Soccer Sunday...

Two games Two loses this Sunday.

Just one of those days. I could not get anything going. Sometimes that is the way it goes. Next time I am sure we will have some better luck.

Much like triathlon and any other sporting adventure that you do... sometimes you are on and sometimes you are not. Last year, during the MedExpress Mountaineer Triathlon I was way off I could walk fast enough to get through the course. I wonder sometimes about the lessons we can learn from our lack of performance. I think that during that particular experience I did not prepare well for the course and totally overestimated what I could do on those hills.

What have you learned from bad races? What can you take away from plugging through and finishing what you did not think you could?

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Regular or Decaf?

Soccer Sunday Today - I hope that the lack of coffee does not hinder my skills... Last week I scored 5 goals during our game... Offensive explosion!

It is hard to believe that when I was a kid I told myself tha I would never ever drink coffee because I did not like the taste of it at all. But as I grew older and my taste developed some more coffee has become one of the drinks that I enjoy the most. Especially, when I get to have some sort of sweet with it. I have grown to love the combination of coffee taste and the given sweet I would be consuming at the time. I crave that combination the most in the mornings for some reason more than any other time of the day.

One of the hardest things for me to do is to get through the weekend without consuming any regular coffee. The headache that comes from the lack of caffeine is pretty intense at times but in my opinion is my way to fight the addiction to caffeine. In a way, I try to de-tox during the weekend from the coffee drinking during the week. I just don't want to depend on the caffeine too much. It may be a strage logic but that is how I try to operate. So, as I am typing this drinking my decaf coffee I am experiencing the lack of decaf headache... it does not last very long but you know that is there.

Good workouts this week I have to say. The swim sessions both on Monday and Friday went well. The arms are slowly coming around to sustain the efforts of my regular workouts. The running legs are improving but not running outside takes most of my motivation away. It is so hard to realize that the winter is really here after the mild start that we had earlier in the year. So, I don't know about you but I am definitely fighting the winter blues right now. Soon enough it will improve.

At this point, my wife and I are debating about my participation in NATT's Albuquerque, New Mexico's Education Conference. We are not sure if we can swing it but we will try to have the Clot Buster come and participate in this eventl. We will see how it works out.

If you get the Greater Cleveland Triathlon Newsletter, did you get to read the article about NATT? What do you think? If you are doing the race, would you stop by the booth to say hello? If you do, I hope to see you there.

Stay warm and thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Thinking about Summer...!

Is it here yet?

During these cold months with snow on the ground that question keeps ringing in my head. Soon enough it will be here but in the mean time I have to allow myself the chance to enjoy the snow. I continue to be amazed about how much more silent it is after a snow fall. You have to appreciate how peaceful it is. I do enjoy it a great deal. You know, having four seasons is very much enjoyable. There is something unique about each one of them that you have to enjoy as much as possible.

But there is alaways some room to think about the summer and what you would like to do during that time. I've been thinking about it and here is what I hope to do in the coming warm months...

~ Shawnee Appalachian AM & PM Triathlon (Portsmouth, OH) – 05/26/2007.
AM Triathlon = 1.0Mi. Swim; 24.8Mi. Bike; 6.55Mi. Run.
PM Triathlon = 24.8Mi. Bike; 1.0Mi Swim; 6.55Mi. Run.
For more information about the event please go to www.hfpracing.com

~ Cincinnati International Triathlon (Cincinnati, OH) – 6/10/2007.
0.9Mi. Swim; 25Mi. Bike; 6.2Mi. Run.
For more information about the event please go to www.fatrabbitracing.com

~ Fat Rabbit Racing International Triathlon (Delaware, OH) – 06/24/2007.
0.9Mi. Swim; 25Mi. Bike; 6.2Mi. Run.
For more information about the event please go to www.fatrabbitracing.com

~ Muncie Endurathon (Muncie, IN) – 07/14/2007.
1.2Mi. Swim; 56Mi. Bike; 13.1Mi. Run.
For more information about the event please go to www.muncieendurathon.com

~ Columbus International Triathlon (Columbus, OH) – 07/14/2007.
0.9Mi. Swim; 25Mi. Bike; 6.2Mi. Run..
For more information about the event please go to www.fatrabbitracing.com

~ Greater Cleveland Triathlon (Mentor, OH) – 08/12/2007.
1.2Mi. Swim; 56Mi. Bike; 13.1Mi. Run.
For more information about the event please go to www.trifind.net/cleveland

~ Great Lake Escape (Marblehead, OH) – 08/19/2007.
0.9Mi. Swim; 25Mi. Bike; 6.2Mi. Run..
For more information about the event please go to www.fatrabbitracing.com

OR

~ Portage Lakes Triathlon (Akron, OH) – 11/16/2007.
0.9Mi. Swim; 25Mi. Bike; 6.2Mi. Run.
For more information about the event please go to www.hfpracing.com

Will I have the chance to see any of you at any of these races? If you happen to be there keep an eye out for the polka-dots!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

P.S.: Believe it or not I was able to run on the treadmill two days in a row (Saturday and Sunday) for a total of 11 Miles... not too bad if I say so myself.

Pondering...

Why is it so hard for me to motivated myself to get on the treadmill?

For some reason I don't have any trouble getting on my bike trainer and doing a spin workout between 40 and 55 minutes (as I said on a previous post just about one hour is all I can handle) without any trouble. However, to get on the treadmill I really need to have some time alone and talk myself into getting on that machine an going. I could have the best music or the best shows on TV and even then it is rough to get on. So, because today I have a choice between staying at home and riding on the trainer or going to the gym to run on the treadmill I think that the first alternative wins once more!

Just in case my Lovely wife gets the chance to check my blog while taking a break from taking care of me I just wanted to say...

So, trainer here I go. Let's see what type of workout I can do this time.

Do people out there have a variety of training videos they watch riding on the trainer? I have one from Spinervals and after watching it a few times I memorized all of the workouts so now I just do them while watching regular TV. It works for me so for, but I always wonder, should I try and get other workout videos for this time of the year on the trainer? If so, then what I should I get to help me improve and keep me interested?

We need to keep the hope that soon enough we will be outside training again. In the mean time I have to get going to catch the rants of the fools on PTI...

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster.

How are those early workouts going?

I wish that I could answer that accuratly... but after indulging in all of my mom's special "treats" I need to make a serious effort to get back on track. This one dessert that she makes for me is a small piece of heaven for me... Oh, this pastry is soo good I can't even begin to describe it. Of course, you can't taste it but if you take my word for it your socks would drop if you try... I am so fortunate to have the chance for my mom, dad, and brother to come and visit us. Unfortunately, it is only once a year but they are promising to do it more often down the road. I have to say that would be sensational...!

Notice my dad wearing his head gear like you should in the winter.

The workouts are coming around slowly. If it ever stops raining buckets around here maybe I will be able to get outside for a change. In the mean time, I need to be content with building my base miles while being inside. Thankfully, I have the places to do it. I just need to find some good music to play to keep me going.

Where are those ribs!?! My brother asks... I could not calm him down.

I think that the joker in me I got through my family... we are always up to be messing with each other. That is how we do it when we are together... some great memories I have from those time...

I better go so that I can wake up early and get on the trainer to hammer out whatever I can do over an hour before I go insane!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Slowly getting back in business!

As I get the wheels turning here in 2007 I am very glad to have my racing schedule all squared away. Now, I know what I have coming and I am pretty excited about the new races that I will be trying this summer. It should be interesting to see what I can do on those races. These races will be adding up for a total 300 Miles... a nice and round number for people remember and to consider when thinking about donating money towards NATT for every mile that I race this summer.

In the mean time, I am enjoying having my parents and brother staying here with us for a while. I am lucky to be able to spend sometime with them especially when my brother and I plotted to surprise my folks as they were coming here without knowing about his arrival. It was sensational to see their reactions. Something I will never forget for sure.

I will be motivated to get back to full workout mode after my mom's treats during this time. I wish that you could taste some of this stuff...

Thanks for Reading,

The Clot Buster

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

May all your wishes become reality in 2007!

We, at the Clot Buster household, hope that 2007 brings you all the happiness, good health, and good fortune you can handle.

This year the Clot Buster hopes to continue raising some green backs for NATT along with spreading the word about the organization. Of course, I hope to improve my performance in the Half-Iron distance races I will be doing this year (If anyone has any tips on how to improve my half-marathon times... I am all ears!). I hope that people THANK and APPRECIATE the volunteers working at the races, without them we would be in a world of trouble. Also, I hope to bring new people to the sport... at least have someone attempt their first triathlon. I always enjoy seeing people do them for the first time.

What are some New Years resolutions people are making for 2007?

Let's have some fun this year. I can't wait to see how things will turn out.

Thanks for Reading,

The Clot Buster

Happy Holidays!

How was your holiday this past weekend?

Mrs. Clot Buster and I had a wonderful time visiting her family in Cincinnati. It is always a great time to see everyone and catch up. I always enjoy the challenge of going around the room and attempt to talk to everyone and findout something new that I did not know before. It is so interesting to learn about what they are doing and where they are heading. I am very lucky to have the chance to share the holidays with my wife's family. They are so welcoming I almost feel as if I knew them all of my life... 10 years and counting.

You are probably wondering if I got that Polka-Dot helmet I posted the other day. Well, in a way I am glad that I didn't because the price went up from $150.00 a couple of weeks ago to $189.99 yesterday when I last checked. Can you believe that? I guess that I will have to wait another year for the styling lid that would complement the Clot Buster's outfit. However, I am not giving up yet. I will continue to hammer the guy selling it to see if we can work out a deal... stay tuned for any progress on that.

What do you think about the Clot Buster's proposed schedule for next year? I think that it is taking shape and I am looking forward to it for sure. In the mean time, I need to recover from my holiday "hang over"... I seem to have picked up some sort of stomach bug that knocked me out pretty good. I better get going to tackle my third serving of saltine crackers for the day... you have to do what you have to do... So, what triathlon related items did my fellow bloggers get for Christmas? This year I got a new PFD that should make my kayaking experience that much more enjoyable when we get out there to paddle away during our days off. So, in a way I did get something triathlon related that should help during my off days.

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Wish you all the BEST!

Wish you all the BEST!

It has been a fabulous year for the Clot Buster I have to admit. I am incredibly lucky to have the chance to go and help NATT in any way that I can. I am especially lucky to be able to merge triathlon racing with fundraising. Yes, I do the triathlons mostly for me but getting people the opportunity to find their way towards NATT is without a question the main goal of my effort. Of course obtaining some donations through the matching of the raced miles program is also important so that NATT can continue their mission. However, getting people to learn about what NATT can offer and even more for them to learn about blood clots and blood clotting disorders is the most important thing the Clot Buster does all year around. I did not realize this but every time I get out there to race the polka dots are coming with me. They do provide that extra motivation when I can't go any faster. Thinking about all the great people I've met through this process and knowing about their stories of survival sure keeps me going to do it all over again.

This year The Clot Buster effort was able to raise $2306.40 not bad for the first year of operation. I have great hopes for next year in terms of spreading the word just a little more while getting out there to the races. But really I would like to be able to raise over $5000.00 next year for the organization. I believe that I can. I've been working already to get things moving so let's see if next summer the Clot Buster can come up with goods, not only racing but also fundraising...

Speaking of wishing... What do you think the Clot Buster has in his wish list for Chirstmas? Well, I came across this little thing I thought would complement my outfit very well check it out...

By the way, what is in your wish list? What do triathletes out there want for Christmas? What triathlon product you can't race without next year but you won't buy yourself and you hope and pray someone will get for you? I could take my list out, however, I will spare you the pain of reading through everything I would like to have... luckily for me Mrs. Clot Buster takes care of the green backs around here.

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

I need a hand...

? ! ? ! ? ! ? ! ? ! ?

I am not sure how many people gets the opportunity to check out this blog on a regular basis... I don't even know how I would track the traffic through this blog.

But one thing I know, there is some people out there who come by and read the ramblings of The Clot Buster. THANK YOU! if you are one of my "repeat" readers. THANK YOU! also if this is the first time you venture into the Clot Buster's blog.

As I am trying to figure out what races I should be doing next year I thought perhaps I should ask people for some suggestions... that way, perhaps, I could learn about some new races around these parts that I should consider doing. There is only so much searching I can do...

So, if you know of a triathlon, half-marathon, 10K, 5K, duathlon, adventure race, or eating contest that you think the Clot Buster should be doing please drop me a line and let me know. I am always interested in races all over the place. Mrs Clot Buster and I enjoy the opportunity to hit the road and see where the wind will take us... but more importantly I look for the chance to spread the word about NATT through the display of the polka-dots and just talking to anyone who is willing to listen.

I look forward to your suggestions.

I hope your Holiday preparations are going well. It is fun to have the house all decorated. I enjoy it a great deal!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Getting back on track...NATT's Fall Newsletter Part 2

Man, time flies when you are a living the dream...

Checkout Part 2 of the NATT Fall Newsletter that I promised you a few days ago... Better late than never!

What do you think about the newsletter? I have to say that it has some good reading in it.

Let's see what else it is been going on lately. During this time of the year I try to keep my workouts very basic just so that I can stay somewhat fit. I continue to be very active doing all kinds of things but I am not doing any "serious" training (if you are to call what I do serious training...) just what I can when I have the time.

Slowly the Clot Buster's next challenge is taking shape. The schedule is coming together and soon enough I will be able to unveil the mileage, donation goal, and the specific races I will be doing next year. Stay tuned for that.

In the mean time, Mrs. Clot Buster and I are playing around the house but during the Thanksgiving break we took part in the 97th Annual Thanksgiving Day Race in downtown Cincinnati. It is without a doubt one of my favorite 10K races out there. Well over 12,000 people showed up for this race early the day of Thanksgiving. It is something else to watch that is for sure.

The Clot Buster went at it hard and posted a time of 42:39 which he thought would let him qualify for an award on his age group. Unfortunately, the 6:50 per mile pace was not good enough to allowing him an award. But the Mrs. Clot Buster as always came through in big form to get some of the good to the Clot Buster house hold.

Got to go for a run... there is a full moon out there I have to enjoy!

Thanks for reading!

The Clot Buster

NATT’s Fall Newsletter – Featuring Athletes and Blood Clots PART 1

Please take some time and check this out.

Newsletters like this one that let people share their story and also educate about blood clots and blood clotting disorders are the reason why I race and try to raise funds for NATT. Seeing the newsletter coming together, seminars being organized, educational brochuers being produced just drives me even more to get the Clot Buster colors out there and spread the word.

What do you think? Please don't fear I will be posting the rest of the pages soon. I just wanted to peek your interest.

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Lucky Tuesday…

If you live out here, within the confines of the Ohio Valley, you should be experiencing some of the mildest weather you can expect for this time of the year around these parts. So, without a question you MUST put everything a side and put your best foot forward in order to get out there. Definitely this will be the last time I get the chance to ride outside this year, so there I was rushing home from work trying to take advantage of the mild weather and the 55 or so minutes of day light I had left of the day.

Much to my surprise I got home and I was out riding within 11 minutes to be precise. I could not believe it! I even had my headlight (with batteries and everything packed) as I would need it if I went beyond the 45 minutes of daylight that were left at this point.

It was sensational to be out there riding. I was heading for the Olentangy River Trail because of the short nature of the ride. Everything was going well until I reached the first bridge out on the trail… it was blocked off due to construction. Can you believe my luck? Where do I go now? I thought for a second or two and I decided to climb down around the bridge on to the creek bed and get across that way. I had to move fast to attempt to beat the nightfall that was fast approaching. Shouldering my commuter bike I plunged down got over a few rocks and escaped with only some mud caked to my shoes. No trouble. Let’s keep at it.

As soon as I start the next section of the paved trail I remember that there is a second bridge coming up that is bigger and 99% of the time the creek is full feeding the Olentangy. I was hoping that the bridge repairs were not going to be simultaneous on these bridges… but not such luck today. I am all for keeping up the maintenance of the trail but not during the “Indian Summer” we are experiencing these days… the nerve of the Worthington Park Service. Their timing is a little off but then again how can I complain. So, I decided to give this creek crossing a try. I saw some rocks that would allow safe passage in the water so I went for it. Shouldering the yellow one once more I got down and just about when I thought I was across stepping off the last rock my foot slips and there I go with my foot in the frigid water… sweet! I was already almost half way out on my 15 mile ride so I was not going to turn around. Luckily I knew of a different way back that would avoid this creek crossing business.

Back on the yellow one I was hammering to keep my foot warm as the temperature continued to drop. I got to the half point mark and without any trouble I made it to the fork in the road that would leaved me home without have to do the creek crossing. I jumped over a couple of sidewalks and just when I thought I was safe to hammer home the last 3 miles I heard the sound of spokes breaking when I jumped off the sidewalk onto the road.

What are the chances of that happening but it did. With the back wheel wobbling away I made it home in the darkness of the late afternoon right around 5:45PM thanks in part of packing my headlight with its batteries. More than once I thought I was taking the headlamp with me just for a spin because the batteries I left home.

So, all things considered I am very lucky to have had the chance to be out there riding away. I would not change anything about it I have to confess.

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hard to believe that we are already here when it seems like not too long ago I was still finishing up my racing to raise funds for NATT. The down time from racing has been very good. Finally, we were able to get all of our leaves picked up and bagged away… that was some serious work. I have to confess that I enjoyed it a great deal. Just something about being outside enjoying the fall air and the many different colors the trees can produce. After many different attempts I think we finally got our techniques down on how we will approach the leaf pick up next year. It was a learning process that is for sure. We just had to stick to it and get it done.




Mrs. Clot Buster and I are heading to Cincinnati for Thanksgiving. Always a very enjoyable time to join my extended family and share some quality time with them before, during, and after dinner.

Of course, before we indulge in the traditional turkey dinner we have to burn the appropriate amount of calories so that we can enjoy the thanksgiving dinner guilt free… so Mrs. Clot Buster and I will be waking up early on Thursday morning and make our way to downtown Cincinnati, specifically to Paul Brown Stadium, and take part in the 97th Annual Thanksgiving Day Race – 10K. We have done this race for about 8 years now. Thanksgiving does not even feel the same without the run before hand (we even had the chance to participate in a Thanksgiving Day race in San Francisco last year while we are out there on vacation). So, there will be a Clot Buster sighting tomorrow in downtown Cincinnati. I’ve been running here and there attempting to keep a level base fitness but I have no idea on how the legs will respond to the pounding. Over the years, I’ve had some interesting times. I am always thrilled if I break 43 minutes but I would love to shoot for under 42. I just have to think about that additional piece of pumpkin or apple pie I will have after dinner…!

Whatever you do this holiday I hope you get to enjoy yourself.

Have a Great Thanksgiving!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

 

Pirates of the Ohio Valley…

Halloween came and went. We carved out pumpkins, gave out about 20 lbs worth of candy, watched scary movies, drank cider, and raked leaves… wait, did we miss something we must do during the Halloween…?

Yes! Of course we also had the chance to dress up and have our creative juices flow to prepare the best pirate customs we could make with what we had available… This year we had the chance to attend a pretty sweet Halloween party with a pirate theme. The host went to town to decorate his barn and make it look very original with sails, cargo nets, and of course a plank. It was a blast to see all the people dressed up in their customs. Some people out there have a tremendous imagination I have to confess…

But don’t be out there thinking now that I am out there just partying away… Here in November I will have my yearly showdown in the city of Cincinnati at the biggest Thanksgiving Day race that I have ever been a part of. The 10K course always proves to be a challenge for me and every year I try to put the hammer down and see if I can improve on my times. Stay tuned to see what happens this year. This weekend I had the chance to go for a nice long 50+ minute run to keep the legs aware that one more time this year the Clot Buster colors will be out full force.

At this point I continue to debate about my racing next season. Not sure yet about what I would like to do. I may try to increase the racing mileage to see if it’s possible to get more donations for NATT. Soon enough, I will be able to define everything and we can go from there.

I probably don’t say it enough, but a HUGE THANK YOU to all of you out there you read my ramblings and have donated to help NATT in it’s mission. We are making tremendous strides in creating awareness and educating people about blood clots and blood clotting disorders.

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

 

How sore can you become?

That is the question I am asking myself these days. Last Sunday, I got the chance to play my first indoor “football” games of the year and if you consider the way I’ve been feeling you would think that I am nothing more than a couch potato. Everything is sore, even my eyelids are sore for some reason…

It is been while since the last time I played and although I did not play bad my body sure was not ready to leave the “two dimensional” world of swimming, biking, and running. It is amazing to realize how many other muscles groups I can exercise during a “football” match. Definitely during the game you have to move from side to side, change directions suddenly, change speeds suddenly, and even fall to the ground when needed. All of these contributes to movements that are multi dimensional compared to triathlon racing.

Can you believe that I am sore between my toes? I did not know that I could feel soreness there. Thankfully this should be the last of it because with games every weekend my muscles will be able to remember that for a while now I will be moving in all sorts of directions chasing a ball around the carpeted indoor facility.

One of my games this weekend was early on Sunday morning and much to my surprise the indoor facility was packed with people already playing. I could not believe it when I pulled in into the parking lot. Although some of the people I saw looked like they were still a sleep it was very good to see people out there early starting off their Sunday with some competition. Luckily for my opponents at that time in the morning there is generally no need to get into their heads as with the sleepy eyes they are sporting no trash talking would penetrate at all…

I believe that raking leaves should be an Olympic sport if curling can be one. I’ve lost count of all the bags we have filled up but I think we are on pace for some sort of world record…!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Ahhhh, aren't we cute?

Skills

Look at Mrs. Clot Buster do the Limbo...!!! I did not even know she could go that low. I guess that all the Pilates and Yoga help with the flexibilty.

Check out all the people admiring her skills... I could never do that.

So, there is your Friday "Moment of Zen"

Have a great weekend!

Thanks for Reading,

The Clot Buster

 

Cooling Off...

This weather is not helping much in terms of setting the stage and provide the additional motivation to get out and workout. This is the time of the year when I find it increasingly difficult to stay in track. Thankfully, I don’t have many races coming up that would require me to put away some workouts in the “fitness bank.” Especially with the time change the day light is almost gone by the time you get home and with the sun setting there goes my motivation as well… usually not with a beautiful display of colors like the sunset but with a shrug of shoulders and PTI recorded on the DVR. Of course that is not the case all the time because most days I do crave some physical activity outside of just sitting at my desk at work.

Although at times I don’t enjoy the cold as much, I have to confess that I am a VERY BIG fan of fall. Every year, I am amazed at the colors some of the trees can produce. You can’t even begin to describe the different yellows, reds, and oranges that you can see on some of the leaves. At times the colors can just take your breath away. I don’t think that we could ever mix enough of our artificial colors to produce some of those colors you can see in nature.

I am beginning to ponder the different races I would like to do next season. As far as I can tell only one race seems to be set in stone… The Greater Cleveland Triathlon in August. This will be a half-iron distance race so I will need to arrange some of my other races accordingly. I guess that at this point I need to define how many miles the Clot Buster needs to race to peak people’s interest and continue to develop the “racing triathlon miles against blood clots” program. How many miles should attempt to race? 255.5 miles again? How about more? Less but with longer races?

Stay tuned to see what I can come up with. In the mean time I better get back to my rake and leaf raking process I started some time ago. After filling up several bags I had to come inside and take a break. I never knew that raking would be such a workout. After 11 years in this country this is the first time I had to rake leaves in the fall. At first I thought it would be a boring project but so far I’ve enjoyed it a great deal. My body definitely appreciates the change from the normal swimming, biking, and running. Speaking of change I am looking forward to start playing soccer this weekend. I hope that I still remember how to kick the ball. It is been a while since the last time I played earlier this spring.

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster 

Happy Halloween!

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

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

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

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

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

Have a safe Halloween.

Thanks for reading.

The Clot Buster 

Come and get them...!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster