Shawnee Appalachian Triathlon Quick Report...

OOOOUUUUCCCCHHHH!!! It really hurt...

Just let me show how I looked like after the second race on the same day...

I almost felt like everything was sideways after the race... it took me a while to re-gain my bearings...

More to come later.

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

(1Mile Swim + 25Miles Bike + 6.55Miles Run)*2=

Shawnee Appalachian Triathlon - May 26th, 2007


The Clot Buster's first race of the season is finally here... It is been a long time coming but finally it is here and I think that I am ready to go. Of course I would not be worried this much if I was doing only one olympic distance race but this weekend I am doing TWO of them... one in the AM and the other in PM.


Am I crazy? A lot people think so but I appreciate the challenge that this format will put infront of me. I have no idea how my body will react racing in the morning and then racing again in the afternoon. One thing is for sure, it will send a clear signal that we are in racing season...!


Interestingly enough the race will have some additional spice to it because it is not your usual line up... in the AM we will be doing the traditional swim-bike-run, however, in the PM they are switching things around and we will do BIKE-SWIM-RUN. How does that sound? I think that it is pretty interesting if you ask me...


Mentally I am definitely ready no question about it. The wild card here is how well the legs will respond to the effort. But you can be assured that I will finish both of the races even if I have to crawl to the finish line on the PM race.


So, it is Thursday already, have you place a bid for the Clot Buster's jersey? Don't delay if you want to look as good as I do while racing and training... REMEBER, LATEST BID is $45.00 as of this afternoon. You will be looking great and helping a very worthy organization!


Thanks for reading,


The Clot Buster

Shawnee Appalachian Triathlon PRE-RACE AUCTION === BID UPDATE

THANKS!!! To all of you had stopped by and showed interest in this auction.

HUGE THANKS!!! to those of you have placed a bid.

The highest bid as of 22:23 on 5/23 is $45.00.

This is a steal of a deal for a VERGE SPORTS jersey that will help a very worthy organization.

Keep those bids coming!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Shawnee Appalachian Triathlon PRE-RACE AUCTION

Greetings!

As promised, the week before every race this season I will attempt to have some items up for acution from which I hope to continue raising funds for NATT. As I've done in the past all of the net-profits from this auction will be given to NATT in behalf of the person winning the item's auction. This is a great oportunity to step up and provide NATT with much of the needed funds to continue in their mission to educate and create awareness about blood clots and blood clotting disorders.

So since the Shawnee Appalachian Triathlon is coming up the very first item for the pre-race auction will be a VERY SNAZZY CLOT BUSTER JERSEY!!! Yes, by winning this auction you can be wearing the same exact jersey the Clot Buster will be wearing for all of his races. This is a great quality jersey from Verge Sport which is race cut and ready to get out there in style! This type of jersey has an approx. value of $75.00. The initial bid for this jersey will be $30.00.

Well, here we are The Clot Buster and Mrs. Clot Buster modeling YOUR jersey!

The available sizes for the jersey are Medium and Large, so take your pick!
If you would like to make a bid please do it either through the comments section of the blog or just shoot me an email at polka40@hotmail.com. The auction will be open until midnight on friday so don't miss out in a chance to have your very own Clot Buster Jersey!

The Shawnee Appalachian Triathlon will be a very interesting race as I am planning on doing TWO OLYMPIC distance races in one day. More on that to follow... In the mean time please consider participating in this auction to help NATT.

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

The countdown has started...

Wow, hard to believe that here we are less than two weeks away from my first race of the season... time sure flies by when you are having fun planting grass and trying not to kill it...

A blast from 2006... I hope the Clot Buster colors will fly high again this summer!

Yes, The Clot Buster is getting ready for the start of the season with some solid training this last few weeks. My bike mileage is not where it needs to be in terms of being ready for the half-iron distance races I have planned for later on. I have time to get up there... I think. In the mean time I am trying to concentrate in some speed work so that when Shawnee Appalachian Triathlon rolls around in two weeks I am ready to go. At least for one of the races I am doing that day. If you don't know that race features and AM and PM Olympic distance race where in the AM you do the traditional swim, bike, and run but in the PM you bike, swim, and then run. It should very interesting. I will talk more about it when the time gets closer. Right now, I am not worrying about it too much I just want to continue healing my shoulder and getting some good training under my belt.

This year, I am trying out some new things... of course my new aero dynamic look should help me a great deal, please see bellow...

but I am also exploring the use of the aero-bar mounted water bottle for some of the longer races that I am doing. I purchased the Jetstream model so we will see how it turns out while going at it during the races. If you have some experience with this aero-bar mounted bottle I would love to hear some of your wisdom... please pass on any comments you may have!

Also, if you know of anyone who has suffered from a blood clot in the past and they are looking for any type of information PLEASE make sure you point them towards NATT's WEBSITE. There is great literature that can help people find some of the answers they are looking for.

I am very excited about the possibilities of my fundraiser this summer.

Just remember ... $0.10 x 300Miles = $30.00 for NATT!!!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Recovering Nicely!

The auction for the Yara Sunglasses from my friends at DPMsports is now closed. Thanks to everyone who considered and participated in the auction. More auctions with more cool gear to come throughout the Clot Buster's Triathlon Season. Stay tuned to find out more during the season...

After getting hit by a car on my to work Thursday morning I am recovering well. My right shoulder is pretty sore from the impact with a Nissan Exterra that pulled out of its driveway right infront of me. Luckily it was nothing major (I just needed to get my front wheel trued) but it was scary for sure. Someday cars and cyclists will be able to get along regardless of the time of the day.

Tuesday I am riding to work again. Let's see what happens next on my way to work...

Thank you for reading,

The Clot Buster

Don't you wish you had more time...!

With such a nice weather out there I can't help but to be outside doing everything but updating this blog...

Great training today with a ride to work in the AM (where I got to witness a very beautiful sun rise) about 21 Miles worth and then in the PM a nice 47 minute run at a conservative pace. I continue to attempt my build up for the season but my legs seem very shocked about the double effort today even after the several hours of separation. Slowly I am coming around I just have t be patient, I guess.

Hard to believe that I will be racing my first race of the season very soon. 300 Miles worth of racing for this year's fundraisng challenge.

Just remember ... $0.10 x 300Miles = $30.00 for NATT!!!

Don't miss the opportunity to contribute to this organization that is doing great good. If you would like more information about how to donate please drop me a line.

Are you still wondering about the Clot Buster's new hair style? Here is a little taste of the new look...

Check out the concentration on my friend's face... there is Matt the artist, doing his best to help the Clot Buster be that much faster than you..!

DON'T FORGET TO PLACE A BID ON THE AUCTION FOR THE YARA SUNGLASSES FROM DPMSPORTS!!! Please read below for more details.

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Clot Buster's Fundraising Auction - Part II

This is a great opportunity to get your hands on a superior package of goods headlined with the super sleak Yara Eyewear from my good friends at DPMSports. Please checkout their webiste if you have the chance. The gear they have is simply fantastic...

PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THAT ALL OF THE NET PROCEEDS FROM THIS AUCTION WILL BE DIRECTED TO NATT IN A FORM OF A DONATION TO THE ORGANIZATION IN YOUR NAME.

If you are interested in any of these items please place your bid in the comments section of this post. If you don't have a google account please email me with your bid to polka40@hotmail.com (those people bidding through email will have their bids posted on the comments section by me, in order to give people a fair chance of knowing where the bids stand). The Auction will be open through Friday May 11th at midnight. The highest bidder at time will receive the goods with shipping arranged by the Clot Buster.

The YARA SPORT SUNGLASSES

The frame is made from Grilamid, a flexible, ultra-light, and resilient material. The frame ensures structural robustness and high stability with minimum weight which coupled with an anatomic nose bridge, interchangeable lenses and a design that adapts to your face with superior peripherial vision makes the YARA SPORT SUNGLASSES a must have when flying on the bike and eating up the competition on the run. Retail price for this glasses generally runs about $107.00.
Along with the sunglasses the Clot Buster and his friends from North Coast Multisport are throwing in 12 Banana Hammer Gels and 12 Chocolate Hammer Gels that you can fill in your own Hammer Gel Flask. Also, because we want for you take care of your eyes from the very start of the race we are including a pair of Aqua Sphere Large Format Goggles (Red Frame with UV protection). Plus, we are adding a copy of the 2007 Multi-Sport Directory (a $7.95 value) all yours because of your decision to help NATT in this auction.

The auction for the Yara Sport Sunglasses will start at $75.00

Please consider this package of goods and at the same time providing a donation to an organization that is doing great good out there educating about blood clots and blood clotting disorders.

Thanks for reading and happy bidding...

Don't fear more goods to be offered as the season draws closer. I hope to have something up for bid the week before each of my races. So, checkout my racing schedule and keep an eye on the blog. Good things will be available at your finger tips. The bigger the race the cooler the gear up bids.

The Clot Buster

I am here...

Dear followers of The Clot Buster,

I did not count on being away from the blog for this long but after my 30th shin dig it took me this long to recover from the party we had...

I wish that I could tell you that I went away for a week to train for the start of the 2007 fundraising season but that is not entirely true either. The truth is that Mrs. Clot Buster and I took a nice vacation to attend one of my host sister's wedding in St. Johns, US Virgin Islands. I owe more than I can ever give back to my host family who provided me with the opportunity to come to this country and let me begin my journey to LIVE THE AMERICAN DREAM. Getting invited to this wedding was an icredible honor and I am very pleased that we were able to swing it.

But don't fear I am not entirely out of shape yet although we did our fair share of celebrating down in St. Johns with the traditional "pain killers." So, The Clot Buster is getting back into the swing of things. Just wait until you get to see the new "island" due I am sporting these days...

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Roland's 30th Shin Dig (with photos)!

Check out some pictures from the party my Lovely wife threw for me...

How about a pinata for your birthday...!?!?!

Everyone gets the chance to join in the fun... first Liz got a chance at it!

and then some other brave friends ventured in the challenge... notice who gets to control the "live" pinata. It was great fun all around!

Everyone did a fantastic job singing. You don't get a house full of people doing that very often. It was very cool. I greatly appreciated it!



So know that I finished all of the left over sweets that we had available in the house it is time to get back into the swing of things. Serious riding to be done this weekend as the weather will be sensational. I am really excited that the weather is improving. I had some great rides this week so far and I look forward to tomorrow to start the weekend.

Thank you for checking out the pictures from my birthday. I feel a great deal of wisdom now that I turned 30... and to tell you the truth I realized that I make those polka-dots really good out at the races.

Thank you for reading,

The Clot Buster

Roland's 30th Shin Dig!

Wow!!!

Happy Birthday Mr. Clot Buster!!! I would only do this selfish post because tomorrow April 17th is officially my birthday. Hard to believe that I am here already. It is been an INCREDIBLE ride so far and I can only hope that it keeps going for many more years and I get to share them with all of you in some way as we get to cross paths.

My Lovely wife put together a sensational celebration for me last Saturday. THANK YOU VERY MUCH to every who came and shared with us. I am very grateful for everyone's friendship. I would like to give an especial Thank You to Deirdre, Bill, Liam, and Conor who found their way from their vacation down south and on their way back to Cleveland to stop by and take part on the shin dig. That was truly a surprise that I will cherish that for a long time to come along with everyone else who came and of course my pinata!!!

Pictures soon to come!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Thrombosis and Thrombophilia Weekly Facts

So here is your second edition of the Thrombosis and Thrombophilia Weekly Facts...

What do you know about In Flight Fitness to avoid DVT's?

In flight exersies are very important to take into account for anyone traveling long distances by air. NATT's website has some really interesting articles on the subject. Please click here for the one that gives you all the details you need to know to do everything in your power to prevent potential DVT's during long air travel.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

That much closer to be a member of a new Age-Group. How is that going to go? I will be in the "young" echelon of this group so there is some relief there. I really can't wait to get things going and start the racing this 2007.

This year The Clot Buster will be stepping up his challenge to 300 Miles of racing all together during the 7 races he plans to do. Checkout the side bar for more details one the races that I will be doing this year. I even have new additions to the polka-dot outfit that are going to make me look that much better. Look out for them this summer...

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

The Clot Buster in TRIATHLETE MAGAZINE (sort of)

Believe it or not the Clot Buster was quoted on Triathlete Magazine on-line...

What do you think about that?

Does anyone have any words of wisdom for someone entering a new decade in his life? I am getting bumped up to a new age group here in about 8 days. What should I expect? Will my times get better? Will my edurance improve? Will I have better racing strategies? Will I be able to fundriase more for NATT? How many more auctions can I do? What items should I have for auction?

I can't lose anymore hair so I am set on that department. However, I do wonder if less hair will indeed make me faster...

As I enter this new decade of my life, I wonder if I should just go for broke and just shave whatever hair I have left and see what happens. Should I do it? I definitely need your help. Please let me know...

I hope everyone had a Superior Easter Holiday.

Oh the desserts at our Easter celebration were sensational... I need to work them off now.

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Thrombosis and Thrombophilia Weekly Fact

Outside of raising funds for NATT (which is coming along really well... Thanks for wondering), I would like to use this resource to pass along some basic knowledge about blood clots and blood clotting disorders. There is not one day that goes by in which I don't get to learn something new about this topic.

So, as I learn I would like for some of the people out there to learn as well. Overtime, I hope that all of us become aware that knowledge is power when it relates to blood clots and blood clotting disorders.

What is Thrombosis?

A blood clot that forms within a blood vessel. When the blockage occurs in a heart artery, it is called a coronary thrombosis.

What is Thrombophilia?

A hereditary or acquired predisposition to develop blood clots. It is also referred to as hypercoagulable state or hypercoagulability.

If you would like to dig a little dipper about these terms please visit NATT's Website and dig as far as you want...

I have to get going to the gym to get a little cross training work out in.

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

THANK YOU !!!

Thank you all very much for participating in the Clot Buster's first auction to benefit NATT.

Even if you did not have the chance to place a bid I would like to Thank You for considering it and checking out the goods up for auction. There are some folks out there that will be VERY HAPPY with their helmet and eyewear packages.

Once again I HUGE THANKS to the kind people of DPMsports and North Coast Multisports for their colaboration in this auction. I would not have been able to do it without them.

Now, in the future I plan on doing some more of this type of auction to benefit NATT. What type of gear or equipment would you be interested in having up for auction? Please let me know if you are interested to see what can be arranged.

This was great fun. The money I was able to make is going to do great good in NATT's mission to educate people about bloods and blood clotting disorders.

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

DVT Awareness Month - AUCTION to benefit NATT UPDATED with ADDITIONAL ITEMS!!!

Dear readers,

Please join me in the first "Clot Buster Auction" of 2007 with all the proceeds going to NATT and the incredible work they do in order to educate about blood clots and blood clotting disorders.

Because March is DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) Awareness Month I wanted to have my first fundraising auction during this month. If you have not had the chance to check out NATT's website and learn a little more about blood clots and blood clotting disorders please take some time and read more about this organization that is doing GREAT things all across the nation.

I would like to send a HUGE THANKS to the kind people at DPMSports who provided the items up for auction this time around. I am very grateful to have them on board helping out the Clot Buster this summer as he races for 300 Miles. Please check out their website and the great gear from SPIUK and KUIPS they offer at sensational prices. If you need a reference about the gear just ask and I will be glad to let you know what I've put some of that gear through already this year...
Also I would like to send another HUGE THANKS to the kind people at North Coast Multisports who are helping us by donating some items to the products listed below. Please read more below for details on the items that are part of the package. These are some deals you don't want to pass up...!

So without any further delay let me present to you the items up for bid...

PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THAT ALL OF THE NET PROCEEDS FROM THIS AUCTION WILL BE DIRECTED TO NATT IN A FORM OF A DONATION TO THE ORGANIZATION IN YOUR NAME.

If you are interested in any of these items please place your bid in the comments section of this post. If you don't have a google account please email me with your bid to polka40@hotmail.com (those people bidding through email will have their bids posted on the comments section by me, in order to give people a fair chance of knowing where the bids stand). The Auction will be open through April 1st at midnight. The highest bidder at time will receive the goods with shipping arranged by the Clot Buster.

The KRONOS TT HELMET

Would you like to go a little bit faster this summer during your races and training rides? With the Kronos TT Helmet there is no doubt that you will go faster. This is the same helmet used by professionals in the pro-peloton in Europe as well as professional triathletes across the globe. This helmet is poetry in motion. I wish that I could tell you everything I know about this fine pieces of equipment but I will let you read more about it by following the link to the KRONOS TT HELMET. You may have read about this helmet in the buyer's guide edition of Inside Triathlon and the reviews were sensational. The retail price of this helmet runs around $229.00 so here is your chance to get it and help NATT in the process.

Along with the helmet the Clot Buster and his friends from North Coast Multisport are throwing in 12 Banana Hammer Gels and 12 Chocolate Hammer Gels that you can fill in your own Hammer Gel Flask. Plus, we are adding a copy of the 2007 Multi-Sport Directory (a $7.95 value) all yours because of your decision to help NATT in this auction.

The auction for the Kronos TT Helmet will start at $145.00

The YARA SPORT SUNGLASSES

So, now that you have the helmet why not complete the look with a pair of sophisticated racing glasses to make you look even more intimidating at the races... The frame is made from Grilamid, a flexible, ultra-light, and resilient material. The frame ensures structural robustness and high stability with minimum weight which coupled with an anatomic nose bridge, interchangeable lenses and a design that adapts to your face with superior peripherial vision makes the YARA SPORT SUNGLASSES a must have when flying on the bike and eating up the competition on the run. Retail price for this glasses generally runs about $107.00.

Along with the sunglasses the Clot Buster and his friends from North Coast Multisport are throwing in 12 Banana Hammer Gels and 12 Chocolate Hammer Gels that you can fill in your own Hammer Gel Flask. Also, because we want for you take care of your eyes from the very start of the race we are including a pair of Aqua Sphere Large Format Goggles (Red Frame with UV protection). Plus, we are adding a copy of the 2007 Multi-Sport Directory (a $7.95 value) all yours because of your decision to help NATT in this auction.

The auction for the Yara Sport Sunglasses will start at $80.00

The Clot Buster looks forward to you participation in this auction. Please pass the word along to anyone who may be interested on these items. The more people who know the better the chances more money will be donated to NATT.

You have until the end of March at midnight to place your bid... don't think about it too much!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

THANK YOU ALBUQUERQUE!!!

Early in the morning we are working at the registration tables...I did not even have time for coffee!

NATT's education seminar in Albuquerque, NM was a GREAT SUCCESS for both NATT and all the people who attended. I have not seen the evaluation sheets in detail yet but from everyone I was able to talk to in the end, I can say that the people who came went home with a great experience in which they were able to learn a lot about the many aspects of blood clots but also learned that they are not alone and many other people is actually going through what they are going through.

Lynn Levitt and Liz Varga started off the show...

Look at the crowd... that is a lot of people ready to learn.

It is very inspiring to be a part of these seminars and hear people's comments about what NATT is trying to do. That is why the fundraising that I do is so important. Being able to provide these free education seminars is helping a great number people. The best part... is that we are just getting started and there is a lot more people out there that we can reach out to. What I do is a small part of a much bigger enterprize that is coming together very nicely.

Lunch was sensational... you can't learn effectively with an empty stomach!

Break out sessions where specifc topic like blood thinner drugs and womens specific issues were covered.

Patient testimonials... Always so powerful and very much worth the time to listen to. We were vey lucky that these people were willing to share their story.

Look at the people paying attention. Everyone is focused and ready to soak it all in!

THANK YOU ALBUQUERQUE AND SURROUNDING AREAS FOR COMING OUT AND PARTICIPATING IN THE EVENT! Our biggest seminar to date! What a turn out!

On a different note the first 2007 Clot Buster Auction to celebrate March as DVT Awareness Month is coming next week... stay tuned for it!!!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

DVT Awareness month - March 2007

Did you hear about Dick Cheney?

Did you know that he was diagnosed with a DVT (Deep-Veing Thrombosis)?

Do you know how this come about?

Do you know the risks associated with having a DVT?

Do you know the signs of a DVT?

If you would like answers to any of these questions there are several resources out there that can help guide you in the right direction. I don't particularly care too much about Mr. Cheney but the bottom line is that ANYONE can be exposed to a DVT. If that person is not diagnosed and treated accordingly the outcome can be devastating.

You could find information within NATT's website if you care to know for a place to start your search. There are many other resources out there that can provide you with most of the answers that you need. Of course consulting a physician is always the best thing but to know and look out for signs we need to do our homework and be proactive in our care.

For now, the Clot Buster is getting ready to get out of freezing OH and head down to the southwest to participate in NATT's Albuquerque Education Conference to be held on Saturday. There is a lot of work left for me to do as of this moment so I better get busy so that I am ready when my flight leaves. I hope to be able to get some good, long training runs out there. We will see if the spicy food of the southwest does not hinder my ability to train and participate in the conference. I let you how this weekend's adventute goes...

I am trying to erase this memory from my mind... I think that New Mexico will do the trick... what do you think?

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Running Outside!!!

Wow! What a treat to be running outsite this afternoon. Finally, it was warm enough (according to The Clot Buster's standards) for me to gather my courage to get out there. I had to dodge the melting snow but I could not be happier to get away from the treadmill and smell the fresh air. The legs are slowly coming around and the speed is building. I am already looking forward to the start of the racing season.

But before I can get my polka-dots for racing I will be wearing them to talk to people at NATT's next Education Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I can asure you that you will not have any problems finding me at the conference. If you are interested please take the time to check the link below to see the agenda of the conference. It is packed with all sorts of good information...

http://www.nattinfo.org/NATT_Blood_Clot_Seminar_March_2007.pdf

Dear readers, I wanted to call for your attention because I need some help... I am in the midst of looking for potential sponsors that would be willing to support The Clot Buster during his 300 Miles of racing this summer. I have contacted a number of companies and I have a packet of information that I would provide for them that explains the details for my fundraiser. I just trust that some of you out there have some good ideas that I may be able to explore. So, if you have any suggestions I am all ears.

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Found My Way...!

Wow, I have to apologize for being gone so long. It is been busy with all sorts of things going on in the last couple of weeks. Don't fear, I've been able to continue my training and we are moving along very well. My Lovely wife is keeping it real for me administrating my running workouts so this year I have a much better structure on that department. Her guidance should take me the place I need to be to close out my races with a strong run. I am very excited to have her so involved with my racing because I know good results will come out from her efforts.

But training is not the only thing going around here for the Clot Buster. I am currently working very hard to get some sponsors on board to help with my fundraising effort this summer. So far, I have AEP Ohio returning as a sponsor of the polka-dots and I am very pleased about that. I have a couple of more companies on my radar screen so stay tuned to see who else decides to help NATT in their mission to educate about blood clots and blood clotting disorders.

Speaking of educating about blood clots and blood clotting disorders NATT is getting ready to launch another Education Seminar to take place in Albuquerque, New Mexico on March 10th, 2007. Please take a look at the following link if you would like any more information. http://www.nattinfo.org/commandevents.htm.

The Clot Buster will be in ABQ on the weekened of March 10th., so look out for the polka-dots coming at you. I am very excited to have the chance to go and help out as much as possible.

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster