Better later than never... I guess‏

Well, keeping up with my posts has become a challenge... somehow I will find the time to get around this issue and get back on track. THANK YOU for coming back and checking in!

So, two Sundays ago I got the chance to race again on one of my favorite races around here. The Nationwide Better Health Columbus International Triathlon (formerly just the Columbus International Triathlon) is by far one of the most spectator friendly courses around here. I enjoy having people cheering for you all over the place as the transition and finish lines are organized such people can see a lot of the action without walking very far. If you want for your fans to see you more than at any other race this is the one you need to try! I know that Mrs. Clot Buster and Clot Buster Junior enjoyed seeing the polka-dots a lot. Of course it was SENSATIONAL for me to see them as well.

So, all together I saw them and they saw me....

1) Coming out of the water and running to transition (Wow, this one was a slow swim... Swimming only one time per week has slowed me down... 6 minutes from last year's time. Well, I guess that is the price I have to pay to get the chance to kiss Clot Buster Junior's cheeks that much more...)

2) Because of where they were they could see me all through T1.

3) 5 times as I rode by to complete my required laps ( I think that they started to notice as I was slowing down after each lap... )

4) Entering T2 (glad to be off the bike as the legs were starting to feel like they could do no more...)

5) Exiting T2 (this was my first brick workout of the season... just a little shock to the system...)

6) Going down to the lake and beginning the shuffle (I had really no expectations of being able to run the whole way but much to my surprise I was able to get into my slow pace and get to it).

7) One time around the lake and coming back for the final mile (I can't say that I remember much from Mile1 to Mile 5... just a lot hard breathing, sweat, the green of the trees, and the trail infront of me).

8) Final stretch as I attempted to lift my pace and look as if I was actually running.... I don't think I fooled anyone...

It was a pleasure to get the chance to race again. I don't get to do many this season but the three I am doing I am enjoying greatly as the polka-dots representing NATT and our mission to educate and create awareness against blood clots and blood clotting disorders flew high throughout the race getting people to notice.

So, in about two weeks we will be making our way north for the SECOND ANNUAL - GREATER CLEVELAND TRIATHLON NATT RAFFLE FUNDRAISER. If you have the chance come on out and race on of the finest events you can race in this region. Mickey Ryzmek puts up a great show so DON'T MISS IT!!!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Racing this weekend...?

Well, I was planning on doing one of my favorite races here very close to home at Antrim Park... and I almost missed completely.

Here I was thinking that it was going to be the last weekend on July so I left registering for the race for a "later date" because I thought that I had time... well on Monday, I checkout the website of FatRabbitRacing and I realize that the race is this weekend...!!! ARE YOU KIDDING ME!?!?!

So, here I am signed up for the Olympic Distance race and I have no idea how in the world I am going to do. All I know that I am VERY LUCKY to have the chance to go out there and do it and have my new support crew of 2 looking out for me... although I am racing less this year I have to say that it is simple awesome to have the two people you love the most cheernig you!

It will be fun on Sunday, I'll be sure to let you know how it goes... I will be bringing up the rear of the race, I am sure of it, but I will finish!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

It is been a while...

What a challenge to find some time to update the blog or to check my email... Clot Buster Junior is definitely a handful but one that we don't mind at all. He is doing something new every day and it is simply amazing to see it all taking place right in front of our eyes.What is it about grand-parents and their connection to their grand-child? I cannot believe the incredible love displayed by my parents while the visited us for the last 10 days. You had to see it to believe how radiant their faces were every time they got to hold little Clot Buster Junior. I did not realize this until the very end of their visit but between my dad, Clot Buster Junior, and I we had 3 generations of Varga's under the same roof. That was/is incredible.IT IS TOUR TIME my friends! Last week I found a new appreciation for what the Tour riders go through. You see last week since my parents were in town I decided to take half-day vacations every day. This allowed me to car pool in with Tom but then ride home and get my workout out of the way so that I could hang out with my parents that much more. So, every day last week I got to work in the AM and by 11:30AM I was riding my 20 to 25 Miles home. I was not just cruising home I was riding hard just so that I could make good time and really take advantage of the effort. The first day it did not feel bad but every day there after I was hurting that much more as I made way home. So, if you really break it down in a given day I did a quarter of what Tour riders do on a given stage and I only did it for 5 days, the tour riders go out there and do it for 3 weeks! So, although my 94 Miles for the past week were impressive to me I am in awe as to what those professional bike riders go through during the Tour.

PLEASE DON'T FORGET that coming up on August 9th and 10th we will have the 2nd ANNUAL STOP THE CLOT RAFFLE at the Greater Cleveland Triathlon. We are having a number of great prizes to give out so if you happen to be in the area for the race please stop by the polka-dot tent and get your tickets! The more you buy the better are your chances to score some great gear!!!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

July Athlete of the Month

Dear Readers,

It is with great pleasure and honor that I introduce to you LESLIE SMITH. One of the most inspiring stories you can ever come across... Please read below:

I have found my purpose in life, but not without great tragedy, to figure it out. Despite my misfortunes, I am a better person now and I would not change one thing about myself or the many challenges I have faced over the past few years. I honestly believe everything happens for a reason and my newly discovered mission is to inspire and motivate people. This is really where my story begins.

In 2001, I volunteered to deploy to Bosnia for a peacekeeping mission with the 29th Infantry Division. I served as a Public Affairs Officer in the Joint Visitors Bureau where I planned and executed itineraries for distinguished visitors including high-ranking military, government leaders and celebrities. It was the best job I held during my 12 years of military service and I wanted to extend for another tour. However, two weeks before the end of the eight month deployment, I developed a DVT in my left leg. I wanted to stay and return with the Division, but I was considered a health risk and returned stateside to Walter Reed Army Medical Center. While at Walter Reed, I was diagnosed with the blood disorder Factor 5 Leiden. I was placed on coumadin and experienced coumadin-induced skin necrosis six months later. The doctors noted how rare, unusual and unpredictable this was and that it affects a very small percentage of patients. I was immediately taken off of coumadin and placed heparin. Within a week, I suffered a severe allergic reaction that started with spontaneous hemorrhaging in my legs. The pain was so intense, I could not bear to stand, walk or sit. It felt like razor blades were running up and down on the insides of my legs. I was rushed to Walter Reed, admitted and diagnosed with heparin induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). My symptoms continued to worsen and my condition progressed to disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). I had such life threatening symptoms that the Army retired me immediately and I was placed on imminent death status with less than 24 hours to survive. The doctors were so certain I was going to die that the social worker asked my parents if they preferred to have me buried at Arlington National Cemetery or to take my body home. Even in this dire time, the doctors continued every effort to save me. They attempted one last hope with the medicine rifludin, and by a miracle, my condition started to reverse. Fortunately, I had survived, but not without losing my left leg below the knee on Saturday, 28 September 2002. I also had extensive tissue damage on my legs and buttocks which was removed through many debridement surgeries. I also had two pulmonary emboli.

My time at Walter Reed was seven months. It took longer for my leg wounds to heal than my amputation. I had to wear vacuum pack machines to remove any infection and speed up the recovery of wounds for grafting. The gauze packing was changed every three days during an operation because it would have been too painful to change bedside, even though I was on an incredible amount of pain medication. Overall, I underwent 20 plus surgeries including several skin grafts on my legs and rear end. I finally took my first steps in January 2003 after being in bed so long.

My life was changed, but I knew I had two choices, either give up or make the most of the situation and my life. I chose the latter and realized why it had happened to me in March 2003 when the first group of amputees from the war arrived at Walter Reed. I was still in therapy and would see the newly injured soldiers in the clinic. I would kindly approach them and introduce myself. Their responses were always that they did not need any more candy or other comfort items. At that time, I would pull up my pant leg and say “I am a soldier too” while showing them my prosthetic. In that very instant, a bond was made and the soldiers would ask me questions about being an amputee. I knew I was chosen to be a role model and inspiration, especially as a female officer. Their attitudes changed when they said, “if you (she) can do it, so can I,” as they faced the same difficult physical and mental challenges ahead.

This new mission gave me great strength and motivation to better myself and continue helping the wounded soldiers after I was released. I got actively involved with several athletic organizations including the Achilles Track Club, Disabled Sports USA, U.S. Paralympics and the Wounded Warrior Project. I have completed four marathons, one triathlon and now both snow and water ski, kayak, scuba dive and hope to skydive someday. Sports gave me a new found self confidence that I encouraged all of the injured soldiers to try sports as well to help aid in their recovery and rehab.

As I continued to flourish in sports and started work for DoD as a Public Affairs Specialist at the Joint Warfare Analysis Center in Dahlgren, VA, I unexpectedly sustained another injury. Without any symptoms or warning signs, I suffered another blood clot or minor stroke that caused permanent vision loss in my left eye. Yet again, I found the reason why when I attended a dinner at the Italian Embassy with a large group of wounded warriors. I was at a table with five other soldiers and as the conversation progressed, we discovered each of us was blind in one eye. Only one soldier wore an eye patch, for the rest of us, it was not obvious. As we went around the table stating this fact, I knew right then I had lost my vision as another way to reach out and connect with the soldiers with similar injuries. We instantly shared stories of the trials and tribulations of vision loss. Some were funny, some were not, but the important thing I realized was that we all have each other to lean on, to laugh and even cry.

Through my experiences, I discovered an inner fortitude that I did not know existed before. I have depth and character that shows in my outlook on life and with my interaction with people. I have applied this new empowering attitude to even more outside work with wounded warriors. I am a certified peer counselor with the Amputee Coalition of America, a national outreach coordinator for the Achilles Track Club Marathon Freedom Team, comprised of wounded warriors from Walter Reed, Bethesda Naval Hospital, Brooke Army Hospital and Balboa Naval Hospital, a trained counselor for kids with disabilities with Disabled Sports USA and an Area Outreach Coordinator with the Wounded Warrior Project.

I also serve as a national spokesperson for the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial. I am honored to hold this position as the Memorial represents all disabled veterans from the past, present and future. It will be a place for healing, closure and new beginnings and I look forward to the day it is proudly dedicated. I work closely with actor Gary Sinise, as he serves as the official spokesperson for the Memorial. I have had the pleasure to speak with him at events on Capitol Hill, the National Press Club and in both the local and national media. I have visited injured soldiers at Walter Reed on several occasions with him as well.

My active involvement has given me the opportunity to narrate an upcoming documentary, The Road Home, about several wounded soldiers, including myself. It follows us from injury, recovery, rehabilitation and entry back into either military or civilian life.

Again, I strongly believe that everything happens for a reason and my combined experiences led to my selection to recently serve on the President’s Commission on Care for America’s Returning Wounded Warriors, co-chaired by both Senator Dole and Secretary Shalala. I was the Wounded Warrior Advocate and had the most important job. I took the phone calls from over 500 veterans and helped them with their situations, but more importantly, listened to their stories. My role was very rewarding and I will always be thankful for that once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, just as I will always be thankful for my second chance at life.

Still today, doctors have not been able to provide exact diagnoses as to why these complications occurred. More than one doctor has stated I may have a clotting condition that has not been discovered. Even though I live in the unknown and can never be sure what may happen next, I have finally found an inner peace that keeps me strong, motivated and loving my life!

Enjoy the Fireworks!

HAPPY 4th of JULY!!!

This year we are not ready to take Clot Buster Junior to see fireworks yet. Maybe next year... but as I sit here writing this I can hear them go off in the distance. This tradition of celebrating this holiday with fireworks is fantastic. I have enjoyed it a great deal ever since I came to this country and I started to participate in the celebrations.

I am in awe of Mrs. Clot Buster and how wonderfully she has been able to recover from the birth of our son. She is already running here and there and tomorrow we are running a 5K course because she wants to see where she is at in terms of her fitness. The human body is an incredible machine as it has the ability to adapt so well to soo many different circumstances. I am afraid of her new found capabilities now... I've read about the cardiovascular improvements ladies go through after giving birth... she may end up kicking my butt... I am looking forward to see her race in the Columbus Half Marathon later on in the fall.

As for the Clot Buster, well, I continue to do training when possible as I am trying to get ready for a race at the end of July and then the 2nd Annual Clot Buster Raffle at the Greater Cleveland Triathlon during the first part of August.

If you are interested on the shirt PLEASE CONTACT me and let me know your size. No better way to spread the word about blood clots and blood clotting disorders than wearing the STOP THE CLOT banner!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Cincinnati One World Triathlon

Wow, The feeling of racing once again. It was sesational to be out there for my first triathlon of the year and actually have 2 people cheering for me! Mrs. Clot Buster and Junior were out there in full force and I LOVED every minute of it. It was an incredible experience to see my wife pushing the stroller around with that incredible cargo inside. I think that I raced with a smile on my face the entire time. Although I only did a sprint distance race it was fun to get the sense of competition once more. The polka-dots were once again flying high, specially through my helmet's new look. People really liked the look of it even more so that what I thought. This was a fun venue in downtown Cincinnati. The swim was unfortunately cancelled due to high levels of bacteria in the water because of the heavy rains during the early part of the week. It did not matter to me at all because I had my family cheernig for me every step of the way!So, I hear Junior cry and I better go see what this is all about. Let's see we just fed him so we must chaging and hope that we get some solid 3 hours of sleep before his next feed. Did you know that you can get sore from holding a baby in your arms very long? No one ever mentioned anything about that... this is one of the hardest things for me to deal with... the soreness seems to be there a lot of the time... something very strange indeed.Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Triathlon racing next weekend!

Believe it or not my friends next weekend I will be racing my first triathlon of the season. I was very pleased with the chance to race on my very first marathon and because of the arrival of "Clot Buster Junior" I did not have any expectations to be racing many triathlons at all this summer.

I feel incredible lucky that Mrs. Clot Buster and I are hanging in there and somehow we are finding time to get some training done amongst our new duties as parents. I am trying to incorporate my training on the time that I am spending away from home while at work. I've been riding to work about 3 times per week. Two of them is going in and I get to come back home with my car pooling buddy and on Fridays I go and come both on my two wheels. I've been trying to squeeze in my runs whenever possible. Some in the morning and some while at work during lunch... not always the best alternative as I tend to sweat pretty strongly and having a meeting right after lunch is just not enough time for me to cool off enough to not be sweating while sitting on my meeting... it was pretty funny to be in there and have sweat pouring down my face. Finally I can't forget about the swimming and for now I am trying to do it on Wednesday's after work. I am attempting to do some more during this time (about 45% more than what I used to) because I want to be able to spend as much time as possible with our little one just like I am showing you below...

So, I am very excited about the chance to be racing next Sunday in Cincinnaty at the ONE WORLD CINCINNATI TRIATHLON right in the heart of downtown. If you are around come on out and checkout the race. I will be only be racing the sprint distance this time as I am in no way ready to do any more than that. I am just thrilled to be planning for it and very exited to have our little one get to experience his first ever triathlon... hopefully the first OF MANY!!!

If you know of anyone who I should consider for my athelete of the month please let me know. We all need that additional inspiration from someone who had a clotting episode and now they are back or on their back to live a normal life. I definitely enjoy those stories and I hope that you will too.

Lastly, HELP US STOP THE CLOT!!! If you want to spread the word checkout the great looking STOP THE CLOT technical shirts we have available for you to wear and spread the word about the awareness we need to have about blood clots and blood clotting disorders.

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

JUNE 2008 - Clot Buster Athlete of the Month

My good friend, dear friend Cheryl Edwards.

Without a question she is a person who had to with some serious clotting issues and non of them have been able to slow her down. For me she is an inspiraton because that smile that you see on the picture NEVER EVER goes away... I even heard that she smiled the whole way when she and her husband took on the challenge to ride across this great nation. I was very fortunate to get to ride with them for a portion of their route and it was a treat for me the entire 30 Miles I rode with them. It was a treat and an experience that I will never forget.

I know that these days she and her husband continue to find ways to stay active and go at it in their bike tours whenever possible all around the West Coast... you should see some of the pictures she has sent me... I am droolling all over the place at the landscape they get to experience. I appreciate Cheryl and her willingness to spread the word about blood clots and blood clotting disorders. She is definitely doing her part in our effort to STOP THE CLOT!!!

Cheryl - THANK YOU FOR your inspiration and your smile. You are a living statement that although blood clots can impact your life and change it dramatically they are not going to put you on the side lines unless you let them. It takes time but living a normal life after having blood clotting episodes is very much achievable with the right attitude and desire to continue challenging your self.
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Let me know if you know of someone who I should be featuring on my athelete of the month posts... I look forward to know of anyone who has suffered a clotting episode and are now back in business doing what they love either on a bike, kayak, pool table, tub,whatever!

Thanks for reading!

The Clot Buster

Athelete of the Month + THE CLOT BUSTER TECHNICAL SHIRT + IAN

A few days ago while riding I was thinking... I know very hard thing to do all at once so I was concentrating very hard just so that I could stay on the trail... this summer I need to do something to feature all of the INCREDIBLE atheletes' I have met during my time of fundraising for NATT. All of them are so inspiring to me and I am not giving them justice if I am not doing some sort of tribute to them for providing that additional inspiration I need to do what I am doing in order to spread the word about blood clots and blood clotting disorders.

So from here on out, every month, I hope to show case for you someone that is an inspiration to all of us as they have moved past their clotting incident and are thriving on whatever sport they love to do. I guess that over these last two years I became to unofficial spoke person for atheletes' who have suffered a clotting incident and are on their way to full recovery or are already there to show us CLOTS WERE NOT ABLE TO STOP THEM.

But I can't do this all alone. If you know of someone with some sort of atheletic background (it does not matter what) who has gone through a clotting incident PLEASE send their information my way. I would love the opportunity to contact them and just post a brief something about their background and how they are moving forward to get to where they would like to be once their recovery is complete. We can all build on people's stories to find that additional inspiration to get us going day after day.

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FINALLY!!! the CLOT BUSTER TECHNICAL SHIRTS have arrived!!!

This has been a project that I've been working on for a while now and one I thought was very important for me to finish. I want to give the opportunity to everyone to wear the Clot Buster polka-dots out there and spread the word about NATT's mission to educate about blood clots and blood clotting disorders.

These are high quality technical or performance shirts ideal to wear during work outs and or around time. I am wearing mine every chance that I can and I hope you would consider doing the same as well.

Help us STOP THE CLOT!!!

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Finally, I could not resist to put a picture up about IAN...

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

On PATERNITY LEAVE

Dear Friends and Readers!

On June 3rd @ 7:48 AM The Clot Buster family received their latest addition... our own CLOT BUSTER JUNIOR (IMRE IAN VARGA) !!! He came to this world at 37 weeks and 5 days, with a weight of 7lbs. and 0.4 oz and a length of 19.25".

I can't describe how it feels to become a dad. Mrs. Clot Buster and Junior are doing very well. I cannot stop smiling and taking it all in. WE ARE VERY LUCKY AND BLESSED for his arrival. If you see a polka-dots outfit for him to wear he is already asking for it. He did not let us sleep last night very much once he found out we did not have it yet... well, so it goes.Once we get settled in some I hope to return to regular posting with some really cool stuff to tell you about (maybe related to the baby but not really)!Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

How much more can we wait...?

37 Weeks last Thursday... Nothing to report other than we continue to wait and wonder.

6 weeks ago we were hoping that he would stay in there just a little longer so that he can develop strongly to where he needed to be...

Well, I guess that our wishes have come true... he is still in the oven and by all accounts happy to stay in there for some more time... We are VERY LUCKY to be at this point we are very thankful.

Allow me to change the subject and ask you who is the better looking bald...

Yours truly... The Clot Buster

Or Miss Cameron Diaz...? (Wow, her head is HUGE!!! I am blown away...)

I think that I am just on the principle that my head seems proportional to my body...

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

What would he be like?

That is a question that continues to run through our minds as we wait for the moment of his arrival. Yes, I know soon enough but not knowing really eats away at you with every day that goes by. We are walking on egg shells everyday making sure whatever we are doing is close to home and easy to get to the hospital just in case.

Tomorrow we round 37 weeks and continue to count. Every day that he is in there he is growing stronger and stronger but it is hard to believe that it was about 6 weeks ago when we first started this process of contractions and the fear that he could come way earlier than he should have... well, now we are pretty muh full term and Mrs. Clot Buster is hanging in there masterfully!

Did I tell you that she looks very cute with her belly and all... WE ARE VERY LUCKY!!!

Check out some photos from the marathon I just ordered. You can see the effort as I make my way through the hardest part of the course...

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

The anticipation continues to kill us...

Funny how this works... for about a week now we thought that our son was due to arrive. But after 36 weeks and 3 days Liz's contractions continue but we are not at the point where we are to deliver him. We don't what to do with outselves...

House is clean - check

Nursery is ready - check

Baby clothes need to be washed - check

Car seats installed - check

Stock up on food - check

Sit around and wait - check... not being able to plan anything beyond 4 hours is something we are getting used to. We are starting to think that our little one is toying with us... I have to say then that he is doing a fine job keeping us on the edge.

Well, what else can I say? I've been very lucky to have the chance to go riding here and there the last couple of days. Always a treat to go beyond 20 Miles given the circumstances. In fact, yesterday was the first time this year that I got my black bike out for a spin. Let me tell you that it felt STRANGE riding "La Bestia" for the first time in so long. Of course it did not take very long to get familiar with it again. My legs felt pretty flat this second day in a row that I got to ride. Let's call it a building phase as I am getting my legs ready again for the requirements of triathlon. I have plenty of time to get ready for possibly my only race of the year at the Greater Cleveland Triathlon the weekend of August 9th and 10th. We are going to be doing some special things for NATT that weekend so PLEASE if you are in the area take some time and come out and check out this fine event. This is one race you should definitely consider doing as a part of your racing schedule.

A year ago I participated in Two Olympic Distance Events the same day. I cannot believe I did such an insane thing...

I hope all of out there get to enjoy the Memorial Day Weekend. We are enjoying it as much as we can given the circumstances...

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

The anticipation is killing me...!

Amazingly we are about to reach 36 weeks in this incredible adventure. The last 5 weeks have been very interesting with an array of events that kept us on the edge of our sits. We have the bags packed and everything that we can think of ready just in case. We are incredibly excited about the possibility of his arrival and whenever that comes I and Mrs. Clot Buster will be way too happy to even be able to describe.

2008 is turning out to be a fantastic year for us. Full of fun adventures and challenges. I can't wait for what we have ahead of us.

If I stop posting for a while I am sure you can imagine why. However, I have to peak your interest about a shipment that is due to arrive at my door step either at the end of this week or the first part of this week. This is something I've been "cooking" for a while now. I wish that I could tell you more but I am afraid I will have to leave in your dark just a little bit longer...

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Still enjoying the success

It is been a couple of weeks since the marathon and I am still enjoying the feeling of success I had after completing the event. I am still on cloud nine and I don't think I will break out of it any time soon. At times I think about the possibility of running another marathon very soon but my real interest is in triathlon. I want to take what I learned from my marathon training and put it towards my triathlon training.

Of course, this will be adjusted as the arrival of our son is coming very soon. We are not sure when but he will be here before we know it. For now, I have to focus on being ready to be a parent and possibly include some workouts here and there. For sure I know that I will be racing the Greater Cleveland Triathlon in August. This year once more we are planning on having another raffle and hopefully the same degree of success as last year. So, if you are looking for a race give the Greater Cleveland Triathlon a good consideration because this one race I highly recommend.

So, although it is been a couple of weeks now I still remember a thing or two about the marathon I fought so hard to finish. The first part of the race was very similar to the course we get to run during the Thanksgiving Day Race in November. Right from the start we had to contend with several "hills" more like overpass bridges to get from downtown Cincinnati over to the Northern Kentucky side and back over to Cincinnati. One really great thing was to be running along Seventh St right in downtown. The noise from the people linning this street was incredible. I've never felt anything like that before and it was something I really enjoyed. It inspired me a great deal to see so many people out there cheering you on. Interestingly enough right about the point before we made the turn on to Seventh St. I was starting to feel some discomfort from the 7 minute mile pace I was keeping at this point. But once I heard the noise it really got me going again just ahead of the hardest part of the course going into Eden Park and a constat uphill for the better part of 2 miles maybe even more. That was really brutal on the legs but once beyond this point I could get my act together and continue to keep pace.

I was really blown away at the half way mark and the time I clocked at this point... 1:34.01... my fastest half-marathon time to date. I COULD NOT BELIEVE IT!!! This milestone helped me to stay with it but I was starting to feel the pain of my effort. I was able to keep my 7 minute per mile pace all the way to mile marker 18 where I really started to struggle. This is where the group being paced for the 7 minute mile goal passed me. I tried as hard as I could to stay with them. But the legs here did not want to have anything to do with that sort of pace. So, slowly I had to take off my foot from the gas pedal and attempt to hold until the end.

Due to a fire on mile 23 the course had to be extended for about 0.25 miles and really at this point my customary cramps started all over my legs. I think that I even felt the muscles of my face and neck strain from the effort. It was a strange feeling but I was hurting all over the place.

I remember the most the last 200 yards with the crowds in full force cheering all of us in. My legs were about to shot down as the cramps were strongest at this point. But my brain was not going to let me stop in front all of this people. There was people on both side and above you which made the noise that much more intense. So, instead of stopping I shuffled my way in to the finish with an official time of 3 Hours 29 Minutes and 52 seconds.

All together this was great experience. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!

For this fundraiser we were able to raise a GRAND TOTAL OF $1325.59 that will go a long way to help NATT continue their work to STOP THE CLOT. There is a lot we need to do to spread the word about blood clots and blood clotting disorders.

I don't know when I will be able to do one of this marathons again but now I know that I can push myself hard enough to get the time that I need to qualify for Boston. Who knows, I may have to wait a couple of more years so that I can have a little cushier qualiying time. However, the 3:10 that I need at this point it is still within my grasp... at least I really think so.

So, this is a long post. I very much appreciate your attention.

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

This is why we do what we do...

Please take a moment or two to read about the links below...

http://mattlogelin.com/

http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/health/18224714.html

http://www.mattlogelin.com/archives/2008/03/

tears were streaming down my face when I was reading the content of the links above. My heart is broken for this guy and his little girl. This is a terrible tragedy that puts a lot of things in perspective... all of the sudden the succes of the marathon seems very silly. Especially when I think about the similiaries of the Logelin's situation and ours. We are very lucky that Mrs. Clot Buster knows what she knows about blood clots and blood clotting disorders, I just wish that more people out there would know more.

How come this death could not be prevented in a hospital of all places? The more reason for me to continue spreading the word as much as possible along with NATT because this sort of thing CANNOT and SHOULD NOT happen.

Although this is a terrible tragedy it is also one of those circumstances in which I can draw inspiration and continue to do what I do to spread the word about blood clots and blood clotting disorders.

PLEASE CONTINUE TO HELP US STOP THE CLOT!!!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

P.S.: I hope to write some more about the marathon soon. As you can see the above mentioned topic is far more important than any race report can be.

3 Hours 29 Minutes and 52 Seconds...26.2 Miles (Sort of)

Wow!

I think that I am still enjoying the runner's high two days after the race. Although, I am feeling incredibly sore and going down the stairs hurts like you would not believe I am thrilled with being able to cross the finish line and put my fear of the 26.2 Miles to rest. In fact, our race on Sunday ended up being 26.45 Miles due to a three alarm fire that caused one of the roads to be closed so they had to re-route the course and the organizer had no other choice but to live with a longer course. At mile 23, where the detour took place, you really don't care anymore at least I didn't.

CONGRATULATIONS to the city of Cincinnati for coming out to the course and just make it an experience that I will never forget. People lined up along the course on almost every mile. It was great to hear the cheers and even better when they called NATT's name out. I have to tell you that the polka-dots were recognized in more than one instance. That was really exciting to me.

I don't even know where to begin to talk about the race. I need to gather my thoughts some more and I will come up with some posts to talk about this in length. My friends, this is no small potatoes for me... I just finished a MARATHON... I cannot believe it!!!

More on the race when sitting for a long periods of time will not make me cramp...

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

More Anticipation ahead of Sunday...!

Friday night and I am all over the place...

I am definitely ready to take on this race once and for all. It is been a long way since January when I started my three day per week training program. This type of training program really worked for me to keep the pounding to a minimum and allow me to continue doing my other two sports just so that I would not lose my fitness in either the swimming or the biking. Of course I would not have had the chance to get this point without the support of Mrs. Clot Buster and all of her endless wisdom in the running department. THANK YOU Mrs Clot Buster!!! You are and always will be my foundation.

Also I am most greatful for everyone's donations to this fundraiser during my FIRST EVER MARATHON. Your support will continue to help NATT in their mission to spread the word about blood clots and blood clotting disorders.

If you have not donated yet here is your chance by CLICKING HERE.

You know my primary goal is to finish the race standing up. After that everything is gravy. I will be thrilled to run under 3:30 but secretely I want to push it all the way to be under the required time that I need to qualify for Boston 3:10.59. I know that this a LONG SHOT but I am going for it in part to honor all of you out there donating to this crazy proposition.

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Anticipation

Finishing the Flying Pig Half-Marathon back in 2006... First time ever the Clot Buster jersey was used in a race!

It is only the Wednesday before the BIG DAY next Sunday and the butterflies are flying high inside my stomach every time I think about the upcoming marathon.

Am I ready?
Am I tapering properly?
Is eating Chipotle for lunch today a cause for concern?
(I actually had a salad bowl instead...)
Will my legs be able to hold the pouding?
How am I going to deal with the hills of Cincinnati?
What pace should I start with?
Will spending the night at the Hospital for 5 days impact me in any way?
What pace should I keep during the hard miles of the race?
What pace should I kepe to finish off the race?
What else should I do in order to be ready for Sunday?


I really hope that I don't forget my running shoes when I leave Columbus sometime on Saturday to head South to Cincinnati... knowing me I probably will do something like that. Imagine if I forget the Clot Buster polka-dots... well that will not happen as I already stashed the jersey in the car just in case.

I am very much looking forward to do this race on Sunday but my heart will not be entirely in the race because I have to leave my better half at home in Columbus due to an entirely differnt type of anticipation the two of us along with our families are going through... more than keeping your fingers crossed for me and the race cross them so our Little Varga stays in the oven just a while longer...

Let's see if I can catch some sleep with all of these butterflies inside of me.

THANK YOU to all of you out there who have donated to the cause. You can still do by clicking HERE.

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

HARD TO BELIEVE...

** Hard to believe that April is almost over.

** Hard to believe that I have not update my blog in so long... sorry about that but life gets in the way sometimes and time is not available very much to do the things you consider a part of your "normal" routine.

** Hard to believe that our son wants to come and join us a little sooner than expected... say about 2 months ahead of time. He is giving us a nice rollercoaster ride before he is even out!

** Hard to believe that it is so warm out there these days... did we skip spring here in OH? I saw in the news that in Minnesota they are getting up to 15 inches of snow...WOW!

** Hard to believe that the Flying Pig Marathon is just about a week away... ARE YOU KIDDING ME!?!?! To say that I am a little nervous is probably pretty accuarte. I've been training very hard to get to this point and I cannot believe it now when I look back at the training program I started 18 weeks ago.

** Hard to believe that my legs will be ready to carry me for 26.2 Miles all over the city of Cincinnati next Sunday.

** Hard to believe that I am actually going to be doing this when I always considered this distance a very difficult challenge for me to undertake.

** Not so hard to believe is all of the support and interest that I have received throughout this process. I wish that I could provide some live updates of the race next Sunday but I guess we will have to settle for a complete report once I find my way to a computer and I am able to function once more.

PLEASE CONTINUE YOUR SUPPORT TO MY FUNDRAISER BY CLICKING HERE!!!

Your donation will help NATT continue their mission to spread the word and educate about blood clots and blood clotting disorders!!!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster