-dots in action!

That is all for now.

Stay safe and be well!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

April Athlete of the Month

 March was great fun participating in the @TeamStopTheClot 100,000 reason ride during #BloodClotAwarenessMonth event.

It was a blast getting to participate in this event.  BLOOD CLOT SURVIVORS REALLY CAN DO ANYTHING... I had the chance to compete against individuals who were really throwing some miles on their machines. It was impressive to see the totals get reported everyday.  I was inspired to workout everyday to see what I could against others.  

Not only did we get to have some friendly competition but also got to make incredible connections.

According to the numbers from the event we got to reach out to about 225,000 people over the course of the month. HOW AMAZING is that...?!?!

Getting the message of awareness out to so many people is truly remarkable.  This is going to make an impact in potentially saving some lives but also helping people recover from their own blood clotting incident.  Getting to support others in their journey to recovery is critical and a component of our mission that is very important to emphasize as much as possible.  

YOU ARE NOT ALONE in overcoming your blood clotting incident!

It was very cool to see so many people from around the world participating in this event.  

One of the coolest features of this event was to get to compete against a former Olympic Athlete.  

That does not happen to me very often but I sure enjoyed the distinct pleasure to get some CLOT BUSTER @TeamStopTheClot polka-dots to a former Olympic Champion in KATIE.

How cool is that? 

Unfortunately blood clots can happen to ANYONE even to decorated athletes.  But it is not the end... in fact in can be the beginning of a journey that can make a difference in so many levels.

From the STOPTHECLOT.org website here is a brief write-up of Katie's experience and her journey to overcome.

"Katie is a three-time Olympic medalist and Former World Champion Swimmer who has held several American and world records throughout her career. She was forced to retire from the sport in 2015 due to the development of blood clots in her lung, known as pulmonary embolisms, or PEs.

Katie is best known for her individual medley (IM). She held the American record for the 200-meter IM and the world record for the 400-meter IM.

In July 2014, Katie experienced a sharp pain in her chest and sides, which forced her to withdraw from the National Championship. She initially had been diagnosed with a muscle strain and asthma when a CAT scan revealed two blood clots in her lung. Due to the buildup of scar tissue in her lung caused by the blood clots, Katie officially announced her retirement from swimming in 2015.

Now, Katie is focusing on her health and is encouraging others to do the same. Katie knows just how serious PE blood clots can be, driving her to share her story and raise awareness about the signs, symptoms, and treatment options available."

Katie got to ride with us during the month of march event and even made the Clot Buster @TeamStopTheClot polka-dots a feature in a post or two.  Totally feeling big time now!

We continue on with our efforts to spread awareness and educate about blood clots and blood clotting disorders. Learn and be aware!

Thank you for reading,

The Clot Buster

March Athlete of the Month

WELCOME TO MARCH

BLOOD CLOT AWARENESS MONTH

It is not too late to sign up and participate with us in our "100,000 Reasons to Ride" event to help STOPTHECLOT.org continue its valuable missing of creating awareness about blood clots and blood clotting disorders while celebrating all blood clot survivors.

My Team #STOPTHECLOT Clot Buster polka-dots are ready... are yours...?!?! SIGN UP NOW by following the link below...

https://raceroster.com/events/2021/38192/team-stop-the-clot-presents-the-100000-reasons-ride

The month March is always full of inspiration for me because there is a great deal of focus on spreading awareness and making connections with people who may benefit from learning a bit more about blood clots and blood clotting disorders.

In my opinion one of the best ways to make a connection is by sharing your personal experience.  In our case sharing your experience of overcoming blood clots can be a very powerful tool that others can use to craft their very own story of overcoming and surviving their own blood clotting incident.  

For the March edition of Athelete of the Month we have a high octane blood clot survivor who likes to go fast on two wheels... very fast and with his kind of sport the risk of danger is enhanced when the going fast is done on dirt roads... KARL has been willing to share his story of survival with us and I can't for you to read below... Enjoy!

What is you sport/activity of choice? Why do you enjoy it? 

Motorcycle competitions. I do modern and vintage trials along with vintage motocross, after racing bicycles for thirty years.

How did you get started in that sport? 

I raced motocross in my teens. I was just a kid that loved motorcycles.

What is the latest milestone you achieved or plan to achieve?

I was able to do motocross races this past fall after have my rotator cuff rebuilt and my bicep reattached. Longest time for a recovery I've ever had. Breaking my femur in three places was easy compared to this.

I'm planning on a full schedule of competition this summer and doing long bike rides for fitness and enjoyment.

Tells about your clotting episode.  Are you on blood thinners now? How long were you out of commission? 

I have Factor V Leiden, plus a phantom protein that can cause clots. My second clot happened on a bike ride Christmas morning. I noticed my leg was very swollen. No pain but knew what it was.

I'm on Eliquis now and probably will be for life because of the phantom protein.

When were you able to get back into your activity?  How did it feel that first time?  

I'd been through it before. I was back in a couple weeks riding. Leg was quite sore. 

What is your favorite piece of gear for your favorite activity?

Merino wool socks from Darn Tough.

How much are you getting out doing your sport? 

I pretty much do some physical activity everyday. Yoga, bike riding, trials practice, XC skiing.

What is your favorite food?  Either generally or after a workout.  

Tough call. Pizza and tuna tacos. Waffles or French Toast with poached eggs for breakfast.

If you could go some place to visit and explore, where would like to go? 

I want to see the Southwest of the USA and Australia.

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? 

Just get to it. The sooner you do the better you'll feel. Sure there's day I have a nagging worry it could happen again. But I'm not going to let it hold me back from doing what I love.

When I returned to racing motocross my Dr. said "You do understand what could happen?" and I said "I understand." He then smiled because he knew I was racing again.

THANK YOU SO MUCH Karl for sharing your thoughts with us all.  Yes Sir... Keep on racing and doing what you love for as long as you can.  NEVER STOP GOING!  

Thank you for reading,

The Clot Buster