Happy Halloween!

The Clot Buster will be dressing up to pass out the candy tonight. I hope that I don’t scare anyone with my outfit. The only polka dots the kids will be able to see will be on my wrists. The Clot Buster is trying out his new custom… we will see how it turns out.

What is your favorite candy for Halloween? I am a late comer to this tradition so I never really had the chance to go trick or treating (back home in Venezuela there is no Halloween… We have “Carneval” in February as the time to dress up associated to the Mardi Grass festivities) while living in the US. I hope that down the road when my kids come to age I get the chance to dress up and go out with them. That will be fun. So, back to the candy, I love Kit Kat’s, 3 Musketeers, and the new Butterfinger Crisp. Mrs. Clot Buster does not know but I have my own little private stash at work for me to celebrate my own little Halloween every year… I am lucky that the “fun size” candy is only really available this time of the year. Otherwise I would be in big trouble…!

Did you know that you can get tired from raking leaves? My wife and I have been hard at work attempting to keep up with our maple trees and their daily leaf dropping that covers our house regularly. Slowly we are learning the best techniques to get around the process as fast as possible. We have so much to learn…

Finally, indoor soccer season is about to start for me. Couple of games on Sundays will become the core part of my workout for the months to follow. I will attempt to do some swimming and trainer riding here and there whenever possible. It is time to let the body recover a little from the efforts this summer. I am already starting to think about next year’s race schedule. How many miles should I race to grab peoples attention and raise fund for NATT? The polka dots will be back in the racing circuit next summer ready to roll again.

If you would like some wristbands please drop me a line and let me know how many you would like. Every dollar we can make will help NATT in its mission to spread the work about blood clots and blood clotting disorders.

Have a safe Halloween.

Thanks for reading.

The Clot Buster 

Come and get them...!

After recovering from our adventures attempting to reach Boston and participating at the Boston seminar we are back home keeping at it.

It was a long day Friday as we attempted to reach Boston. Due to some harsh weather in the East coast all flights heading out that way were either delayed significantly or cancelled all together. At first we did not think we would make it to Boston at all for the weekend but after about 3 hours of running around through the different ticket counters and one “very special” ticket agent we were able to find our way to Boston after doing a stop in Chicago. We arrived in Boston close to 1AM and thought we were in the clear… just grab a taxi and zip over to the our hotel. Well, I wish it would have been that easy. Remember I told you that a lot of plane were delayed, well, the airport was packed full of people looking for cabs that late in the day. The lines at the taxi stations were incredibly long, I could not believe my eyes. Luckily as we waited in line Mrs. Clot Buster overheard a couple boarding a cab saying that they were heading to the same hotel we were staying at and she jumped to the chase to ask if they would not mind sharing the cab with us. Thankfully they did and we saved at least another hour on this journey of ours. So, after four short hours of sleep we were back in our feet ready to join the NATT troops at the conference room for the education seminar.

We had a GREAT turn out for this seminar and as far as I can tell from my un-official exit interviews the seminar was well worth it for everyone I got the chance to talk to. Outside of the tremendous medical professional we had as speakers my favorite part of the seminar is the patient experience sharing exercise. It does not matter who you are or what you do anyone of us can be affected by blood clots. Being aware of the symptoms can save your life. At the same time being aware of the medications available is also a very important topic that can help you along the process of surviving a clot. Knowing that there is other people out there going through the same troubles as you are is a very powerful tool that can help you along the way. I am always amazed of the connections people can make during these seminars.

We had some great interest on the NATT wristbands. I was very pleased to see people interested. We have decided that the price per wristband is $3.00. All the green backs we can obtain will go directly to NATT and the fulfillment of their mission.

If you like to get a wristband to show your support in creating awareness about blood clots and blood clotting disorders through the display of the NATT colors please get in touch with me at polka40@hotmail.com or irvarga@aep.com to place an order.

I wish that I could post some of the pictures I was able to take during the seminar but somehow at the time we were putting things away my camera “got some legs” and decided to “walk away.” I am very much disappointed about the incident but at this point there is not much we can do.

Let me know about the wristbands if you would like to have some.

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster 

Boston Seminar – Saturday, October 19, 2006

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster 

Let’s continue re-capping the season…

Spreading the word about blood clots and blood clotting disorders by letting people know about NATT was the main goal of the Clot Buster project this summer. I think I did everything that I could from racing in my jersey to manufacture and distribute well over 3000 flyers to reach out and maintain this blog updated. I hope that through all of these efforts somehow, someway people had the opportunity to get introduced to NATT and their mission.

Without the question the best thing that came out from this summer was the luck I had to meet all the wonderful people I had the chance to meet along the way. The stories I’ve heard are impressive and very motivating. They definitely keep me going on this path to continue raising “green backs” for NATT. The triathlon racing is just a vehicle for me to provide to NATT who is already providing for so many people out there. I have learned that having information available about blood clots and blood clotting disorders is paramount for people who first come face to face with clots.

I could go on and talk about my racing and my results but I think I will leave that for some other time… on this post I want to THANK all those who have contributed in this effort. Either by giving money, wearing the jersey, checking this blog it does not matter to me, THANK YOU!!!

Next year I plan to do it all over again. At this point I am not sure about my schedule and how many racing miles I will be throwing down. One thing is for sure, The Clot Buster is not going away. If anything, I am just getting started…!

Boston seminar is coming up. The Clot Buster wristbands will be available there for the first time… I know from my sources that they have been shipped so they are on their way… I can’t wait to receive them. If you can’t make the Boston seminar get in touch with me and we can arrange to get you the bands without any trouble.

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster 

Let’s start re-capping the season…

Unfortunately all good things have to come to an end at some point. In a way I was ready to stop racing but on the other hand I wish that I had one more triathlon that I could do just to finish things off… Although, I don’t have any more triathlons planned I did get the chance to race in a 10K Trail Run on Saturday at High Banks Metro Park. It was exactly what I needed to calm down my competitive edge. One more 10K on Thanksgiving Day and I should be good to go for the year…

Mrs. Clot Buster and Myself had the chance to race and we had a blast. We run a lot at this park but this is the first time we ever raced here. The nice cool morning set the stage for a nice brisk run that kept things interesting with all the ups and downs we had to face on the course. Luckily the Mrs. and I had great legs on Saturday and we both hammered away on the course to finish on top of our age groups. I could not complain with my time of 43:07. The legs responded really well to the effort considering that I have not been running much these days.

But, back to re-capping the year…

I wanted to start by showing a selection of the best Clot Buster photos of the year. The Clot Buster colors were flying high this summer so I need to dedicate this post to show the best ones in my humble opinion…

Vineyard Triathlon - The Clot Buster's first triathlon outing

Columbus Internatioinal Triathlon - One of the best 10K's of the season.

Steelhead Triathlon 70.3 - By far the best swim exit picture taken of me...

Great Lake Escape - Terrific 10K on legs that already ran a 5K and rode 40K's...

This is the first batch of my favorite pictures of the year. Let me know which one you like the most. All I know is that I make those polka dots look sensational.

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

 

What are they wearing? Part II

On one of my previous posts I talked to you about Brendan and his father Tom being clot buster color wearers. You had the chance to see Mr. Rogers displaying the colors and this time around you get to see his son making the polka-dots look pretty sweet.

Brendan, practicing his cyclo-cross skills ahead of his first cyclo-cross race this weekend.

I am still debating about the pink framed shades... but I am not a style judge so to each its own... I understand that Brendan wears the pink shades to impress the ladies. He is breaking the ladies hearts all over the UCONN... that is what the Clot Buster is hearing from his sources on campus. But outside of the shades, impressing the ladies, and racing his bicylce, Brendan is doing a great good by spreading the word about NATT through wearing his jersey and letting people know to be aware of blood clots and blood clotting disorders.

If you too would like to be a banner for creating awareness against blood clots and blood clotting disorders we still have plenty of jerseys availabe along with the new wristbands that will be available very soon. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you are interested in being part of the Clot Buster Team.

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

 

ARE YOU READY FOR THIS ?!?!?!

It is time we take the Clot Buster movement one step further in order to create awareness about blood clots and blood clotting disorders.

What better way to do that than wearing the Clot Buster colors everywhere you go? I know that you are thinking “Oh no, we have to wear that goofy jersey or hat to get noticed…? Please don’t make me do that…”

NO WORRIES! Here is a better way to show your support in the quest to educate people about blood clots and blood clotting disorders…

One side

Other side...

What do you think?

The first batch of these wristbands will be available at NATT’s Boston Education Seminar. You can get more information on NATT’s website www.nattinfo.org

If you are interested in purchasing some of this good looking wristbands please let me know at polka40@hotmail.com. We have not yet determined the price but as soon as I know let you know. All the green backs from this sale will go directly to help NATT continue doing great good.

Keep an eye for the fall newsletter as well. Should be coming soon!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

 

What are they wearing? Part II

On the last post we got to see Cheryl displaying the Clot Buster colors. So, from the West Coast we go to the East Coast and we get to see Tom and Brendan Rogers.

If you receive NATT’s newsletters you will be able to read about Brendan and his story. Although, he is not sporting the colors of NATT in this picture I understand that he has been spotted wearing our colors we just don’t have any pictures to prove it. Maybe someday we will get the chance to see how good Brendan looks in the jersey.

In the mean time, I believe his father is doing a fine job making the jersey look awesome!

Tom, Brendan, THANK YOU FOR WEARING THE CLOT BUSTER COLORS!!!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster 

What are they wearing…?

Without a question the coolest looking jersey available in the market. This is because this people have decided to support an organization that is doing a lot of great things in order to create awareness about blood clots and blood clotting disorders.

Of course you know that the Clot Buster wears this tremendous outfit and makes that jersey look sensational. However, there are plenty of other people out there who are supporting NATT and displaying the Clot Buster colors remarkably. In the coming days I hope to introduce to you some of the folks who donated to NATT by purchasing the Clot Buster jersey.

Do you want to take part in this colorful team? We have plenty of jerseys available if you are interested. Please get in touch with me and let me know so that we can start the purchasing process.

So, you have seen plenty of pictures of me with the jersey running, biking, running, biking... Well, here are some other people who make the jersey look amazing!

We can start off with my friend Cheryl. I am certain that she has ridden more miles this summer than some professional cyclists out there… Because of her constant smile the jersey looks even better…
Cheryl with her husband Tom before the start of their ride across the US.

Ladies and Gentlemen... Arrival in Washington D.C.


Cheryl, THANK YOU FOR WEARING THE CLOT BUSTER COLORS!!!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

P.S.: Stay tuned for some big news coming out from the Clot Buster headquarters here in Columbus, OH.

 

Keep them coming!

THANK YOU TO ALL THOSE WHO HAVE DONATED SO FAR!!! Either through the flyers you received or by purchasing the Clot Buster jersey.

Firework display to celebrate the Clot Buster's completion of the 255.5 Miles Challenge!

I wish that I could say that for the triathlon racing miles this year. However, I am referring to the DONATIONS that go to support a great group of people, doing great good under NATT.
The fireworks were incredible. Imagine if I had raced more...

The Clot Buster did his part. He raced the 255.5 Miles (actually more like 257.7 Miles…so you get 2.2 extra miles of effort – FREE). Now, it is your turn to come through and provide a helping hand to the mission of education and awareness that NATT is trying to accomplish against blood clots and blood clotting disorders.

Let me tell you, the fall newsletter is well under and should be coming out. There will be an education seminar in Boston on October 21st. Since the Red Sox are out of contention what else do really have to do but come out and learn about blood clots and blood clotting disorders. The Clot Buster will be there, are you?!?! It should be very easy to find me amongst the crowd. Please stop by and say hello. If you need any more information about this seminar you can contact me if you like or you can go to www.nattinfo.org here we will have information posted very soon.
The grand finally is always the best.

Although the triathlon season is over for the Clot Buster, I am not stopping and letting my belly grow. I have some run races planned for the fall. At these events you will be able to see the jersey flying and leaving people in its wake. I just hope they can read my jersey before I blow pass them…

If you are interested in purchasing one of the snazzy looking jerseys to show your support we have some available. Please drop me a line and we can from there. If you look better than me wearing it you may be able to find yourself in this website representing the Clot Buster colors.

In the mean time I better get back to my off season Oreo cookies…

I can’t just eat one or two… this is where the discipline of training has to come out and keep me on track.
When I am not eating the Oreos I dive into some Hungarian Salami!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

 

Are you kidding me ?!?!

It is Thursday after completing the Great Lake Escape Triathlon in Lakeside-Marblehead, OH and I still think that the wind is going to blow me off my bike…

Saturday started as a very nice day. I was able to get to the beach and attempt some swimming so that my arms feel somewhat prepared for the swim on Sunday. It was nice a very nice day on Saturday. One that Mrs. Clot Buster and I enjoyed very much by touring around Put In Bay. It was neat to be on the island for sure. Some of the houses are incredible with their location so close to the water. The town itself is also really interesting. We had a great time just looking around and taking it all in… Don’t tell anyone but I even had some ice cream while walking around the town. I just could not resist some Eddy’s soft serve (first time I ever seen such a thing). While on the island we noticed that the wind was picking up in the afternoon but we thought it was normal for this time of the year as the sun was warming things up. We did not make much of it and went about the business of preparing for the race the night before without any concerns about what was to come the next day…

After snoring through the night all the way to 5AM it was time to get going. I woke up and got ready… but when I stepped outside to load my bike on the car I noticed something I was not expecting at all. The wind was still blowing and it was going harder than yesterday afternoon. I could not believe my sleepy eyes…

As we got going towards the race site, the wind was going strong. Once we got the transition area, which is right next to the beach I quickly came to the conclusion that there was not going to be a swim today. The wind was hauling. So much that the Coast Guard issued a “Small-Craft Advisory” as the 25+ knot winds were just hammering away at us. The water was pretty violent from what we could see. Far more white caps that I would have imagined. So, without the ability of having support boats out in the water the organizer did the right thing and cancelled the swim. The Clot Buster was very happy about this development for sure. My lack of swimming the last two weeks showed on Saturday and it would not have been pretty out there for me. So racing a duathlon was perfectly fine with me.

So, we all put away our wetsuits and got ready for the run-bike-run that would follow. 5K’s to get the blood flowing, then 40K’s battling the wind, and top it off with 10K’s just so that you can warm up from the bike ride. The wind from the NE was relentless. It would not give up at all. There were some sections on the bike where we headed right in the direction of the wind. Needless to say my average speed suffered some but I was able to mange 20.4MPH for the 40K course. Not bad at all, in my opinion.

Running in the sand is always interesting. How in the world do you manage to maintain the speed? The Clot Buster tried to hammer as much as he could to turn up a 22:43 5k and finish things up with a 49:13 10K.

All together The Clot Buster completed his last race in 2:27.16 (amazingly enough the organizers time matched exactly my watch…hard to believe) good enough for 5th place in the 25-29 age group. All things considered not a bad showing!

Throwing some numbers together here quickly, the Clot Buster finishes his racing summer totaling 257.6 Miles. Because he goes the extra mile he was able to muster 2.1 extra miles of effort for everyone’s delight.

Can you go the extra miles to help NATT? Please just consider matching a nickel, a dime, or a quarter to the 255.5 Miles I raced this summer… the additional 2.1 miles are just a bonus from me to you!

I need to go treat my wind-burn injuries…

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster 

GREAT LAKE ESCAPE – Marblehead, OH

Am I ready? I have no idea…after the whirlwind of the last two weeks I am not sure if my machine will perform up to par in this race I am about to do on Sunday.

However, I can tell you what I am REALLY ready for:
I am ready to have a good time on Sunday as I get to jump off the Jet Express Ferry and swim towards the shore. That is a really unique experience. The perspective from the water changes a lot when you start from a random point in the water.
I am ready to THANK THE VOLUNTEERS helping out during the race. Without them we would be in serious trouble.
I am ready to display the Clot Buster’s polka dot all over the course. People are going to notice NATT either when they pass me or when I pass them…
I am ready to enjoy that unique sensation I feel when I get to transition from one sport to the other. I can’t describe the feeling but its one I enjoy a great deal.
I am ready to hear Mrs. Clot Buster tell me “How stunning I look in the Clot Buster outfit” and to let me know that I don’t have too much left to the finish, specially when coming out the sand section of the run course right around mile 5…

So, I think that I am prepared to get up on Sunday morning, before the sun is even up, and give this triathlon a run for its money and hopefully get some people to donate some “green backs” to NATT as I complete my 255.5 Miles of racing.

Now, I would like to go back to dream land and continue to drool over the picture you can see below…

Is that a “Dream Machine” or what? Wow! That is a good looking frame. For the past 4 years I’ve ridden a Kestrel and I can say that I found the bike that suits me perfectly. I enjoy everything about them. I am on my second Kestrel Talon frame and the ride on that beauty is superior. I know that for some people this particular manufacturer does not work but for the Clot Buster it fits just fine. Probably I should give other manufacturers a chance... If I could I would give one other manufacturer a try but then again why try something else when you found what you are looking for.

Please don’t mind me while I continue to drool…

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster 

What’s your poison?

Random race photo I for your viewing pleasure... Can you guess the race?

Here we are the “middle” of this work week. What is your poison to get you through the rest of the week and into the weekend for house projects, long training sessions, or races? The Clot Buster heavily relies on the goodness of Chipotle for his “middle” of the week inspiration.

With the Great Lake Escape triathlon looming in the horizon, the unpacking at home moving along smoothly, the work progressing/piling up steadily, and the training finally falling back in place a sensational Barbacoa/Fajita bol was calling my name this Chipotle Wednesday. Every Wednesday, I make my way to the tasty heaven of the Mexican Grill for the mid-week inspiration that I need.

I can only imagine how effective my work will be this afternoon. I think I see a short brick in my future for this evening. This should be a great exercise for the legs just so that I can get them dialed in for Sunday. I can only hope that the swim does not let me down. Pool closed for the last 2 weeks for maintenance plus the move put an anchor on this part of the training for me. We will see if I can lift that anchor on Sunday. I have Saturday to attempt a swim workout in the lake we will see how that goes.Random race photo II for your viewing pleasure... Can you guess the race?

One more race to go in the Clot Buster’s quest for 255.5 Miles. Have you considered donating either a dime, nickel, or even a quarter per every mile that I race? I hope that you think about it because NATT can put that money to good use.
THANK YOU once more if you have donated already. Your help is greatly appreciated!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

 

Gone

There was nothing left of the tree that fell on me the last time I did my bike commute to work. All they left of it was a stump as you can see in the picture below.

Nothing left but a big pile of mulch...
In case you were concerned everything went well on the ride yesterday. That was my first and only workout for this week. It is a good feeling to have a break but let me tell you that moving has left me pretty tired.

We have been working very hard on our move and finally last night after a 4 hour moving block with two other people (Tom and Kevin Tschantz – father and son dream team that pushed me to the limits) and 3 cars (my Subaru, a pick up truck, and “the van”) the Mrs. and I spent the night at our new house.
This morning I almost killed myself twice tripping over boxes and what not but it does not matter compared to the feeling of finally having your “own” place. For a foreign kid like me that is a BIG DEAL.

So, as the unpacking and arranging continues I hope to be able to squeeze in some workouts so that I can get back on track for the last triathlon in the series. The 255.5 Miles are almost coming to an end but not without one more showing of the Clot Buster on the shores of Lake Eire in Marblehead, OH.

The Clot Buster looking over his vast backyard..."I don't know the first thing about lawn care...is the grass too long already?"

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster