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

Happy Birthday Number 31 + 31 Weeks for our Little One + Last Long Run of the Training Program

So much has been going on this week...

Perhaps the most amazing/interesting of all was that the exact same day I turned 31 (last Thursday) our baby boy was turning 31 weeks. What are the chance of that taking place? That was/is really wicked for sure!

Yesterday, I had the chance to run my last long run as I start to taper ahead of the marathon coming up in May. It is scary to think that it is so close and now my mileage will decrese considerably. I really need that because aftre my 26 Miles the weekend before my legs definitely felt fatigued and it took a long time to get them back. So, here we are getting closer and I can't even believe that for this year I am well over 420 Miles worth of running... that is out of control! I am very pleased with the 3 days of running per week. It has really done wonders for me and getting me where I need to be to finish this race. Now, I just need to dream about some realistic goals times and go for them.

If you have not had the chance to donate to my fundraiser and as a result help NATT to continue their mission to educate about blood clots and blood clotting disordes please click HERE!!!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

I think I am still recovering from Saturday...

Well My friends, how crazy do you think I am?

From my previous blog you know that Saturday I ran in the Capital City Half-Marathon. The race went well for the first 10 Miles as I was keeping an even pace of just over 7 minute miles, 7:07 to be exact. I was very satisfied with that, however during the last 3.1 Miles of the course I struggled big time just trying to hold and finish. All together I managed a 1:34.53 which is outstanding!



After a brief pause to catch my breath I continued to run and I ran from downtown Columbus all the way to my house on the north part of the city for a nice round 26 Miles worth of running for the day. 3 hours and 44 minutes all together it took me... I am still fatigued from that I believe. I guess that now I understand why people don't go all the way 26 Miles while training but for my own peace of mind I needed to have the experience under my belt to see how it feels. This was a HUGE MILESTONE for me and I thrilled to be stepping into my tapering phase of the training as the marathon draws closer.



I better get some more rest... I need to keep my feet up while at work to help the recovery.



PLEASE CONSIDER helping me out on my effort of raising funds for NATT through the running of this marathon! You can DONATE through this link HERE.

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Back from a little R & R

Mrs. Clot Buster and I had the chance this past weekend, long weekend that is (Thursday through Tuesday), to make our way to beautiful Cozumel for a little down time. After the winter we wanted to have unlimted amounts of sunshine, the chance to swim in crystal clear water, and to have some sand between our toes. It was very nice to be on the island and get to experience sunsets like the one above and beach front landscapes like the one below.

This place really has a little bit of everything. All you need is enough time to do it all. As we go along I will try to share some more pictures so that you can see what we were able to see.

So, we came back on Tuesday and had to attempt our best to catch up with everything. The house, work, mail, you know the usual suspects. No worries, I was able to get some runs in Cozumel but I did not follow my training program all that much while down there. You know, vacation is vacation, no rules to follow like at home.

Well, here I am Friday afternoon and I just realized that I signed up to race a Half-Marathon tomorrow. I sort of did not think too much about it while dipping my toes in the white sand... but now it is all coming back. I was going to run the Bank of America Capital City Half Marathon that takes place in downtown Columbus tomorrow at 9AM and then I am planning on running home from downtown, which is about 12 Miles or so, for a grand total of 25 Miles for my VERY LAST LONG RUN of the training program.

So, Mrs. Clot Buster will drop me off at the race start tomorrow morning and somehow I need to find my way home after the race. We have a nice trail system along side the Olentangy River than I plan to use so either running or walking I should be able to make it home.

Stay tuned for a full report of this craziness sometime over the weekend.

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

($1.00 $/Mile x 26.2 Miles) = $26.20 for NATT

26.2 Miles racing to create awareness about blood clots and blood clotting disorders!!!

Help the Clot Buster reach his fundraising goal by donating

HERE

ONE MORE DAY!!!

Dear readers,

One More Day left in our MARCH = DVT Awareness Month 2nd Annual Auction!!!

Don't miss out in this great opportunity on scoring some great gear and help the National Alliance for Thrombosis and Thrombophilia - NATT. This is a great opportunity to help us in our mission to educate about blood clots and blood clotting disorders.

I hope that all of out there had a wonderful weekend.

Long run for me today... 20Miles all together at the Heart Mini Marathon venue in Cincinnati, OH. I started with the 5K at 9AM with Mrs. Clot Buster I followed that up with about 1.5K to the car from the start line to get going with my official participation in the 15K. I was able to get through the course in 1:07.00 for a pace of 7:12 per Mile (VERY SATISIFIED I have to say). Once I got done with the 15K, I kissed Mrs. Clot Buster, sucked down an energy gel and headed out for a third time to close things out with 10K just so that I could say that I did all of the available distances on this course 5K, 10K, and 15K!

So, it is time to packed in and get some rest.

DON'T FORGET TO PLACE YOUR BID!!!

You have until midnight tomorrow. DON'T MISS OUT!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

On I go with the training...

As part of the 3 run per week training program today I have the "speed run of the week." I've had all kinds of different drills to do during the Tuesday run. Today I have to throw down 5 x 1 Mile (1600 Meter) sprints, read as fast as you can..., with 400 Meters for recovery. I am not sure what pace I will be able to sustain but I will aim high for under 7 minute miles and see how it goes... Very likely that the first two, maybe even the first three, will be fast but I will decline as I go.

Considering that we have a "Wind Storm" going on outside at the moment I think that I will go on the trademill and hammer things out there. I appreciate having the control on the speed to push or ease off when I need to.

NOT MUCH TIME LEFT to place your bid for MARCH = DVT Awareness Month!

DON'T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY TO SCORE NICE GEAR AND SUPPORT NATT'S MISSION TO EDCUCATE ABOUT BLOOD CLOTS AND BLOOD CLOTTING DISORDERS.

Mrs. Clot Buster keep in shape... She looks adorable with her pregnant belly. I LOVE IT!!! (If don't write for while is because my fingers have been broken and I am recovering...)

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Done Early...

Thankfully I had Good Friday off from work so I was able to get my long run done yesterday instead of today. As I look outside the snow is falling and I am very glad that I was able to run yesterday even after I was hurting BIG TIME.

For the first time I ran 24 Miles in less than 24 hours. On Thursday I did 7.5Miles and then yesterday I slugged through 16.5. Towards the end there I was suffering... I even shed some tears as my legs were tired. Mentally I was fine but my quads were burning and screaming for me to stop. Although it was not very comfortable I am glad I did it yesterday instead of today with the snow falling. I don't how people up north deal with this stuff as snow keeps coming time after time. I really admire their dedication. Today surprisingly enough I don't feel too bad. It relatively hurts going up stairs but outside of that I can be pretty normal. I guess that I am starting to get in running shape... most notably I can tell when I ride on the trainer. For the first few minutes on the bike the legs don't seem to agree with the new protocol. But after a while we adjust and we are back to "normal" in the sense that I can pedal but not with the same power as when training for triathlons. Very interesting to see the adaptability of the human body. These type of transitions I enjoy watching a great deal.

DON'T FORGET TO MAKE PLANS TO PLACE A BID ON THE AUCTION WE HAVE GOING ON FOR DVT AWARENESS MONTH!!! All of the goods are nice products that any athlete should have!

HAPPY EASTER!!!

The Clot Buster

Quickly...

Soggy wet run on Saturday... I was in good shape until about 12 Miles in when it started to come down. Luckily I decided to modify my run and stay close to home as I saw on the radar the chance of rain increasing right before I left the house. Probably a good decision as I only had about 4 Miles to go home instead of the 10 or 8 I would have had if I was running the original route I had in mind.

I felt great during the time I ran. I can feel the training pushing me along to new boundries that I have not explore yet. I never thought that running 15+ Miles in one sitting would be like a walk in the park but in all honestly that distance goes by very easily. Now, I struggle a lot more when we get into more mileage like 20+ but the feeling is great to have legs develop to this point and of course the STOP THE CLOT inspiration that keeps me going.

What do you thin about this glasses? They are some of the latest offering from my good friends at DPM Sports. They look nice. I have not had the chance to try them on but YOU CAN if you decide to participate in the Clot Buster's DVT Awareness Month Auction. Take a chance on getting the cool gear and at the same time help NATT continue their work educating about blood clots and blood clotting disorders.

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Heading out for 20 Miles in 5 Minutes!

Well, here we are last weekend I had it easy with 15 Miles today I have to go for 20 once more...

I hope that my legs can handle it... let me rectify that, I hope that my mind can handle it. I know my legs can but stay focused every step of the way is the challenging part.

Here is my route...for some reason I don't think that will be able to see any roses at the Park Of Roses at this time of the year. At least today I don't have to do this distance on the trademill even if I can get such a great photos...


I much rather be outside... so much easier to be able to handle the distance.

So, I am off to run. I better go otherwise the motivation will be even less in about 15 minutes...

If you know anyone intereseted in the items from the Auction LET THEM KNOW!!!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

From 20 down to 15...

Well, in this DVT Awareness month of March the training continues...

From 20 Miles I went down to 15 Miles with big mileage during the week, Tuesday 7 Miles and 10 Miles on Thursday. But next weekend I am looking at 20 Miles once more. Unfortunately, yesterday I had to go through 15 Miles on the treadmill because over here in Columbus, OH we are buried under the white stuff. Hard to believe that it snowed more than 16 inches and the city is shut down. I don't think that Mrs. Clot Buster's car can get out because of the height of snow. I spent a pretty good amount of time pushing the snow around just to get enough space to get out. We will see tomorrow if she can leave...

The run on the treadmill was brutal. I was sweating all over the machine and I just could not wait for the distance to go through. I struggled to stay focused. I don't mind doing short distances on the machine and even some speed work but 15 Miles was a little bit too much to handle. I had to change clothes a couple of times as I was soaked even with a fan blowing full blast. The legs held up well as I was constantly changing speeds to make the miles go by faster. I pushed the pace as hard as I could but at times I had to take the foot off the gas pedal to save some for the end of the run. All things considered it was a great experience but not one I want to do again. I am very thrilled to be able to do it but I much rather take the polka-dots to run outside!

So, here we are another week gone and now I am that much closer to the main event in May. At the rate that I am going it will be here before I know it... I am surprised as to how well my body is holding up. When I first started this training I thought that I did not have a chance to go through the long runs without any issues..."Knock on wood" I hope that this streak continues...

Please keep BLOOD CLOTS and BLOOD CLOTTING DISORDERS in your mind this month of March. We need to be AWARE in order TO STOP THE CLOT!!!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

BE AWARE IN MARCH - Let's STOP THE CLOT!

This is a very important month for all of us interesting in blood clots and blood clotting disorders. Don't let this month go by without letting someone about some of the numbers I pulled off from NATT's Website. We have a lot of work to do in terms of spreading the word. Let's use March as our spring board!

The Numbers are Staggering

Almost 900,000 Americans suffer from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) every year.
Of these, about 380,000 develop deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Nearly 300,000 deaths per year.
Only 50% of those with DVT have symptoms, yet quick, effective treatment is critical
600,000 are affected annually by pulmonary embolism (PE).

Up to 25% of those patients with PE present with sudden death.
1 in 20 Americans are affected by hereditary thrombophillia – an inherited predisposition to blood clots.
52% of hospitalized adults are at risk of dangerous blood clots.
The recurrence rate of venous thomboembolism (VTE) is 30% over 10 years.

I have this avenue along with the triathlon racing and first attempt a marathon to spread the word. There are many avenues out there to get involved. If you need some ideas please let me know because together we can really make a difference as the numbers listed above should not be acceptable to anyone.

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

BE AWARE in MARCH!

DVT AWARENESS MONTH!

Dear Readers of the Clot Buster Blog,

Please don't forget that March is DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) Awareness Month. There is so much for us to learn about blood clots and blood clotting disorders. At the same time, there is plenty for us to do in terms of spreading the word and let people know about the dangers of blood clots and how they can come about without any warning.

Also, during this time I like to hear your story about your clotting episode. Although, I do this year around, this month especially, I like to focus on the positive aspects. About how it is possible to bounce back from a clot and return to your daily routine. Yes, your life changes dramatically but life continues and you can still do everything that you desire. If you want to share your story with me please send it on (email them to me polka40@hotmail.com). I believe that sharing your experience with others is a very powerful experience from which all us of can learn. Knowing about people going through blood clotting issues and knowing that it is possible to move on inspires me a great deal to continue my efforts to wear the polka-dots every chance that I get and let people know about NATT and what we are all about.

So, I started off March well with a solid 18 Mile run on 2 hours and 40 minutes. It was a very nice day out there with plenty of sunshine and very mild temperatures compared to other days in which I had to run. I would venture to say that it is getting easier to go at it for about 15 Miles after that I am starting to feel the pain and I have to start fighting to stay with it. But I am out there giving it a try. Hard to believe that March is already here, that means only two more months of training before the big day is here. The distance still scares me I have to confess but with 20 Miles under my belt once I am coming around the idea that I can do this thing. Who knows I may even start thinking about some "realistic" time goals...

So, BE AWARE in MARCH... DVT AWARENESS MONTH!!!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

In case you were wondering...

I know... I sort of pushed aside the need to update the blog. Busy times around here, part of if comes from house projects we have under way and some additional NATT "homework" I had regarding NATT's latest seminar taking place in Chapel Hill, NC. You can read more about it HERE. Unfortunately I will not be able to be there but "the Clot Buster" will be there in spirit with wristbands available for purchase so that you can support our mission to edcuate about blood clots and blood clotting disorders.

So, YES I did survive the run. The last 10 minutes were pure agony. I was hurting all over the place espcially because the route I was on had a slight grade that was killer on the quads. I was/am very happy with the effort on Saturday. The sunshine was inspiring and although it was cold out there (31 degrees) the sun felt great. I surprised myself when I got around mile 20 and I was at 2 hours and fifty minutes. I for sure thought that I would be well over 3 hours by that point. Of course, Saturday's pace puts me somewhere around 3:30 finishing time which is right in place of my multi-layered goal approach for my first marathon. You will have to stand-by for a detailed explanation of this multi-layered goal approach that I have going on for this race.

I am feeling good today but Monday and Tuesday I was HURTING... the muscle pain did not settle in until then even after my stretching and yoga routines.

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Off to run 20 Miles...

You can't begin to imagine the debate going on inside of my head since this morning...

Today is my first ever 20 Mile - Over 3 Hour run... but with the snow and sleet we got yesterday I was facing the possibility of having to run inside. Mrs. Clot Buster on her way to yoga this AM was calling me giving me updates on the sidewalk conditions and the trail at SharonWoods Park which has a 4 Mile loop. Considering the conditions I am going to do 5 loops here. I figure last week I did 13 loops for the half-marathon race 5 loops should be even easier...

If you get the chance and you want to be inspired you need to watch the Spirit of Marathon Movie. You almost want to start running right after the end because you want to train and go for it.

So, here I go... Wish me luck!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Piece of Cake...

... hardly!

The concept of running 1 Mile loops to complete a marathon or a half-marathon sounds great on paper. However, when you actually out there doing it your mind starts playing tricks on you that I was not expecting. I don't know why but going through the laps became a challenge for me. Especially during the hardest miles of the race Miles 8, 9, 10, and 11. During those laps I had to fight to stay on course and keep driving. I was counting steps, telling myself that after each one of those laps I had one less to go, that I was more than half-way and on the finishing half. You name it I was giving it to me.


It was a nice day for running even with the sprinkles we got here and there. The polka-dots were out in full force and people notice them as I was passing by them or when I was getting passed... both of those situations happened often during the course of my 1:37.13. I am pleased with my effort as I was keeping my laps fairly even throughout the event. THANKFULLY the wind advisory came about 2 hours afetr the race. Let me tell you it is blowing out there. We had a stretch on the course where we had to go against the wind and at times it was picking up. I am lucky that I did not do the full marathon by that time we left the wind was picking up speed and now as I look at the window I can see our trees blowing violently out there.

All in all, great opportunity to put some speed into this marathon training. I am feeling good at the moment but the afternoon is early and the coffee from this AM is wearing out. I may pass out for a while hopefully I can be up by the time the summary from the Tour of California on Versus comes on at 5PM EST.

Let's hope that some people from this race turns to www.NATTINFO.org to learn about the fool with the polka-dots and of course about BLOOD CLOTS AND BLOOD CLOTTING DISORDERS.

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

How fast can you run a 1-Mile Loop...

13 times!!!

Some people may even do this a total of 26 times at the LAST CHANCE FOR BOSTON race I will be participating in this coming Sunday.


So, I've stepped it up all the way to 18 Miles on my training. This week it would have been 20 Miles and the weekend after that 13 Miles. Instead, I am re-arranging the plan to run the 13 Miles this Sunday and leaving the 20 Miles for the weekend after that. I enjoy racing a great deal so getting to participate in this race will provide a good window into how I feel when race time pressure is upon me.

Racing to raise funds for NATT is my ultimate motivator. I am going to complete the 26.2 Miles of my very first marathon there is no question about it. During that process I will be wearing the polka-dots ALL OVER me for people to notice and perhaps motivate them to search and learn about NATT and our goal to educate about blood clots and blood clotting disorders.

26.2 Miles of Running TO STOP THE CLOT!!!

Those 26.2 Miles are coming on May 4h... for now I am concentrating on 13.1 to be done as fast as I can on Sunday.

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Bster

18 Miles in the bank...

I don't know what I would do without the option of listening to the audiobook I am listening to while running the better part of two hours forty six minutes and some change.

The feeling I get when I am returning home is hard to describe. I am very happy to be able to return home but I don't seem able to smile about it. I know that inside I am smiling and thrilled to make this milestone but my body is very slow to react and things happen in slow motion. It is very strange to have my mind operate at it's normal speed but my body due to the fatigue does not move nearly as fast. The audiobook is doing wonders for me. I a listenting to "Into the Wild" by John Krakauer and the read is keeping my mind engaged on the story and not so much on the pain on my quads, or the wind on my face, or how cold my fingers are getting, or how I still have some ways to go. Although, I check my pace regurarly to make sure I am staying on track the time on the run goes by fast as I am listening to the book. I hope that I am not creating a condition in which I have to have something going in my ears to get through every run. I try to do my other two run workouts without any distractions so that I can continue to avoid any dependence on the headphones. I would never race with headphones so I better be prepared to go the distance without them.

So, after this long run I felt some of the same discomfort I've felt after other long runs. But this time around my two big toes are very sore. Why would that be? I can't seem to understand as I did not change shoes or socks from my what I wear regurarly. For some reason they received some additional pounding from which I recovering.


But all things considered I survived to live another week.


Next weekend I am changing the schedule a little. I am due to do 20 Miles on Saturday but instead I am planning on running a half-marathon on Sunday. Actually, I should say that I plan on racing a half-marathon on Sunday at the "LAST CHANCE FOR BOSTON" Marathon, Half-Marathon that will take place in Dublin, OH. It will be interesting as we have a 1 Mile Loop and I will be doing it 13 times. I want to put a solid effort together ahead of my 20 Miler next week. So, I have to get ready for the monotony of the one mile loop 13 times. This should be a great test of speed, focus, and concentration.

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

On tap for tomorrow 18 Miles...

I am gearing up for tomorrow's run.

Farther than I've been before.

The wind will be blowing tomorrow which will make things interesting specially when I am heading south for the first half of the run. I figure, let's go through it first and then have the wind on my back for the way home.

The audiobook will be playing otherwise I don't know how I will be able to keep my focus.

Wish me luck!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Spanish for wicked cold = GRIPE

Wow, looks like the 17 Miles from last Saturday knocked me out. Yesterday was brutal as I had to stay home because this head-cold got to me. I could hardly sleep at all on Sunday night.

Unfortunately, I had to take yesterday and today off just to allow me some recovery. Secretely I have to confess tha I don't mind skipping the 3 x 1600 meter sprints I was scheduled to do today.

So, on we go. Let's hope that tomorrow I will be ready to do what I am scheduled to do but you never know.

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

17 Miles...

I made it...although I am paying for it today I made it. The Audibook I was listening to kept me engaged the whole 2:28.49. I can't believe I was able to make it but I did. After mile 10 I was passing really close to home and the thought of taking a detour home came on strong over me because the cold in my hands was really bothering me. However, I made the turn left away from home and I was on my way to 7 more miles of fun. I was lucky enough to find some garbage bags that I could put over my cold hand and I kept on going finishing up the entire route.


Getting ready to rock and roll. During the first few miles I though that going sleevless on my Spiuk Jacket was a huge mistake but as soon as I got warmed up I felt a lot better.




Finally back home. Glad to be able to cover the distance. Now, I need to recover and see if next Saturday I get to add one more mile to my total of longest run ever.

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

In about 2 hours...

I am about to step into a zone in which I have not been before...

17 Miles have been mapped out (it looks SO FAR!!!) and it is time for the Clot Buster to step away from his comfort zone and establish once and for all a new personal long run record. Yes, this record will be broken next week and the week after that but to me running anything above 15 Miles is a HUGE DEAL. Can't you tell that I am pumping myself up...

Wish me luck today, I have to confess that I am scared out of my pants...


Stay tuned for a recap whenever I am capable of writing again.

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster