Starting two days ago, all of Sonoma County has been issued a 'Shelter in Place' order to help slow and possibly prevent the spread of the Coronavirus. I've been thinking a lot about what this means for each of us, including families with young children. Just exactly how do you work from home, take care of your kids, keep your parents who live with you also isolated from the virus, process this crazy time, and try to mitigate your own exposure as a person with a chronic condition?
Well - let me know if you figure it out. In the meantime, I'll share with you the little things I am learning and doing to help make it through this time, keep ourselves and the rest of the community safe, and not lose hope.
First, a few things to consider if you have diabetes:
- One study in China indicated that people with diabetes (whether type 1 or 2) have approximately a 7% mortality rate. Not so good
- Another yet to be peer-reviewed medical study looked at the people in China who had come down with the Coronavirus and estimated that people in blood group A have a higher risk for contracting the virus. The research has yet to be reviewed by peers.
Now, how are we going to get through these times together, and keep our sanity in place, and our hope as well?
1. If you can, I highly recommend exercise. I'm hoping to hold an afternoon run with my son around the neighborhood, so he can start to run with me more and a yoga class for my soon to be 79 year old mom. Keep moving if you can!
2. Garden - early on, one of the first things I did was to get my hands in the dirt, dig up some beds, plant, and spend time in the garden. It was very very grounding, and made me feel like I could so something still.
3. Clean up the garage - this is just an idea, hasn't been done yet, but soon hopefully. Or maybe not
4. Keep the same work schedule as much as you can. I know this can be very hard, but maintaining routines is key in times of stress.
5. Visit the parks near you. They are still open, and many of them are offering free admission. Follow social distancing rules when you are there, but go!
6. Listen to music and read books. Most book stores may be closed, but pick up some good ones, settle down, and read
7. Take it as an opportunity to pause in a big way and reflect on things in your life that normally you are too busy to stop and think about. I've been really trying to stay still and look at the big picture without getting overwhelmed
Saturday, March 21, 2020
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Barb's Race
I was going to do a race report about Barb's race, which was a 1/2 iron distance on July 30th. It was a lot of fun, but I was really tired on the run. I finished in 5:40, which was 12 minutes faster than last year, but the run was 19 minutes slower! Swim was 33 minutes, bike was 2:55, and run was, acckkk, I forget, like 2:02, plus transitions. At any rate, I didn't eat enough on the bike, and made the big mistake of doing an intramuscular shot into my arm in the bike to run transition. BIG mistake. Insulin arrives too fast! and I did 2 units, and should have done one.
One thing that worked was to leave my insulin in a cooler out the night before in the T2 area. I think I'll do that again. And, I think now, for the bike, I'll just bring a bottle with me. I want to figure out a way to mount my meter with velcro onto my bike when I need it.
At any rate, more soon.
One thing that worked was to leave my insulin in a cooler out the night before in the T2 area. I think I'll do that again. And, I think now, for the bike, I'll just bring a bottle with me. I want to figure out a way to mount my meter with velcro onto my bike when I need it.
At any rate, more soon.
At it Again????
September 11, 2011, that's the date for the full Rev 3 in Cedar Point, Ohio for another full triathlon. I can't believe I'm doing it again, but I'm really looking forward to it. After Ironman St. George, a few of my Triabetes teammates signed up, and I was convinced that it'd be another wonderful experience.
So, we are getting closer.
In the meantime, I've learned a few things about diabetes in the last few months.
1. Stacking insulin shots on top of one another makes it hard to control blood sugars. Dr. Bernstein had suggested not taking correction shots or additional shots to cover meals within the time that there is still unused insulin in your system and when I am consistent about being careful about that, it really works.
2. Your body is serious when it tells you to relax. I got a warning about 2 weeks ago, when I thought my kidneys were hurting, but now, I think it was muscle soreness, then this past weekend, after a long hard ride, starting out on a run, my kidneys (but really it was my back muscles) hurt again. Then, on Sunday, I was doubled over in pain, and having a hard time even walking. Went to the doctor, talked to people, rested, put on ice, heat, and rested some more, and now it's almost gone, but I need to listen and rest.
3. Diabetes is a thinker's disease. I saw a shirt or heard about a shirt once that said that, and I really think it is. You have to constantly to weighing and considering multiple factors.
That's it for now. I hope to get back to the regular posts soon.
So, we are getting closer.
In the meantime, I've learned a few things about diabetes in the last few months.
1. Stacking insulin shots on top of one another makes it hard to control blood sugars. Dr. Bernstein had suggested not taking correction shots or additional shots to cover meals within the time that there is still unused insulin in your system and when I am consistent about being careful about that, it really works.
2. Your body is serious when it tells you to relax. I got a warning about 2 weeks ago, when I thought my kidneys were hurting, but now, I think it was muscle soreness, then this past weekend, after a long hard ride, starting out on a run, my kidneys (but really it was my back muscles) hurt again. Then, on Sunday, I was doubled over in pain, and having a hard time even walking. Went to the doctor, talked to people, rested, put on ice, heat, and rested some more, and now it's almost gone, but I need to listen and rest.
3. Diabetes is a thinker's disease. I saw a shirt or heard about a shirt once that said that, and I really think it is. You have to constantly to weighing and considering multiple factors.
That's it for now. I hope to get back to the regular posts soon.
Monday, June 20, 2011
What Does it Mean to Take Time Off?
Well, first of all, I guess I recently learned that it doesn't mean 'easy rides' or easy swims in the pool, like I thought I was doing. I was supposed to be taking time off, and really haven't been doing that at all. I had been doing easy rides, and easy swim, and it was driving me crazy, but I still thought that it counted as 'time off'. And I found out that it really doesn't. Now the worst part is that I would have done so much more if I knew that it wasn't time off. So, it makes me want to go out and run right now, I guess I still can since technically my time off doesn't start till Wednesday. It is going to be hard to take 4 days off. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday are all supposed to be time off. Wow, that's hard. And I do have to examine the mental part of why that should be so hard. It's that I don't have a direction, a goal for what to do. But shouldn't my goals be coming from other places than just physical activity?
It's good mental and physical exercise I think to change things up and force yourself to do something that is not necessarily comfortable. Partially I thought that since sitting on the couch Craig said I'd produce about as much lactate in my blood as easy riding, I figured that I was taking time off.
Well, it'll be a hard few days, but necessary. So, what it means is just exactly what it means, to actually take time off. And the way my mind works is to constantly try to find a way around that and bend the rules, but sometimes I just have to do what is asked of me and have the faith and the grace to take it and listen.
So, right now, since I still have today and tomorrow that are officially 'not off' I think that I'm going to go out and run or do some of the things I've been wanting to do! More soon on this lactate diet that I'm on.
A little more context: I got my blood lactate tested on Friday, and found out that, while, I was in pretty good shape overall, my body was tired of all the lactate in my blood, and really needed a break from it, so now I'm on a lactate diet is what I'm calling it, and taking the time to give my body a break from it, and hopefully make my body less tired of it, by clearing some of it out of my system.
The mental difficulty of taking time off is something that I'm really going to explore and write about in the next few days, so if you are interested, stay tuned.
It's good mental and physical exercise I think to change things up and force yourself to do something that is not necessarily comfortable. Partially I thought that since sitting on the couch Craig said I'd produce about as much lactate in my blood as easy riding, I figured that I was taking time off.
Well, it'll be a hard few days, but necessary. So, what it means is just exactly what it means, to actually take time off. And the way my mind works is to constantly try to find a way around that and bend the rules, but sometimes I just have to do what is asked of me and have the faith and the grace to take it and listen.
So, right now, since I still have today and tomorrow that are officially 'not off' I think that I'm going to go out and run or do some of the things I've been wanting to do! More soon on this lactate diet that I'm on.
A little more context: I got my blood lactate tested on Friday, and found out that, while, I was in pretty good shape overall, my body was tired of all the lactate in my blood, and really needed a break from it, so now I'm on a lactate diet is what I'm calling it, and taking the time to give my body a break from it, and hopefully make my body less tired of it, by clearing some of it out of my system.
The mental difficulty of taking time off is something that I'm really going to explore and write about in the next few days, so if you are interested, stay tuned.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Ironman St. George
Friday night was an awesome evening of fun, getting to see the Triabuddies, who had been camping for the last few days. Keaton was a trooper, surviving on very little sleep, still bright eyed, and so positive.Went to bed early, and didn't sleep too well. Woke up at 3:45 AM and caught the bus to the start. I wondered around quite a bit observing people, getting excited, and before I knew it it was time to start!
The swim felt pretty good overall. It was a bit cold (56 degrees was the unofficial but official temperature). The swim went well, 1:16, which is just a minute over what I was expecting. Halfway thru I got a little cold and realized I had better speed up if I wanted to warm up, so I did.
In the swim to bike transition, I realized that I had forgotten to take my Lantus (long acting insulin), which was a bummer. So, started out high, and began thinking about what to do. I came up with the following.1. Find the Lantus bottle and syringe in bike jersey
2. Bite the orange cap off of the syringe and hold in your mouth
3. Put insulin bottle in your mouth
4. Stick syringe (have to aim well) towards your mouth to land in the rubber area of the top of the insulin bottle
5. Withdraw 5 or so units
6. Shoot out 2 units or so
7. Wait till your opposite leg (from the hand you are taking off the handles) is up
8. Inject your leg muscle when cadence is right.
9. Repeat as needed.
I guess I also could have just stopped the bike and given myself a shot, but this was kind of a new challenge
. And I forgot my salt tablets, which was a total bummer, because I was thinking that I really needed them most of the bike.
. And I forgot my salt tablets, which was a total bummer, because I was thinking that I really needed them most of the bike.The bike ride was harder than I had expected. There was a LOT of wind, and I was really slowed down by that, plus I felt worried about the lack of salt, my water bottle cage didn't hold the flimsy bottles they handed out, and bottom line, is my legs felt tired. I'm not too sure why, but they did. Could have been that I wore compression socks for the first time, hmmm...
At any rate, I barely made the cut off time (with 21 minutes to spare) and was so happy to get off the bike, and onto the run!
The run was also a bit harder than I had anticipated. It was still pretty hot when I was doing it, and I also felt a little tired. But not too muc hurt, basically I was just tired. I walked a lot, but ran down the hills. It was actually kind of relaxing to talk with people, and not feel in such a rush.
Finishing was awesome!! And going by the triabetes aid station gave me a ton of new energy too. I can't express how inspiring it was to know that as I came up to the aid station, I'd see Keaton, Julianne, Chris, Rachel, Ed, and everyone else who ran with me. What a difference that made. And, seeing my mom and Juan get excited and cheer, really honestly carried me the rest of the way.
Here is the official video of the Ironman St. George, where Brian of Triabetes made the cut! The big question now, is... will I do another one? I am having a hard time finding focus, but it's still only been less than a week. I need to think about it some more.
Also, here is a link for a recent Press Democrat Story too.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Dexcom Sensors
Since I've begun using the Dexcom sensor, I have to say, it's been amazing to see the direction that my blood sugar is taking. I can see when it's steady, heading up, or heading down. It totally affects what I do, and how I anticipate lows.
Then, I used my last sensor, and didn't have it, and had a low of 28 the other morning. That's pretty low, and I didn't even feel it coming on. So, my first thought was 'great, hope that goes towards the case of getting Kaiser to support my Dexcom sensors' - that's kind of sad to think that way, but it really was helping prevent lows.
This morning, I woke up and it was 42, same thought.
I think I'm having all of these lows, mostly because I am still needing less insulin. But the affect of knowing what direction my blood sugar is going, and how quickly it is moving in that direction, which is what the Dexcom provides is really amazing. Hopefully insurance companies will figure out that it actually does improve their bottom line to have diabetics have them and consequently have less lows. But for now, I guess we just keep making the case. And documenting those low blood sugars.
Then, I used my last sensor, and didn't have it, and had a low of 28 the other morning. That's pretty low, and I didn't even feel it coming on. So, my first thought was 'great, hope that goes towards the case of getting Kaiser to support my Dexcom sensors' - that's kind of sad to think that way, but it really was helping prevent lows.
This morning, I woke up and it was 42, same thought.
I think I'm having all of these lows, mostly because I am still needing less insulin. But the affect of knowing what direction my blood sugar is going, and how quickly it is moving in that direction, which is what the Dexcom provides is really amazing. Hopefully insurance companies will figure out that it actually does improve their bottom line to have diabetics have them and consequently have less lows. But for now, I guess we just keep making the case. And documenting those low blood sugars.
Experimenting with Lantus and Exercise
After talking with a few people, I've tried increasing the amount of Lantus (long acting) insulin that I take on days when I plan to be exercising a lot. The idea is that, if I have more baseline insulin active, then what I eat during a long ride or run can be covered by that without having to inject short acting insulin. It's had mixed results. One day, two weekends ago, it worked pretty well, then last weekend, I still go high, and had to take 1 unit of Humalog. I think that the idea is good, and hopefully I can do that.
I have to remember that while exercising, I should be an athlete first, and a diabetic second. meaning basically that I shouldn't wait for my low blood sugar or decreasing blood sugar to prompt me to eat, but rather eat as anyone who is doing what I'm doing and doesn't have diabetes would do. That's hard when you've been riding for 3 hours, and blood sugar is stable or rising, because then you should eat, but the question is, if you eat, do you have to take humalog, or will the basal rate lantus cover it?
I don't always have the answer, and the answer probably changes, but last weekend I got pretty wiped out the next day and I think it's because during my ride I didn't eat enough. Better that happen now than on race day. So, lesson learned I think is to eat, even if it means taking insulin to do so.
Also, I discovered how SUPER fast insulin acts when injected directly into a muscle (especially one that you are using). I was pretty high on my ride on Saturday (300 or so, I can't remember). I took 1 UNIT injected directly into my leg muscle where I knew I'd be using it as I continued the ride for 4 more hours, ate a bar, drank some whatever electrolyte drink, and rode on. In like 1 hour, it was 75! Wow. Good to know.
Also, I've been having more lows lately. Monday morning it was 28. And then this AM 42. I'm wondering how many lows one has to have to get insurance to cover Dexcom sensors. That's crazy but when I have a low now, I think, 'wow, here's one more for the case for them to cover the sensors. That's totally ridiculous, but true.
Hoping to recover some, and then feel fresh for May 7, which is coming right up!
I have to remember that while exercising, I should be an athlete first, and a diabetic second. meaning basically that I shouldn't wait for my low blood sugar or decreasing blood sugar to prompt me to eat, but rather eat as anyone who is doing what I'm doing and doesn't have diabetes would do. That's hard when you've been riding for 3 hours, and blood sugar is stable or rising, because then you should eat, but the question is, if you eat, do you have to take humalog, or will the basal rate lantus cover it?
I don't always have the answer, and the answer probably changes, but last weekend I got pretty wiped out the next day and I think it's because during my ride I didn't eat enough. Better that happen now than on race day. So, lesson learned I think is to eat, even if it means taking insulin to do so.
Also, I discovered how SUPER fast insulin acts when injected directly into a muscle (especially one that you are using). I was pretty high on my ride on Saturday (300 or so, I can't remember). I took 1 UNIT injected directly into my leg muscle where I knew I'd be using it as I continued the ride for 4 more hours, ate a bar, drank some whatever electrolyte drink, and rode on. In like 1 hour, it was 75! Wow. Good to know.
Also, I've been having more lows lately. Monday morning it was 28. And then this AM 42. I'm wondering how many lows one has to have to get insurance to cover Dexcom sensors. That's crazy but when I have a low now, I think, 'wow, here's one more for the case for them to cover the sensors. That's totally ridiculous, but true.
Hoping to recover some, and then feel fresh for May 7, which is coming right up!
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Remembering a Remarkable Woman
I celebrated my grandmother's life today with family and friends at the Central Philadelphia Friends Meeting. Margaret Hope Bacon was quite a woman. From her work to abolish slavery, social activism, academic successes, to her blueberry pies and lasagna, she touched many people's lives. I'm kind of honored and a little proud to be her granddaughter.
I feel like I've only begun to get to know her better since her recent death on Feb. 24. She would have turned 90 on April 7th of this year.
Grandma combined writing with social activism. She wrote over 17 books, was active in the women's movement, abolotion society, and more. She traveled all over the world, from Africa to Europe, China, and Australia. I feel inspired by her, and hope that I can begin to transform some of that inspiration into action, writing, and perhaps pass it on to others.
She was a woman who was frank, stern, determined, graceful, intelligent, and committed to doing the right thing, and inspire others to work to make the world a better place.
I hope to continue some of her traditions, and learn more about her, and the rest of the Bacon family. I am so grateful to be a part of such an amazing family (as Omar likes to say, the "Quaker Kennedy's"), and friends as well.
I'm currently on the plane now, on my way back to California, and then to Nicaragua tomorrow. Most of my blogs have been about athletics, but I've been thinking a lot about my grandma today. I'll just finish by adding two quick athlete related things because they're also on my mind.
My grandma could probably swim in cold water longer than I could. And until she was about 84 or so, she still swam in the cold Taunton Bay on Maine. Out when the tide was high to the sail boat, and back to shore. I used to go with her during the summers.
I was a little bummed to miss the second memorial service planned for her tomorrow at Crosslands, where my grandpa still lives. All of the rest of my family is there, and I absolutely love it when we are all together. It makes me feel so happy, alive, grateful, and complete. But, I had to get dropped off at the airport, as I am flying back to San Francisco now, and then tomorrow to Nicaragua. I was too tired this morning to run, so I figured I'd run at the airport. I've only ever really gotten a good run at Oakland airport. Years ago, also in Houston, but it's been a while. So, I feel pretty good physically now. I got dropped off at 4:15 for a 6 PM flight. Coming in to Philly two days ago, I thought I might do this, and noticed that all of the carts to hold luggage (which I always scrounge around for, and would never rent) were the kind that you have to press the handle down to make them go forward. But, just as I went in the door today, I was stoked to find a cart that was the kind you didn't have to push down on to make it go forward, just push ahead of you as you ran behind it.
So, I loaded up my carry on, computer, and bag with food on it, found a bathroom, changed into my running clothes and shoes, took the elevator up, walked over to the parking garage, took the elevator to the top of the C terminal parking garage and ran around for an hour (I think it ended up being 7.5 miles or so). I came down, went thru security, got some coffee (and yes donuts) from Dunkin Donuts, boarded the plane, got some clothes, went into the bathroom and changed (it's a little small and a little cramped to change in a bathroom on the plane), washed up a little, put on some deodorant, asked for some water for my bottle, took some insulin, ate, put on my compression socks, and sat down (and discovered free internet service onboard). I'm not sure if it's a mistake or what, or if I'll get a huge bill, but it's pretty cool. Okay, I feel a little self-congratulatory, and happy with myself, but maybe I just want to share it all because it was pretty cool.
At any rate, here I am, processing it all still, nervous about the St. George race being less than 2 months away, not having gotten in barely any long bike rides, traveling a lot (5 trips since the end of January), reflecting on my grandma, feeling a little sad about leaving my family, but at least physically I feel better after running. And blood sugar is 216 and dropping. By the way, I got a Dexcom, and it's pretty amazing. That's a continuous glucose monitoring device. WAY cool. More about that and other airport running later. Signing off from 35,000 feet or so.
Annie
I feel like I've only begun to get to know her better since her recent death on Feb. 24. She would have turned 90 on April 7th of this year.
Grandma combined writing with social activism. She wrote over 17 books, was active in the women's movement, abolotion society, and more. She traveled all over the world, from Africa to Europe, China, and Australia. I feel inspired by her, and hope that I can begin to transform some of that inspiration into action, writing, and perhaps pass it on to others.
She was a woman who was frank, stern, determined, graceful, intelligent, and committed to doing the right thing, and inspire others to work to make the world a better place.
I hope to continue some of her traditions, and learn more about her, and the rest of the Bacon family. I am so grateful to be a part of such an amazing family (as Omar likes to say, the "Quaker Kennedy's"), and friends as well.
I'm currently on the plane now, on my way back to California, and then to Nicaragua tomorrow. Most of my blogs have been about athletics, but I've been thinking a lot about my grandma today. I'll just finish by adding two quick athlete related things because they're also on my mind.
My grandma could probably swim in cold water longer than I could. And until she was about 84 or so, she still swam in the cold Taunton Bay on Maine. Out when the tide was high to the sail boat, and back to shore. I used to go with her during the summers.
I was a little bummed to miss the second memorial service planned for her tomorrow at Crosslands, where my grandpa still lives. All of the rest of my family is there, and I absolutely love it when we are all together. It makes me feel so happy, alive, grateful, and complete. But, I had to get dropped off at the airport, as I am flying back to San Francisco now, and then tomorrow to Nicaragua. I was too tired this morning to run, so I figured I'd run at the airport. I've only ever really gotten a good run at Oakland airport. Years ago, also in Houston, but it's been a while. So, I feel pretty good physically now. I got dropped off at 4:15 for a 6 PM flight. Coming in to Philly two days ago, I thought I might do this, and noticed that all of the carts to hold luggage (which I always scrounge around for, and would never rent) were the kind that you have to press the handle down to make them go forward. But, just as I went in the door today, I was stoked to find a cart that was the kind you didn't have to push down on to make it go forward, just push ahead of you as you ran behind it.
So, I loaded up my carry on, computer, and bag with food on it, found a bathroom, changed into my running clothes and shoes, took the elevator up, walked over to the parking garage, took the elevator to the top of the C terminal parking garage and ran around for an hour (I think it ended up being 7.5 miles or so). I came down, went thru security, got some coffee (and yes donuts) from Dunkin Donuts, boarded the plane, got some clothes, went into the bathroom and changed (it's a little small and a little cramped to change in a bathroom on the plane), washed up a little, put on some deodorant, asked for some water for my bottle, took some insulin, ate, put on my compression socks, and sat down (and discovered free internet service onboard). I'm not sure if it's a mistake or what, or if I'll get a huge bill, but it's pretty cool. Okay, I feel a little self-congratulatory, and happy with myself, but maybe I just want to share it all because it was pretty cool.
At any rate, here I am, processing it all still, nervous about the St. George race being less than 2 months away, not having gotten in barely any long bike rides, traveling a lot (5 trips since the end of January), reflecting on my grandma, feeling a little sad about leaving my family, but at least physically I feel better after running. And blood sugar is 216 and dropping. By the way, I got a Dexcom, and it's pretty amazing. That's a continuous glucose monitoring device. WAY cool. More about that and other airport running later. Signing off from 35,000 feet or so.
Annie
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Running on the Pan American
Hot, burned grass smell, smoldering piles of burning trash, piles of horse dung, choking diesel engines, it's all pretty much the invigorating experience of running along the Pan American highway. I think if I ran north far enough, I'd end up back in the USA.
The heat has been intense even at 6:30 in the morning, when I start out. I've only been running for an hour, at a conversational pace.
Nicaragua is beautiful country. From the morning light off the hills to the bright pink bougainvillea flowers all over the stone walls, to the warm waves of the Laguna de Apoyo (see picture below) it's pretty amazing. Not to mention the incredible coffee, and the warmth of the people here.
Here are some highlights from the last month:
- Training has definitely ramped up! In the last month, I've really increased the amount of physical activity and that's made me feel a little tired; good but tired. The swims feel a bit hard, and I've noticed a new muscle in my arm (funny, I never thought that I'd write about this kind of stuff, and always kind of chuckled when I read other people's specific details like that, oh well)
- I've been in Nicaragua for work for the last week, and it's been a great trip, but I've been limited on what I can do. I've run for an hour every day (as advised by Andrew), but feel like I've lost some of my ground, so although I still have a few days before I get home, I'm ready to start back up
- Today I swam in the beautiful Laguna de Apoyo, outside of Masaya, Nicaragua. It's a crater lake, and absolutely picturesque and beautiful.
I'm a little nervous about the Ironman which I guess is in less than 100 days!
In the last month, I've been biking a lot. I joined a bike team, which I'm really enjoying.
More soon!
Annie
The heat has been intense even at 6:30 in the morning, when I start out. I've only been running for an hour, at a conversational pace.
Nicaragua is beautiful country. From the morning light off the hills to the bright pink bougainvillea flowers all over the stone walls, to the warm waves of the Laguna de Apoyo (see picture below) it's pretty amazing. Not to mention the incredible coffee, and the warmth of the people here.
Here are some highlights from the last month:
- Training has definitely ramped up! In the last month, I've really increased the amount of physical activity and that's made me feel a little tired; good but tired. The swims feel a bit hard, and I've noticed a new muscle in my arm (funny, I never thought that I'd write about this kind of stuff, and always kind of chuckled when I read other people's specific details like that, oh well)
- I've been in Nicaragua for work for the last week, and it's been a great trip, but I've been limited on what I can do. I've run for an hour every day (as advised by Andrew), but feel like I've lost some of my ground, so although I still have a few days before I get home, I'm ready to start back up
- Today I swam in the beautiful Laguna de Apoyo, outside of Masaya, Nicaragua. It's a crater lake, and absolutely picturesque and beautiful.
I'm a little nervous about the Ironman which I guess is in less than 100 days!
In the last month, I've been biking a lot. I joined a bike team, which I'm really enjoying.
More soon!
Annie
Friday, December 17, 2010
Fueling with Veggie Oil
A couple of weeks ago, my Triabuddy's mom came to my house and dropped off 5 gallons of peanut oil. Keaton, my Triabuddy had seen that I run my 1982 Mercedes on vegetable oil, and asked me whether it could run on peanut oil. Diesel engines were actually originally designed to run on peanut oil, so I said of course, and that would be great. Lo and behold, his mom gave me 5 gallons of it.
As I was thinking how cool that was, I also was pleasantly surprised by the fact that he in essence fueled the length of the Ironman. My car gets 28 miles per gallon. With 5 gallons of peanut oil, I can go 140 miles. Well... the Ironman is 140.6 miles (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, 26.2 mile run). Cool awesome coincidence.
I'll be fueling with some equivalent of veggie oil too (well only actually oil if I drink Gatorade which actually does have oil in it), but I'll be fueling all the same. I just thought that was a nice cool little factoid.
On a different note, I am a vegetarian and have found that the simpler the foods I eat (ie not processed) without exception the more clean energy I have to burn as I'm exercising. More on that another time.
As I was thinking how cool that was, I also was pleasantly surprised by the fact that he in essence fueled the length of the Ironman. My car gets 28 miles per gallon. With 5 gallons of peanut oil, I can go 140 miles. Well... the Ironman is 140.6 miles (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, 26.2 mile run). Cool awesome coincidence.
I'll be fueling with some equivalent of veggie oil too (well only actually oil if I drink Gatorade which actually does have oil in it), but I'll be fueling all the same. I just thought that was a nice cool little factoid.
On a different note, I am a vegetarian and have found that the simpler the foods I eat (ie not processed) without exception the more clean energy I have to burn as I'm exercising. More on that another time.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
How a Low Feels
I was talking with my friend the other day, who is also a type 1, and telling him about my severe feeling low the other day. He related that the last time he described how it felt to be really low to a friend, she suggested that he write about it. So, here is my attempt (note that I am not writing about it AS it's happening).
It was Tuesday, and I injected more insulin than I should of. I was planning to eat a bigger breakfast, but after running 5 miles (3 at LT), and 2 total warm up and cool down, I injected 4 units of Humalog, again, planning to eat more, but was so content with my frequent buy rewarded free mocha, I stopped there.
All of a sudden, in the midst of trying to balance the budget for work, write emails back and forth, check Quickbooks budget reports on one computer, sliding back to my computer, adjusting project proposals, I started feeling like this was all so important, yet unimportant simultaneously. That is, that every single last detail, of printing out an insert to send along with an alternative gift card, and getting the cropping on the paper perfect was the most important urgent thing to do, while also, responding to my emails, and I felt a growing sense of urgency. All the while, I was beginning to sweat, and at a deeper level think about how I was going to finish this all. Probably it was my sympathetic nerve system actually asking that very question, but in reference to "how are you going to get out of this". But maybe because of the limited blood sugar I had in my system, I took that message and immediately applied it to the task I was doing. So, suddenly in that moment, I have this urgency of survival instinct and importance, but I'm thinking it's about the many tasks I'm doing at once. Of course, this is a trigger, as it feels odd, so I test. And it's only 60, but I think it must have been dropping FAST. I drank a juice, ate a bar, scrounged around in my purse for other old candy I carry around, and waited. All the while though that feeling of "what is happening to me, this is so strange, I can't figure out why I'm so stressed, I feel like I'm dreaming, like life is not that important anymore, but yet, I have omniscience about everything all at once"
At any rate, re-reading this, it doesn't capture all of it, but writing it, I began to better understand the physiological relationship between the feeling and brain's alarm for survival, and how strange it feels in relationship to what I was doing
Maybe others can relate or share it. Maybe next time (after I have drank the juice, and while I'm waiting for it to come up), I'll write more.
It was Tuesday, and I injected more insulin than I should of. I was planning to eat a bigger breakfast, but after running 5 miles (3 at LT), and 2 total warm up and cool down, I injected 4 units of Humalog, again, planning to eat more, but was so content with my frequent buy rewarded free mocha, I stopped there.
All of a sudden, in the midst of trying to balance the budget for work, write emails back and forth, check Quickbooks budget reports on one computer, sliding back to my computer, adjusting project proposals, I started feeling like this was all so important, yet unimportant simultaneously. That is, that every single last detail, of printing out an insert to send along with an alternative gift card, and getting the cropping on the paper perfect was the most important urgent thing to do, while also, responding to my emails, and I felt a growing sense of urgency. All the while, I was beginning to sweat, and at a deeper level think about how I was going to finish this all. Probably it was my sympathetic nerve system actually asking that very question, but in reference to "how are you going to get out of this". But maybe because of the limited blood sugar I had in my system, I took that message and immediately applied it to the task I was doing. So, suddenly in that moment, I have this urgency of survival instinct and importance, but I'm thinking it's about the many tasks I'm doing at once. Of course, this is a trigger, as it feels odd, so I test. And it's only 60, but I think it must have been dropping FAST. I drank a juice, ate a bar, scrounged around in my purse for other old candy I carry around, and waited. All the while though that feeling of "what is happening to me, this is so strange, I can't figure out why I'm so stressed, I feel like I'm dreaming, like life is not that important anymore, but yet, I have omniscience about everything all at once"
At any rate, re-reading this, it doesn't capture all of it, but writing it, I began to better understand the physiological relationship between the feeling and brain's alarm for survival, and how strange it feels in relationship to what I was doing
Maybe others can relate or share it. Maybe next time (after I have drank the juice, and while I'm waiting for it to come up), I'll write more.
Monday, November 29, 2010
December 6, 4 PM Howarth Park
I'm putting together the next Dawn Phenom Event - that is a run/walk for people with diabetes, friends, family. We are meeting at Howarth Park in Santa Rosa at 4 PM on Monday, Dec. 6. I know it's not an ideal time, but I'm hoping that anyone who is interested can make it. We will be having monthly gatherings like this from now on. Please let me know if you are interested. Anyone who has type 1 or 2 diabetes, or knows someone who has it, wants to know more, or in general has some connection to diabetes is more than welcome to come!
Friday, October 29, 2010
Alcatraz Swim
I've been meaning to write about this one for a while. Saturday, 9/18/10 I did the South End Rowing Club's Alcatraz Invitational Swim. What a blast!!! I wasn't the fastest 45 minutes I think, but I did it without a wetsuit, and just had a wonderful time.
I got to Aquatic park, in my typical, last minute fashion. Luckily I found an amazing parking place, where all I had to do was move an orange cone a tiny bit to squeeze my car into a place that was totally legal.
I met my neighbor and his wife and daughters there, got my number, asked them to write 'diabetic' down my arm, and was ready to go. Blood sugar was okay. I took a meter with me on the ferry to have. forgot a syringe, so I got so stab my finger with my syringe (brought insulin too). scrounged a free gel that someone had left on the table, and ate it, then, when the time came, jumped off the boat!
Swam in pretty calmly. didn't really feel too cold, but swam a bit out of my way, as I was scared to get swept under the bridge. My mom was at the end, which was awesome, and then they had some amazing food. Including good coffee, and BUNCH of steamed spinach!
All in all it was a lot of fun, amazing, and I can't wait to do it again. There were people from all over the world there too!
I got to Aquatic park, in my typical, last minute fashion. Luckily I found an amazing parking place, where all I had to do was move an orange cone a tiny bit to squeeze my car into a place that was totally legal.
I met my neighbor and his wife and daughters there, got my number, asked them to write 'diabetic' down my arm, and was ready to go. Blood sugar was okay. I took a meter with me on the ferry to have. forgot a syringe, so I got so stab my finger with my syringe (brought insulin too). scrounged a free gel that someone had left on the table, and ate it, then, when the time came, jumped off the boat!
Swam in pretty calmly. didn't really feel too cold, but swam a bit out of my way, as I was scared to get swept under the bridge. My mom was at the end, which was awesome, and then they had some amazing food. Including good coffee, and BUNCH of steamed spinach!
All in all it was a lot of fun, amazing, and I can't wait to do it again. There were people from all over the world there too!
Could it all Come Down to 1 Unit? - Diabetes Duldrums
10/10/10 - The Healdsburg Marathon. I was hoping to qualify for the Boston Marathon.
I woke up feeling strong. The night before was the usual nervousness, hoping I would make it under 3:40, which is 8:24 minute miles. I felt ready. This was the time. I trained quite a bit, hard, built a good base, did some serious spring work outs, was good to go.
I woke up at 6:30. BS was I think 167. Not bad. Went for a 15 minute short walk with the dog, got back 137. Ate a pretty big bowl of brown rice, almond milk, and agave. Normally I'd give myself 4 units for that. I took 2 units of humalog. Got my tights on, shirts, meter in my pocket, syringes, bag of lancets, strips, ultra mini meter, goos, and a lot of dates. I was ready to go.
Drove the 20 minutes up to Healdsburg. On the way I tested and it was 101. Hmmmm, that was only 30 minutes after breakfast, I still had most of my insulin in me, and eaten, and it was 100? So, I ate 2 dates (20 or so carbs), found a great parking spot, ran to the check in, got my bag, ran to Safeway to avoid the line (by the way WHY are the port a potty lines ALWAYS so dang long, why not just rent a few extra?). Anyhow, got back from the bathroom, and it was 91. Shoot, not so good. So, I ate a banana, and another date. I ran to the start, literally got there as it was beginning. Here I go.
I felt good for the first 5-7 miles. Pace (although I don't have a fancy garmin, or watch), I just checked my watch at the mile markers. Miles were about 8:05, 7:58, 8:04, around there. some were a few seconds faster, others, a few seconds slower). Tested 1/2 hour into it, and it was 120 I think. I ate about every 30 minutes too. Then, I tested at mile 11. 67. Shoot. Not good, and I started to feel really really tired. Like really tired. I downed like 4 shot blocks, 2 dates, and hoped that would do it.
But I did know at some level, that once it's dropping that much, you're toast. You can't eat enough as fast as you are burning it. Soooo, I kept going. I hit the half way mark at 1:47. If I just kept that pace, I'd still be able to make it. But that aid station at the turn around was out of water. It was actually pretty hot.
Then, I've never every done this in a race, well since I was like 8 at least. I walked. I was so depleted. I felt so tired. I thought I was going to collapse. I kept thinking that if someone offered me a ride, I'd take it. I was miserable. I felt physically so depleted (which I guess I was because all the glycogen was gone, and I had no reserves). I walked part of miles 14 - 21 probably. The slowest mile I think was 10:32, fastest of those 9:30 or something. Then, I started thinking, maybe I can at least finish in under 4 hours. I knew my hopes of 3:40 were gone. So, I made myself walk for no longer than like 1 - 2 minutes at a time. And, I got a little bit of a second wind at mile 22. But I was still miserably tired. I finished at 3:58, actually got 3rd in my age group. But, I was tired, and a little bummed.
So, I kept thinking, could the whole race really have been different if I had take 1 less unit that morning? Crazy to think.
Now, I'm thinking about CIM, but probably won't do it, and planning on Carlsbad. And, really looking at why I feel the need to qualify for Boston, and if I can.
Not sure what to do now.
I woke up feeling strong. The night before was the usual nervousness, hoping I would make it under 3:40, which is 8:24 minute miles. I felt ready. This was the time. I trained quite a bit, hard, built a good base, did some serious spring work outs, was good to go.
I woke up at 6:30. BS was I think 167. Not bad. Went for a 15 minute short walk with the dog, got back 137. Ate a pretty big bowl of brown rice, almond milk, and agave. Normally I'd give myself 4 units for that. I took 2 units of humalog. Got my tights on, shirts, meter in my pocket, syringes, bag of lancets, strips, ultra mini meter, goos, and a lot of dates. I was ready to go.
Drove the 20 minutes up to Healdsburg. On the way I tested and it was 101. Hmmmm, that was only 30 minutes after breakfast, I still had most of my insulin in me, and eaten, and it was 100? So, I ate 2 dates (20 or so carbs), found a great parking spot, ran to the check in, got my bag, ran to Safeway to avoid the line (by the way WHY are the port a potty lines ALWAYS so dang long, why not just rent a few extra?). Anyhow, got back from the bathroom, and it was 91. Shoot, not so good. So, I ate a banana, and another date. I ran to the start, literally got there as it was beginning. Here I go.
I felt good for the first 5-7 miles. Pace (although I don't have a fancy garmin, or watch), I just checked my watch at the mile markers. Miles were about 8:05, 7:58, 8:04, around there. some were a few seconds faster, others, a few seconds slower). Tested 1/2 hour into it, and it was 120 I think. I ate about every 30 minutes too. Then, I tested at mile 11. 67. Shoot. Not good, and I started to feel really really tired. Like really tired. I downed like 4 shot blocks, 2 dates, and hoped that would do it.
But I did know at some level, that once it's dropping that much, you're toast. You can't eat enough as fast as you are burning it. Soooo, I kept going. I hit the half way mark at 1:47. If I just kept that pace, I'd still be able to make it. But that aid station at the turn around was out of water. It was actually pretty hot.
Then, I've never every done this in a race, well since I was like 8 at least. I walked. I was so depleted. I felt so tired. I thought I was going to collapse. I kept thinking that if someone offered me a ride, I'd take it. I was miserable. I felt physically so depleted (which I guess I was because all the glycogen was gone, and I had no reserves). I walked part of miles 14 - 21 probably. The slowest mile I think was 10:32, fastest of those 9:30 or something. Then, I started thinking, maybe I can at least finish in under 4 hours. I knew my hopes of 3:40 were gone. So, I made myself walk for no longer than like 1 - 2 minutes at a time. And, I got a little bit of a second wind at mile 22. But I was still miserably tired. I finished at 3:58, actually got 3rd in my age group. But, I was tired, and a little bummed.
So, I kept thinking, could the whole race really have been different if I had take 1 less unit that morning? Crazy to think.
Now, I'm thinking about CIM, but probably won't do it, and planning on Carlsbad. And, really looking at why I feel the need to qualify for Boston, and if I can.
Not sure what to do now.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Documentary, Updates
I am so excited to be a part of the upcoming documentary showing:
I look forward to seeing many familiar and new faces there.
Also, last week, I had the wonderful opportunity to meet with Keaton, my triabuddy! I also met Keaton's sister Kelsey, mother and father. I am so excited about getting to know all of them, and working with Keaton especially. I look forward to seeing them at the documentary.
Sunday, Oct. 10 is the Healdsburg Marathon, which I'm really looking forward to also. I am hoping to qualify for the Boston Marathon in this one, but have to remember that it's okay too if I don't. Last year I missed it by 7 minutes. We'll see.
More soon, but for now, please, if you can come to the documentary showing. The info is below.
Insulindependence Presents the San Francisco Premiere of the
Documentary
• 2.4 Mile Swim
• 112 Mile Bike
• 26.2 Mile Run
• 12 Type 1 Diabetics
• 1 Goal
Triabetes: “Give it a Shot”
In 2008, 12 people with type 1 diabetes set out to complete Ironman Wisconsin as part of a team called Triabetes. Triabetes has now grown to be the world’s largest triathlon club for people with diabetes, shattering presumed limitations and revolutionizing the way people approach diabetes management. Come meet current Triabetes members, and join us for an evening of inspiration, education and exploration as we follow these athletes and the kids who partnered with them for their journey to the finish line and beyond.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010 @ 7:00 PM
University of California San Francisco, Cole Hall
513 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco 94143
Tickets are free; $5-10 donation welcome at the door.
To reserve a ticket, visit:
www.insulindependence.org
View "EVENTS" tab
Ticket questions: triabetesdoc@gmail.com
Insulindependence info@insulindependence.org
www.insulindependence.org
I look forward to seeing many familiar and new faces there.
Also, last week, I had the wonderful opportunity to meet with Keaton, my triabuddy! I also met Keaton's sister Kelsey, mother and father. I am so excited about getting to know all of them, and working with Keaton especially. I look forward to seeing them at the documentary.
Sunday, Oct. 10 is the Healdsburg Marathon, which I'm really looking forward to also. I am hoping to qualify for the Boston Marathon in this one, but have to remember that it's okay too if I don't. Last year I missed it by 7 minutes. We'll see.
More soon, but for now, please, if you can come to the documentary showing. The info is below.
Insulindependence Presents the San Francisco Premiere of the
Documentary
• 2.4 Mile Swim
• 112 Mile Bike
• 26.2 Mile Run
• 12 Type 1 Diabetics
• 1 Goal
Triabetes: “Give it a Shot”
In 2008, 12 people with type 1 diabetes set out to complete Ironman Wisconsin as part of a team called Triabetes. Triabetes has now grown to be the world’s largest triathlon club for people with diabetes, shattering presumed limitations and revolutionizing the way people approach diabetes management. Come meet current Triabetes members, and join us for an evening of inspiration, education and exploration as we follow these athletes and the kids who partnered with them for their journey to the finish line and beyond.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010 @ 7:00 PM
University of California San Francisco, Cole Hall
513 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco 94143
Tickets are free; $5-10 donation welcome at the door.
To reserve a ticket, visit:
www.insulindependence.org
View "EVENTS" tab
Ticket questions: triabetesdoc@gmail.com
Insulindependence info@insulindependence.org
www.insulindependence.org
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Fundraising with Little Help from My Friends
To follow along with the Beatles' References, I wanted to mention an extraordinary and amazing fundraising event that Holly and Mark Pepper put on to help Triabetes. Holly is a Type 1 and Mark is her amazing husband who also happens to be a fantastic chef. They are both doing Iron Man St. George, so I'm sure you'll meet them.
A while back, shortly after I met them, they volunteered to put on a dinner at their house for friends, cook some amazing food, and charge for it, to help Triabetes, and my fundraising efforts.
I was touched that they wanted to do that, and agreed to even donate all of the food and much of the wine! And.... I am not joking when I say that I had the best meal I've ever had in my life. Here is the menu:
As you can imagine, it was delicious!! I am so appreciative of their efforts, touched by the generosity of them, and all of those that attended, and more committed than ever to continue to work to support the work that Triabetes and we are doing.
They are even up for hosting another one early next year!!
A while back, shortly after I met them, they volunteered to put on a dinner at their house for friends, cook some amazing food, and charge for it, to help Triabetes, and my fundraising efforts.
I was touched that they wanted to do that, and agreed to even donate all of the food and much of the wine! And.... I am not joking when I say that I had the best meal I've ever had in my life. Here is the menu:
Amuse Bouche
Heirloom tomato puree with fina basil
---
Celery root soup, chanterelle muschrooms, micro arugula
---
Dungeness crab friiter, citrus, mango puree, micro cilantro
or
Maple vanilla glazed tofu, micro cilantro
---
Range Brothers pork loin, bacon cream, candied pecans, blistered tomatoes, king trumpet mushroom
or
King trumpet mushroom and fresh baby corn sautee, oyster mushroom cream, candied pecans, blistered tomatoes
---
Cheese and contrast
Cowgirl creamery Mt. Tam triple cream, frog hollow preserves, macrona almonds
---
Rasberry almond tart, meyer lemon curd
As you can imagine, it was delicious!! I am so appreciative of their efforts, touched by the generosity of them, and all of those that attended, and more committed than ever to continue to work to support the work that Triabetes and we are doing.
They are even up for hosting another one early next year!!
Back in the Saddle
Wow, it's been a while since I've written. Life is indeed what happens while you are busy making other plans. That's probably one of the most overly quoted, but so true statements.
Since Barb's Race, I haven't slowed down too much. A day after it, I went to Maine for almost 2 weeks and had a really great time with my family there. Among other things, we did our first Taunton Bay Biathlon. Accompanied by my sister in law, brother, niece, dad, and cousin, I swam out to the Island. Liz, swam with me, and it was amazing! The water was pretty cold. As a kid, looking out at the island, we never thought we could just up and swim out there. It's about 2/3 of a mile or so. Then, on the way back, Nicole, my sister in law swam back with me. It was really rewarding to feel so much support, and just out and out fun!
Then, if that wasn't enough, the next event was a 20 mile run. John, my brother organized the family, so that 4 people would do 5 mile shifts with me. And they brought my meter and food to the top of the driveway (dried figs and almonds, and a water bottle). It was awesome!!!! First 5 miles with my other brother, Chris. It was pretty warm, we went out the back road, turned around and back. Then, Liz was waiting at the top with the goods. She and I went back out and back for another 5 miles. Then, Omar, her husband. This was a little harder, but still so wonderful to have company. Then, my other brother, John was there for the final 5. It was a little slower (I was estimating 9 minute conversational pace miles), but we did it! And my two nieces, sister in laws, other brother, and the whole crew was at the top of the driveway to meet us. It was really cool.
I had a wonderful time in Maine also. We did some great hikes, swam to Little Moose Island in Acadia National Park, with my friend Beth's kids, which was a lot of fun. On the island we found blueberries, cranberries, rose hips, seaweed, and crabs! Then, we swam back. It was chilly.
And, we did a 1 mile run and a 5k race. I remembered how slow I am at 5k's, but it was nice. I left that same day as the race, and headed back to California.
I'm following my training plan that Andrew set up, but really, with the exception of yesterday, I hadn't taken 1 day of a break since Barb's race. But I've been feeling really good. I finished reading Born to Run, and have been inspired to run smoother, and to remember the sheer joy of it all.
And, I've gotten really really excited and into biking. I can't believe what an amazing thing it is. From the beautiful views, to the newly discovered thrill of going down hills, and speeding thru the cool air and sunshine; I love it!
And, I bought a new bike. I totally splurged. I went last week and test rode a Cervelo S2, and started to really think about buying it. It was an amazing price, and I couldn't resist. It has all the fancy bells and whistles, and most of all, it's just a lot of fun to ride. I had a huge smile on my face when I rode it.
Since then, I've finally gotten fit and found that I need a longer stem, and a more comfortable seat, and wow, what a difference that can make. I rode on Friday a good 60 plus miles, in the seat it came with, which was pretty uncomfortable, and the handlebars were pretty close. I had to relearn and regain confidence going down hills too, especially on bumpy roads, as you feel everything with the stiffer carbon frame.
Then, today, my neighbor who I've been cycling with, and how has been so super kind in helping me out, tried putting a longer stem (it came with a 90, and he thought I should get a 110 or even a 120). He had a 130 laying around, which he knew was too long, but he put it on, and I got a better seat from the bike shop, and immediately, with the longer stem, I felt way more relaxed. It's such a good feeling to finally figure out what is wrong and correct it.
So, I'm pretty stoked on biking these days. I did the Santa Rosa 1/2 marathon today, and it felt pretty good. It was about a minute slower this year than last year, but I felt a lot better. This year I did 1:43 (7:52 minute miles). I felt really good till like mile 10, then it got a little harder. But I think that I have a lot more endurance now than I used to.
Also, we had a Santa Rosa area Dawn Phenom event on Saturday, which was small, but really nice. I met a couple of new people, and talked to a few more. I can't believe how many people are interested in the Insulindependence shirts!
Okay, more soon. It's nice to be back in touch.
Today was the Santa Rosa 1/2 marathon.
Since Barb's Race, I haven't slowed down too much. A day after it, I went to Maine for almost 2 weeks and had a really great time with my family there. Among other things, we did our first Taunton Bay Biathlon. Accompanied by my sister in law, brother, niece, dad, and cousin, I swam out to the Island. Liz, swam with me, and it was amazing! The water was pretty cold. As a kid, looking out at the island, we never thought we could just up and swim out there. It's about 2/3 of a mile or so. Then, on the way back, Nicole, my sister in law swam back with me. It was really rewarding to feel so much support, and just out and out fun!
Then, if that wasn't enough, the next event was a 20 mile run. John, my brother organized the family, so that 4 people would do 5 mile shifts with me. And they brought my meter and food to the top of the driveway (dried figs and almonds, and a water bottle). It was awesome!!!! First 5 miles with my other brother, Chris. It was pretty warm, we went out the back road, turned around and back. Then, Liz was waiting at the top with the goods. She and I went back out and back for another 5 miles. Then, Omar, her husband. This was a little harder, but still so wonderful to have company. Then, my other brother, John was there for the final 5. It was a little slower (I was estimating 9 minute conversational pace miles), but we did it! And my two nieces, sister in laws, other brother, and the whole crew was at the top of the driveway to meet us. It was really cool.
I had a wonderful time in Maine also. We did some great hikes, swam to Little Moose Island in Acadia National Park, with my friend Beth's kids, which was a lot of fun. On the island we found blueberries, cranberries, rose hips, seaweed, and crabs! Then, we swam back. It was chilly.
And, we did a 1 mile run and a 5k race. I remembered how slow I am at 5k's, but it was nice. I left that same day as the race, and headed back to California.
I'm following my training plan that Andrew set up, but really, with the exception of yesterday, I hadn't taken 1 day of a break since Barb's race. But I've been feeling really good. I finished reading Born to Run, and have been inspired to run smoother, and to remember the sheer joy of it all.
And, I've gotten really really excited and into biking. I can't believe what an amazing thing it is. From the beautiful views, to the newly discovered thrill of going down hills, and speeding thru the cool air and sunshine; I love it!
And, I bought a new bike. I totally splurged. I went last week and test rode a Cervelo S2, and started to really think about buying it. It was an amazing price, and I couldn't resist. It has all the fancy bells and whistles, and most of all, it's just a lot of fun to ride. I had a huge smile on my face when I rode it.
Since then, I've finally gotten fit and found that I need a longer stem, and a more comfortable seat, and wow, what a difference that can make. I rode on Friday a good 60 plus miles, in the seat it came with, which was pretty uncomfortable, and the handlebars were pretty close. I had to relearn and regain confidence going down hills too, especially on bumpy roads, as you feel everything with the stiffer carbon frame.
Then, today, my neighbor who I've been cycling with, and how has been so super kind in helping me out, tried putting a longer stem (it came with a 90, and he thought I should get a 110 or even a 120). He had a 130 laying around, which he knew was too long, but he put it on, and I got a better seat from the bike shop, and immediately, with the longer stem, I felt way more relaxed. It's such a good feeling to finally figure out what is wrong and correct it.
So, I'm pretty stoked on biking these days. I did the Santa Rosa 1/2 marathon today, and it felt pretty good. It was about a minute slower this year than last year, but I felt a lot better. This year I did 1:43 (7:52 minute miles). I felt really good till like mile 10, then it got a little harder. But I think that I have a lot more endurance now than I used to.
Also, we had a Santa Rosa area Dawn Phenom event on Saturday, which was small, but really nice. I met a couple of new people, and talked to a few more. I can't believe how many people are interested in the Insulindependence shirts!
Okay, more soon. It's nice to be back in touch.
Today was the Santa Rosa 1/2 marathon.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Barb's Race - First 1/2 Iron Man
Well, it's officially done. And what an amazingly fun time. I was probably a little too casual about the whole thing (I got there about 20 minutes before it started), and didn't get sunglasses till the night before, but it was a lot of fun. Somehow, I'm just not the type to think it all thru entirely the night before. At any rate, I can't believe how much fun it was.
So, first of all, I went to the Windsor High school on Friday to get my packet, and set up my bike to run transition.
Then, I got up at 6 AM on Saturday morning, checked my sugar (207), took 1 unit, ate a breakfast of almond milk, raspberries, and hemp seeds (covered by 3 units), walked my dog, and was out the door (with my bike in the back seat) by 7. I got to Windsor around 7:35, and had a hard time finding a place to park. I was a little nervous, since I was cutting it pretty close. I brought way too much stuff to the swim start line (transition 1). I tested right after I set up my stuff, and per Ed's really good nutrition planning and advice, ate two small clif bars, covered by 1 unit, took my 4 units of Lantus, a swig of gatorade, hit the bathroom, and got into the water.
SWIM (1.2 miles) - I got in the water and started at 8:10 AM. I kept to the right hand side, since there were less people and swam up. I probably could have left the wetsuit off, but thanks to Blair's good advice, I hiked up the sleeves and legs to allow for more limb movement. I started my watch, and took off up stream. The water was the perfect temperature, a little cool, but definitely not cold. Some people were waiting along the river, kayakers were on the side, and it was pretty peaceful. My arms kind of hurt. I didn't take it very hard, barely kicked I think, and went back and forth between really concentrating on my stroke, and pushing all the way back with my arms, and piercing the water in front. I also tried to glide and make my strokes last a while. I checked my watch at some point. I was kind of shooting for about 40 minutes, and was pretty close (:39:34). I got out, ran to my bike, and fumbled around. My sugar was 109 I think. Here is where I made a mistake. I got worried that it was going to go up, so I took in a handful of good and plenty's, a small clif bar, AND a gel. In retrospect too much! I seemed to take too long here (:07:17!!). Ran with my bike, and then clipped in to bike up the hill
BIKE (56 miles): This was by far the most fun. I rode pretty conservatively for the first 15 miles or so. I was sipping on a mix of hammer fuel powder and something else. My water bottle had 80 grams of carbs in it, and my plan was to sip half of it during the first 28 miles, and the other half for the second half. The other bottle had water plus Nuun in it, and since then I've found out that Nuun has artificial sweeteners, so I won't be having any more of that. At any rate, I was sipping on the bottle, and kind of holding back on the flats (15 - 17 mph about). At around mile like 20 I think, I started to feel thirsty and a little tired. I decided to test as I rode (right after I was past a station, which again wasn't too smart. 400. Great. So I kept riding and took 2 units of Humalog. And within 15 minutes, I started to feel pretty good. I kept going. Around mile 32 or 35, I told myself "okay, 20 or so more to go, and I'm starting to feel great. After Chalk hill, I took off, I went up to around 21/22 mph, and started passing people. It felt great. I was totally grinning downhill (and even hit 37 mpg, which used to scare the heck out of me.) I really wanted to break 3 hours, but did 3:06:58. I managed to swap my nuun filled nasty bottle for a water bottle at the last aid station and was psyched to down all of the water. I kept sipping a little on the carbo loaded bottle. So, I wasn't sure how smart I was being by going hard on the bike, but I calculated that going 18 mph versus 17 mph on a 56 mile ride would save me like 15 minutes! That seemed a lot easier than cranking my running pace up. So, I ended the bike, and spent :04:56 in T2. That was a little better, but not great.
THE RUN (13.1 MILES) - Blood sugar then was 109 I think. It felt good. I had a little sample size clif bar, and a gel, and started out (and some water). It was hot, and I was a little tired. I'm not sure how fast (or slow) I was going. The run course was hilly! I heard it was a little hillier and different than the 70.3 two weeks before. At any rate, I kept looking at my watch thinking, hmm, I might be able to break 6 hours, but I'm not sure. And the mile markers weren't great. The first out and back was a total of 8.7 miles. Around the hill before the turn around, I started feeling pretty good. I tested about 30 minutes into the run and was like 129, which made me realize I had to consume the same amount of carbs for the next thirty minutes to maintain a good BS. So, on the way back, around what was probably mile 5 or so, I realized that I still had 8.1 miles to go, but I had about 90 minutes to do it. So, even if I did 10 minute miles, I could still make it under 6 hours - that was really exciting! The run back was better than the run out, but around mile 6 or so, I got tired. I had my second gel, and then was out of stuff with me. So I alternated between warm water and warm gatorade at the aid stations. And I grabbed (and ate) 4 clif shot blocks. And then I passed Andrew (who by the way, was 5th overall!!! and first in his age group on the full vineman - what a stud - glad to have him training me). Then, once I got back, and went out for the final 4.4 miles, I was feeling pretty good. Got back, and finished the run at 1:53:52, with an overall finish of the whole thing of 5:52:39. Unfortunately I didn't have anyone waiting for me at the finish line, but I felt good. And BS was like 159. Here are the results: http://www.j-chipusa.com/results.php?eventid=3093&resid=1380
I feel so grateful for all the help I got on this. From Ed's awesome nutrition life saving advice, to Andrew's training and encouragement, Holly's tips on what has worked for her, to my neighbor's giving me some great sunglasses, and fitting me to my bike, and giving me gear, to encouragement and tips - thank you all!
What an amazing fun adventure. I am really looking forward to more!
So, first of all, I went to the Windsor High school on Friday to get my packet, and set up my bike to run transition.
Then, I got up at 6 AM on Saturday morning, checked my sugar (207), took 1 unit, ate a breakfast of almond milk, raspberries, and hemp seeds (covered by 3 units), walked my dog, and was out the door (with my bike in the back seat) by 7. I got to Windsor around 7:35, and had a hard time finding a place to park. I was a little nervous, since I was cutting it pretty close. I brought way too much stuff to the swim start line (transition 1). I tested right after I set up my stuff, and per Ed's really good nutrition planning and advice, ate two small clif bars, covered by 1 unit, took my 4 units of Lantus, a swig of gatorade, hit the bathroom, and got into the water.
SWIM (1.2 miles) - I got in the water and started at 8:10 AM. I kept to the right hand side, since there were less people and swam up. I probably could have left the wetsuit off, but thanks to Blair's good advice, I hiked up the sleeves and legs to allow for more limb movement. I started my watch, and took off up stream. The water was the perfect temperature, a little cool, but definitely not cold. Some people were waiting along the river, kayakers were on the side, and it was pretty peaceful. My arms kind of hurt. I didn't take it very hard, barely kicked I think, and went back and forth between really concentrating on my stroke, and pushing all the way back with my arms, and piercing the water in front. I also tried to glide and make my strokes last a while. I checked my watch at some point. I was kind of shooting for about 40 minutes, and was pretty close (:39:34). I got out, ran to my bike, and fumbled around. My sugar was 109 I think. Here is where I made a mistake. I got worried that it was going to go up, so I took in a handful of good and plenty's, a small clif bar, AND a gel. In retrospect too much! I seemed to take too long here (:07:17!!). Ran with my bike, and then clipped in to bike up the hill
BIKE (56 miles): This was by far the most fun. I rode pretty conservatively for the first 15 miles or so. I was sipping on a mix of hammer fuel powder and something else. My water bottle had 80 grams of carbs in it, and my plan was to sip half of it during the first 28 miles, and the other half for the second half. The other bottle had water plus Nuun in it, and since then I've found out that Nuun has artificial sweeteners, so I won't be having any more of that. At any rate, I was sipping on the bottle, and kind of holding back on the flats (15 - 17 mph about). At around mile like 20 I think, I started to feel thirsty and a little tired. I decided to test as I rode (right after I was past a station, which again wasn't too smart. 400. Great. So I kept riding and took 2 units of Humalog. And within 15 minutes, I started to feel pretty good. I kept going. Around mile 32 or 35, I told myself "okay, 20 or so more to go, and I'm starting to feel great. After Chalk hill, I took off, I went up to around 21/22 mph, and started passing people. It felt great. I was totally grinning downhill (and even hit 37 mpg, which used to scare the heck out of me.) I really wanted to break 3 hours, but did 3:06:58. I managed to swap my nuun filled nasty bottle for a water bottle at the last aid station and was psyched to down all of the water. I kept sipping a little on the carbo loaded bottle. So, I wasn't sure how smart I was being by going hard on the bike, but I calculated that going 18 mph versus 17 mph on a 56 mile ride would save me like 15 minutes! That seemed a lot easier than cranking my running pace up. So, I ended the bike, and spent :04:56 in T2. That was a little better, but not great.
THE RUN (13.1 MILES) - Blood sugar then was 109 I think. It felt good. I had a little sample size clif bar, and a gel, and started out (and some water). It was hot, and I was a little tired. I'm not sure how fast (or slow) I was going. The run course was hilly! I heard it was a little hillier and different than the 70.3 two weeks before. At any rate, I kept looking at my watch thinking, hmm, I might be able to break 6 hours, but I'm not sure. And the mile markers weren't great. The first out and back was a total of 8.7 miles. Around the hill before the turn around, I started feeling pretty good. I tested about 30 minutes into the run and was like 129, which made me realize I had to consume the same amount of carbs for the next thirty minutes to maintain a good BS. So, on the way back, around what was probably mile 5 or so, I realized that I still had 8.1 miles to go, but I had about 90 minutes to do it. So, even if I did 10 minute miles, I could still make it under 6 hours - that was really exciting! The run back was better than the run out, but around mile 6 or so, I got tired. I had my second gel, and then was out of stuff with me. So I alternated between warm water and warm gatorade at the aid stations. And I grabbed (and ate) 4 clif shot blocks. And then I passed Andrew (who by the way, was 5th overall!!! and first in his age group on the full vineman - what a stud - glad to have him training me). Then, once I got back, and went out for the final 4.4 miles, I was feeling pretty good. Got back, and finished the run at 1:53:52, with an overall finish of the whole thing of 5:52:39. Unfortunately I didn't have anyone waiting for me at the finish line, but I felt good. And BS was like 159. Here are the results: http://www.j-chipusa.com/results.php?eventid=3093&resid=1380
I feel so grateful for all the help I got on this. From Ed's awesome nutrition life saving advice, to Andrew's training and encouragement, Holly's tips on what has worked for her, to my neighbor's giving me some great sunglasses, and fitting me to my bike, and giving me gear, to encouragement and tips - thank you all!
What an amazing fun adventure. I am really looking forward to more!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Diabetes, Training, and CGM's
I've really been enjoying running lately. Although it's been conversational pace, with just a few miles of hills, I've run 37 miles in the last three days. It feels so great to go out and around Annadel Park, where it's all trail, and the lake in the morning is still, the air is brisk, and I'm pretty stoked.
I usually see enough people to make me feel like I'm not out there alone, but also not too many to be distracted. I forget sometimes how just purely joyful it can be to run. If I stop thinking about time, mileage, my knees, the race, how much faster I should or shouldn't be going, and just remember to not think, and enjoy running for the joy of it, it's great.
The other activity that I've loved lately is biking. Discovering how much fun, peaceful, and beautiful back country roads are has been an adventure. I realized that even though I live in Sonoma county, where there are hundreds of miles of roads to bike on, I've done very little exploring. Lately though I've gotten out there more, and really loved it.
I'm really excited about Barb's race. I'm a little nervous, because I know I'm pretty competitive and I don't want to mess up and go out too fast and use up too much energy, and be toasted for the run. So, I'm really going to try to take it really easy, and not do too much, and just be mellow, and then bike strong, but not too fast and then pick it up for the run.
I've also been thinking a lot about CGM's lately and whether or not I'm justified in asking for one. I understand my doctor's argument, that I can just stop and test. And don't want to assume that I should have one just because I potentially can. But, after having quite a few lows, that really did come along quite suddenly, and thinking about it more, I'm convinced that it really will tell me information that I can't otherwise find out. So, I'm going to email my doctor and continue to write about and focus on the lows. I'd like to go about it just by explaining why I need it, but it seems that Kaiser, (and I imagine other insurance companies) want to see the numbers to even consider it. Although, now I know of two Kaiser patients who have them.
We'll see. The last thing I've been thinking about lately is whether diabetes is considered a disability? Doesn't seem like it is, but I'm always curious when I hear people talk about disabilities.
Tambien me gustaria saber si hay personas que le gustaria leer mi blog en Español? Porque siempre estoy pensando en la posibilidad de escribir en Español, pero no solo para hacerlo por gusto. Si hay gente que le gustaria que yo lo hiciera, me avisan por favor. Estoy disconectada con la comunidad latina, aunque trabajo en Nicaragua y El Salvador, aqui en los EEUU, casi no estoy conectado, y me gustaria estar mas involucrada, especialamente en el area de diabetes.
Bueno, aqui, me dispido, y quizas en los proximos voy a poder incluir unos fotos, y mas informacion. Siempre me gusta oir ideas, comentarios, etc.
I usually see enough people to make me feel like I'm not out there alone, but also not too many to be distracted. I forget sometimes how just purely joyful it can be to run. If I stop thinking about time, mileage, my knees, the race, how much faster I should or shouldn't be going, and just remember to not think, and enjoy running for the joy of it, it's great.
The other activity that I've loved lately is biking. Discovering how much fun, peaceful, and beautiful back country roads are has been an adventure. I realized that even though I live in Sonoma county, where there are hundreds of miles of roads to bike on, I've done very little exploring. Lately though I've gotten out there more, and really loved it.
I'm really excited about Barb's race. I'm a little nervous, because I know I'm pretty competitive and I don't want to mess up and go out too fast and use up too much energy, and be toasted for the run. So, I'm really going to try to take it really easy, and not do too much, and just be mellow, and then bike strong, but not too fast and then pick it up for the run.
I've also been thinking a lot about CGM's lately and whether or not I'm justified in asking for one. I understand my doctor's argument, that I can just stop and test. And don't want to assume that I should have one just because I potentially can. But, after having quite a few lows, that really did come along quite suddenly, and thinking about it more, I'm convinced that it really will tell me information that I can't otherwise find out. So, I'm going to email my doctor and continue to write about and focus on the lows. I'd like to go about it just by explaining why I need it, but it seems that Kaiser, (and I imagine other insurance companies) want to see the numbers to even consider it. Although, now I know of two Kaiser patients who have them.
We'll see. The last thing I've been thinking about lately is whether diabetes is considered a disability? Doesn't seem like it is, but I'm always curious when I hear people talk about disabilities.
Tambien me gustaria saber si hay personas que le gustaria leer mi blog en Español? Porque siempre estoy pensando en la posibilidad de escribir en Español, pero no solo para hacerlo por gusto. Si hay gente que le gustaria que yo lo hiciera, me avisan por favor. Estoy disconectada con la comunidad latina, aunque trabajo en Nicaragua y El Salvador, aqui en los EEUU, casi no estoy conectado, y me gustaria estar mas involucrada, especialamente en el area de diabetes.
Bueno, aqui, me dispido, y quizas en los proximos voy a poder incluir unos fotos, y mas informacion. Siempre me gusta oir ideas, comentarios, etc.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Barb's Race 2 weeks away
It's been a while since I have written. Training is going really well. I am really enjoying the program that Andrew set up. A few things especially stand out: bike rides all around Sonoma county, long runs up to Annadel Park, and swimming in Lake Ilsanjo, and just exploring this area in general. I am constantly aware and in awe of what a beautiful place I live in. From the sun, to the redwood trees, the clear water to swim in, and the amazing places to bike; I feel so lucky.
My hamstring was hurting for a while, but that seems to have passed. When it was hurting, I think it was just from overdoing it, and not stretching. I took Arnica internally, put Arnica gel on it, took turmeric and cinnamon (turmeric is supposed to be anti-inflammatory), and I didn't eat gluten for over a week and stretched more, and ran last. Who knows which part of that routine helped, but it already feels better.
This week will be a little tough, with a few brick work outs, but I'm hoping I can find the time to do it all.
And, in less than 2 weeks, Barb's race. I went for a ride along Chalk Hill road, where we will be biking in the race, and it's not as bad as I heard. The hill itself isn't too steep, so I'm hoping it can be done.
More to follow soon.
My hamstring was hurting for a while, but that seems to have passed. When it was hurting, I think it was just from overdoing it, and not stretching. I took Arnica internally, put Arnica gel on it, took turmeric and cinnamon (turmeric is supposed to be anti-inflammatory), and I didn't eat gluten for over a week and stretched more, and ran last. Who knows which part of that routine helped, but it already feels better.
This week will be a little tough, with a few brick work outs, but I'm hoping I can find the time to do it all.
And, in less than 2 weeks, Barb's race. I went for a ride along Chalk Hill road, where we will be biking in the race, and it's not as bad as I heard. The hill itself isn't too steep, so I'm hoping it can be done.
More to follow soon.
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