"What am I on...? Series Continued

Little over 5 days to go for the STOP THE CLOT Raffle at the Greater Cleveland Triathlon weekend event in Mentor, OH. I am amazed that this will be the THIRD time the Clot Buster clan will find their way to Cleveleand - Mentor, OH and have a weekend full of polka-dots, STOP THE CLOT spreading, and of course triathlon racing...!

Over the last posts on this series I talked about my choice of footwear for both running and cycling which included some good looking high-top socks that I am still debating about...

So, I think that it is time to move on to the machine (or machines in this case) that allow the Clot Buster to blaze through the races or at least they let him believe that he is doing just that..

I have to begin by talking about the bike that has been with me the better part of 7 years and has taken me through all kinds of races pretty much all over the country. Please bow your head in respect to my beloved KESTREL TALON SL.

I can still remember the first time I laid eyes on this frame and fell in love with it. I did a lot of research and no matter where I looked and what I looked at I always went back to the smooth lines of the Kestrel Talon. The ride of course has been a dream since the day I bought the bike... simply comfortable from start to finish. This one has been a great bike to get into long triathlons as she is most responsive once you get in your big gear and you can hammer on flats or rolling hills. She just keeps the momentum and goes as fast as your legs can take once you get her moving. I don't feel the frame is responsive enough for quick accelerations but in our sport that is something we don't need. This bike has been a thrill to ride and I enjoy every ride I get to go along with her.

Now, like any bike junkie, you need to hear about my "other" bike. The newest bike in my collection the one that gets my heart rate going... this one is a dream machine for me... Please meet my DOLAN BIKES - HERCULES machine. This little slice of heaven in two wheels is my latest addition to my collection of bikes and it is without a doubt one that I am enjoying a great deal. Of course, you can't look past the attractive lines this bike has. You can't help but be glued to how smooth and simple they are. At first, it felt very strange to be riding a geometry of this kind. It took some trial and error to get dialed in but once the guys at DPM Sports and I found the sweet spot it has been a real treat to get on the Hercules and ride for hours on end. I love how strong and responsive it feels but how light it is at the same time. Definitely the bike I've been looking for and the one you will see me use at the STOP THE CLOT Raffle weekend at the Greater Cleveland Triathlon.

If you have any questions at all about this dream machine please don't hesitate to ask. If I don't know I will be sure to get in touch with the fine guys at DPM Sports and they will be sure to get all of your questions answered.

So there you have it... the machines I am on to spead the word about our campaign to STOP THE CLOT.

Thank you for reading,

The Clot Buster

Another way to follow the Clot Buster...

Believe it or not the Clot Buster is now on TWITTER and you can follow him at http://twitter.com/clotbuster

I will try what I can to keep you up to date with what I am doing through Twitter... it will definitely be easier for the small comments that I would like to post as to what is going with me.

Next weekend August 8 and 9 the Clot Buster and the clan is heading up to Cleveland to participate once more in the Greater Cleveland Triathlon along with the STOP THE CLOT raffle of 2009.

Stay tuned thtough Twitter as I will keep you up to date on the progress of the event throughout the day. Who knows maybe this weekend I will be able to meet some more clot survivors and connect with them to make them part of the STOP THE CLOT movement and get them polka-dots to wear and spread the word.

In years past it had been a great event and this year I am sure it will be just the same.

Speaking of going to Cleveland... I have to give huge props to my friend Bill McIntosh, perhaps you remember I posted some pictures of him on this POST... well Bill just completed the Ironman Lake Placid in a very respectable time of 12:39.02... CONGRATULATIONS BILL!!!

Along the same lines also CONGRATULATIONS to Kristoffer Perry a clot survivor I've been in touch with who also competed and completed Ironman Coeur d'Alene in a very good time of 14:47.32. Kristoffer CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Lots of Ironman action going on all around me... when will I ever sport the polka-dots for 140.6 Miles? Will I ever get the chance? Will I ever be able to put it together? If I ever get the chance I hope that all of you out there can come along for the ride...

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster
http://twitter.com/clotbuster

July Athlete of Month

Dear friends for this athlete of the month edition I am taking you overseas... care to guess where?

It is far... very far away from our home base in Columbus, OH... let's say very far East... any guess yet?

Well, we are going all the way to Singapore! Yes, on that corner of the world the Clot Buster has found...let me say this again... the Clot Buster was found by KELLY INGHAM and she definitely has a story to tell for those of us interested in triathlon.

I am very fortunate to be in touch with her and below you can find what she had to say to some of my standard questions I've asked other in the past... Please read on and get inspired...

1) What is you sport/activity of choice? Why do you enjoy it?
I’m completely addicted to triathlon. I have been competing in triathlons since 2004 and enjoy the people, camaraderie, and challenge of the sport. Within triathlon, the bike is my favorite leg. I love the fact that you can do triathlons pretty much anywhere, there is always a community of semi-crazy people who are interested in doing it with you, and that it forces balance in your life. It forces you to be more organized with your time, focus on yourself and your health, and gives you a healthy outlet in midst of work, family, etc.

2) How did you get started in that sport?
I started dating a guy who was an Ironman triathlete. I have always been athletic, playing soccer in high school and college, but had never seriously trained. I found that I really enjoyed cycling, like to run, and could suffer through the swim. I also found that if I wanted to see my boyfriend at the time, I had to start training as well! My love for the sport survived, the relationship unfortunately did not ...

3) What is the latest milestone you achieved or plan to achieve?
My last milestone was qualifying for 70.3 Half Ironman Championships in Clearwater Florida at the Singapore 70.3 race. It was a surprise to qualify at this race as I was using it more of a training race for my “A” race this year at Hawaii 70.3. My ultimate goal is to qualify for Hawaii Ironman and Hawaii 70.3 has qualifying spots. My next milestone is completing another full Ironman, Ironman New Zealand with the goal of trying for a Hawaii spot!

4) Tells about your clotting episode. Are you on blood thinners now? How long were you out of commission?
I had my first clotting episode when I was in graduate school. I injured my calf during bike training and then drove from Minneapolis to Ithaca. The impact of the muscle tear and long period of sitting/inactivity prompted me a trip to the emergency room with my first DVT. A year and half on Coumadin with some permanent swelling, I was cleared to start training again. I haven’t had an episode in 6 years. So when I boarded the flight from Singapore to Melbourne, I didn’t take my precautionary blood thinning shots. Believe me, I kick myself every day that I wish I had taken the shot. I got off the flight from Melbourne with a swollen calf, a sore and hot spot, and the sinking feeling that I had another blood clot. I was diagnosed with double DVT in my right calf the first week in May 2009. My “A” race which I had been training for the last 6 months in Singapore was in 3 weeks in Hawaii. I was done. No race for me, no training, no activity for at least 2 weeks. I negotiated to start low impact walking after the 2 week mark. I started on a low molecular Heparin shot right away as I didn’t want to risk the ups and downs of trying to stabilize on Coumadin. My body reacted very strongly to the new thinners. I was tired, no energy, depressed, had a metallic taste in my mouth, nauseated, and generally sick for at least a week when I started the new protocol. It was pretty rough; however knowing that other people are out there with the same affliction really helped. I’m lucky. My case was caught early and I have been responding positively to the blood thinners. I will be out of commission for about 3 months before I can start training again.

5) When were you able to get back into your activity? How did it feel that first time?
I have just starting to bike again and am not allowed to run yet. I can do some swimming with a pull buoy. The first time I went biking, my calf cramped up and my foot went asleep. I had to stop and keep my leg elevated for awhile before I could get back on the bike. It was really de-motivating. However, my second bike ride, I felt stronger, less pain in the calf and less swelling. I’m not looking forward to running after 3 months off . .but you have to start somewhere. I keep telling myself that challenges like this make you stronger. Triathlon is predominantly a mental challenge of keeping your legs turning for minutes and hours at a time. This is just another test!

6) What is your favorite piece of gear for your favorite activity?
Well, I just bought a new triathlon bike (part of my cheer up plan!) and it’s a beautiful new FELT B2 PRO. Hot red which will look great with a Clot Busters jersey!

7) How much are you getting out doing your sport? (Everyday you do some training, 2, 3, 4 times per week)
When I’m back in training mode (after my doctor’s OK) I train 6 days a week with 1 rest or light activity day. 2 – 3 days swimming, 2 days on the bike trainer during the week due to my work schedule, and long ride on weekend, and 3 days running. 1 day weights and/or yoga (still hoping to get that yoga in!). I average about 10 – 13 hours a week for Half Ironman and will push that up to 15 – 20 hours for Ironman training.

8) What is your favorite food? Either generally or after a workout. For me there is nothing better than a Chipotle Burrito...
I am a huge Peanut Butter and Jelly fan! I can eat PB and J before a workout, after a workout, for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Living in Singapore, I haven’t found a great organic Peanut Butter so I bring it back from the States every time I travel there for work. My favorite (here’s a plug) is the Lunds & Byerly’s Organic Creamy Peanut Butter. Yum, yum. I had some at breakfast today already...
9) If you could go some place to visit and explore, where would like to go?
Living in Singapore now, I have a long list of places to visit and am ticking them off. Next on the list is Kathmandu for a long weekend, then Vietnam for a triathlon, and next spring, New Zealand for hiking and triathlon. I really want to go to Mumbai and experience India as well as do a hiking trek through Nepal.

10) What would like to say to someone who is going through a clotting episode, perhaps very similar to yours? How can people return to do what they enjoy? Tells about your concerns and what you look out after as you got back.
I would tell them to hang in there. I know that it is really tough when you first find out that you have a blood clot and you have to cancel your plans, activities, and other engagements. All you can do is to put together a plan, find a physician that understands you are an athlete and is willing to work with you, and demand the best medical care you can. Being an athlete you are tempted to push too hard, and too fast especially as you start feeling better. I sat down and put together a milestone plan with my physician that included treatments, ultrasound dates, check-ups, and key decision factors. This really helped me put my arms around the diagnosis. My physician is not an athlete, but she consulted with other doctors who know that an answer of “just stop running, or your days of running are over” is not an answer. I changed doctors a couple of times before I found someone that I was comfortable with, understood me and my situation, and was giving me the best care possible.
Second, be careful. I make sure to understand the possible complications and then set up ultrasound appts to check progress as frequent as my insurance and doctor would allow so that I could move up from low impact walking to low impact cycling. I’m still working the plan as my next ultrasound appt is today in which I will see if I can start a training program again given the diagnosis.
Last, support the groups that promote more research and education in this area. It is really frustrating when you are diagnosed to realize the lack of research and knowledge into blood clotting disorders today and why we are seeing blood clots in active, healthy individuals. I do not carry any genetic markers for blood clotting disorder, but have a couple of levels that are higher than normal. I’m one of those cases in which physicians don’t understand why I have challenges with blood clots. Also tell your friends, spouses, and family of what to look out for in terms of getting a blood clot. Education is critical. Even today, many people ask me how did I know I had a clot? The earlier that people can detect, hopefully they can catch it before it terms into a more serious problem.

Kelly THANK YOU SO MUCH for sharing your thoughts with all of us associated with the Clot Buster world. Without a question you are overcoming your latest clotting episode with the best possible attitude... I look forward to be in touch with you and see where you end up carrying the Clot Buster polka-dots... definitely take us to New Zeland... oh how I wish I could go there... but we will also settle for the rest of the places you have in mind.

If you know of anyone or you are someone that I should know about, please get in touch with me at polka40@hotmail.com and share your story with me so that I can turn around and share it with all of Clot Buster Nation.

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

2nd MALE OVERALL...How about that !?!?!

Yes, believe it or not I placed 2nd Male Overall in a triathlon I participated in this past weekend.

It was probably the smallest triathlon I will ever participate in but it was my friends the soon to be famous... HOCKING HILLS WORLD's HARDEST SPRINT TRIATHLON.

The race was a blast considering that there were only about 25 people total and the course was one of the hardest I've ever raced. Suffice to say that on the way down from one of the hills we had to climb during the bike leg I got the chance to bomb down at 41.8MPH...! definitely the fastest I've ever gone on any of my bikes.

Although, the course was a challenging one on both the bike and the run my body responded better than what I had expected. I felt pretty flat during the first part of the bike but I was able to find my legs sometime after the half-way point of the race. Of course I lost time to two seperate bees getting stuck in my helmet and having to retrieve my sun glasses as I threw them from my face freaking out from the buzzing sound in my head...I am lucky that I did not land in the ditch out there... bees stuck in your helmet can be very very very unfortunate.

But the one thing I liked the most about this race was how well my legs responded on the run where they brought me back to pass two people ahead of me so that I could claim the second place male overall. Considering the training I get to do these days I am more than satisfied.

We have been busy these last few weeks with our weekend packed to the rafters with things we want to do. So much to do so little time...

One person that has been spending sometime in STOP THE CLOT polka-dots is my good friend BILL McINTOSH from Mentor, OH. He is by far the biggest banner I have amongst the Clot Buster enthusiast since he is about 6'9" and you cannot miss him. Racing against him is also a challenge. Couple of years ago we went head to head in a Half-Iron Distance Triathlon and all through the race I had him on my heels as one step of his was about 3 or 4 of mine... he wore the STOP THE CLOT polka-dots at the Concord Half-Marathon not long ago...

BILL THANK YOU for SPREADING THE WORD!!!

If you have photos of you wearing your STOP THE CLOT polka-dots please forward them on to me. I would love to see them and share them with everyone!

Enjoy the summer as much as you can. We sure are as we wear the polka-dots any time that we can.

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

"What am I on...?" Series Continued

Slowly I am catching up... THANKS for stopping by and reading! Currently I have "1 Official Follower" signed up through Blogger... I sure hope that many of you out there are reading my rambles and "Un-Officially" I can say that I have more than one reader... I guess that I can only hope.

So, making our way up from the bottom to the top we already covered my running shoes, so next up it is time to talk about my cycling shoes.

In my opinion your cycling shoes can be a deal breaker when you are attempting to dial in your riding style. For a number of years I used a brand and I felt comfortable...imagine me shrugging my shoulders as I say comfortable... in the shoes. However, I had the feeling that I could improve my experience with a better pair. So, I did some research and thanks to the fantastic help from my friends at DPM SPORTS I found a shoe that completes my riding experience.

The Spiuk CASTA Triathlon shoes are a dream. The extra stiff sole makes all the difference for me. Not sure why but I feel that in each pedal stroke the power transferred from my leg to the bike is much more efficient and less fatiguing. Over the years I've only used triathlon specific shoes so I am used to the one big strap and on the CASTA the grip of the one strep is very strong to keep that smooth rotation of the pedal stroke.

I am very pleased with the performance of this shoes. Last year I began to use them and I have to confess that while on the bike they are on and the enjoyment is topo notch.

So, what else do I need to complement both my running shoes and cycling shoes...? The answer is SOCKS... looking through the web I found these...

What do you think? Should I make the investement? Would I look good in knee high tube socks? I believe that is up for debate... even I need to warm up to the idea of tube socks before I take the plunge. They would be a grand eye catcher for sure... but are they too much?

Your comments on these issues are appreciated. I will take all the help that I can get...

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Fun June so far!

Lots of catching up to do here so no times to get cute here...

Busy month no question about that. The Clot Busters here in Ohio have been doing all sorts of things stretching every day to the max... just the way we like it.

As a side note before I continue, REALLY COOL that my Athlete of the Month Series has completed its first year. I am very excited about that. If you know of anyone that should be featured in this series please let me know. Sharing personal experiences is a very powerful instrument.

So, let me start on Sunday 06/07/2009...the opportunity of a life time for me to race a Team Triathlon in which my brother "TIO" Clot Buster would swim, I would ride, and Mrs. Clot Buster would run. For a long time I looked forward to this opportunity and finally it came through. I very much enjoyed the experience to have this team event and share the experience with my brother. We were solid throughout the event and finished with a smile on our faces. As the only team doing the Olympic distance triathlon we won the race but the experience of playing together was sensational.
Next Sunday 06/14/2009... another triathlon event but this time with a very different set up. Tio Clot Buster would be going at it alone to do the whole event, so would I, and Mrs. Clot Buster would race the run portion for her corporate challenge team. I too raced for my company but in this case as an individual. What a blast seeing my brother go through his first triathlon. Honestly, I never thought I would see the day this would happen. He hammered it all out and from what I can tell on his smile he hurt a lot but enjoyed him self. For someone who has never riden a bike for 18Miles or run a 5K thereafter I was floored to see my brother run the whole way and finish the race as stronly as he did. This event was one that I will remember for a long time to go. I guess I enjoy very much having my family close together and share a little bit on the things that I love and enjoy doing.Finally, Saturday 06/20/2009... Mrs. Clot Buster and I made our way back to the Loveland Amazing Race... After doing that race back in 2006 we always wanted to return. It is a very different event that will challenge you in many different ways... would you attempt to picture me trying to impersonate Madonna as Mrs. Clot Buster guessing... not a pretty sight.

We did really well even with 10+ waiting extravaganza at one of the stations... we came in as the 16th fastest coed team out of 200+ coed teams at the race. Mrs. Clot Buster and I were booking it and our efforts definitely paid off.

This is one of a kind race in which you can have some great fun. For example, I've never kicked a football before through the uprights and on Saturday as part of the race I got my chance... My soccer background sure came in handy on that station. If you get the chance and you are in Cincinnati in June of next year you should definitely look this race up. It is a good time. Many thanks to all of the volunteers participating in the event. Their enthusiasm was fantastic!!!

Pictures from that event to follow I am sure that there are some good ones that all of you out there will enjoy.

So, that is been the month of June so far and we are not done yet. Mrs. Clot Buster is participating in a triathlon this Sunday so the fun continues... this time for me and Junior to cheer her on! Pay attention out there you just never know when you will be able to see the Clot Buster at a race near you.

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

June Athlete of the Month - ONE YEAR DOWN MANY MORE TO COME!!!

Hard to believe that it has been a year already and I continue to go strong with showcasing as many survivors from blood clots as I possibly can. There are many many many more to go I know that so as long as I can find them and bugged them to be featured I will not stop.

I am honored and humbled to have this opportunity every month and I very much look forward to continue meeting as many survivors as I can because you out there provide all the inspiration that I need to do what I do and to get others to do what they hope and dream about.

So, many thanks to all who have been willing and thank you in advance to all who will be featured in the future.

On this edition of the Athlete of the Month I am very pleased to introduce to you Mr. JIM FENTON. I've had the chance to be in touch with Mr. Fenton for some time now as one of the first to ever purchase the now available Clot Buster Technical Shirt. It was a pleasure to meet Jim down in Virginia at the Shamrock Marathon where he was supporting his wife as she walked the half-marathon the same day I raced.

Please read on and be inspired by Jim's story and never ever give up on the things you want to do!

My sport and how I got started are directly linked. I lost my father and grandfather to blood related cancers when I was a young boy. In 2005 I became aware of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Societies Team in Training and got involved. I became an endurance athlete and began raising money to fight blood related cancers. After not being able to run even 3 miles in May of 2005 I ran the Chicago Marathon in October of that year. I was hooked, there is nothing like being cheered on by a true HERO, a cancer survivor, as you run a race. Since then I have run the 2006 Country Music Marathon, rode the 2007 Fletcher Flyer Century ride, and completed the 2008 Wilmington YMCA triathlon, all with TNT all to fight blood cancer.
My personal troubles began after the century ride in late May of 2007, a week after the ride my family and I took a trip to Ohio. Eight hours in a car with only one break and we repeated this 3 days later. The following weekend I began having troubles breathing and had a sharp pain in my back every time I took a deep breath. I could not sleep so I went to the doctor. I was diagnosed with chest wall pain, give Vicoden to sleep and sent on my way. The following week I began to run again, and it was horrible, I could not catch my breath and my legs hurt, specifically my left leg. I felt there was something not right, I was in great shape I just rode 100 miles. So I took a couple of days off and tried again, same thing happen, but this time two large welds developed on my left leg. By noon the next day I could barely walk the welts on my enter thigh and calf just below my knee were killing me. So I went to the doctor again that afternoon. This time the doctor was suspicious and had me have an ultrasound on my leg. As you have already guessed the welts were subdural hematoma, the ultrasound also found a DVT behind my knee. I was immediately place on blood thinners and told to rest that evening and come back to the doctor the next morning.

The next morning I was sent for a CAT scan to further investigate the pain I had in my lungs the week before. The scan reveled I had 6 PE’s one of which was large enough to kill a golf ball part of my lung (a pulmonary infarct). I was placed on long term Coumadin therapy as we tried to determine why I got the clot. After many months and many tests the Hematologist in Greensboro were unable to determine a direct cause of my clot and I was referred to Dr. Stephan Moll at UNC hospitals in Chapel Hill. In late October of 2007 Dr Moll was able to determine that I have APLA (antiphospholipid antibody syndrome), which places me at a higher risk of having clots. In short, I had created the perfect storm, I was dehydrated from the ride, I took 2 long car rides with few breaks, and I have APLA which predisposes me to clots.
I was placed on long term Coumadin therapy and went back to living my life. I signed up for the Wilmington triathlon as soon as I was medically cleared and life was good. Getting back into training did a lot for my mental health. Even though the doctors say you are fine and the Coumadin will protect you mentally it is hard to get over because there are no symtoms leading up to your clot. Training helped me with that. Even with the training and the doctors monitoring my care I still went in for a check up the week before my triathlon to get the ok. I placed a lot on the triathlon as a benchmark to being healthy again and once I had completed it I was releaved beyond belief.

Then another set back, a week after my event I noticed a blind spot in my left eye. The cause of this was a blood vessel growing through my retina. I received a shot of Avastin to my eye and have recovered fully from the episode, but there is some debate on why my blood vessel did this. Some doctors believe it is a combination of the APLA and the Coumadin other doctors are not so sure. Evidently I am the only case of this in the world with my medical make up. Due to this issue I have ended my Coumadin therapy and have began a asprin regiment to combat my potinical for clotting. Of course staying thoroghly hydrated and taking regular breaks while driving long distances are high on my list as well.

After all of this I feel healthy and am back doing what I want to do, endurance events to fight blood related cancers with Team in Training, oh and wearing a Polka Dotted jersey as well.

I have signed up for the Rock n Roll half marathon at Virgina Beach labor day weekend with TNT. I train 5days a week and throroghly enjoy being healthy and clot free. Saturdays are long run days for me and nothing tops off a long run better than Japanese steak and rice from Kyoto.

For anyone going through a clotting episode my advice would be “get as many smart doctors looking at your case as you can” I had a lot of people work with me to figure out what was going on and eventually we found out why this happened and what we could do to return to a high quality of life. Secondly I think the mental side of DVTs is harder than anyone can imagine. You don’t “feel sick” but you could have died, having good doctors and having a strong family and good friends to talk to was how I got through. I believe having groups like NATT will go a long way for people not to have to go through this alone in the future, DVT survivors are out there, just like me.

Jim THANK YOU for sharing you story that others can be inspired as well.

Thank you for reading,

The Clot Buster

"What am I on...?" Series

I don't know about you but I am always intrigued about what people use in their training and racing. What different things they believe will help in their quest to whatever is they are looking to achieve.

Over the years I have tried a number of things that work for me now and I hope to be able to use as long as I am doing the swimming, biking, and running. Not to say that you need to use any of these stuff but you may find the information I am about to share interesting.

I debated about where to begin these series of posts for a while and I decided that I would go form the bottom up just because. So, please read on to find out "What is the Clot Buster on in his choice of footware..."

For the endless number of miles I've been running my choice of running shoes is the MIZUNO WAVE RIDER 10. This pair of shoes are perfect for me. Not only they have the Clot Buster colors but the feel of them is exactly what I need. I don't if it is the cushion or the support their offer but I don't dare trying anything else as I don't want to mess with the match I am enjoying now.

I hope that I can still find these shoes when I need them but as the years go so do the shoe designs. I know that Mizuno has the Wave Rider 11 and Wave Rider 12 out there. I am not sure which I should try next but the 12's continue to have the Clot Buster colors so I may just lean on that direction. I know silly reason but one that is important for me. For now, however, I hope to find some more Wave Rider 10. If you see them out there let me know as I need all the help that I can get.

So now you know how my dawgs travel when is time to run. In the next post I will give you the details on what I use for my cycling shoes. You will not want to miss that...

In the mean time, keep spreading the word about blood clots and blood clotting disorders anywhere that you go. We need to let as many people know as we can so that someday we can STOP THE CLOT.

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Base Training...

GOOD NEWS!!!

Mrs. Clot Buster is BACK!!! She is done with her PT and she can run until she feels some discomfort in the knee. Of course she needs to continue doing some maintenance exercises but nothing she could not do. I am very excited about that because for 10+ years now she is been my running partner. Of course we have a new member of the gang and all of running is a thing of beauty.

Next up cycling as a family will be next. We have a trailer for Junior and I am looking forward to the opportunity to get him in there and come out with us. I worry silly about him without a helmet so until then I will leave the trailer parked. It just not make sense to me to have me ride with a helmet and not have any protection for him while sitting there. I take any suggestions that you have for infant bike helmets... of course if they have polka-dots the better.
In the mean time, Junior has visited the pool a couple of times and he seems to grow in his enjoyment of the water. We can see a little more reaction everytime that we go. Soon enough he will be splashing around like it is his business...

This is the time of the year where my legs are fatigued. Lots of base miles as I try to get in the best shape possible with the time that I have available these days. I am pleased to be able to keep up with the high intensity and watch my legs gets stronger. I am not in any kind of riding shape yet but I am working on that any chance that I get. My swimming is probably the one event getting the least amount of attention as I went from swimming two times per week to only once. But one thing is for sure I try to make that one time a quality one with plenty of flavor! Love that the warm weather is finally upon us. Time for grilling, growing the garden, and be outside as much as I can. Just can't seem to get enough of the fresh air. I guess that working in an office building in a cubicle is not exactly for me but I am not sure I am brave enough to look into anything else right now.

I am sure by now you have heard of Steve Larsen's passing... what a sad, sad, news... I wish that I could have met him as I somehow identified with his style of racing. Don't ask me why or how but I always admired him. Hard to believe that he somehow was able to manage everything he had on his plate and continued to be the ace that he was. As a father now, I can only begin to imagine what his family is going through. Here is wishing them ALL THE BEST through this terrible time. Just makes you realize how short life can really be and how every day needs to be lived to the max regardless of what you are doing on a given day.

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

MAY Athlete of the Month

For the May edition of the CLOT BUSTER ATHLETE OF THE MONTH I am very pleased to introduce to you someone who has a story to share that I am sure will inspire you just like it has inspired me. Please welcome JANINE SWIATKOWSKI as she shares with all of her thoughts on questions that I had the opportunity to ask her so please read on and get ready to be inspired because Janine can tell you that anything is possible if you put your mind to it...

1. What is your sport/activity of choice?

My sport/activity of choice is running half marathons. Also, I still snowboard. I enjoy running half marathons because I love to have a training goal in mind. If I just run for fun everyday, I wouldn't do it. When I'm training for a race and I have a training plan that tells me exactly what distance to run everyday. I love running because of the way it makes me feel. I feel free while running and it gives me the opportunity to listen to my music and think about life. I love snowboarding because I love the feeling of gliding

2. How did you get started in that sport?

I got started in running cross country in high school to stay in shape for basketball, as basketball was my sport of choice back then. I started running half marathons about 20 years ago. My first one was in Murrieta and my second was in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. I got started snowboarding when my brother asked me if I ever wanted to try it. He's six years younger than me, but he, myself and my other younger brother, all grew up competing in sports together. So, we're very competitive. I thought if he could do it, I could do it.

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

I ran the Disneyland Half Marathon in August 2008 and I'm training to compete in the Palos Verdes Half Marathon in May. I took some time off from racing, because I lost my job in August.

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

My clotting episode happened about three years ago. I was walking around and thought that I had a pulled calf muscle. I went to my Bible study one night and I was so uncomfortable with that leg. The next day I called the doctor for an appointment. When I got there, the nurse's eyes got very big and she kept saying, "DVT." The doctor arranged an ultrasound and it was confirmed that I had a DVT. I also had a pulmonary embolism (PE) that was confirmed by a lung scan in Nuclear Medicine. I had never been to Nuclear Medicine before, so I was a bit frightened by the whole experience. They sent me to the ER and it took six hours for me to get admitted to the hospital. I spent the night in the hospital and was discharged the next afternoon. I had never been in the hospital before, so it was an interesting experience. When I was discharged, they failed to mention that I needed to be on bed rest for the next five days and that I was to limit my intake of Vitamin K foods. My doctor was furious when she found that out. I was prescribed Coumadin for life as I found out that I have Factor II genetic clotting disorder. My mom has Factor V and Factor II.I was probably out of commission for a few weeks or so. The folks at work were a bit freaked out as I am such a healthy and active person that ran and played soccer regularly. Needless to say, my soccer-playing days were cut short due to my daily intake of Coumadin.

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

Since I wasn't allowed to play soccer anymore, I had to do something to stay in shape and get active again. I decided to resume my running training. I don't recall how long it took me to get back. I would say it might have been a few months or so. My lungs felt kind of rusty and I felt out of shape.

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

I'm loyal to my Asics running shoes and I love my IPhone for being able to listen to my music on ITunes and I love MapMyRun for IPhone. It allows me to keep track of my routes using GPS.

7. How much are you getting out doing your sport?

When I'm training for a race, I'll work out five days a week. When I'm not training for a race, it's probably more like three or four days.

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

I love to cook and try new recipes. But, I'd have to say that I'm partial to a great steak on the grill, a loaded baked potato and a crisp, fresh salad.

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

I would love to go to Australia and Africa. I am a photographer by trade, so I've always wanted to go on an African safari. Someday...

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

I would say that you need to listen to your doctor first and your body second. You're going to need to take your time and let your body adjust. You'll have to have patience, but in the long run, it will be the best thing for your body, because I feel that getting back to an active activity will improve your circulation. Also, it improves my mental state and keeps me happy.

Janine MANY THANKS for your willingness to share your story with all of us. We look forward to hear how the Palos Verdes Half-Marathon goes for you. GOOD LUCK!!!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Now I am really confused...

So, can I count running my BEST EVER HALF-MARATHON RACE in a race that I was not even signed up for...?

New PR for the Clot Buster at the Half-Marathon distance... 1:32.56

I am simply stunned that I was able to pull this off. Mrs. Clot Buster sure looks good in the results page with this blazing time... I even stopped to get my pictures taken by Mrs. Clot Buster who was watching the race go by in the outdoor sitting area of a coffee shop while Junior ate his apple suace... I was so fast that I had to stop to let her take my picture. I have no idea where that race came from. I am just pleased that the speed work that I've been doing helped me to get a whole minute + faster...Today's run did not feel so good so I am paying the prize...

So, from here on out Mrs. Clot Buster will be registering for all of my races... I need every advantage that I can get...

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Stepping up in relief...

I am not even sure that I am doing on Saturday is "kosher" but I am doing it anyway...

If you remember from my previous post at the Clot Buster household we have been dealing with Mrs. Clot Buster FIRST EVER injury that has her going to PT sessions and away from her beloved running for a while. You can imagine that she is disappointed/frustrated and the rest of in the house are disappointed as well. We don't like to see Mrs. Clot Buster not doing her time running. You have not seen true pleasure in someone's face if you have not seen my wife return home from an early morning run either with fresh snow on the ground or with a beautiful sun rise... that face of pleasure and enjoyment we hope to see back very soon as she battles this injury and gets back in business.

So, because of this injury she will not be running in the Capital City Half-Marathon this coming Saturday. However, given the fact that I am able and wanting to see how fast I can run a half-marathon right now we decided that I would take Mrs. Clot Buster's entry and I would run the race on Saturday... people may wonder about my wife's name on the bib as the see me running by but I am sure they will get distracted by the polka-dots and the STOP THE CLOT message that they will soon forget all about the bib number...

We think that we should not let the entry got to waste. Of course, if I happen to place we will respectfully decline and make the person after us get the goods. I think that on those grounds we are safe from causing any major heart-burn to anyone... What do you think?

So, if you are in Columbus running the half then be in the lookout for the polka-dots...

If you think that you can challenge my time then go ahead and challenge me. If you beat me fair then you can win one cool prize... if I beat you then I would like for you to donate to NATT the value of the prize (should be no more than $25.00). Are you up for the challenge? Try me!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster.

Very Quickly...

As the hours of the day fly pass me and I can't seem to find time to post anything here is a quick rapid fire summary..
Mid April - HAPPY BIRTHDAY Clot Buster... you are getting old!

Mrs. Clot Buster is learning to deal with HER FIRST EVER prolonged injury. She is been having some issues with her knee and now after getting checked she is gearing up for her first ever Physical Trainer session. Hang in there Mrs. Clot Buster... we feel for you!

Junior Clot Buster changing by the day... top teeth out, pulling up to stand no sweat, enjoying walking with assistance, eating more and more solids... he loves anything crunchy at first and once wet soft, and of course talking and smiling far more than crying and being cranky.

Ran one of the hardest 10K course in Ohio... the ECOTHON at The Wilds conservancy park. Back in 2006 I did race and I stopped the clock on a respectable 50:18... fast forward to last weekend and I crushed my previous time but 2 minutes as I crossed the finish line in 48:18 which was good enough for 7th Place overall and 2nd in my age group.Very cool that after the race I introduced a physician to NATT and our STOP THE CLOT effort. He noticed the polka-dots and we got talking. Never under estimate the power of the polka-dots regardless of where you are... Please wear your polka-dots and help us spread the word.Stay tuned for another update in which I will let you know the Clot Buster's racing schedule and see if I can see you out there at the races. Checkout the schedule carefully because I would love to challenge anyone out there to race against the polka-dots. If you think you can race me and believe you can beat me then issue me a challenge and we will battle it out. You can have the potential of winning some really sweet prizes that we will negotiate prior to the race... so train away and let me know @ polka40@hotmail.com

Thank you for reading,

The Clot Buster

Hard to believe...

that it is been almost a month since I competed in the 2009 edition of the Shamrock Marathon.

It is been a while since I had the chance to write anything.

Time gets away from you when you are having fun and Clot Buster Junior is starting to find the real use of this two legs... he is pulling up on things and just having a grand old time holding on to us as he is learning the way of the up right.

Since the marathon is well past it is time to start thinking about the summer and where I will be able to go to show off the STOP THE CLOT polka-dots. This afternoon I got to take polka-dots out for a nice 20+ Mile ride during the most beatiful day of the year so far. I am a sucker for 70 degree weather and nothing but blue skies.

There are some races I want to do as usual but this year I will have the chance to race as a team with my younger brother and wife in a race in early June. I still remmeber how much fun my brother would make of me for wearing the spandex and racing. Now he will be racing in our team and also he considering doing his very first, very own sprint triathlon as well. I very much look forward to see that materialize.

Slowly I am getting more time in my two wheels and doing some more swimming as well. I feel as if I am a long ways away from being ready but I am actually in very good shape thanks to the marathon training. However, I still need to get the biknig/running combination dialed in for this yaer.
For now I am working on the riding... 40+ Miles of riding between Friday and Saturday... not bad if you consider baby feedings and diaper changes. Mrs. Clot Buster and I make up a FANTASTIC Team that takes care of Junior without a hitch and gives us the chance to still do what we want in terms of working out.
Time to get to bed... Junior could wake up any moment so I need to catch some Zzzz's... yikes!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

April Athlete of the Month

What a great opportunity I have through my blog to show case people who can inspire all of us regardless of what we do. Slowly I am putting together a nice network of clot survivors that a story to tell. I am very excited to continue to extend this network and include as many people as I can. Who knows how many of this posts I can do but as long as I learn about a come back story I am going to post it for everyone to see.

April's Athlete of the month is a great example of this network expanding. Someone I knew from the early start of the Clot Buster told me about this person and after a couple of emails I was able to have him on board, answering my favorite questions that I know all of you out there are looking forward to read...

Please let me introduce to you Mr. QUINN WILLIAMS the Clot Buster's April Athlete of the Month. Let's read on to learn more about Quinn and how he as returned to do what he loves.

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

My sport/ activity is time trials, dualthons and cyclocross. I am not sure why I enjoy it. I just do and it feels right when I am doing it.

2) How did you get started in that sport?

I was a runner, but I developed stress fractures in my legs. My Doctor recommend that I try biking for cross training. I stared Biking and I fell in love with it.

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

My goal for this coming season is to become a better racer, and finish in the top of my category.

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

In July 2008, I was competing in a dualthon. It was a very hot day, and the race was brutal. It was a 3.5 mile trail run, 25 mile bike with very steep climbs, followed by another 3.5 trail run. After the race I jumped in my car and drove 3 hours to a cabin that my in-laws had rented for the weekend. ( this was a bad Idea) The next day I went for a nice log recovery ride. The ride went well but I was a bit tired, but after all I just had a race the day before. As the weeks went on I noticed that my runs and bike rides were getting slower and slower. So I figured I was over training again. I took a few day off and I noticed that my calf muscles felt like I had pulled them. That struck me as odd, because I had taken the last few days off. I returned to my training with a 5 mile tempo run, and I struggled to make it through the workout. I decided to go to the doctor, and as luck would have it my primary Doctor was on vacation, so I had to see someone else. I describe my symptoms, as shortness of breath and feeling fatigued during my training. I did not mention my sore calf because it went away after I started exercising. The doctor diagnosed me with exercise-induced asthma. She sent me home with an inhaler and the next day I continued my training. The inhaler helped a bit but I knew something else was wrong.I took a few more day off and during this time my leg began to swell, and it was hard for my to stand up. I decided to check out web MD and diagnosed myself with a DVT. I then went to the ER and had a cat scan to confirm it. They found multiple DVT in my legs. They sent me home with some warfin and told me to see my primary Doctor the next day. I got an apt. the next morning and my Doctor was outraged that they did not check my lung so he ordered me to get another cat scan. The cat scan should that my lung were covered with pulmonary embolisms. Again they sent me home, and told me to rest for a few days. When I got home it was very painful to stand up, and If I was up to long I would feel like I was going to pass out. So I went back to the ER and they admitted me.I spent 6 day in the hospital, while the got my INR numbers in the right range. My Doctor told me that I could start biking again once I was able to stand up. When I left the hospital I still was unable to stand up and If I did it was very painful.

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

I laid low for about a week, and I decided to jump on my bike. I hooked up my bike to my fluid trainer and did an easy 20 min workout. ( at this point I still could not stand)The next day I went 25 min and noticed that it seemed to be helping my legs. Soon I was up to an hour at an easy pace. I returned to racing just before the first cyclocrooss race, and I did awful. It was very hard to breath and my recover rate was horrible. I finished the season off at the back of the pack in every race. But I was racing, and alive.

6) What is your favorite piece of gear for your favorite activity? (Bike brand, running shoes, perhaps a running singlet or the Clot Buster's Running Polka-Dot Technical Shirt...)

My favorite gear is my fluid trainer, hart rate monitor and my spinervill DVDs.My favorite bikes are my Salsa El Go Go time trail bike and my Jamis Nova Pro cyclocross bike.

7) How much are you getting out doing your sport?

Right now I am in my off season, right now I am doing lots of strength training with kettlebells, yoga, kickboxing, and aerobase bike rides on the trainer. ( to much snow to be outside). I typically workout 6 days a week, around 2 to 2.5 hours per workout.You can view my log at http://www.mapmyfitness.com/user_training?u=53261

8) What is your favorite food? Either generally or after a workout. For me there is nothing better than a Chipotle Burrito...

After workout shake, Whey protein, banana and a bunch of peanut butter mixed in a blender.

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

Europe

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

My only advice is get back in the game. Listen to your body and be prepared to take it slow

Well it is clear that a blood clot will not stop Quinn from doing what he enjoys. It is remarkable that after being competitive he went out there to race, once he was able, and although he did not finished well in the races he was out there enjoying the chance of being there.

Quinn, THANK YOU so much for sharing your story with all of us. I know that you will get back to your peak performance and place well within your age group in every race that you do.

THANK YOU for inspiring others in the same boat as you and for showing them that it is possible to return to do the things that you love.

I know that you love the Clot Buster's polka-dot jersey and although I don't have any available right now you will be one of the first ones to know when they become available... you need to have the polka-dots to spread the word out there in sunny California!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

P.S.= If you have the chance please checkout Quinn's website @ www.xtraining.info pretty cool stuff he has on there to help you track you training.