Rolling with the punches

Outside of training and racing triathlons I enjoy very much playing Football (the real deal where you actually kick the ball most of the game…). Specially, when the World Cup rolls around and “football fever” hits everyone in the world, including a few people here in the United States, believe it or not!
So, in order to give my body a break from the stress of training long miles I play in a coed soccer league every Sunday. It is competitive enough to have a good time and do something other than just swimming, biking, and running (please don’t get me wrong, I still love doing all three but all things are good in moderation).
This past Sunday I got the chance to play and after all the rain we have had lately I decided to break out my new cleats as the ground was soft and I wanted to have some traction while playing. Well, that was the big mistake of the day as the new cleats were a little stiffer than first anticipated and left both of my feet generously rewarded with an array of blisters.






It is now Wednesday and I am still hurting specially from the big one on my heel. The ones on my toes are not too bad but they don’t look very good at all. I was able to pull of a nice 31 Mile ride yesterday without too much discomfort. However, tonight we will see how the running shoes will fit with the new additions to my feet. The goal today is to be out there at least 20 minutes. Hopefully the pain will not be too bad. I do have to race on Saturday and put up a good show on the Clot Buster's debut in the triathlon scene this season. I will let you know how it goes.

Thanks for reading.

The Clot Buster

Clot Buster's Pledge Letter

Hello everyone,

This is copy of the pledge letter I am distributing as part of this fundraising effort. It looks a lot better on paper I have to let you know. If you like to be amazed by my creativity let me know if you are interested and I will be more than happy to send you a packet that includes the pledge letter, the official 2006 race calendar, a donation form, and of course the handsome envelope in which you can send me your contribution to NATT.

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

“TRIATHLON MILES FOR AWARNESS ABOUT BLOOD CLOTS AND BLOOD CLOTTING DISORDERS”

From: Eager age-group triathlete (and donation seeker!) but better known as the “Clot Buster”!
June, July, August, September 2006
Columbus, OH

Watch the guy wearing the “Polka-Dot” racing outfit blow by the competition for over 255.5 miles of triathlon races throughout the summer.

Yes! During this summer the self-proclaimed “Clot Buster” triathlete plans to blaze racing courses across the Mid-Ohio region, South-west Michigan, and Morgantown, West Virginia. All of this with the aim to raise funds to support the National Alliance for Thrombosis and Thrombophilia – NATT.

How much do you know about blood clots and blood clotting disorders?
Have you ever heard about Thrombosis and/or Thrombophilia?
Would you be interested in learning more?

Well, today is your lucky day! NATT is here to help.
This non profit organization was born to educate and create awareness among the public and health care providers about the potential danger and treatment of blood clots and blood clotting disorders. NATT primarily operates through its website www.nattinfo.org but they also organize newsletters, education conferences/seminars, and on going Q/A sessions to provide an outlet in which information can be obtained.

But just like NATT is here to help they also NEED your help to continue flourishing in their quest to educate and create awareness. For that reason, this summer I will commit my triathlon season to raise greenbacks for this organization. All together between half-iron distance races and Olympic distance triathlons I will be racing a total of 255.5 Miles. Please find the attached racing schedule for more details.

Now days, what can you do with a nickel, a dime, or even a quarter? You could decide to use any one of them to match every mile that I plan to race this season which would translate into much needed funds for NATT. But since I am an engineer by profession allow me to do the math for you…
$$ Nickel per mile = $12.78
$$ Dime per mile = $25.55
$$ Quarter per mile = $63.88
$$ Double Quarter per mile = $127.75

Considering all of the options above, any alternative would surely fit your budget and consequently help a very worthy organization. But if you simply cannot make a donation this year, please use the enclosed envelope to send me a 1,000 word essay entitled “Why I can’t give to NATT knowing all the miles the ‘Clot Buster’ will be racing” along with your picture. The best essays will be posted on NATT’s website under the featured article “How to avoid tax breaks.”

Your donation will allow this organization to continue their efforts in making a positive change through education and awareness.

We look forward to your support. Follow the “Clot Buster” triathlete through his racing blog at
http://clot-buster-triathlete.blogspot.com/

Kindest Regards,


Roland Varga
The “Clot Buster”

Just Living the dream...!

What a sensational weekend we had here in Columbus.
The weather was great from Saturday to Sunday (My wife would really say that, I would say that the morning was somewhat cool but the rest of the day incredible. You know the warm blood running through my veins is speaking at this time…). It is amazing how much energized I feel when the sun is shinning out there. All I want to do is to be outside just enjoying it all.
Liz and I had great workout on Saturday that evolved in a “Monster Brick” right before the start of my season. I needed to do a bike to run intense transition to get back in the groove of triathlon. I can’t believe that my first official race of the “Clot Buster’s” season will be next Saturday. I can already tell that the good old wetsuit needs to come out to save the day as the water will be quite chilly at Buckeye Lake.
What do you think? Do I look fat in my wetsuit?

You have no idea how much I am looking forward to this first race. I can almost say that I am having butterflies in my stomach. I would like to get things started with a bang. The Clot Buster colors will be in display and I am very excited about that.
For now, I need to get my act together and get my bike outfitted for the season. First I need to find my aero-bars and then get them on. I hope that slowly I will get everything ironed out.


I will keep you posted on how the week is going. You know that I will be out there training as long as the sun is shinning…

Thanks for reading.

The Clot Buster

NATT's Columbus, OH Seminar - SOME MORE PHOTOS!

GREAT SUCCESS!!!

Not Running Yet...

It is been well over a week since the last time I attempted to do any running at all. I think that my legs are definitely appreciating the chance to get a break and recover from the effort of the last race. I've been doing a lot of swimming and some riding. Courtesy of the weather that keeps bringing rain day after day after day after day...definitely I am in need of some sunshine. Maybe if I am lucky we will get some dry weather coming up soon. There is a real chance that I make out running this afternoon. We will see how it goes. It will be a nice and easy run just trying to get the legs back in the fold after the well deserved break.

Seeing that picture I remember the pain on the final stretch of the race. Why do people have to speed up towards end? Does anyone cruise into the finish line any more? Wow, I sure make some funny looking faces while racing...


I was told that I needed to take off my "finish line" outfit for a better picture. I was just cold... can you blame me? I am from a Tropical Country. Warm blood runs in my veins.


Well, here you go... I am such a whimp compared to my Lovely Wife. She was just hanging out during that time while I was about to start running again to keep myself warm.
Wish me luck today so that I can survive my run. Who knows maybe it will be raining once again...that would be a bummer...!

Thanks for reading.

The Clot Buster

NATT's Columbus, OH Seminar a GREAT SUCCESS!!!

GREAT SUCCESS!!!
The NATT Columbus, OH Education Seminar was a tremendous event.
The Clot Buster is very glad to have had the opportunity to attend and help out. I have to admit that I learned a great deal more blood clots and blooding clotting disorders thanks to the phenomenal speakers we had throughout the day. I am sure that along with me many other people learned a lot and had many of their questions answered by the experts on hand.


The Clot Buster was in full display on Saturday getting to greet all the participants of the event at the registration table. I think that a lot of people were surprised to see me run around the conference room with my jersey and hat on. I don’t believe I scared anyone too much with my outfit. Wearing khaki pants sure helped because wearing racing shorts may have been too much since my legs are not race ready (i.e. shaved) yet.


THANK YOU TO THOSE PEOPLE WHO DONATED TO THE CLOT BUSTER’S EFFORT DURING THE SEMINAR. I hope that everyone who attended received a copy of my pledge letter and will decided to support my effort in generating funds for NATT.





The patient testimonials were very moving. I can’t even begin to imagine the challenge many people have when their life changes due to a blood cot. I was amazed to learn some of the facts this people have to go through attempting to live a normal life. It is also incredible to feel the connection in the room amongst people affected by blood clots as they share their story and they get to identify with other people like them. Allowing for spontaneous support groups to form as a result of this seminar is one of the best results the people working for NATT can expect as an outcome.

I am very proud to be able to contribute with NATT through the fundraiser I have put together for this summer. I can only hope that down the road many more people can join me in providing funds for this organization that can do so much good.

Please meet the AMAZING NATT board of directors members who came to Columbus to help with the seminar. From left to right: Dr. Moll(The GURU!), Lori Preston(the nicest Vice-President you will ever meet), Lynn Levitt(would you like to attempt to match her enthusiasm...talk about passion), Pat Koppa(You need to hear her story - WOW!!!), Liz(My Lovely Wife - Conference organizer extraordinaire), and of course me just trying to sneak in on one more picture...Polka Dots go with everything I am discovering.

It is hard to believe that the seminar for which Liz has worked so hard has already gone by. This can only mean that the triathlon season is right around the corner. My first triathlon on May 27th will be here before we know it. I just hope that it stops raining before then… 6 days of non-stop rain and we are still going strong.

Before I forget,

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!!! FELIZ DIA DE LAS MADRES!!! BOLDOG ANYAK NAPOT KIVANOK!!!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

NATT's Columbus, OH Education Seminar - TOMORROW!!! Come learn and meet the "Clot Buster" in person

NATT will be holding an Education and Discussion Seminar on
BLOOD CLOTS AND BLOOD CLOTTING DISORDERS: Key Issues in Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention.

Saturday May 13, 2006
Hilton at Easton, Columbus, Ohio.

This is FREE seminar will be of interest to:
People who have had a blood clot or at risk
People with inherited clotting abnormalities
Family members
Health care workers
Anyone wanting to know more about blood clots and wishing to advance prevention, diagnosis and treatment of thrombosis and thrombophilia.

If you are interested in receiving more information about this seminar please feel free to contact me.

Thanks for reading.

The Clot Buster

Flying Pig Half Marathon - Report

Success!
After this 13.1Miles of racing I think I earned the right to wear the coveted “Pig Nose”…
Please note how dark it is on the pictures…that is because we are at the start area by 5AM trying to get prepared for the beginning of this journey. It was incredible to see the people so excited about running a marathon or half-marathon at that time of the morning before the sun was even up. But even more impressive was to see the number of supporters on the course at that very, very early hour. I could not believe my eyes at some early portions of the race where there were some considerable crowds cheering everyone on sight… even the guy who runs flipping a pancake the length of the race. This one individual has done this for 28 marathons. I saw him with my own eyes as we ran together from mile 3 to 5. He was keeping a brisk pace flipping that pancake in rhythm with his steps. I was blown away…

My Lovely wife had a great run. She clocked a time of 1:44.41 which is far better than she thought she would do. She had a great run. She told me that she enjoyed the hills mostly because running down them was really fun.
I enjoyed the race myself. Compared to the Columbus Half I did not struggle at any particular point. On Sunday I was keeping a steady pace which was fast all the way through mile 7 and then a little slower thereafter. The legs were responding really well and carried me all the way home for a time of 1:38.35 which was good enough for 19th out of 173 runners in my age group. I am very pleased with this performance I have to admit.

Now, the tables are turning and from here on out the fun of triathlon is about to start. I am very much looking forward to my first race of the season.
By the way, what do you think about the Clot Buster’s outfit? People took notice of the guy running in the polka-dot kit. I just hope that NATT receives the exposure that it needs to continue doing great good.

Stay tuned for my pictures of the race as the become available.

Thank you for reading.

The Clot Buster

5 days until NATT's Education Seminar in Columbus, OH

NATT will be holding an Education and Discussion Seminar on
BLOOD CLOTS AND BLOOD CLOTTING DISORDERS: Key Issues in Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention.

Saturday May 13, 2006
Hilton at Easton, Columbus, Ohio.

This is FREE seminar will be of interest to:
People who have had a blood clot or at risk
People with inherited clotting abnormalities
Family members
Health care workers
Anyone wanting to know more about blood clots and wishing to advance prevention, diagnosis and treatment of thrombosis and thrombophilia.

If you are interested in receiving more information about this seminar please feel free to contact me.

Thanks for reading.

The Clot Buster

Flying Pig Half-Marathon Here we come...

Date: Sunday May 7th.
Race Start Time: 6:00AM (are you kidding me!!!)
Outfit: Clot Buster Racing Uniform (Stay tuned for photos of the Polka-Dots in action)

The legs are feeling good today. After a short swim and a lovely Chipotle date with Liz the stage is set to get some rest tomorrow and hit the bed as early as possible ahead of this EARLY start time.

This is my final "tune up" race before the Clot Buster's triathlon season starts in full swing. The first race of this series is right around the corner. I am really excited as the plan is coming together nicely. I look forward to provide NATT great exposure at all the races along with some cash for this organization.

Now days, what can you do with a nickel, a dime, or even a quarter? You could decide to use any one of them to match every mile that I plan to race this season which would translate into much needed funds for NATT. Since I am an engineer by profession allow me to do the math for you...

$$ Nickel per mile -> $12.78
$$ Dime per mile -> $25.55
$$ Nickel + Dime per mile -> $38.33
$$ Dime + Dime per mile -> $51.10
$$ Quarter per mile -> $63.88
$$ Quarter + Nickel per mile -> $76.65
$$ Quarter + Dime per mile -> $89.43
$$ Double Quarter per mile -> $127.75
$$ 0.75 cents per mile -> $191.63
$$ One Dollar per mile -> $255.50

Considering all of the alternatives above I am confident that one of the options surely will fit your budget and consequently help a very worthy organization.

Please consider joining me in this adventure to help NATT continue the great work that they are doing.

Thanks for reading.

The Clot Buster

The "Clot Buster" Jerseys are on their way home!

Check out the final design on the jersey I will be wearing this summer.
I think they look great!
If you are interested on a jersey we could make arrangements to order yours. Just let me know and we can get things started. I am not exactly sure on the price but as soon as I know I will let you know.

10 days until NATT's Columbus, OH Seminar

NATT will be holding an Education and Discussion Seminar on
BLOOD CLOTS AND BLOOD CLOTTING DISORDERS: Key Issues in Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention.

Saturday May 13, 2006
Hilton at Easton, Columbus, Ohio.

This is FREE seminar will be of interest to:
People who have had a blood clot or at risk
People with inherited clotting abnormalities
Family members
Health care workers
Anyone wanting to know more about blood clots and wishing to advance prevention, diagnosis and treatment of thrombosis and thrombophilia.

If you are interested in receiving more information about this seminar please feel free to contact me.

Thanks for reading.

The Clot Buster

13 days until NATT's Columbus, OH Education Seminar

NATT will be holding an Education and Discussion Seminar on
BLOOD CLOTS AND BLOOD CLOTTING DISORDERS: Key Issues in Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention.

Saturday May 13, 2006
Hilton at Easton, Columbus, Ohio.

This is FREE seminar will be of interest to:
People who have had a blood clot or at risk
People with inherited clotting abnormalities
Family members
Health care workers
Anyone wanting to know more about blood clots and wishing to advance prevention, diagnosis and treatment of thrombosis and thrombophilia.

If you are interested in receiving more information about this seminar please feel free to contact me.

Thanks for reading.

The Clot Buster

Success on Saturday!

What a day this past Saturday.
The 10K race at The Wilds was a pretty unique race. I’ve never done a course as hilly as the one at this location. It was brutal from start to finish. Some of the hills were truly heartbreaking. I am very surprised that I made it running through those hills. Some of them were as steep as some of the steep streets in San Francisco. I wish that I could come up with a detailed explanation on how they felt but no matter what I say it would not give it enough justice.
It was a great training exercise, I have to tell myself that. I ran as hard as I could for as long as I could. For this 10K distance I clocked a time of 50:19, which was good enough for 33rd place overall and 2nd in the 25-29 Age Group. I did end up winning a snazzy “2006 EcoThon at The Wilds” mug.
But the day was not over then. After the race I drove back to Columbus and starting at the Hoover Dam I went ahead and rode for 31.5 Miles. It was not the fasted I could do but enough to make it a “Monster Reversed Brick Day”.
It felt really strange to be riding my bike after a hard run. It was a nice change of pace but it took my legs a few minutes to adjust to the riding after the run.
All things considered it was a sensational day.
In case you are wondering about how I felt on Sunday… I have to confess that it was a very mellow day.

Thanks for reading.

The Clot Buster

Last tune up before the Flying Pig Half

Out of the blue I decided to sign up for a race sponsored by my employer for which I had the chance to have a discounted entry fee. It is described as a wilderness run through a nature preserve called the The Wilds. It should be fun!

This 10K should be an interesting experience as it should serve as a nice speed workout before I attempt to taper off before the Flying Pig Half Marathon. The day of rest today should help the cuase. I just hope to hear my alarm in the morning when it is time to wake up. I should probably start packing up and heading for bed. The morning will be here before I know it. Along with this 10K I am planning a ride of at least 30 miles to complete a "reversed brick" during this weekend. I have to take advantage since I have the time and the weather will be cooperating tomorrow. Hopefully this training will help me avoid getting passed as shown below...that lady could run.

Swimming

It is been about a week and half since I've been in the water. Now, that I am done with the head cold I feel that I can come back to the pool and not make a fool of myself attempting to swim the length of the pool. The arms sure felt tired after today’s workout. But speaking of making a fool of myself checkout the Clot Buster before a race last year…

Those goggles sure fit nicely without the band around my head. Sometimes you just have to find ways to stay occupied while waiting for the fog to lift from the lake.
Now, below you can see the man in action after things got underway. It is all about the business on hand of trying to give my wife a good lead for the run portion. Liz and I raced the Pineman Triathlon as team where I swam and biked and she finished things off with the run. With only the two of us we can beat some other teams of three people. It is always interesting to see how we stack up against other teams. I enjoy sharing the pain with Liz during the team events. Who knows maybe this year again we will be able to sneak in another team race under the "Clot Busters" team name.

Thanks for reading.

The Clot Buster

NATT - Columbus, OH Seminar Announcement

NATT will be holding an Education and Discussion Seminar on
BLOOD CLOTS AND BLOOD CLOTTING DISORDERS: Key Issues in Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention.

Saturday May 13, 2006
Hilton at Easton, Columbus, Ohio.

This is FREE seminar will be of interest to:
People who have had a blood clot or at risk
People with inherited clotting abnormalities
Family members
Health care workers
Anyone wanting to know more about blood clots and wishing to advance prevention, diagnosis and treatment of thrombosis and thrombophilia.

If you are interested in receiving more information about this seminar please feel free to contact me.

Thanks for reading.

The Clot Buster

Post Half Marathon Blues...

After Liz and I completed the Columbus Ohio Distance Classic I think that both us have fallen victim of, what I like to call, “Post Half Marathon Blues.” We had that first race in our minds for soo long that after it came and went we found ourselves completely unmotivated to hammer out the miles in preparation for our next challenge. In our heads the pain from the last half marathon still fresh. And along with that we are facing the hills of the Flying Pig Half marathon course that is not pick-nick at all.
Personally I much rather be riding my bike. Which is exactly what I did this week three times already. But we are not leaving our running behind either. Yesterday we put our fears a side and went for a +40min run with 3 hill repeats added to the mix. It was far longer than what I thought we would go when we started. I enjoyed it even as I was continuing my battle with the head cold. Finally, today I am turning the corner…or so I believe so this weekend should bring some good efforts.
In reality, I am just VERY LUCKY to have the chance to go out there and workout everyday that I do. I always need to come back to that when I feel unmotivated to get out the door with my running shoes all laced up and ready. Every opportunity has to be enjoyed to the max because in the end I am the one who makes it fun, challenging, and worth it.
Next week sometime I will be making the final preparations for the printing of the NATT jersey. It will look SWEET! Hopefully I will have them in my hands by the time the first triathlon of the season comes my way.

Thanks for reading.

The Clot Buster

Murphy's Law...

Here in Columbus, OH we are having some sensational weather that I hope everyone gets the chance to enjoy. I would love the chance to me kayaking today but istead some of us get the chance to sport a bright red nose courtesy of relentless nose blowing from a cold that I picked up over the weekend. Even after having a debilitating head cold I managed to be outside riding yesterday. Today, I was lucky enough to go for a long walk with my lovely wife that included some great conversation, plenty of sun shine, swinging on the swingset, and youth soccer watching as the foreign head coach of one of the teams barked instructions. It was really funny to hear the guy's accent across the field...Of course, who am I to talk?

I am glad to see people out there just enjoying the fresh air. It does the body good, no question about that.

Slowly I am crawling out of this cold. I look forward to how I will be feeling tomorrow. Perhaps a ride is on tap for me. We will see.

Thanks for reading.

The Clot Buster

Schedule Update...

2006 Race Schedule
~ Columbus Distance Classic (Columbus, OH) – 04/01/2006.
13.1 Mi. Run.
Time: 1:34.59 (New Personal Best!!!)
Overall: 150th
25-29 Age Group: 21st

~ Flying Pig Half Marathon (Cincinnati, OH) – 05/07/2006.
13.1 Mi. Run.

~ Vineyard Triathlon – Buckeye Lake State Park (Millersport, OH) – 05/27/2006. (NEW on my schedule).
0.5Mi. Swim; 15.7Mi. Bike; 3.1Mi. Run.

~ Med Express Mountaineer Triathlon (Morgantown, WV) – 6/25/2006. (NEW on my schedule)
1.2Mi. Swim; 56Mi. Bike; 13.2 Mi. Run.

~ Buckeye Lake Triathlon (Millersport, OH) – 07/16/2006. (NEW on my schedule)
0.9Mi. Swim; 25Mi. Bike; 6.2Mi. Run.

~ Columbus International Triathlon (Columbus, OH) – 07/23/2006. (Tentative)
0.9Mi. Swim; 25Mi. Bike; 6.2Mi. Run.

~ Steelhead Triathlon (Bent Harbor – St. Joseph, MI) – 08/05/2006. (NEW on my schedule)
1.2Mi. Swim; 56 Mi. Bike; 13.2 Mi. Run.

~ Great Lake Escape Triathlon (Marblehead, OH) – 09/10/2006.
0.9Mi. Swim; 25Mi. Bike; 6.2Mi. Run.

Oh, I was hurting!

Mile 11 brought the pain at the Columbus Distance Classic.

255.5 Miles of Racing soon to Start!

Now days, what can you do with a nickel, a dime, or even a quarter? You could decide to use any one of them to match every mile that I plan to race this season which would translate into much needed funds for NATT. Since I am an engineer by profession allow me to do the math for you...

$$ Nickel per mile -> $12.78
$$ Dime per mile -> $25.55
$$ Nickel + Dime per mile -> $38.33
$$ Dime + Dime per mile -> $51.10
$$ Quarter per mile -> $63.88
$$ Quarter + Nickel per mile -> $76.65
$$ Quarter + Dime per mile -> $89.43
$$ Double Quarter per mile -> $127.75
$$ 0.75 cents per mile -> $191.63
$$ One Dollar per mile -> $255.50

Considering all of the alternatives above I am confident that one of the options surely will fit your budget and consequentlyy help a very worthy organization.

I am very excited for the season to start in late May. Yesterday I rode my bike outside for the second time this year (I cannot ride on the trainer ANYMORE!!!) and it was glorious! I think I went a little harder than what I should have but I enjoyed every minute of it.

Please consider joining me in this adventure to help NATT continue the great work that they are doing.

Thanks for reading.

The Clot Buster

Clot Buster's Jersey Preview

Here is a sneak peak of what my competitors will see blow pass them in a blurr...

Colmbus Distance Classic - Some more photos from the race.

Additional photos of the "Clot Buster" crossing the finish line...


Well, I was relieved that I crossed the finished line no doubt about it.



I really don't know why that guy is walking towards the finish line. How did he get in front of me? My wife, with her cross country running experience always tells me to leave something extra in the fuel tank so that you can SPRINT to the finish. That guy left it all out there...sadly enough he beat me anyway.

Now, here is an example of going all out to the finish line! Liz finishing strong!


My Love, I am sorry but your effort at the end there needs to be shown!

The recovery week is going well. Slowly I am getting around to be pain free. I may even run a little this evening. I hope I can sustain the pounding.

Thanks for reading!

The Clot Buster

Columbus Distance Classic Half Marathon - Columbus, OH

Saturday April 1st, 2006.

Columbus Distance Classic Half Marathon (13.1Mi) - 1:34.59

BEST TIME EVER for a Half Marathon distance race.
The legs felt really good all the way to mile 11 when I started to struggle a little. I was keeping a sensational pace the entire time until the wall at mile 11. For some reason after mile 11 my legs started to feel extremely fatigued but my mind was telling me to keep on going. It was a battle inside of my head to maintain a decent pace all the way to the finish.

Somehow I kept it together and reached the finish line setting a new Personal Record. I improved from my previous 1:37 half marathon time set last year in february at the New Orleans Half Marathon.

It was a fun race all around the campus of the Ohio State University (which featured a loop around the mighty "Horse Shoe" Stadium) and all over downtown. The wind kept us honest everytime we faced West. My wife, Liz, also had a pretty good race improving on her performance from our last half marathon. She had a little bit of a struggle but she got it together. She amazes me everytime... she had a pretty rough start with a slow pace but after finding that little something inside of her she put it on the line and crossed that finish line.


The "Clot Buster" came out sporting the colors for the season... I had many, many, many compliments about my hat... Just wait until I get the entire kit ready for the beginning of the triathlon season.

As soon as I have more picture available I will be posting them.

Thanks for reading!

The Clot Buster.