HAPPT HALLOWEEN!

Dear Friends,

After returning back to Columbus, OH from Caracas, Venezuela it is time to get back to business... I hope that you have been following along to my updates on Twitter that you can see on the right-hand side panel of this blog.

First HAPPY HALLOWEEN !!!

Junior sure looked adorable this year. It is very enjoyable to dress them up any way we want... for now anyway...

Second, I am a week a way from running my second marathon of this year. This second one is to celebrate the launch of the STOP THE CLOT NATThtlete program. This is a program designed to let individuals get theit own polka-dots and become Clot Busters for their event of choice. This is a great opportunity to spread the word about Blood Clots and Blood Clotting Disorders and to fundraise in order to allow NATT to complete their mission.

Check out my fundraising page @ >>> http://www.firstgiving.com/rolandtheclotbuster

I can't believe that I've been able to prepare for this second race. I am going into it just hoping to complete the race and to enjoy myself. If I can run under 3:25 or improve upon my previous personal best I will thrilled!

At any rate, I hope that your Halloween was a great one.

Keep an eye on my updates through Twitter and see how my marathon goes next Saturday.

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

P.S.= If you are intersted in looking into participating in the NATThlete program please take a look at the following link >>> http://www.stoptheclot.org/events/natt_fund_raiser.html

Good Times in NEW MEXICO

Weekend get away in Albuquerque and Santa Fe, New Mexico... definitely an awesome place to visit with Fantastic Friends and plenty to do...!

Enjoy some of my favorite pictures from our trip including the Balloon Fiesta and more!I wish that we could still be out there playing...

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Mrs. Clot Buster in action October 18th @ The Columbus, OH Half-Marathon

Check out the following link to learn about Mrs. Clot Buster's fundraising effort for her Half-Marathon...

http://www.firstgiving.com/lizvarga

She will be wearing the Clot Buster - STOP THE CLOT - polka dots all around Columbus, OH and you can help her reach her fundraising by clicking in the link above.

If you happen to be racing in Columbus this weekend be in the look for the polka dots!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Now that I stopped drooling...

from following the IRONMAN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP in Kona I can type again...

What a race we all got to watch on Saturday. I very much enjoyed the coverage and seeing how these athletes get to duke it out from the morning all the way to midnight. I have nothing but the outmost respect for anyone who can cover that distance in any venue but doing itKona that is something very special.

Who knows someday I may get lucky enough and make it on the lottery and you better believe I probably see the scene below of the finish line at midnight...

Someday the STOP THE CLOT polka-dots will make to the Big Island and do the 140.6 Miles to spread the word about blood clots and blood clotting disorders that much more.

Anything Is Possible... for all clotters out there!

Thanks for Reading,

The Clot Buster

October Athlete of the Month

As many triathletes out there know October is the month of the IRONMAN World Championships in Kona, Hawaii. Probably the single most difficult one day event in the world.

For many of us Kona is nothing more than a very far away dream since you can only get there by qualifying or getting very lucky on the lottery (shhh don't tell Mrs. Clot Buster but I am applying for the lottery again this year)...

But the race in Kona is not the only Ironman race out there, there are plenty of other Ironman races across the country and every single finisher of those races has my outmost respect.

This month one of those finishers is also a clot survivor and the first one I know of who has taken the CLOT BUSTER POLKA-DOTS to STOP THE CLOT in an Ironman Race... Please meet KRISTOFFER PERRY.

Kristoffer raced IRONMAN COEUR d'ALENE this past June 27th which is a remarkable achievement and one that can serve as a splendid inspiration for all of us.

Please take some time and read Kristoffer's account of the race below, you are going to like it!

"The mass start of the swim went smooth, I had no feet to head combat like I had anticipated. I swam my first lap right on pace like I had wanted, and the second went by mentaly faster with no problems other than a slight leg cramp as I got out of the water on my way to start the bike.

I had a hard time getting settled in and getting a strong rythm on the bike. We had aid stations every ten miles, just as I left the first aid station at mile 12, I got the worst nose bleed. I was surely not going to turn around, so I just gritted my teeth and toughed it out until i reached the second aid station. At the aid station I got a piece of gauze that was big enough to stop the bleeding of a missing a leg so I rode the majority of the bike with this gaint piece of gauze hanging out of my nose. I got some very good pictures of me and the gauze on the bike. From mile 60 thru 90 was by far the hardest part of the whole race. I was trying to stay positve but it was very hard with the discomfort, nausea (so I didn't eat or drink for this time), and fitigue. I just kept pushing on the pedals and when I hit mile 91, I found a new strength reserve. Getting off the bike and putting on a pair of running shoes made me feel like a million bucks.

I knew that there was no way that I could run the whole marathon so I decied to run two mintues and then walk two mintues repetitively. I did this in order to conserve my legs and to keep moving forward. I was walking at such a brisk pace that I was passing people who were jogging. For the first half of the marathon all was well until the rain. That started to make things cold, but lucky for me I had warm clothes in my special needs bag. The second half of the run was a little slower. I started to get nausea again and it was hard to walk longer than two mintues. When I started to feel better, my legs were so accustomed to the slower pace that they wouldn't turn over. I ended up walking the last 10 miles but i was able to run the last half mile until the finish of the race.Finishing the Ironman was amazing. With the family waiting and cheering and all the spectaors cheering, it was the best sight to see after such a long day. Also, it was three years and only a few days since I learned that I had Factor V leiden and Protein S defiency, and made a comentment to stay active by starting to run. Some how I ended up at the finish line of the 2009 ford Ironman CD'A. So saying the finish was like dream come true is an understatement. It is more like realizing that anything is possible even if I have DVTs.

P.S. the Poka dots were with me all the way, however Due to weather the ended up under a lot of clothes."

Kristoffer THANK YOU 140.6 times for your willingness to share your story with us and providing us yet another example about how everything is possible even after a clotting incident and your diagnosis of a clotting disorder.

Keep it up my friend and I am sure some day I will race you in an Ironam Distance Event!

Thanks for Reading,

The Clot Buster

Don't forget...

If you get the chance please checkout my Twitter updates @

http://twitter.com/clotbuster

You can also see my Twitter updates on the right side bar of the blog... just look right...!

Plenty of random thoughts to follow as I try to spread the word about blood clots and blood clotting disorders under the STOP THE CLOT polka-dots.

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Not all is training...

This weekend the Clot Buster family took a little trip to Mohican State Forrest for a weekend full of good friends, good times, and incredible food.This was Junior's first camping trip and he did just fine... he did cried in the middle of the night and I am not sure the people around our camp site appreciated that very much... oh well, I guess that comes with the territory... either way we had a sensational time and I think Junior is looking forward to go out and enjoy nature some more...On a side note if you have the chance please take a look at the following link... http://www.firstgiving.com/lizvarga Mrs. Clot Buster is jumping on to help out fundraising herself! If you care to help her reach her goal please donate and help us STOP THE CLOT. I just need to get her to wear some polka-dots but I am told that she will wear her shirt if she reaches her goal... so if you have it in you let's STOP THE CLOT!!!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Septmeber Athlete of the Month

The last few editions of my Athlete of the Month posts have gone all over the world as I get to spread the word to STOP THE CLOT. Well, last monthwe got to stay state side but this month we get to go to ICELAND via Deland, Florida...

I am please to introduce to you someone I am very proud to know because of her fighting spirit and for never giving up even after having gone through a very serious clootting incident... please say hello to Kolla Kolbeinsdottir.

She is been kind enough to let me bother her and share with us some of her thoughts about her clottting incident and how she is managing her life after going through a life changing event like this...

1) What is you sport/activity of choice? Why do you enjoy it?
My sport of choice is triathlon - and I love it because it challenges me in so many ways, both mentally and physically. With 3 sports rolled into one, it never gets boring. One of my favorite things about doing tris are other triathletes. My training buds are some of the most interesting, fun, crazy and talented people I know, never a dull moment when we get together to play. My other sport is skydiving - but I'll admit to be a bit of a "has-been" in that one, with about 1100 jumps under my belt.

2) How did you get started in that sport?
By complete chance. Some years ago a good friend said "lets try a tri, come on, it will be fun" - and I said "ok, sure, why not, how hard can it be...". At the time I didn't consider myself athletic, didn't even own a bike and couldn't run 100 yards without passing out. A couple of months later I was a proud finisher of a sprint distance triathlon and head over heals in love with the sport (except the running part).

3) What is the latest milestone you achieved or plan to achieve? (Long bike ride, some race coming up or that you did)
This year has been a bit quiet on the racing front as I got married last June. Trekking home to Iceland with my future husband and 20 of our best friends in tow - and then putting on a wedding in 7 days was an endurance event in it's own right, but very fun :) Triathlon wise, I have decided to dedicate this winter to fight my old nemesis: the run. I got a coach (funny enough, the same person who initially talked me into doing the first triathlon) and now I have high hopes that I will not be passed by quite as many 11-year-olds in future races. I am also planning on an Olympic tri in Miami in March and toying with a half IM in New Orleans in April.

4) Tells about your clotting episode. Are you on blood thinners now? How long were you out of commission?
I had my first clot (DVT) over Christmas 2006. I embarked on a long trip to see my family for the holidays in the Canary Islands, off the coast of Africa. At the time I was using birth control (Nuva ring) and training pretty hard for what was to be my first OL distance tri. The air travel was anything but smooth but finally after 36 hrs or so in cramped quarters we arrived. The following morning my leg felt a little stiff, but since I had slipped on wet tiles the day before I attributed it to a pulled muscle and soldiered on. The following day it was worse, so I tried hefty doses of ibuprofen, a long walk/jog, then a massage and a long hot bath, then finally a good few beers with my brothers. I'm still amazed that none of that sent the clot flying. My calf had not changed in appearance, there was no heat or direct pain, just stiffness. My mom actually suggested that I might have a blood clot and that I should get checked out, but I dismissed that and told her that was something that happened to old ladies. Certainly not me, being in such good shape and all. When it came time to return home, I was in a good deal of pain and not really able to walk - but we packed up and got on a plane back to Florida. We got home on December 31st and that night went to dinner at a friends house. The host is a nurse, so I had her take a look and after describing the symptoms she immediately said "go to the ER, this sounds an awful lot like a clot". I dismissed her and told her I actually thought it was getting better, but promised that I would go see a doc if it wasn't markedly improved by morning. She was not happy with that, but I'm stubborn. The following morning I finally went to a doctor and he immediately sent me for an ultrasound at the ER - where nothing was found. They sent me home with instructions to lay low and keep off the leg and go see my general doc to find out what was going on. The following morning the hospital called again to let me know that they wanted me to come back in for another scan right away, and that time around it jumped out at them. I spent 5 days in the hospital and was put on bloodthinners (Warfarin). I did not tolerate that very well and despite strict diet and huge doses was not able to thin out properly. I was then put on Arixtra injections which seemed to work better. The doctor wanted me to stay on blood thinners for a year, but several studies I got my hands on indicated that 9 months after first clot was adequate. We had some hefty debates over treatment but he did agree to the 9 months. I have been drug free ever since.

5) When were you able to get back into your activity? How did it feel that first time?
I started training slowly as soon as the doctor gave me the green light - which was about 3 weeks after being admitted. I started off with swimming and biking. I still had pain in the leg and some swelling and wore compression socks a lot. Running (well, jogging) was awful. Hurt during the run, but the real pain began after it was done. It was also scary to train whilst on blood thinners, I was especially careful in choosing my riding partners to avoid wrecking. It was a little scary going back, every little ache or pain brought thoughts of having another clot. It was a strange transition to go from feeling strong and healthy one day to a sickly little wimp the next day. I did some more reading up, joined internet forums and found out about an alternate "drug" called Nattokinase (Natto). It is an enzyme extracted from fermented soy beans (a traditional fare in old Japan) that seems to break down fibrin in the blood stream. I spoke to my doc about it and he vehemently opposed at first. The research behind it is not very strong as of yet and probably wont be for a long while, as this is not a treatment backed by the drug giants. After having spoken to many people that described good experiences with Natto, I decided I wanted to try it. Eventually the doctor gave me the ok to go for it. To me, Nattokinase was a wonder drug - within 2-3 weeks of taking it, I was free of pain for the most part except after the hardest of workouts. I stayed on the Natto for about 2 months and continued to improve. Since then, I have used it only when I feel something "funny" or am about to embark on a long travel. I waited to go back to jumping until I was off the blood clots.

6) What is your favorite piece of gear for your favorite activity? (Bike brand, running shoes, perhaps a running singlet or the Clot Buster's Running Polka-Dot Technical Shirt...)
My Orbea Ora bike is by far my favorite, I simply love the little beast! I'm just bummed that they didn't have the red and white colors out when I bought mine - would have made for a nice clot busting bike ;) It doesn't always love me back, but together we keep on getting faster and stronger :) One day I am pretty sure that a Clot Buster tri top will be high on the list too :)

7) How much are you getting out doing your sport? (Everyday you do some training, 2, 3, 4 times per week)
I've been a bit of a slacker this summer, it is hard to stay on it in the Florida heat during July and August. But now that I can sense a bit of cool in the air again, the motivation is coming back strong. A ideal week would be 2x swim, 3x runs and 2x bikes, but that is if everything goes according to plan, which it rarely does - so I guess I average it out with 4-5 workouts a week when I'm in training.

8) What is your favorite food? Either generally or after a workout. For me there is nothing better than a Chipotle Burrito...
I'm not much of a foodie, but a nice, ice cold Coke is my reward after a hard workout. In an effort to control my cola addiction and live healthier, I decided a few years to drink soda only on the weekends, so it tastes even sweeter to me now!

9) If you could go some place to visit and explore, where would like to go?
Nepal and/or Tibet - the terrain and culture are incredibly alluring to me. Seeing the Himalayas up close would be incredible.

10) What would like to say to someone who is going through a clotting episode, perhaps very similar to yours? How can people return to do what they enjoy? Tells about your concerns and what you look out after as you got back.
For most everyone having a blood clot means a huge change in lifestyle initially - along with a rude awakening to own mortality. I suggest trying to maintain a positive, "can-do" attitude and learn as much about your condition as possible. Explore your options, discuss them with your doctor, talk to other clotters - keep an open but objective mind. Having the goal of completing the triathlon I was training for was very important to me - it gave me what I needed to get off the couch, face my fears and start the journey back to good health. I consider myself very fortunate to have returned 99% to my former self - but it took taking 100% responsibility for myself and my actions. I immediately discontinued hormonal birth control (can I plug here the Lady Comp ovulation monitor? It's fantastic!), I pledged to live a healthy and active lifestyle and learn as much as I could about my condition (I am Factor V Leiden positive). It was scary at first and the thought of "the next one" loomed near. But little by little I got out of that mindset and today, nearing 3 years clot free, I feel I have come to a good balance in my life again. It saddens me when I meet people that have let the clot stop them dead in their tracks. Full recovery may not always possible, but for so many at least some improvements can be made over time. Never stop fighting!

NEVER STOP FIGHTING for sure!

THANK YOU Kolla for your willingness to share your story. Without a doubt your atttitude and awareness will take you everywhere you want to go even to Nepal and Tibet...

Kolla, please know that we are thinking about you and your father on these difficult times. You have learned a great deal through your clotting incident and this will only help to get you guys through. HANG IN THERE!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Update on August 2008 and June 2009 Athletes of the Month

Greetings from the Clot Buster!

Having the Athlete of the Month series of posts has been a very incredible experience all around. The best part of it all is getting the chance to know the individuals featured and their journey during their clotting episodes and more importantly how they are coming back and continue to perform.

Just recently I got wind of some continued accomplishments by two of the featured Athletes of the Month...

FIRST - MIKE FRIEDMAN - August 2008 Athlete of the Month.

Just a couple of days ago he found himself on a day long breakaway at the Tour of Missouri on stage number 3. His break lasted about 100 Miles but it was not meant to be on a sprint finish at the end of the stage. We did not get to win but he was out there hammering away.

Good on you Mike!

SECOND - JIM FENTON - June 2009 Athlete of the Month.

This past weekend Jim participated and completed the Virginia Beack, VA Half Marathon. On his own words "It was a blast!".

I am very happy that he was able to train, participate, and complete the event as he had planned. He says that he is not fast but in the end that is not what matters, what matters is that he finished!

Jim CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Do you want to learn more about Blood Clots and Blood Clotting Disorders...?

If you have some time to spare and want to learn more about blood clots please checkout the following link >>>

http://www.itvisus.com/programs/hbhm/episode_1301_Deadly_Blood_Clots.asp

Very good documentary about the very things we are trying to prevent and educate people about.

If you enjoyed the movie, please pass it on to friends and family. The more people know the better!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Greater Cleveland Triathlon Action Shots

Here is some eye candy for all of you out there who love the polka-dots and can't get enough of them...

Looking good on the bike. The DOLAND HERCULES was a delight on this race... It likes to go fast and I am not about to do anything to slow it down...

Focus trying to make it home without melting away in the hummidity of that morning... this picture is close to the finish and I so want to get there ahead of the two guys in front of me...

I am gaining on them with every stride... always fun to have someone to go after... turns out neither of the guys were in my age group and according to the results third place by this point I had safely in the bag...

Look at my good friend Bill McIntosh going at it less than three weeks after completing in IM Lake Placid.. is he focused or what...?

If you are interested in getting your own polka-dots to spread the word at your races please get in touch with me and I will let you know all of the details.

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

August Athlete of the Month - PART II

As promised here is the second part of my introduction to you of Mr. Rick Fitzgerald... GET INSPIRED out thre because this 56 year old machine is an example to all of us!

1) What is you sport/activity of choice? Why do you enjoy it?
Running, bicycling and cross-country skiing are my sports of choice.

I consider myself to be primarily a runner. I love so many aspects of the sport:
The freedom of being able to run anywhere at just about any time. I run through neighborhoods and on wooded trails. I’ve used running to explore new cities and to make new friends. I love the atmosphere of running events. I love the feeling of accomplishment during races and the feeling of satisfaction after going on “just a run.”

Bicycling offers most of the same satisfactions, with the added benefit of being able to cover a lot more miles in less time. I get a kick out of being able to get myself from one town to another using just the power I can generate on my own.

Cross-country skiing is basically a much easier way to go trail running during a Michigan winter.

I enjoy these sports because they are accessible to “everyday Joes” like me.

2) How did you get started in that sport?
I got started running in the mid-1980s. We were living in Muskegon, Mich., a community along the Lake Michigan shoreline. I worked at the local newspaper and one of the community hospitals decided to sponsor a run. As a way to promote the race, they offered a beginning running clinic, with advice and group runs.

Running was one of those athletic endeavors I had tried to get going on a couple of times without much success. This time, I figured out a way to stick with it my committing myself in print. During the summer-long running clinics, I wrote a weekly column in the newspaper about what I was learning as a beginning runner. Our “graduation” was a 10-kilometer run in late August.

I’ve been running every since.

As for bicycling … First I have to say I am not a competitive bicyclist. I’ve never participated in a bike race. But my wife, Cathy, and I have done lots of week-long bicycle tours over the years and really enjoy spending time on our bikes.

3) What is the latest milestone you achieved or plan to achieve? (Long bike ride, some race coming up or that you did)
For the last seven years, I’ve used my bicycle to help raise funds for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan. Each year we pedal 300 miles in three days to help raise money for this organization that grants wishes to medically fragile children and their families. This year, about 700 of us raised $1.5 million during the last weekend of July. We had five family members on the ride this year.

One of the neatest events of the year is a trail run coming up in September. It’s called Dances With Dirt and it takes place in Hell, Mich. It’s a five-person, 50-kilometer relay race that takes us, literally, over the river and through the woods … and through the swamps and over sand dunes, and …

The guy who designs the course calls himself the Head Goat and he’s certifiably insane. The event is exhausting and an absolute blast.

In March, I ran the 8 Tuff Miles rod race in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands. It’s this amazing race where you run (if you can call it that) from one end of the island to the other. It’s uphill for five miles, then downhill for three. In spite of that, I finished faster than I ever thought I could. The views are amazing and the location is stunning. I highly recommend it.

4) Tells about your clotting episode. Are you on blood thinners now? How long were you out of commission?
I learned I had a blood clot when I had a pulmonary embolism in May of 2005. We were attending a community fund-raising event with a group of friends. We were enjoying a glass of wine and some appetizers as we browsed through a silent art auction. Suddenly I had this excruciating pain in the right side of my chest. As it got worse, I had a hard time moving. I propped myself against a wall and suggested to my wife, Cathy, that maybe she should go get the car.

We decided to head for the emergency room, where we spent the next 4-5 hours as I was poked and prodded; tested and retested. After getting the pain under control with some pretty powerful drugs, we were sent on our way with no clear diagnosis. Maybe it was pleurisy, the ER doc suggested.

I felt OK the next morning and went to work. About 10 a.m. a radiologist called. He was reviewing my tests and wanted me to come back for one more test. Sure, I said, I’ll leave work a little and come by. No, you need to come back to the ER now, the doctor said.

So I drove the 30 miles to the hospital. After checking in at the ER I was ushered to into a small, dark room where they administered a doppler test of my legs. It seems, the radiologist suspected a blood clot and, as I learned, the most likely location is in the lower legs.

Well, it didn’t take long before the technician found the clot behind my left knee. That led to a three-day stay in the hospital connected to an IV drip of heparin and then the switch over to warfarin therapy. I went home and in just a few days, the chest pain was back and I was back in the hospital. This time I checked in for a full week-long course of herparin therapy.

The hemotoligist who treated me said I had a really big PE and was lucky to be alive. While I’m thankful for that, I don’t believe it was all luck. I think running had something to do with it. I was healthy and strong and I believe that helped keep me alive. He was never able to completely explain why I got the clot. Tests did confirm that I had one abnormal prothrombin gene, but that’s it. No other risk factors, no big swollen leg that I ignored.

Fine-tuning the warfarin was pretty easy for me and I was back on the bike by the end of June. By the end of July, I was able to participate in that Make-A-Wish bicycle ride, although I did cut the first couple days a little short.

I stayed on warfarin for about 18 months, then went on an aspirin a day. That worked well, until this May. Sure enough, about four years to the day from the PE, I suspected I had developed another clot. And it was running that tipped me off.

I typically don’t run as much during the winter, so each spring it takes a little more to get back up to speed. This spring it seemed to take longer than normal, but some days were better than others, so I ignored it. I ran the Capital City Half Marathon with my daughter, Sara, in Columbus, Ohio, the first weekend in May. We ran comfortably and enjoyed the day.

The next weekend, we went bird watching at Point Pelee National Park on Lake Erie in Ontario. Canada. On the way home I had this strangely familiar chest pain. I called my doctor Monday and later that week, I got another one of those doppler tests. Sure enough, I had another blood clot.

Now I’m back on warfarin. This time it’s for good.

5) When were you able to get back into your activity? How did it feel that first time?
I got back to running about a month after that initial stay in the hospital. It felt great to be active again. It was especially good because that shortness of breath – that I thought was just my aging body complaining – was gone.

6) What is your favorite piece of gear for your favorite activity? (Bike brand, running shoes, perhaps a running singlet or the Clot Buster's Running Polka-Dot Technical Shirt...)
I love my Specialized road bike. I did the first three 300-mile rides on a hybrid bike. What a difference those skinny tires make!

7) How much are you getting out doing your sport? (Everyday you do some training, 2, 3, 4 times per week)
Dances With Dirt is looming on the horizon, so I’m working out just about every day. I’m focused on running now, but still try to get into the gym and get on the bike during the course of a week, too. I try to get out and run in the morning before work, but tend to head to the gym or ride the bike in the evening.

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

I’m a breakfast fanatic. Cinnamon-raisin French toast or blueberry pancakes. There’s just nothing better than one of those choices with an endless supply of strong black coffee. Run, then breakfast. Ride the bike to your favorite breakfast spot. There’s simply no better way to start the day.

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

National parks. I want to visit them all. We’re hoping Glacier National Park will be coming up next. Yellowstone is one of the most incredible places on the planet.

10) What would like to say to someone who is going through a clotting episode, perhaps very similar to yours? How can people return to do what they enjoy? Tells about your concerns and what you look out after as you got back.
Shit happens. Get over it and get on with your life. Don’t let the clot define you. Take control of your life.

For me, eating consistently – a salad every day – has helped me maintain a consistent warfarin therapy level. As long as that number stays in the therapeutic range, I just go on doing what I love to do. I run. I ride. I ski. I never was one to play contact sports, so I never had to give them up. I may see it differently if I loved to play hockey.

The one thing I did learn through all of this was to recognize the warning signs and to take them seriously. I knew something was wrong when those chest pains returned. Sure, you could say I was dumb not to head to the ER on the way back from Ontario. But at least I didn’t completely blow it off.

It’s up to you take responsibility for our own health. It’s not your doctor’s job to keep you healthy. He’s there to deal with the bad stuff. You have to take care of yourself. For me, that includes staying active, eating right … and paying attention to certain warning signs.

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

Rick,

MANY THANKS once more for your willingness to share with us your story. I am very lucky to have had the chance to meet you in person and draw on the energy and love of live that you radiate. I saw you running here in Columbus, OH this year... maybe next year you will be wearing one of the Clot Buster shirts to help us spread the word!

It is almot 10PM and I want to get out there and ride my bike... but considering that Junior may decide to wake up around 1AM I better get to bed.

Good night to all.

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

August Athlete of the Month

Sorry for the delay in getting around to post about August's Athlete of the Month but due to some technical difficulties and other delays outside of our control I will need to do a partial post of August's Athlete of the month.

This month I have the pleasure to introduce to someone that I admire very much due to his "never give up" attitude even after several clotting episodes that have tried to slow him down but have only managed to make him more determined. Please welcome Mr. RICK FITZGERALD as August's Athlete of the Month.

In a my next post about Mr. Fitzgerald you will learn a lot more about him but for now you need to know that this guy is a true example of how you can definitely bounce back regardless of the number of clots that you have suffered.

Just recently I learned that in a vacation trip to the US Virgin Islands Mr.Fitzgerald participated in one of the hardest run races in the planet... If you have ever been to the US Virgin Islands you know about how steep and twisty the roads can be. Well, this run race takes place in St. John and it is a race from one end of the island to the next. My legs start to shake just thinking about the difficulty of this race on how much it can hurt. It is not very long (8 Miles) but they are a brutal set of 8 Miles.

Mr. Fitzgerald continues to inspire with all the different activities he does even after his clots. Please stay tuned to my next post to learn more about this man and how we can teach us a thing or two about dedication and never giving up.Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Did you hear the news...!?!?!

Learn more about NATT's press release by clicking HERE.

This is something very special for me as I've come a LONG WAYS to get this to happen. If you can and wish to participate DON'T HESITATE. You will be doing Great Good by helping to spread the word about blood clots and blood clotting disorders.

Pass on the word to others... let's get the polka-dots out there in full force!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

3rd Annual - Greater Cleveland Triathlon STOP THE CLOT Race and Raffle

I can't say it enough... Mickey >>> THANK YOU for the opportunity to let the STOP THE CLOT and Clot Buster gang take part on your event and let us spread the word about blood clots and blood clotting disorders while giving out some sweet prices...!
All things conisdered we had a tremendous weekend. Too bad the rain on Saturday scared a lot of people away and we could not sale that many tickets for the raffle... bad for NATT but GREAT to those who did buy tickets as their odds were much better thanks to the rain.

But regardless of the weather the polka-dots stood tall and battled the weather in order to give people the chance to get a ticket and a chance to learn about NATT's mission and a chance to win.

Also, a HUGE THANKS to the Deirdre, Bill, Liam, and Conor for hosting us, teaching us how to play Wii, and for providing Junior to older brothers for the weekend. I wish I could tell you how much fun it was for them as well as for Junior.

Once more Lake Eire threw a wrench to the Triathlon plans and converted the race into a big duathlon... 5K Run1, 40K Bike, 5K Run2. I surprised myself when I ran a 19:43 first 5K... do you know how long has it been since I've been under 20... too long to tell. The bike was a bliss on top of the Hercules... I sure was flying but with the wet pavement I had to be careful. The second run was solid enough to let me get into the THIRD PLACE in my age group. Definitely very pleased with that. Well Done! Congratulations to ALL THE RAFFLE winners and THANK YOU for stopping by to help NATT and to learn about STOP THE CLOT.

If Mickey takes us back again next year we will try and come loaded again with plenty of prizes and more inspirational stories like the ones you were able to read about at the booth. Those are the stories that keep the polka-dots going!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

P.S. = Did you notice antyhing different on the Clot Buster? If you did, drop me a line and let me know...

"What am I on...? Series Continued

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you for reading,

The Clot Buster

Another way to follow the Clot Buster...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks for reading,

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

July Athlete of Month

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BILL THANK YOU for SPREADING THE WORD!!!

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

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

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster