Mouthwatering...

Let it begin...

That is correct my friends... the Clot Buster Polka-dots are going aero-dynamic...!!!

Thanks to help and generosity of the SPANDEX KING I was able to outfit my lid with some decals that make my lid look mighty good. They even reflect just in case I am out there at dusk putting some finishing touches to my time trialing abilities.

Spandex King THANK YOU VERY MUCH for your assistance. I love the way it looks and I am looking forward to the opportunity to get out there put this beauty to good use.

You know, next year with the help of DPMSports (if you get the chance checkout all of the cool gear they have available!) and the Spandex King we could put a helmet like this up for auction during the season. Now, there is a thought that I may need to expolore a little further.

I really can't wait to put some miles on my lid. Now, all I need is a bike to match the helmet and my outfit. I better start working on that.

Thank you for reading,

The Clot Buster

Thanksgiving Day Race - 10K

I cannot believe it...

New PERSONAL RECORD for the 10k distance = 42:07 (6:47 pace per mile).

Even more surprising was the result within my age group, the 30 and 34 olds, I ended up 20th out of 497 competitors. I am impressed a great deal. I guess that I am getting better with age, just like a good wine.

This course in downtown Cincinnati is not an easy one. We had several bridges to cross and the up hills are pretty brutal but the final stretch is the worst in my opinion. Long straight away that is an out and back but on your way out you can see the finish line on the other side of the avenue and it is just a killer trying to hammer out that last mile to bring it home.

I am very pleased with this performance but I have to confess that I am paying for the effort in the sorness that I am feeling. The Clot Buster polka-dots were high flying throughout the course. I know a lot of people out there got to see them as I was blowing past them...

I had a sensational Thanksgiving celebration and I hope all of you out there who read this blog did too! Stay tuned for some photos from the weekend when available.

No turkey left overs for me tonight... Mrs. Clot Buster is crafting something special and the smell is driving me crazy... I got to go!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

Every day I am THANKFUL for the opportunity to be here LIVING THE DREAM. I can't even begin to think how different my life would be if I did not take chance 12 years ago. I have so many people to THANK who helped me along the way that I don't know where to begin. I am just incredible greatful for being here and enjoying what I do and what I have with whom I love. So, Thursday morning we ware going to wake up early and head down to Paul Brown Stadium in downtown Cincinnati to line up for the 98th Annual THANKSGIVING DAY RACE. Along with me and Mrs. Clot Buster there will be about 10,000 other people joining us in the fun. It is a great event to participate in and the course is one to remember. I am looking at going all out and putting on a good show. I set a PR last year and I am aiming at doing the same this year. It is not an easy course but one in which you can throw down. I may end up feeling like in the pictures below but it is all for the turkey waiting for me at dinner...
Enjoy the Holiday! HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Transformations

How was the weekend? Hard to believe that we are the door-step of Thanksgiving... before we know it Christmas will be here. Speaking of Christmas, what am I going to get Mrs. Clot Buster? I don't have a clue but I need to start thinking about it just to stay on top of it.

Well, very soon I am going to complete the transformation of the Clot Buster's aero-helmet. The combination of the red polka-dots plus the white helmet will come through very soon. It has taken me a while but the final product will be a good one. I am proud to wear it and continue my support of NATT.

+

20 bags of leaves and still counting... We are pretty well challenged in raking the leaves in our yard. My guess is that we will reach upwards to 50 bags... I can't believe it but that is the way we are going. But really I don't care because the colors are just simply amazing. I may end up dreaming about yellow, orange, and red leaves but in the end it is something I enjoy looking at a great deal. It is nice a treat before the darkness of winter.

Looking forward to watching the AMAZING RACE tonight. Some day I will be lucky enough to make it on that show. I think that Mrs. Clot Buster and I will be good at it. We might argue some here and there but I think that we would be good competitors. I just need to get myself a citizenship and a video camera to get through the application.

To all of you out there purchasing wristbands THANK YOU!!! Keep your interest coming and get in touch with me so that I can send them on. Spread the word about NATT in anyway that you can.

By the way, did you hear the news about NANCY GRACE? Anyone can come down with blood clots at any time... we all need to be aware!!!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Mountains... What a treat!

Where should I start?

The conference was a GERAT SUCCESS. Thanks to all of you had the chance to attend. I know that with the outstanding speakers we had it was very well worth every minute you spent with us this past Saturday.
We had a great turn out and as always meeting the people at this conferences is great fun for me. Although they can be long days it is a pleasure to be out there giving the people who attend the chance to learn more about blood clots and blood clotting disorders as well as meet with other people and relate to each the journey you are going through. The support we witness at these conferences is exactly why we plan and execute them. I already look forward to the next opportunity for me to participate. I don't when it will be but be sure that the polka dots will be ready to witness the magic of learning and support once more.


What can I say about Salt Lake City? In deed a cool place to visit. I LOVED being amongst the mountains but above all I REALLY ENJOYED the chance to get out there and do some vertical training. WOW!!! Did I miss going up the mountain side...?!?! It was thrill that I can't even describe. The views were incredible in every direction we looked. Very seldom I look forward to get up early to get out the door to work out. But this time being so close to the Red Butte Park I could hardly sleep I wanted to go vertical so bad. The Clot Buster is a HAPPY CAMPER for sure... I think that I am still smiling.
Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - Here we go!!!

Very much looking forward to be leaving tomorrow in route to Salt Lake City, UT for NATT's Education Seminar. It is been a number of years since the last time I've been there. Let's see if I remember correctly 11 years. A lot has happened since then.

So, I am taking the polka-dots with me so we will see what the people in SLC think about them.

Blood Clots and Blood Clotting Disorders:Key Issues in Diagnosis, Treatment and PreventionSaturday, November 10, 2007

This FREE seminar will be of interest to:People who have had a blood clot or are at riskPeople with inherited clotting abnormalitiesFamily membersHealth care workersAnyone wanting to know more about blood clots and wishing to advance prevention, diagnosis and treatment of thrombosis and thrombophilia

Hosted by The National Alliance for Thrombosis and Thrombophilia in conjunction with the University of Utah and Intermountain Healthcare

LocationUniversity of Utah's Health Sciences Education Building (HSEB) in Alumni Hall room 2110, Salt Lake City, UT

A map of the conference facilities can be found at http://www.conferences.utah.edu/images/pdf/UGHMap.pdf.

AgendaClick here to download the complete program.

Registration InformationRegistration before November 2nd is requested. You may register by sending an e-mail to: nattseminars@yahoo.com or you may RSVP by phone.

Please call Kandace Kaylor at 801-408-1682 before November 4th and 801-507-3747 after November 4th. To register.

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

How about a marathon in 2008...?!?!

Well, I don't know... the question always is, can I do it?

Honestly, I am not sure if I am able to push through and run over 20 Miles. That just seems so far... but on the other hand I welcome to the challenge as something the Clot Buster needs to step up and do. I am thinking it will be great opportunity to lay the foundation to fundraise in this type of event but I am torn about making this decision. I definitely need some help... WHAT SHOULD I DO?!?!?

Also important is the need to find the appropriate race that could handle the polka-dots... or I should say a race the guy in the polka-dots could handle...

You guys have no idea how long I've been debating about this. I am not getting any younger and perhaps this is the time before I turn into my early 30ths... So, if you have any words of wisdom please pass them on because I need all the advise that I can get...

What do you think about Mr. Armstrong and his NYC-Olsen fling? In my humble opinion, which no-one asked for but I am giving anyway, WTF...! What is he thinking? Whatever respect I had for him it will take some time for me to gain back... Now, I understand his whole spiel about "I want to spend time with my kids..." unfortunately not exactly his. I sort of feel the way he looks in this picture, about to throw up...

If you are in SALT LAKE CITY, UT this weekend don't miss your chance and come out...

Blood Clots and Blood Clotting Disorders:Key Issues in Diagnosis, Treatment and PreventionSaturday, November 10, 2007

This FREE seminar will be of interest to:People who have had a blood clot or are at riskPeople with inherited clotting abnormalitiesFamily membersHealth care workersAnyone wanting to know more about blood clots and wishing to advance prevention, diagnosis and treatment of thrombosis and thrombophilia

Hosted byThe National Alliance for Thrombosis and Thrombophilia in conjunction with the University of Utah and Intermountain Healthcare

LocationUniversity of Utah's Health Sciences Education Building (HSEB) in Alumni Hall room 2110, Salt Lake City, UT

A map of the conference facilities can be found at http://www.conferences.utah.edu/images/pdf/UGHMap.pdf.

AgendaClick here to download the complete program.

Registration InformationRegistration before November 2nd is requested. You may register by sending an e-mail to: nattseminars@yahoo.com or you may RSVP by phone.

Please call Kandace Kaylor at
801-408-1682 before November 4th and
801-507-3747 after November 4th. To register.

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Did you guess them...?

No responses on the question from my last post. I have to assume that most of you out there had no idea about the answer. Well, no trouble because here it is...

Colorado Rockies: Aaron Cook

Boston Red Sox: Terry Francona

It is always great to hear that with proper treatment people can get back to a normal life style. Thankfully, I know a lot more of these stories from regular people and I can only hope that down the road we can continue to create that awareness so that we all know about the symptoms and are prepared to seek medical assistance when needed. We have a long road ahead of us but good stories of people beating clots and going back to normal life is what keeps us going.

Don't forget coming up in November...

Blood Clots and Blood Clotting Disorders:Key Issues in Diagnosis, Treatment and PreventionSaturday, November 10, 2007

This FREE seminar will be of interest to:
People who have had a blood clot or are at risk
People with inherited clotting abnormalities
Family members
Health care workers
Anyone wanting to know more about blood clots and wishing to advance prevention, diagnosis and treatment of thrombosis and thrombophilia

Hosted by
The National Alliance for Thrombosis and Thrombophilia in conjunction with the University of Utah and Intermountain Healthcare

Location
University of Utah's Health Sciences Education Building (HSEB) in Alumni Hall room 2110, Salt Lake City, UT

A map of the conference facilities can be found at http://www.conferences.utah.edu/images/pdf/UGHMap.pdf.

Agenda
Click here to download the complete program.

Registration Information
Registration before November 2nd is requested. You may register by sending an e-mail to: nattseminars@yahoo.com or you may RSVP by phone. Please call Kandace Kaylor at

801-408-1682 before November 4th and

801-507-3747 after November 4th. To register.

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

SLC

Is Salt Lake City ready for the Clot Buster and the polka-dots?

Ready or not here I come along with NATT's Education Conference on November 10th. I am very much looking forward to the opportunity to go out west and spread the word about blood clots and blood clotting disorders. I always enjoy the chance to get out there and help out during this education conferences.

So, are you guys following the baseball World Series between the Colorado Rockies and the Bostons Red Sox? The reason I am asking is because each of the teams have a former clotter amongst their roster. In fact, I learned of one of them during tonights broadcast right around the third inning. I already knew about one but the other one was a surprise for me. Can you name them? If you know who they are go ahead and let me know and I will make arrangements to send you some Clot Buster - NATT wristbands on me. COME ON GIVE IT A TRY!!!

Unfortuantely, I am not rooting for either team just enjoying the competition while I am going to town in the house projects I am taking on while Mrs. Clot Buster is out of town. I am just trying to shorten my honey-do-list...

But not all of it is work around here. I got to race in a 5 Miler race today and I was able to clock a 35:09 for my time on this course. Man, I did not count on the hills I was going to face at this race... the legs sure got a nice workout. I am very pleased with this performance even after not being able to train a whole lot lately.

All right, if you know the names of the former clotters from each of the teams please let me know. I look forward to see your responses...

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

No Time...

It is been busy around here these days. Not much time left to blog as I have some projects around the house that need my attention. I have all these scrap wood my dad helped me collect from this old swing sey we had that I am using to build a shed. It is been an interesting project but one that it is taking time along with the rest of things I already have going on. It is coming together nicely but I have a little more to go. Soon enough I will be finishing it off so that I can have more room in the garage for my triathlon toys...

How about the IM World Championship race in Kona last weekend? I could not believe the race that took place on the women's side. What a story this Chrissie Wellington has from a virtual unknown to world champion in about 9 hours or so of work. I love it! It seems as if the women's torch has been passed to a new generation of racers who are taking the IM world by storm.

On the men's race I was not surprised to see Macca win the whole enchilada. I could not believe all the people who were not able to finish the race (or start for that matter). Anything can happen in this race that is for sure. This one was Macca's race to lose. After being humbled in years past this was his time and I am glad to see him being an honorable champion. I would have love to see Tim DeBoom catch "Thunder Bear" but at the same time it was great to see that someone with a dead even pace in the marathon can make a podium finish at the World Championships. I do have to mention Mr. Alexander and his versatility in the sport of thriatlon. Are you kidding me? His performance in Kona is nothing short of remarkable. What a powerhouse that guy is. I could not believe it when I was watching the broadcast. If he keeps this up he could surprise some people next year.

It would be incredible to be out there to race someday... How much luck do you think I need to win a slot from the lottery? Don't tell Mrs. Clot Buster but I purchase a lottery entry the other day. I think that a "second" honeymoon is a perfect excuse when she finds out. I am looking out for her best interest as a visit to the big island will be exactly what she needs next October...

If you have not had the chance to read about NATT's lates press release please check it out below. Very exciting this going on with NATT and we are getting a front row seat to see it all happen!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SEPTEMBER 26, 2007

CDC AWARDS NATT FUNDINGTO IMPROVE BLOOD CLOT AWARENESS

TARRYTOWN, NY - The National Alliance for Thrombosis and Thrombophilia (NATT) today announced the award of two major program grants totaling $1.35 million that will serve as building blocks for its efforts to curb the unchecked devastating effects caused each year to nearly one million Americans who develop a blood clot.

NATT will use its two Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) grants to “launch a national wake-up call to promote public and healthcare professional awareness of this serious medical condition that each year kills nearly 300,000 Americans,” explains NATT President Randy Fenninger.

“We have a national crisis because few people recognize or understand the symptoms and risk factors of this silent killer. And even equally startling, is that not enough of our nation’s healthcare professionals have a full understanding of the symptoms and the methods for treatment of this life-threatening condition,” he said. Complications from clotting, occurring in more than half of those affected individuals, can often have serious consequences – as is evident from an annual mortality rate that is greater than the combined deaths from breast cancer, AIDS, and automobile accidents.

Mr. Fenninger complimented the proactive efforts of the CDC for recognizing the need to fund an all-out public and professional attack against blood clotting disorders. The awards, he notes, “serve to further support our national education and awareness work. This is a superb news for all Americans at risk for blood clots, and a very proud moment for the many volunteers who have worked so hard to move NATT from a board room dream to a now nationally respected community-based advocacy organization that does so much good.”

Aiding the CDC’s proactive funding efforts was a meeting held in May of 2006 by the U.S. Surgeon General who brought together national healthcare and public leaders to discuss the serious problems surrounding blood clots and clotting disorders. The general theme from this meeting is the publication of “Call-to-Action” this fall by the U.S. Surgeon General to improve education and awareness within the healthcare profession, as well as the general public.

These facts, combined with a serious lack of awareness among the public, constitute a significant public health problem that NATT has been battling since its inception in 2003. NATT Executive Director Alan Brownstein explained that a national initiative called “Stop-The-Clot,” will now be launched. The multi-tiered program, one of two receiving funding awards from the CDC, will focus its education and awareness efforts on such objectives as:- Enhancement of NATT’s successful patient seminars into a nationally Stop-The-Clot Forum series- Establishment of a comprehensive consumer Clotting Information Resource Center (CIRC; available via web and print mediums)- Collaboration with the national Hemophilia Treatment Centers, the Thrombosis and Hemostasis Centers, and the Anticoagulation Forum network for distribution of education materials- And the development of a regional chapter infrastructure.

The CDC also awarded funding for a nurses and non-physician healthcare professionals’ education project that will specifically address the areas of blood clot prevention, diagnosis, treatment and management. NATT’s Medical And Scientific Advisory Board (MASAB) Chairman Dr. Stephan Moll, director of the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill Thrombophilia Program, expressed his board’s delight regarding the CDC awards. “I commend the CDC on their efforts to respond to this extreme health issue in such a proactive manner through funding these programs instituted by NATT,” he said.

Dr. Moll noted that the healthcare professionals’ education project is deemed an essential element in the fight against blood clots. “Improving the content and delivery of health information/education by nurses and other non-physicians,” he said, “provides an educational and training aspect to a critical part of a patient’s healthcare and wellness.”

The program, Dr. Moll explained, will be delivered nationally through the utilization of evidence-based teaching methods in small group sessions led by trained faculty. The program’s ultimate goal is to prevent secondary conditions in people with clotting disorders by improving their access to knowledgeable healthcare providers.

NATT will collaborate with many organizations in its development of a 12-region training program. Patients will be reached throughout the U.S. network of the 140-federally funded Hemophilia Treatment Centers, the CDC Pilot Thrombophilia Centers and through participants of the Anticoagulation Forum.

-30-

(For More Information regarding the National Alliance for Thrombosis and Thrombophilia and/or their national programs, please contact Alan Brownstein at (917) 209-2000 , apbrownstein@msn.com, or NATT President Randy Fenninger (202) 833-007. or log on to http://www.nattinfo.org/. NATT is a 501c3 national volunteer community-based organization which welcomes support through involvement and/or donations. Further information can also be obtained from NATT’s Medical and Scientific Advisory Board chairman Dr. Stephan Moll, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill at (919) 966-3311 or smoll@med.unc.edu.)

What are you doing this weekend?

That is a hard question to answer...

I think for sure I will be paying attention to the developments at the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii. Who will have the perfect day to win this year? It is pretty much anyone's race. I don't even have a clue about who has the best shot out there. There are several contenders in both the men's and women's races. Maybe an American can come out and represent... that would be pretty cool to see again.

The swim start is truly something to see...

I can't believe that back in 2003 Mrs. Clot Buster and I had the chance to be at the race as volunteers towards the tail end of out Honeymoon. That was really wild and something I will never forget. The finish line is something special, especially towards midnight. I don't think that there is something more electric than that...

Yes, that is Mrs. Clot Buster's hand at the her post in T2.

Outside of checking out the Ironman race I am planning on doing a century ride on Saturday. The IM will not start until pretty late in the afternoon due the time change at the big island so I have time (if I get my act together early in the AM) to get out there and put down my Century for 2007. Let's see if I can can do it. I just hope to be conservartive and not go out too hard...

Norman Stadler coming through T2. He was first off the bike that year but his run was not put together then as it is today.

Well, here is to a good night of sleep so that I can start my weekend in full force tomorrow after work. I do still have to work to keep the lights on Fridays...

The finish shoot. Also an incredile sight just because of its history in the sport...

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Still at it...

THANK YOU to all of you out there who are contacting me and are interested in learning about NATT, as well as, helping the organization with the purchase of a wristband. Keep those requests coming! As soon as you get in touch with me we can get the ball rolling and have the wristbands on their way!

THANK YOU a thousand times over!

This weekend I had the chance to race in a Trail 10K at High Banks Metro Park just north of Columbus on route 23. I love this place a great deal as it has a number of hiking trails that make for VERY CHALLENGING running trails that I enjoy a lot. Mrs. Clot Buster found this place about two years ago and we go there to train very often. So, racing on those same trials is a big trill because we get to push one more gear out there than we normally do. I raced pretty well, despite my lack of intense training. Once the season is over I pretty much cut back a lot of my swimming, biking, and running to a level in which I can keep a base but not much beyond that. So, racing a 10K can be a pretty good shock to the system.

On Saturday, I felt great and I was able to push a pretty fast pace according to the Clot Buster's standards. I was able to clock a 45:32 for a 10K distance that had some very steep hills to cotend with. But best of all I was able to finish THIRD OVERALL in the race!!! I could not believe it... I guess that all of the good runners skipped this race and let us slow guys have our moment of glory out there. Hey, I guess that I take it and enjoy it for what is worth!!!

So, off we go to start another week in paradise.

To all of you reading out there... HAVE A GREAT WEEK!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

EXTRA EXTRA EXTRA !!!

Very exciting news about NATT. Please read below!

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SEPTEMBER 26, 2007

CDC AWARDS NATT FUNDING
TO IMPROVE BLOOD CLOT AWARENESS

TARRYTOWN, NY - The National Alliance for Thrombosis and Thrombophilia (NATT) today announced the award of two major program grants totaling $1.35 million that will serve as building blocks for its efforts to curb the unchecked devastating effects caused each year to nearly one million Americans who develop a blood clot.

NATT will use its two Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) grants to “launch a national wake-up call to promote public and healthcare professional awareness of this serious medical condition that each year kills nearly 300,000 Americans,” explains NATT President Randy Fenninger.

“We have a national crisis because few people recognize or understand the symptoms and risk factors of this silent killer. And even equally startling, is that not enough of our nation’s healthcare professionals have a full understanding of the symptoms and the methods for treatment of this life-threatening condition,” he said. Complications from clotting, occurring in more than half of those affected individuals, can often have serious consequences – as is evident from an annual mortality rate that is greater than the combined deaths from breast cancer, AIDS, and automobile accidents.

Mr. Fenninger complimented the proactive efforts of the CDC for recognizing the need to fund an all-out public and professional attack against blood clotting disorders. The awards, he notes, “serve to further support our national education and awareness work. This is a superb news for all Americans at risk for blood clots, and a very proud moment for the many volunteers who have worked so hard to move NATT from a board room dream to a now nationally respected community-based advocacy organization that does so much good.”

Aiding the CDC’s proactive funding efforts was a meeting held in May of 2006 by the U.S. Surgeon General who brought together national healthcare and public leaders to discuss the serious problems surrounding blood clots and clotting disorders. The general theme from this meeting is the publication of “Call-to-Action” this fall by the U.S. Surgeon General to improve education and awareness within the healthcare profession, as well as the general public.

These facts, combined with a serious lack of awareness among the public, constitute a significant public health problem that NATT has been battling since its inception in 2003. NATT Executive Director Alan Brownstein explained that a national initiative called “Stop-The-Clot,” will now be launched. The multi-tiered program, one of two receiving funding awards from the CDC, will focus its education and awareness efforts on such objectives as:
- Enhancement of NATT’s successful patient seminars into a nationally Stop-The-Clot Forum series
- Establishment of a comprehensive consumer Clotting Information Resource Center (CIRC; available via web and print mediums)
- Collaboration with the national Hemophilia Treatment Centers, the Thrombosis and Hemostasis Centers, and the Anticoagulation Forum network for distribution of education materials
- And the development of a regional chapter infrastructure.

The CDC also awarded funding for a nurses and non-physician healthcare professionals’ education project that will specifically address the areas of blood clot prevention, diagnosis, treatment and management. NATT’s Medical And Scientific Advisory Board (MASAB) Chairman Dr. Stephan Moll, director of the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill Thrombophilia Program, expressed his board’s delight regarding the CDC awards. “I commend the CDC on their efforts to respond to this extreme health issue in such a proactive manner through funding these programs instituted by NATT,” he said.

Dr. Moll noted that the healthcare professionals’ education project is deemed an essential element in the fight against blood clots. “Improving the content and delivery of health information/education by nurses and other non-physicians,” he said, “provides an educational and training aspect to a critical part of a patient’s healthcare and wellness.”

The program, Dr. Moll explained, will be delivered nationally through the utilization of evidence-based teaching methods in small group sessions led by trained faculty. The program’s ultimate goal is to prevent secondary conditions in people with clotting disorders by improving their access to knowledgeable healthcare providers.

NATT will collaborate with many organizations in its development of a 12-region training program. Patients will be reached throughout the U.S. network of the 140-federally funded Hemophilia Treatment Centers, the CDC Pilot Thrombophilia Centers and through participants of the Anticoagulation Forum.

-30-

(For More Information regarding the National Alliance for Thrombosis and Thrombophilia and/or their national programs, please contact Alan Brownstein at (917) 209-2000, apbrownstein@msn.com, or NATT President Randy Fenninger (202) 833-007. or log on to http://www.nattinfo.org/. NATT is a 501c3 national volunteer community-based organization which welcomes support through involvement and/or donations. Further information can also be obtained from NATT’s Medical and Scientific Advisory Board chairman Dr. Stephan Moll, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill at (919) 966-3311 or smoll@med.unc.edu.)

What Now...?

Well, I am officially done with triathlons for 2007. It is been a GREAT DEAL OF FUN and SO FAR a GREAT SUCCESS in terms of the fundraising. Please pass on the word so that I can make the fundraising collected in 2007 the new benchmark for years to come.

The formula is very simple: Consider donating a Nickel, Dime, or even a Quarter for every mile that I raced this summer... about 300 Miles all together and go on forward and write that total as a donation to The National Alliance for Thrombosis and Thrombophilia - NATT. If you are interested in donating please drop me a line and I will let you know how.

Well, as of what I have coming up next, I am not really sure. I may do some running races here in there if the legs are holding up well. I know for sure I am doing Cincinnati's Thanksgiving Day Race for my 10th time! Hard to believe that I've done this race that many times but it is true. I am looking forward to putting down a respectable time for the 10K distance. Last year, I went all out and this year I am planning on doing the same so watch out people...!


If you are not aware you should know that the US Women's Soccer national team will be playing tomorrow against Brazil in the semifinals of the Womenes World Cup in China. It should be a great match and of course I hope for the American Ladies to move forward and go all the way to be World Cup Champions once more.


Speaking of soccer I just got home from playing in my men's over 30 league I've been playing for the past few weeks. I always enjoy some good old soccer playing to give me a break from the routine of swimming, biking, running. What other sports do you do in the off season to give you a break?


Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

WHAT IS COOLER THAN BEING COOL…?

ICE COLD!!!

For some strange reason that is the song I had stuck in my head much of the ride at the Portage Lakes Triathlon this past Sunday. Don’t ask me why but I am sure it had something to do with the fact that it was around 47 freaking degrees when we got on our bikes! That my friends was brutal out there. It took the better part of the 25 Miles of the bike to be comfortable. I was riding as hard as I could to keep the engine going and feel some relative warmth. I was in awe of the lady riding in her bathing suit or the dude riding without a top on. Those would be perfectly acceptable any other weekend but this one. If I had a hard time with a top on plus arm warmers and gloves I don’t even want to imagine how it felt for them.
So, the theme for this race was “Let’s freeze the polka-dots off!” I don’t know how I managed to get through the bike portion of the race. I just had to keep the legs moving even if I could not feel my toes towards the end of the ride. The first few steps on the run were rather strange but soon I was able to get my feet to return to a normal state and keep up with the course. And keep up is what I did because this time around for this 10K course I was able to post MY BEST TIME EVER during a triathlon… 43:24, I can’t really believe it!

So, freezing my polka-dots off must have been a good thing as I had a rear end kicking swim of 21:37 good enough for 9th best in the whole race and a total time of 2:19:35 for a NEW PR! So, after all that I was 5th in the 30-34 age group and 37th overall.

I could not done it without the support of Mrs. Clot Buster and of Melissa and Adam. I am very thankful for your support and encouragement. Seeing smiling familiar faces gives me such a boost that I can’t really describe.

So, this is it for triathlons for 2007. The Clot Buster has accomplished his goal of racing well over 300 Miles, now it is time for you to step up and give the Clot Buster the extra hand to continue to raise funds for NATT. Please consider matching a small donation of a nickel, dime, or a quarter for every mile that I raced and donate that total towards NATT. If you are interested in making a donation drop me a line and I can let you know how!

Looking ahead to 2008…

How many miles should I race next summer?

Should I instead concentrate one or two races and have people match donations through those miles raced?

How did you like the auctions and the items up for auction?
Should I continue to do them? What would like to see up for auction more often? I know the Spiuk Kronos Helmet was a hit with people and Thanks to Spiuk-USA’s support I may able to do this again next year.

Do you know of any races that The Clot Buster should do?

Would you be interested in supporting NATT if you can support the Clot Buster movement with a polka-dot technical shirt?

All of these questions and so many possible answers. For now, I need to concentrate in getting as many wristbands out there as possible along with looking for some more donations to round up this year's fundraising. This year is been great so far but we can always do more!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Racing… one more time!

Here we are at the end of another week getting ready for my last triathlon this season. I am looking forward to going all out on Sunday and see what time I can come up with at the end. It is been a season of several personal bests so I am hoping to hammer out this race and set a new best time. I don’t know how the weather will influence my performance I just need to prepare for it. So, I need to double and triple check my list of goods so that I don’t forget anything important that could be essential on race day.

I am also looking forward to visit a new city in Akron, OH which is one I hear a lot about but I have not had the chance to visit and explore. Would there be a lot to see? I don’t have a clue and I really don’t care, I just want to see what I see and enjoy the experience. In my opinion it is always as good as you want it to be. So, Akron here I come with Mrs. Clot Buster ready or not. While I am thinking about it, I need to give a HUGE THANK YOU to the Casebere Family for hosting us this weekend. Melissa, Adam THANK YOU!!!

Not likely that I will be checking out the course as I rather not know what is coming up. In this race in particular I have loops on both the bike and the run that should give me the preview I need. I am interested in seeing how my training these last few days will impact my effort. Stay tuned for my report after the race.

Speaking of reporting I wanted to make a point to highlight some more the accomplishments I learn about from people who has clotted and they are back at it doing what they love. In one of my last posts I got the chance to talk to you about Joan Perry, well today I wanted to highlight the performance of another inspiring story in Janine Swiatkowski.

Janine participated in the Disneyland Half Marathon on September 3rd and she was able to get through the 13.1 Miles without any trouble enjoying every step of the way. She says that she was able to finish quicker than she thought she would.

JANINE CONGRATULATONS!!!

I look forward to hear what your next challenge is going to be. Whatever it is I know you will be able to make it through and continue to inspire us all. Please read more about Janine's story through the link above.

Well, sounds like this weekend I will be freezing my polka-dots off big time... I better get prepared.

Oh yes! One more thing. Please consider making a donation to my fundraising effort for this summer. The 300 Miles of racing are all done. Now it is up to you to come forward and help out in the cause of educating and create awareness about blood clots and blood clotting disorders. There is nothing to it just pick a value of a coin and multiply it by the number of miles I raced. Here is the breakdown:

$0.05 per Mile x 300 Miles = $15.00

$0.10 per Mile x 300 Miles = $30.00

$0.25 per Mile x 300 Miles = $75.00

Please contact me if you are interested in making a donation. Please make your check payable to "NATT" and let me know so that I can send you my address!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Rainy Sunday

It is been a long time since I looked forward this much to a swim workout. This week, I trashed my legs so I need some time in the pool to give my two pistons some time to rest.So, tomorrow I will be heading to the pool and swim away nice and easy to get my arms back in business after 2 weeks of inactivity. I know that it will be slow, I just hope to get good enough workouts this week so that when the Akron race rolls through next weekend I can at least come out of the water in a respectable time. We will see how things shake out.

You probably remember that a few posts ago I talked about Joan Perry who last year suffered from a serious blood clot, was successfully treated, and last weekend she participated in the ITU World Triathlon Championships in Hamburg, Germany. In her age group Joan finished 20th in a time of 2:43:00 in the Olympic Distance race. I have not had a chance to talk to her about the experience or the results. However, I am nothing short of IMPRESSED and EXCITED for her after what she went through last year. TRULY AN INSPIRATON to anyone who is dealing with a blood clot episode and the treatment that follows the discovery.

JOAN CONGRATULATIONS!!!

I hope to be able to get her story on my blog or on NATT's website very soon, so stay tuned!

Well, looks like I will continue the trashing of my legs this afternoon with a quick lifting session. It seems like the perfect day to go to the gym and do it.

In the mean time I am already pondering my strategy for next season. The Clot Buster will be back in full force trying his best to raise funds for NATT. If you are a reader of this blog and you have any suggestions about any races that I should do or other ideas for fundraising PLEASE, PLEASE let me know.

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Debating NO MORE!!!

Finally I was able to make up my mind about racing in Akron. I could not resist the calling for one more race this season so I am going for it! Although it is been hard to train and get motivated I am getting around it and I am looking forward to close out my 2007 triathlon racing schedule with a good race.
How was the Labor Day weekend?

I was fortunate enough to do many things. Mrs. Clot Buster and I make sure that we pack long weekends like this one all the way to the top with things to do. We started with the Columbus Greek Festival on Friday. Saturday, we headed to Cincinnati but this time around we did it a little differently. We packed our bikes and drove west from Columbus to the village of Yellow Springs from which we know there is a bike trial that travels all the way down to Cincinnati. Since. Liz likes Yellow Springs a great deal with its unique shops and book stores we decided that she would ride with me for a while and then turn around and I would go on and ride all the way to my mother in law’s house in Cincinnati. It was a perfect day to ride so off we went. I rode 64 Miles and met my wife in Cincinnati about 3 and half hours after we stated riding. It was a great experience just riding away on the trail. Going through town after town. It was a really neat experience for sure. I enjoyed it a great deal. I have to tell you that after the 60 some mile on the saddle I was pretty beat up.

But rest was soon to come as we prepared to go down to the Ohio river and enjoy the Labor Day fireworks special. As always it was a great show. One that I recommend to anyone if you happen to be in town for the weekend. My fater in law Bill was able to take some great pictures that I am sharing with you in this post. Check them out below.

The training otherwise is going well. The pool at out rec-center has been closed for the past 2 weeks and I can't wait to get in the pool and get some swims in. I will never understand why they schedule this maintenance work around the labor day weekend. But it seems to be the case every year so I just have to buy my time and hope that I get enough swims in before my last race coming up on September 16th. In the mean time I will continue to train my bike and run especially the run as I need to get some miles under my belt for good measure.

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster