February Athlete of the Month

Once more the power of the web has brought me to a cross roads in which I get to meet some truly amazing people.

Can't really under estimate how far this blog can reach and the number of folks I am able to meet.

I am THRILLED that we get the chance to read more and more inspiring stories about people surviving blood clotting incidents.

This month's Athlete of the Month is certainly one of those survivors and an individual with a story that is worth reading to get you off the couch and moving.

Please let me introduce you to SARA WYEN and read on about what she had to say about the questions I asked her...

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

I am a runner. I enjoy running because it has lead to so many positive changes in my life. Anyone can run, anywhere and at anytime - you don't have to be an athlete, look or feel a certain way to run. You can run alone, with friends or with a training group. Running is one of the most primal activities we experience as human beings. You just run. Running has not only helped me to get physically healthy and take care of myself, but helped me to regain self-confidence that I had previously lost. Through running, I have learned to respect myself and my body for what it is.

2) How did you get started in that sport?

In the spring of 2009, I decided to run a half marathon. I take that back. In the spring of 2009, I walked into work one day and declared (after just discovering I could run for 1.5 miles without stopping after weeks of training with a personal trainer) that I was going to run a marathon – all 26.2 miles of it. At least, I thought that’s what the mileage of a Marathon was. My then co- and now awesome friend Chrissy, who I barely knew, turned around in her chair and said, “Okay, I’ll do it with you.” Only, neither of us really knew what to do to get started! Long story short, we joined Marathoners In Training in Columbus, Ohio and ran our first half marathon after completing the program in August of 2009.

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

In January of 2012, I ran the Goofy Challenge in Walt Disney World in memory of my mother who passed away unexpectedly while on a training run in April of 2011. I completed the Walt Disney World Half Marathon and 22 miles of the Marathon before I was pulled from the course due to injury (or what I now suspect may have been the beginning of my blood clot in my leg).

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

My life literally changed overnight (yet again?) in the summer of 2012. Life was going as planned – better than planned, as a matter of fact – in late May I quit my job of five years in the non-profit field and prepared to start my career as a 9-1-1 Dispatcher. That was on a Thursday and on Monday morning, instead of finding myself in the communications center of the local police department, I found myself in the intensive care unit of the local hospital wondering, “What happened to my life?”After suffering what I now know to have been a pulmonary embolism (or blood clot in my lung) from a deep vein thrombosis (or blood clot in my leg), I went from running more days than not to not being able to even walk, stand, use the bathroom or breath on my own. I could barely eat on my own. Most of my foods made it somewhere near my mouth, if I didn’t fall asleep while eating from the copious amount of morphine being pumped into my system to ease the pain.
All the doctors blamed my blood clots on oral contraceptives, which I had been taking for over seven years at that point. It wasn’t discovered until one doctor decided to dig a little deeper, thankfully, that I had antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Antiphospholipid syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which your body mistakenly produces antibodies against certain normal proteins in your blood potentially leading to the formation of a blood clot(s) deep within the veins of the leg (DVT). Damage to other organs depends on the extent and location of the clot. If a clot travels to your lung it can cause a pulmonary embolism (PE). There’s no cure for antiphospholipid syndrome, but medications can be effective in reducing your risk of blood clots.
I remember vividly the day I was sitting (very uncomfortably) in my doctor’s office when he looked up from his charts and said, “You know, in all my years of practice, you were the sickest I have ever seen someone. You’re lucky to be alive, in fact, but we’re going to figure this thing out.”
After eight months, I am still on daily injection blood thinners and on the road to recovery.

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

I have only been able to walk-run a handful of times since I got sick and I know it will be awhile before I am able to run long again. Most memorably, I walked the Flying Feather Four Miler on Thanksgiving, a tradition I started running with my mom and sister in the last few years. I was able to run down the finish chute, which was a wonderful and emotional experience for me. I miss running everyday.

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...)

I'm obsessed with my Garmin Forerunner 405. I can't run without it - that is my running staple. My newest piece of running gear is my Clot Buster Polka-Dot Jersey and it is quickly becoming a favorite! I want to wear it every race I run from now on to bring awareness to blood clots.

7) How much are you getting out doing your sport? (Everyday you do some training, 2, 3, 4 times per week)

Right now I am getting out to walk-run intervals once or twice a week. I want to run a half marathon again.

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

I love anything spicy! The spicier the better. I am reading and learning about the Paleo Diet now and what benefits it could have for people who are struggling with systematic inflammation and clotting disorders.

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

Ever since I got sick, I want to see everything. I feel truly lucky to be alive and don't want to waste the life I have left. I would love to see the Rocky Mountains.

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.

Don't ever give up. Not ever. Don't give up fighting - no matter how hard it gets or how bad it hurts. Be an advocate for yourself because no one else will, question everything. Question your doctors, diagnosis, health insurance - don't even accept 'you can't' or 'you won't' as an answer. It does get better even though it might take a very long time. You survived something not everyone does and you are here for a reason. Don't stop looking for it.

==============================================================

Sara - THANK YOU a million times over for sharing your story with us.

Without a doubt you will be back racing in the Clot Buster polka-dots that you make look so good.  Thank you for willingness to spread the word about blood clots and blood clotting disorders.

I very much appreciate what you wrote about me on your blog... THANKS!

 http://wordstorunby.com/2013/01/racing-with-the-clot-buster.html

Here is wishing that you in fact get to see the Rocky Mountains some day.  That is a trip that you MUST do.

Get inspired and get out there.  Blood clots cannot stop you!

Thank you for reading,

The Clot Buster

What to race in 2013...? I need your help...!

This is always an exciting time of the year for me...

 

Trying to figure out what races I will be doing on this new year.

 

One race that I will be doing for sure will be doing a little race called the

NYC Marathon in November...!

In order for me to be able to participate I am going to need your help by raising funds in order to raise awareness for blood clots and blood clotting disorders.

 

If you have it in you please check out the following link and help me reach my goal...

 

http://www.crowdrise.com/clotbusterinnyc/fundraiser/rolandtheclotbusterv

 

But even after this I still need your help.

 

What races should I do this year?

 

What triathlons?

 

I am looking for several triathlons probably 4 to 5 before I have to begin my marathon training sometime in mind August.

 

It should be a fun summer and can't wait to get out of the winter funk.

 

In the mean time, I have legos, cars, superheros to play along with diapers to change and crawling to chase after.

 

Best of luck getting through the winter and staying in shape (I could write for days about the struggles I've been having losing the extra danish butter cookies pounds I put on over the winter...sigh)

 

Thanks for reading,

 

The Clot Buster

May 2012 - Athlete of the Month - UPDATE

You can't stop her just hope to contain her...

TAMMY ROETHER is an inspiration to all of us.

Her determination simply cannot be matched.

Do you think that a blood clot can stop her?

Do you know what she did last November?

Do you venture to guess?

Are you ready to know?

She PARTICIPATED and FINISHED the 2012 IRONMAN ARIZONA...!

How about that !?!?!?

 

 

Simply amazing!  I am really short of words to describe the magnitude of what she accomplished.  But wait, this is not her first Ironman this is her THIRD!!!

 

Although due to her past blood clotting incidents her doctors are strongly recommending her to stop long endurance racing you can be sure that this lady is not stopping and will continue to get out there.  It is so amazing where your drive and determination can take you. 

 

CLOT BUSTER - STOP THE CLOT polka-dots at the 2012 IRONMAN ARIZONA... OUTSTANDING!!!

 

TAMMY - Thank you for the inspiration.  You are an amazing example... THANK YOU for letting blood clots stop you.

 

Thanks for reading,

 

The Clot Buster

January Athlete of the Month

It is hard to believe...

But once more we get another example that ANYONE at ANYTIME can come down with a clotting incident.

This time we find blood clots in the news affecting a potential ALL STAR NBA player from the Cleveland Cavaliers...

Please allow me to introduce to you  ANDERSON VAREJAO

I wish that it was under better circumstances that I get to learn about this fine player's story.  However, he is now a "member" of our movement even if he is not directly involved with spreading the word about blood clots and blood clotting disorders.

If you are interested in reading about Anderson's clotting incident and team reaction you can read the article I found below...

Article from the Associated Press posted on ESPN.com on 01/23/2013...

"CLEVELAND -- Anderson Varejao's season rapidly spiraled from a probable All-Star appearance to over.
The Cavaliers' hustling center, who led the NBA in rebounding before he went down last month with what appeared to be nothing more than a bruised knee, remained hospitalized Monday with a blood clot in his lower right lung, a health scare that will force him to miss the rest of this season.
Varejao, who underwent surgery on a torn leg muscle on Jan. 10, has been at The Cleveland Clinic since last Thursday. The Cavs said he will likely remain in the hospital for several more days as he receives treatment. Varejao is expected to make a full recovery, but he will remain on blood thinning medications for at least three months, the team said Monday.
The loss of the 6-foot-11 Varejao is a crushing blow to the young Cavs, who are just 10-32.
"Losing him already was bad enough for us," star point guard Kyrie Irving said. "The news got worse today. We wish him the best. We're all going to be there for him morale-wise, just try to be there for him as best as we can as teammates. That's all we can do right now."
Despite Varejao being admitted to the hospital four days ago, the Cavs did not reveal he was still there until shortly before Monday's workout at their training facility.
Varejao was having an All-Star-caliber season before he injured his leg on Dec. 18 against Toronto. Team doctors initially diagnosed the injury as a bruise and expected Varejao to make a quick recovery. However, tests revealed an uncommon split in his quadriceps muscle which required an operation. Varejao was expected to be out eight weeks before he developed the blood clot following the surgery.
General manager Chris Grant said the team is "fairly confident" the clot was not a reaction from surgery.
This is the third straight season Varejao has missed extended time with injuries. The Brazilian sat out 41 games last season with a broken wrist, and he was sidelined for 51 games in 2011 after tearing a tendon in his ankle while running after practice.
"We're just feeling bad for Andy," Cavs coach Byron Scott said following practice. "I think the world of Andy, especially with the way he plays. My heart just goes out to him. He's had some bad luck in the last three years. I'm sure it's devastating to him. I feel real bad for him."
Varejao was averaging 14.4 rebounds and 14.1 points in 25 games before he got hurt. There wasn't a center in the Eastern Conference playing better than the fun-loving 30-year-old, who has developed into much more than a competent reserve -- when he's healthy.
If he had been able to keep playing, there's little doubt Varejao, acquired by Cleveland in 2004 in a trade with Orlando, would have been named an All-Star reserve this week.
Grant pointed out that Varejao's injuries have been unrelated.
"They've all really been freak things," he said. "He's frustrated. We're frustrated for him and with him. We would love to have him out there, particularly the type of year he was having. He's really come into his own as a leader on the court, so it's difficult. But at the same time we believe in him as a guy, we know what he can do. He's played in a lot of big games for us, into the Finals. We'll continue to support him."
Cleveland, which has one of the league's youngest rosters, just completed a 1-4 road trip. The Cavs will host Boston on Tuesday and play 10 of their next 12 games at home.
Varejao's injury has allowed Scott to give extra playing time to second-year forward Tristan Thompson and rookie Tyler Zeller. The Cavs, though, have been plagued by wild inconsistency, especially down the stretch in games they've let slip away.
"We've made strides in the right direction, but we just have to be more consistent game-to-game," said Irving, who is averaging 23.1 points, 5.7 assists and 3.6 rebounds per game. "I say it all the time, we've proven we can play with the best in the league, we just have to put two halves together. We're still figuring that out."
They'll have to do it without Varejao, their never-stopping big man who has managed to stay positive despite his latest medical setback.
"His spirits are up," said Grant. "He's frustrated. He wants to play; he wants to be with his teammates on the court. But he's such a good guy. Every time you see him he's still got that big smile." "

Simply amazing to realize that even professional athletes can be exposed to the dangers of blood clots.

Once more early diagnosis and treatment saved Anderson's life and career.  I really hope that some day all people who are in danger of suffering from a clotting incident can in fact receive early diagnosis and treatment so that the impact of the blood clot is a little as possible.

From down here in Columbus, OH the Cleveland Cavaliers have a fan who will be following the progress of the team.  I look forward to see #17 (which by the way is my favorite number...!) back in the court next year providing inspiration to others who may be going through the same trouble.

Here is wishing Anderson a speedy and safe recovery.  Without a question he will be back to shows once more that blood clots cannot and will not stop you...!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Back and better than ever... Part 2

 

Continuing my theme of getting inspired for 2013 I wanted to look back and share some of the best pictures we were able to collect throughout the past year of the CLOT BUSTER - STOP THE CLOT polka dots...

 

How do I look? I have to admit that those polka-dots make me look good.

 

If I am lucky enough these very polka-dots will be running in NYC this coming November... stay tuned for more.

 

If you want your very own polka-dots get them at my blog and help me spread the word about STOP THE CLOT.

 

See you out there!

 

Thanks for reading,

 

The Clot Buster

Back and Better than ever...

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2013 has started and the first thing we did was to go on vacation away from the cold and snow...

 

 

I have to admit that running by the ocean, the sandy beaches, and the palm trees was very pleasant.  Not to mention the chance to spend extended quality time with my side of the family.  I very much enjoyed all of it.

But now we are back and 2013's routine is really getting under way.

Many challenges await this year and I am very excited to take on all of them the only way I know how... head on.

 

But before I get warmed up to take on 2013 I like to take a look what I was able to do in 2012.

 

I am very lucky to have had the chance to do as much as I did and to race as much as I did.

 

For me the highlight of the year was to compete in the Rev3 Half-Iron Distance Triathlon in Cedar Point and come within minutes of my PR at that distance.  I was very pleased with the fact that I was able to string together a half-marathon consistently after the previous 56 Miles.  I've always had trouble with second half of the run in this long type of races.

 

But all together I am VERY GRATEFUL to be out there when I can and keep taking the CLOT BUSTER - STOP THE CLOT polka-dots for all to see and in the very least get people thinking and learning about blood clots and blood clotting disorders.

 

Here are my totals for SWIMMING, BIKING, and RUNNING in 2012.  At the end of each year I look at this numbers and I am blown away... to me it is simply impressive.

 

SWIM = 36.6 Miles

 

BIKE = 2,292 Miles

 

RUN = 765 Miles

 

What were your numbers for 2012? Keep track of them because looking at the them at the end makes you feel accomplished.

 

How will the 2013 numbers turn out? I don't have any idea but you can be sure that I will be tracking it all to look back on it and get inspired once more to take on the next year.

 

Thanks for reading,

 

The Clot Buster

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS and a VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

 

Here is hoping that this Holiday Season allows you to spend time with loved ones and provides you with enough inspiration to get going in the new year.

 

May 2013 bring you all of the HAPPINESS, GOOD HEALTH, and GOOD FORTUNE you can handle

 

 

2013 promises to be a year full of challenges and many more inspiring stories of survivors.

 

Come along for the ride!

 

Thanks for reading,

 

The Clot Buster

December Athlete of the Month

As this year is coming to a close I finally get around to post again.

I've been meaning to do this for a couple of weeks now.

I guess that work with end of the year deadlines simply got in the way.

But that is all behind me now...

As the snow falls here in Columbus, OH it is hard to think about running.

However, December's Athlete of the Month is someone who is a runner.  Truly a POWERHOUSE on two legs even after his clotting incident and serious back surgery. 

JOHN HNAT has a very impressive and inspiring story that he updates on his very own blog.

http://john-hnat.blogspot.com/

After reading through his various posts I cannot even attempt to match the intensity of this guy let alone the mileage he has been able to thrown down.  I can't even pretend to understand how he does it.

From his blog site above the following post describes his adventure and inspiring story...please read on...

http://john-hnat.blogspot.com/2012/10/has-it-really-been-year-already.html

Here is hoping that John continues his progress towards a full recovery and that I get the fortune to run alongside him someday in the near future.  We have the OH connection going for us and of course the deeper connection of being associated with blood clots.  Who knows perhaps down the road if the stars align properly you may find a tandem of CLOT BUSTER polka-dot wearing guys at a race near you...

On this Holiday Season I wish that the new year upon us allows me to post another story about John running away from his blood clotting incident and look back at it as something he was able to overcome and did not slow him down.

Please read John's story and be inspired by his talented writing and wisdom from personal experience!

Thanks for reading.

The Clot Buster

Sorry...

I know that Black Friday came and went...

And I know that I did not have a Black Friday sale for the highly coveted never duplicated
CLOT BUSTER STOP THE CLOT cycling jerseys and triathlon tops







But there is a valid reason for that...

All proceeds from the sale of the cycling jersey and triathlon top are designated to go back to NBCA (www.STOPTHECLOT.org) in order to help continue their mission of spreading the word about blood clots and blood clotting disorders.

How could I justify a sale of these precious garments when they have such a higher purpose...?

Get one for you and someone you love who can help us keep driving our message so that blood clots are never misdiagnosed and all patients are treated to maximize their survival and return to normalcy.

There is no better gift than the inspiration that these polka-dots can provide

There is no better gift than the inspiration that these polka-dots can provide!

Order yours RIGHT NOW by clicking on the top right hand corner of this very page.

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

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Thankful...!

There are no words to explain how LUCKY and THANKFUL I am.

Every minute spent with any or all of them is time WELL spent.


Here is hoping that all of you out there had a wonderful THANKSGIVING Day Holiday.

For my 13th year in a row I got to participate in Cincinnati's Thanksgiving Day Race and race as fast as I could for 10K. I am very pleased with my effort as I was able to clock my second best time ever at 42:17.

I am even more pleased because I was able to pull off that time less than a week after doing the Hot Chocolate 15K Race here in Columbus. This hot chocolate was sweet in many levels. I got to run it from start to finish with My Lovely Wife and in the process while wearing the Clot Buster polka-dots got to meet a blood clot survivor who was lining up right behind us to take on his very own 15K after going through his clotting incident.

Needless to say I was more than inspired. I have no doubt that I will see that individual at the races again and this time I will be sure to remember his name... I am so bad with names the first time I learn them.





Here we are racing towards that sweet chocolate treat... and let me tell you that dipping that finish line banana on that melted chocolate goodness was the perfect end to an amazing racing experience.

Now, I just sit here eating my beloved danish butter cookies wondering about 2013 and all the fun things I can potentially do while spreading the word about blood clots and blood clotting disorders.

Please don't mind the crumbs on the keyboard...

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster



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November Athlete of the Month

As luck will have it we are taking a different path this month.

In fact, in the more than 4 years that I've been doing this series of Athlete of the Month I almost certain that this month's individual is very unique and certainly off the regular path.

I mean we are talking EXTREME SPORT in this case. 

Please allow me to introduce to you November's Athlete of the Month TRINE VIK.

I can't even begin to describe the level of adventure this young person has in her even after a clotting incident not too long ago. 

Again, the inspiration from her own words can be very powerful and I urge you to read to learn more about this outstanding individual.

1) What is you sport/activity of choice? Why do you enjoy it?
SKIING!! Then climbing, then mountain biking, then trail running. I love the cold clean air, deep powder, companionship and freedom that I experience when I click into my skis. I LOVE being in the mountains at any time of year and my these activities continuously challenge and inspire me.

2) How did you get started in that sport?
I was pretty much born with skis on my feet. My father was a coach for the Norwegian Alpine Racing Team and my mother is a Park City, UT native. My parents would take my sister and I skiing every chance they got and I have been lucky enough to have the opportunity to pursue my own ski racing career and work as a professional ski patroller.

3)  What is the latest milestone you achieved or plan to achieveAfter I got off of Coumadin I summitted the Grand Teton in Jackson Hole Wyoming! It has always been a dream of mine to summit this classic peak and this fall a girlfriend and I had a perfect weather window so we drove there and busted it out! The weekend before I completed my second mountain marathon so I was well acclimated and almost skipped my way up the mountain, I was so excited to be there.

4) Tells about your clotting episode. Are you on blood thinners now? How long were you out of commission?
I had a pulmonary embolism in March 2012, two days before my 22 birthday. I was lucky enough to be at home (and not in the mountains) when I woke up with chest pain and couldn’t breathe. I spent a week in the hospital, missed my mid-term exams and was on narcotics for the pain for almost four weeks. It was a struggle to keep up with my classes and I was absolutely devastated that I couldn’t ski, climb or mountain bike for a while. I did Lovenox shots for 6 weeks and was on Coumadin for 6 months. Most of the time I was terrified that I would be a Coumadin lifer and I was depressed that my normal lifestyle was not permitted. After I regained my strength I started running A LOT and doing cross-fit type workouts (with supervision). I got off of Coumadin three months ago and got tested for FVL and Prothrombin mutation for which I am negative.

5) When were you able to get back into your activity? How did it feel that first time? 
I went rock climbing within 48 hours of stopping Coumadin. I was SO excited! My climbing strength was mostly gone, but it didn’t even matter because I was bursting with joy. That feeling has been a theme for me with most of my activities. I’m so happy to be alive and out there doing what I love that I’m less critical and serious when I do them, which makes it so much more joyful!

6)  What is your favorite piece of gear for your favorite activity?
My Black Diamond Zealot skis! My Giant Trance mountain bike & my trad rack.

7) How much are you getting out doing your sport? (Everyday you do some training, 2, 3, 4 times per week)
I workout in some form or another 6 times a week. Lately I’ve been able to climb & bike 2-3 days a week. I’m SO STOKED for ski season! I’ll probably be out there ski touring before work 4 times a week now :)

8) What is your favorite food? Either generally or after a workout. For me there is nothing better than a Chipotle Burrito...
Chocolate!! Many of my climbing partners know to pack an emergency stash of chocolate in case our mission goes longer than anticipated.

9) If you could go some place to visit and explore, where would like to go?
 I cannot wait to go back to Denali National Park to climb Mount McKinley. I am nervous to hear what my doctors will have to say about my blood at high altitude, but that and other world-wide peaks are my dream playgrounds!

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 spent so much time suffering, depressed, and alienating myself when I was dealing with my PE and blood clot. My physicians did a wonderful job taking care of me medically, but they were quite detrimental emotionally. I was overloaded with information that worried and upset me constantly. I should have seen a therapist, but the only person I would listen to who could console me was another young woman who had had a stroke. There are several mind-body and other tools that I’ve learned throughout my experience that would have greatly improved my perspective. People need to regain control emotionally and develop ways to mentally overcome any perceived obstacles they may face as they seek out better health or happiness. Toward the end my anxiety was quite high and I made a definitive reckoning with myself: either be on Coumadin for the rest of my life, become a kick-ass physician & get into fly fishing or get off Coumadin, become a kick-ass physician & keep skiing/climbing. I did my best to be head strong, but little things would still make me crumble. I don’t want anyone to have to go through that fear and I am doing everything I can to provide the support to others that I so desperately needed. I write a lot about advice for others on my blog: blog.trinevik.com

After this incident I take much better care of my body. I prioritize exercise, good food and sleep. It has been a struggle to not freak out about every twinge of pain in my chest or headache (I’ve been into the ER and to my doctor twice thinking I was having another blood clot). Sometimes I’m afraid that I will have a blood clotting episode again. But now I KNOW that I can get through it, continue to thrive and become a stronger person for it.

I am incredibly THANKFUL to have had the opportunity to cross paths with Trine and her story.  Even more thankful of the fact that she has been willing to share her story with us.

In my day before triathlon came into my life I had the chance to be an extreme sport participant.  I've done my fair share of rock-climbing and mountaineering back when I had hair... I have to my record the summits of Cotopaxi and Chimborazo mountains in Ecuador which I was very lucky to be able to climb.  At any rate, I can completely related to Trine and her love for being outside enjoying it all.  Now, she can keep the skiing because I don't do so well on them.  If you ever want a good laugh ask me about my skiing attempt as a freshman in college in Colorado.  You will not believe how funny that story is due to my inability to ski.

Now, I want go dust off my old pair of climbing shoes and see what I am able to do still... although it has to be in an indoor gym.

Trine I am very THANKFUL to have met you and for your willingness to share your story.

Keep going and never ever give up!

By the way, someday I will need your help if I ever attempt skiing again...

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

NBCA Fundraiser by LAUREN - September's Athlete of the Month

How cool?!?!?

Wonderful to see September Athlete of the Month - LAUREN HAMETZ start her very own fundraising page for NBCA.

As a blood clot survivor she truly is an inspiration to all.

If you have it in you please checkout the following link in order to help Lauren reach her project goal...

http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/laurenraehametz/laurenraesfundraisingpage

All funds raised are going towards helping NBCA @ www.STOPTHECLOT.org continue to spread the word about blood clots and blood clotting disorders.

Thanks for reading!

The Clot Buster


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COME RUN WITH ME...!!!

One year from this weekend...

One year from this weekend I will be taking on...

One year from this weekend I will be taking on the challenge of a lifetime...

One year from this weekend I will be taking on the challenge of a lifetime as I will be toeing the line for the 2013 New York City MARATHON.

Although I am terribly sad for the folks who missed their opportunity in 2012 I am certain that their training is not lost and they will be able to participate next year on a different race elsewhere. 

In 2013 however, I am faced with the challenge to run 26.2 Miles and on every step of the way I will carry with me the CLOT BUSTER STOP THE CLOT polka-dots in order to spread the word about blood clots and blood clotting disorders.  Everyone needs to be aware of the dangers and risks of blood clots so running on this event should allow me to increase my platform and reach even more people.

While spreading the message is good raising funds to support NBCA (www.STOPTHECLOT.org) is even better in order to allow this organization to continue their mission to reach as many people as possible through the multiple programs they conduct.

If you have it in you please consider checking out my fundraising page at >>>  http://www.crowdrise.com/clotbusterinnyc/

*** New for this fundraising effort...

For those of you who would be interested in dedicating this race to someone you know who has battled a clotting incident you can purchase one of the polka-dots on the jersey that I plan on wearing for the race.  The name of the person you are dedicating I plan to attach to my jersey and have them run along side me from start to finish.  Each polka-dot is available for dedication for a minimum donation of $100.00. 
It is my hope that if you don't know anyone who has suffered a clotting incident you would consider taking a person from my "ATHLETE OF THE MONTH" series of blog posts and allow them to run along side with me...

Your help on this challenge I will be very much appreciated.

I can't do this alone so your participation and support will be key for me.  If you know of others who would be interested on helping me out please pass this along to them.

Let the training begin!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Get Yours!!!

Never too late to get your very own

 

CLOT BUSTER - STOP THE CLOT tops.

 

Help me and NBCA spread the word about blood clots and blood clotting disorders.

Order your very own polka-dots and stand out to STOP THE CLOT.

 

Check the top right hand corner of this blog to get your order in.

 

All proceeds from this sale are targeted back to NBCA in order to help accomplish their mission.

 

Thanks for reading,

 

The Clot Buster

October Athlete of the Month

INSPIRATION.

Any Athlete featured in this "Athlete of the Month" blog = INSPIRATION.

Blood Clot Survivor as "Athlete of the Month" = INSPIRATION.

Now, when a blood clot incident survivor is taking on the challenge of a Marathon you can't find a measuring tape large enough to measure the inspiration that story can provide. 

This month a blood clot incident survivor took on the CHICAGO MARATHON and ran through all of the 26.2 Miles carrying the STOP THE CLOT message for all to see.  Please allow me to introduce you to ERIC O'CONNOR a CLOT BUSTER Athlete with a story that you must read!


Chicago Marathon



Please take the time and get inspired by the answers Eric was able to provide to my interview questions...

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

Marathons are my favorite. I love the race and the training. I have had a few health issues in my life and I find marathon training mirrors those times. When I was faced with a few daunting physical and mental issues I found my marathon training helped give me the mind set of tackling them one day at a time. There is no replacement for the freedom and energy I feel when running. I love the mental exercise as well. Running for me is about pushing beyond limits in my mind and body. It's about setting goals and breaking them. Sue and I have 3 little boys, 7, 5, and 2. I hope I am setting an example for them. If they put in the time they'll be able to accomplish anything they want.
2) How did you get started in that sport?

I was always athletic. Soccer, baseball, and yes marching band kept me busy in high school. Running however was not my first choice. I remember trying out for cross country and immediately coming up with ways I could roll my ankle so I could stop running. I ran to stay in shape for sports but never enjoyed it. Then came my first year out of college. My father in law was a marathon/triathalon competitor until he hit 50. The man is a machine. So I picked up my two favorite habits from him, smoking cigars and running marathons. Not simultaneously of course. In the last 11 years I have run 13 marathons.
Strange History: I ran the 25th anniversary Chicago marathon. I was hooked. However by December I couldn't walk up a flight of stairs without a rest. I had Hepatitis C and had to go on a one year intense chemo-like treatment. My goal was to run the Des Moines Half Marathon 4 months after my treatment. I had a long way to go. I dropped from 175 pounds to 130 in that time frame and didn't have much muscle left. I did end up running it and then ran the Des Moines marathon in the fall.

3) What is the latest milestone you achieved or plan to achieve?
My first race back from my clotting episode was the Chicago Marathon. I took it easy and ran with a friend. We shattered her time from last year by 20 minutes. It was great to be back and there is nothing like running in Chicago! Next up is the Rock N Roll Marathon in San Antonio in November. We'll see if I can get some speed back for that one.

Boston of course is on my list. Prior to the PEs and DVTs I was right where I wanted to be to qualify. 1 year later I'm still a long way off, but qualifying is still on my to-do list.

I want to run a 50 miler in Arizona in March. I'll start training for that after San Antonio.

4) Tells about your clotting episode. Are you on blood thinners now? How long were you out of commission?
In 2010, I ran 3 marathons and had full intentions on running in 2011. I tore my meniscus playing soccer with my son so I needed surgery in August. My doctor assured me I would be back training in time to run Chicago in October. A week later while standing in the garage with the boys I felt like I had just done a 10 mile speed workout. I was short of breath and sweating. My wife rushed home from the ER and took me in. Turns out I had massive blood clots in my calf and multiple bilateral Pulmonary Emboli in my lungs. After getting through the initial diagnosis the doctors did a bunch of blood work and discovered I have a Prothrombin Factor II mutation. I then went on a 6 month battle with Coumadin. I was lucky though and stopped at 6 months. My PE specialist explained the episode was a provoked incident due to knee surgery. Had it come without the surgery he would have recommended Coumadin for life.

Getting back to work was a struggle. I'm a wedding photographer. A normal day is 12 to 14 hours of running around. It was tough to breath and the near 100 temps an humidity didn't help much. The first couple weeks my heart rate would elevate and every time I felt a pain in my leg or chest I wondered if I should go back in. I actually developed a little anxiety. Funny to think how much mental prep we do for marathon training then your brain can actually convince you have problems that don't exist. I would have sworn my heart was racing in the 140s-150s but sure enough I took my pulse and it was 60 or lower.

The doctor told me I could get back to running anytime I wanted. Of course I tried running a few days after I got home. 1 mile, 15 minutes. Realizing there was no way I could run I then took 4 months off. I spent some time in the gym but that was almost as hard. My heart rate would hit 175 or higher lifting. I had to take breaks to catch my breath.



San Francisco Marathon

5) When were you able to get back into your activity? How did it feel that first time?
I finally started training again in January almost 6 months after the week in the hospital. I tend to have 1 speed, all or nothing. So I went straight into training for a spring marathon. I stress fractured my left foot and spent 3 months in a boot. If anyone every has to spend time in a boot try P90x2. It's an awesome workout and about the only thing I could tolerate while not running.

Finally, the boot came off this July and I started training for Chicago. By this time I was READY for training. Training has been a lot of fun and also frustrating at times. I am almost 1.5 minutes per mile slower than a year ago. It's a long process to recover and I've come to terms with that. I'm just happy to be running again.

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

Favorite gear would be my watch. My coach, Andrew at McMillan Running sends me workouts and I dump them in my Garmin. 405. I want the new 610 but sadly the 405 won't die. Second on my list would be my Yurbuds headphones. They sound amazing and never bother my ears.

7) How much are you getting out doing your sport? 
I have 3 training runs a week and 2 easy 30 minute recovery runs. I do one of the P90x2 workouts on the 30 minute recovery days as well.

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

Pancakes are a must for me after training runs. I eat as many as I can.

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

I want to run marathons in other countries. I don't really care where I just want to do as many as I can. As our boys get a little older the exploring will start. My 5 year old wants to go to Africa, China, and Hawaii, so those are on the list.



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.

If you are reading this blog you are already on the road to recovery. You may be just starting but this was actually a huge help for me. I immediately wanted to find people like me. Doctors and even a lot of friends don't understand the love of endurance sports. The days and weeks after a clotting incident are lonely. All you want is to get back to normal. There really is not a ton of information out there for endurance athletes recovering from blood clots or PEs. I read Rolands posts every morning when I woke up. They were and still are a constant reminder that I could work my way back. There are so many amazing stories here.

I'm so fortunate to be back to running. I really don't have any concerns going forward. I take a few precautions. I take a littler more care to stay hydrated. I have to get out of the car every hour on trips and take Lovenox when I fly over 5 hours. I really have it pretty easy.

Here is hoping that someday I get to keep up with you while running a marathon.  For sure that day we will be wearing the CLOT BUSTER Stop The Clot polka-dots and continue to spread the word.

Thank you for your willingness to share your story.  No doubt that others will draw from your experience which will lead them on their path to recovery.

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

IRONMAN World Championship...

Could not get enough of it last Saturday.

So many memories from our time there back in 2009.

I am still drooling about the event.

Not sure that I will ever stop drooling about it.

How do I come around the thought of having to double the suffering and pain that I have felt from doing a half-ironman race?

Someday when I don't have any more hair... well I am passed that deadline... never mind.

I am looking forward to see the coverage on TV but kudos to the coverage on line which had me glued.

At any rate, random thoughts of the race that it is slowly becoming my virtual Mount Everst... there available to me but difficult to attain.

Someday when all of the stars line up I will get the CLOT BUSTER Stop The Clot to the Big Island of Hawaii...

DREAM ON!!!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

September Athlete of the Month

This month's Athlete of the Month clearly illustrates the challenges that clot survivors have to face after dealing with a clot incident.

It is not easy to get back to the level of fitness and desire once experienced prior to a clotting incident. However, giving up is NOT AN OPTION and this month's featured athlete for sure is an example of the fighting spirit all of us can hope to have in order to overcome the challenges being thrown our way.

Please allow me to introduce you to LAUREN HAMETZ a clot survivor and whose story I want to bring to you today.

Lauren has been kind enough to share here story with NBCA and below you will find content from the story she shared on www.STOPTHECLOT.org as well some additional thoughts she shared with me during a tweeter/email exchange a number of days ago...


"... I graduated from West Virginia Wesleyan College in May 2012 with a Masters degree in Secondary Education, although I am originally from Edinboro, PA. Recently, I stumbled upon Stop The Clot on Facebook, and immediately felt a strong connection to National Blood Clot Alliance. Why? In May 2011, I almost died at age 23 from bilateral pulmonary emboli (PEs). I felt agonizing pain in my stomach that traveled to my left shoulder. The pain became a lot sharper and I felt a ping of pain every time I took a breath. Whenever I tried to lie down, the pain became even worse. I noticed an extreme loss of energy during that time. I used to run for about an hour every day; instead, I felt short of breath just walking up a flight of stairs. Since I had previously had mononucleosis, I went to see the school doctors, who told me nothing was wrong. My energy level continued to decrease, and there was one time in particular when I went for a run, yet could only go about 100 feet before I couldn't move anymore. My legs cramped, so I had to walk, and I felt completely defeated.

I also traveled to Hilton Head Island in late April 2011 in a 10 hour straight car ride. I spent three days working at a golf tournament and drove another 10 hours straight back to school. I woke up one morning with tightness in my chest a couple of weeks later. I felt as if someone had knocked the wind out of me, and I also had pain under the ribs on my left side later in the day. I couldn't lie down on that side, because the pain was so intense. I had a list of symptoms that I should have realized were serious, but I viewed myself as healthy. To the best of my knowledge, I was a completely healthy 23-year-old who had always made healthy choices in my life. I never smoked, took illegal drugs, and played Division II Volleyball in college.

I woke up one morning with pain in my left elbow that same month. I assumed I hit it on something, although the pain persisted for a couple of days and I kept looking for bruises where I assumed I hit it. A bump formed near my elbow, and I joked to my friends that I had a worm in my arm. The worm turned-it was a deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

I was getting ready to head home for a couple of days, which is a 4 hour drive. My symptoms continued to get worse, and I couldn't even lie flat without moaning in pain. A friend told me my symptoms were probably due to gas. My mother was very concerned, and I told her I just needed to get rid of the gas. After the long drive to Hilton Head, I told my roommate about my pain, who told me I looked sick. I spent the night searching Google to try to find out what my symptoms meant, since I could not sleep, and came to the conclusion it was my gallbladder. My friend accompanied me to the Emergency Room (ER), after I went for a run the next morning.

The ER doctors couldn't find what was wrong until they did a chest scan that showed PEs. My parents came to see me right away. When I heard I had blood clots in my lungs, could not help but wonder what was happening to me. Doctors questioned me about my life choices to try to determine how I ended up with blood clots in my lungs. I was in shock that this happened to me. How did it happen that I have blood clots?

I was using the hormonal ring for birth control. I did not get many answers to my questions while I was in the hospital. I was scared and confused. I was young, and there was no family history of blood clots. I was started on blood thinners and carried on with my life. It wasn't until August 2011 that I learned I had Factor V Leiden and Factor II blood clotting disorders. I will now take blood thinners for the rest of my life. I was advised to stop hormonal birth control immediately. The doctors weren’t sure if it was what caused the blood clots, but they saw it as a contributor to my risk for blood clots, given that I have two blood clotting disorders.
It is now almost a year since this whole nightmare happened. I’ve had one more blood clot since, again in my left elbow. This time I felt the pain and immediately knew what it was. I am now on injections of low molecular weight heparin, which my doctor says I will be on for the rest of my life. I am praying and waiting for the doctor to tell me when there is a new blood thinner that treats DVT and PE, so that I don't have to inject myself every single day and have bruises and bumps on my stomach.

I learn something new about my disorder every day and am still learning. The www.stoptheclot.org web site was eye opening for me. Merely seeing that March is an awareness month focused on blood clots makes me feel as if I can make a difference, since I want to help others learn more about risks, prevention, and treatment of blood clots. Reading the stories written by others who had blood clots stopped me in my tracks. The first story I read was about an active 23 year old girl, who died from a PE. This made me realize for the first time that I could have died last May. One more day, one more hour, and I may have died.

I think it is extremely important to improve awareness about DVT and PE, especially in women. I inherited the Factor V Leiden blood clotting factors from my dad, who at 58 has never experienced a known blood clot. I look back and realize that I was someone who ran for an hour every day and then all of a sudden could not walk up a flight of stairs without stopping. I did not persist and delayed seeking care, even when my symptoms were worsening. I will now pay more attention to symptoms in the future, as I did with my second DVT in my arm.

I learned to listen to my body. It tells me when things aren't right."

Also please read below for some additional answers Lauren provided for me as we got to talking over multiple digital media alternatives...

What do you do to stay active? favorite Sport? How many times do
you get to do this or any other activity per week?
...my favorite sport is Volleyball, however, that is
a hard sport to pick up and play by yourself. I would love to find a
league or something to continue to play, but also being on blood
thinners volleyball is a sport I would need to be careful playing
competitively. Thus, to stay active I go to the gym 5 times a week or
go for a run.

What is your favorite food? What is your reward after a big
workout?
Ehhh...this is tough for me. I don't know if it's the lovenox or my
odd energy levels, but my appitite has been very off kilter. My
favorite food is ice cream! However, with my odd appitite these days
I really don't crave anything. It is strange. This is another reason
my doctor has leaned torwards giving my iron transfusions. I really do
not crave anything and have a very small appitite. Before my PEs I was
a very healthy eater..go to food always a salad creation with grilled
chicken and fruit and lovely healthy stuff to put on top. Nowadays it
is a strange day if I crave a salad. I hate this part because I can
never figure out what to eat. It's strange.

Do you have a favorite piece of gear?
Haha, I love this. Living in Hilton Head I got the oppurtunity to enjoy paddle
boarding. I so wish I could get a paddle board. From above how I
mentioned loving doing activities that keep you active...paddle
boarding is amazing. It's a fun activity and you work your butt off.

Lauren THANK YOU so much for your willingness to share you story with Clot Buster Nation. Your determination will continue to push you forward and hopefully improved on your fitness. For sure, someday I will find a way to get your some ice cream after a nice paddle board workout...

Get out there and NEVER GIVE UP!!!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Dilemma...

What would you do...?

What would you do if you had the chance...?

What would you do if you had the chance to run...?

What would you do if you had the chance to run in the NYC MARATHON this coming November...?

Well it turns out that any CLOT BUSTER volunteer can have this chance.

NBCA (www.STOPTHECLOT.org) has been able to be added to list of organizations for which runners can raise funds as a result gain entrance to the race.

I wish that I could do it. I really, REALLY DO... but October and November of this year will be wild busy and difficult to get away. Plus, I am no-where ready to do a marathon and enjoy the experience let alone have the time to string any sort of long run these days...

However, there is always next year... 2013... we will see.

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

CEDAR POINT REV3TRI Half-Iron Distance Triathlon

I have to consider myself VERY LUCKY.

We had a perfect day for racing last Sunday. We could have not asked for better weather.








I have to say that although I suffered out there I very much enjoyed the organization of this event and the venue. It was challenging but great fun all the same.

The only real complaint that I have is about the first 5 Miles and last 5 Miles of the bike race were routed over the same patch of road that is in DESPERATE need of some attention. It was rough and could be improved. Other than that this is course in which you can throw down the hammer if the wind decides to be on your side...






I am thrilled with my race from start to finish. I put together a fine performance with a run that at the beginning had me worried that this could end being a long day... But instead I was consistent and kept up a pace that I could handle.


5:26 turned out to be my time in the end... 5 hours and some change in which people got to see the CLOT BUSTER polka-dots and get a glimpse of the www.STOPTHECLOT.org message. The exposure was great at this event.

Although it was not a PR at this distance I am very pleased on how all came together.

Now it is time to get back out there and attempt to regain some fitness ahead of some running races that we will be doing this early fall. For now I will continue to enjoy my smuggled New Belgium FAT TIRE and dreaming of sweating...

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Great Buckeye Challenge Triathlon - Race Report

First in the 35-39 Age Group! What else is there to say...


Fine racing last Sunday in Springfield, OH.

Although I did not have the most stellar bike I was able to make up the difference in my run. A couple of guys from my age group passed me late on the bike but I was able to chase them down in the run and have them read CLOT BUSTERs RACING to STOP THE CLOT on the back of my jersey.

Feels great to have the opportunity to take back time on to the run.

Now, I am looking ahead to next weekend and the Half-Iron Distance race I will be doing in Cedar Point at the REV3 Cedar Point. Not sure if I am prepared to hammer out a 5+ hour race when the longest sustained effort so far this summer has been just under 3 hours.

Well, Guess what!?!?! Nothing I can do about it now...

Time to forget about those concerns and get ready to hammer this out one way or another. Of course, now, I worry about the weather, my taper, the drive north, our Saturday at Cedar Point for my wife to satisfy her roller coaster carving, etc...

At any rate, on we go. Either I am THANKFUL for the chance to improve on my 5:19.36 70.3 PR. Could this be race that brings it down...?

Stay tuned.

If you see the CLOT BUSTER Polka-dots out there racing next Sunday make sure you give me a high-five I am going to need all the help I can get!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad