2:55:12=13.1miles

I know I'm late in supplying you with a race report. Sorry I'll try not to let it be so long before my next post. Can I just tell you that it was amazing!!!

I got to the race a little early (surprise surprise), I was super paranoid about me missing the start lol. The temp was a nice 47 degrees - and pouring. It was raining since I woke up. I was very disappointed, guess that weather man was right for once :P. The day before, I was able to find a rain jacket to run in, I put my CGM in, and had my new Garmin 310xt so I felt totally prepared for the race.

So the bell goes off and I was pumped. It was so nice to be surrounded by 5,000+ women all doing the same thing - running a half marathon. Whether it was their first, tenth, or they PR'd we were all running 13.1 miles.

I forced myself to stay with my 5:1 run/walk ratio, what can I say I was paranoid about burning out in the end. The first 3-4 miles are torture and it was no different this time around. I tried checking my blood sugar close to mile 4 and my strips failed me cuz I think they got a little wet. I wasn't too worried though because I had the foresight to hook up my Dexcom CGM so if my meter failed I'd at least have my CGM and know what my blood sugar was at all times. Being able to check your blood sugar during a race is soooo important not just because you can see where you're going (high/low blood sugar) but it's a major piece of mind factor. We've got enough to deal with just staying hydrated, fueled and running the entire way. To not have to worry about checking my blood sugar is priceless.

During my training leading up to the half I realized I liked running longer distances - anywhere from 6-9 miles. I also felt like I became a little faster during those mile markers, and you know what? During the half marathon I did! My pace on average was 13:33 minute mile and during mile 9 I dropped it to 12:31!

I felt like the last 2-3 miles were hard especially the last mile. I couldn't really stick to the 5:1 ratio so I dropped it 3:1. I felt really really good throughout the race though. Never any pain, no shin splints. Nothing. Despite it being hard I finished strong. I wanted to make sure I was running hard to the finish - I mean who doesn't right? You've got all those people watching you.

I was all smiles. Running hard. In the pouring rain. My first half marathon.

When it was all said and done I finished the race with a negative split which means I finished faster than when I started (always a good way to run), my blood sugars were high throughout the race and when I finished I was 150! My goal was 3hrs and I ran it in 2:55.

I did it. WOW :)

Night before my 1/2

You'd think I'd be in bed by now right? Well since it's only 8:30
I figure I still have a little time before I need to hit the sack. The weather has been great all week and guess what the forecast calls for tomorrow? Yeah exactly - rain :(. I Hope it happens in the later part of the day and not in the morning, that would be ideal! But hey, I rode 100 miles in the rain this past fall I figure I can get through running in the rain for 13 miles :). I did buy a light rain/wind jacket though so I'm prepared.

I am excited and nervous. I thought I was going to run this week but I just wasn't feeling up to it and time got away from me with everything else going on. I was tired. I did go swim 2 days though so that's good; and I got a sports leg massage on Wednesday to loosen me up so that was very, very good. Going again tomorrow afternoon after the race. It'll feel so good although I'm sure I'll be sore.

I'm a little shocked actually that I'm doing this race, it feels kinda surreal. You don't understand how much I dread going running - it's my least favorite of the three sports. It is so hard that's why. But I think I'm getting better and get this yesterday on my way to the grocery store it was so nice out that I actually THOUGHT about going for a run. I'm serious I said "tonight would be a nice night for a run" - as my sister said to me the other night "what's going on with you?" haha Maybe I'll start enjoying running after all. We'll see. There is a certain sense of satisfaction you get from a run (at least I do) BECAUSE it's so physically hard. It's like "wow I did it".

So my game plan for tomorrow:

Have a run/walk ratio of 5:1

Do my best to avoid a low blood sugar during the race

I'd love to finish at 3hrs or less but I think it'll take me 3hours

If for some reason it doesn't look like I'll get there in time for 3hrs then 3:15 is 2nd best

Finish with a smile on my face!

Ok good night!

9 days

I'm getting excited!!! 9 days til my race and you know what? I think I'm actually going to be able to do it!

Last week on Sunday I ran 11 miles, and THAT is why I think I'll be able to do it, smiles galore thinking about it :). My time was 2:24:55 I was very pleased with that. Plus I figured out my race strategy for the half marathon. I'm going to run for 5 min and walk for 1 so 5:1. It gives me a break and I'll be able to pace myself better.

My first half marathon. wow. I think about a year or two ago I was on a training bike ride and I saw some runners and you know what I said while looking at their grimacing faces? "Why would anyone want to run - it just looks painful". Now I'm that person, although, I'm hoping my face isn't a grimace and more of a smile haha.

It's almost here!!!!

HOLY CRAP!!! 3 Weeks til I run in my first half marathon! I know I know I've been remiss in writing and I truly apologize! I'll try not to let it be so long next time.

On Friday I ran 7miles. 7 miles!!! This time last year I was in physical therapy (PT) trying to be able to walk for blocks at a time without shin splints...now I'm running 7miles. Let me tell you, it ain't easy.

Saturday I went for a 4-5mile hike, during the first mile I was suffering from shin splints but after that I felt really good. It actually helped my legs a lot. They were less sore from Fridays run.

On Sunday I did the longest distance ever! 8.92. I had only planned on doing 8 so I was surprised when it turne dout I did a longer distance but also made me feel better that the reason I was feeling the pain WAS because I was almost at 9miles. I didn't have a plan when I did the distance...I was just running. I've been battling with the idea of trying to run continuously or continue with my run/walk plan. I kinda get stuck on trying to push myself and run as much as I can but then I get tired and have to walk and in the end I suffer.

Good thing about all this is the miles are increasing!!

Wknd of exercise lows

Woke up Saturday with a normal BG of 104. Bolused 4 units for my PB sandwich 2hrs before computrainer class. Running out the door I felt weird so I drank remaining bottle of Revive Vitamin Water, In cab on my way to the bike class I check and BG is a lovely 51. Now I've got 30 min til I start cycling and 3 units on board :(. So I eat 4 blocks have 2 bites of my friends muffin and am on a temp basal reduction of 70%. Start cycling and I'm 113 CGM says I'm 94 and rising. Better but I still feel low and don't like riding with that #. It was a 16.5 mile bike ride. It took me 1hr 17 min. (longer than norm) Avg. watts were 124 (normaly 150-160). The whole time I was riding I felt low. My CGM said I was a steady 114 almost the whole ride but at one point I felt like my vision was going a little blurry my friend looks over at me and is like "dude you ok?" He's also a T1. So I check my BG and I'm 89. I drink some gatorade and he gives me a bag of Jelly Belly sports beans. Later he tells me that my power watts had dropped to 75 and that's when he looked over at me. All I wanted to do was finish the ride. The last 2 miles were an uphill climb of 6.3% and I powered my way through it riding at 9mph pushing 180-190watts.

The whole ride I felt so weird. Like if I had been outside I wouldn't have kept riding but because I was inside there really wasn't any reason to stop moving especially if I was'nt technically "low". After the ride I was 144 (beans started working I guess). I felt disappointed with my bike performance because I KNOW I could have done better. However I also know I felt crappy the whole time I was riding. Zero energy. Next time I won't bolus as much, I had just been concerened about going sky high (as has been the case in the past).

3 hours later having eaten a sandwich I went for a 3.13 mile run. My goal was to do it within 45min. When I started running BG was 156 with 1 unit on board so I temp down 50%. Halfway through I had to pull over and stretch my legs out they were real tight - probably cuz I never stretched after cycling. I resume the run and feel 1,000x better from that stretch. I finished in 40 min. I had hit my mark!!! :) That made me super happy and I felt good after the run. 30min later while sitting at brunch with my girlfriend I was 63...never even felt it. After brunch I went home and showered and just watched TV. I felt so completely drained. But it wasn't even like I did THAT much exercise. I felt physically and emotionally drained from the low BG feeling.

Sunday comes along and I planned on a swim. start the swim with ~1.6 units on board but my BG was 226. I kept my pump on normal basal. I wasn't too concerned about going low since I drop slowly during swims. At the end of the 45min swim I was 70. My focus during the swim was to work on my catch and focus on my rotating. It was like a lightbulb went off during that swim because when I was reminding myself to rotate I felt how EASY it was! I had a continuos motion AND my shoulder blade didn't hurt when I turned to breath (which it has been as of late). It was such an "Oh my god" moment. Of course I won't know for sure if it's as right as I think it is til I see my coach next week. But after all this time it felt right. I was so happy :).

All in all over the weekend I felt low either during or after my exercise. It's almost more exhausting dealing with a low than it is from exercise. I was wearing my CGM the whole week so I noticed on days I exercise I need to change my settings overnight because I drop so much. Days I'm not exercising I STILL need to drop my overnight settings just not as much.

Trial and error right? I do have to say though I'm not swinging as high as I was before but I gotta get rid of these lows. They're screwing me up :).

Out of Control

So I decided to get the Dexcom in Dec. because I felt out of control. Too many swings high and low. I was anxious about what my A1c would tell me despite the increase in exercise. I got the results this past Tuesday and they were just as I expected...not good. My last A1c back in April/May was 7.3 almost a year later and it's 7.7. I missed a test somewhere in between.

I mean I guess I shouldn't be so surprised or upset but I am. Yes I know 7.7 is not THAT high but I think I was kinda hoping for a miracle in that my assumptions were wrong. My other issue as of late is that I'm becoming so paranoid about lows. I'm having a bit too many and they are scaring me cuz I feel like I'm half dead when they come on...like I can't do anything. Once I'm on the up though I still feel drained. Mentally & physically.

I almost feel like I'm starting all over again. But I will keep plugging away. Testing, tweaking, watching, staying active. My CDE made a lot of minor changes so we shall see how it works out. I just need to stop the lows...it's messing me up. I don't like being constantly paranoid about it. I feel frustrated.

Swim Level 2 Class

So I'm into my 2nd week of my swim level 2 technique and endurance class and I absolutely LOVE it!! It is completely different from swim 1 in that I am swimming with other people who already know how to swim and can swim at a good pace. Last week we focused on posture. I only practiced 1 time (yesterday) before we had our new class (today).

This week he had us swim a 200 in race pace (at thispoint we had already swam approx. 600yds)...I was soooooo SLOW!!! My time was 3:51. I felt good for the first 125/150 but the last 50 I felt like a mess! My arms felt like bricks. I was definitely using my legs more to get me through it. I just emailed my coach to find out what the fastest time was for both girl and guy. I want to beat it!! I figure it'll motivate me to get my legs swimming more. After we all did our 200 he had us do 100 to cool off. Then we did kicking drills (my favorite!) I am a strong kicker. This I know. So I volunteered to go first and kicked my legs out BUT I don't think I was the fastest! I could hear my coach yelling "kick harder Davino!" Then you should have seen me...I shot out like a bullet haha. I think I need to go find out who the fastest kicker is and go watch them so I can pick up a few pointers.

So I admit it. I feel like I'm being competitive in this class. I want to get up there with the fastest swimmers! I can't help it. I guess the way everything else is....practice, practice, practice.

Winter Firsts

Well this afternoon I did it. I feel like I have officially conquered any issues I've ever had about training in the winter because now I've done it all (ok close to all). Here's the list:

* I'm swimming more than I've ever swam since I was a kid and on the swim team my freshman year of HS
* I've run in the cold
* I've run in the rain
* I've ridden in the cold
* I've done my first ever computrainer class...today

That computrainer class was pretty sweet. I can definitely see how it can be addicting in the winter. I'm definitely going to start keeping track of the results and see if I can make some improvements especially since I really want to shave my time for next years JDRF century. Despite the expense of EVERYTHING, I LOVE all these classes I'm taking to improve in the three sports. If there is one thing I wish college offered it would be classes like these. I'd be begging the teacher for all types of tips and critiques etc. lol Homework and finals would be in on time or even early...unlike now and the dreading of it all:).

Here's my results from the computrainer class:

* It was the Orange County Tri Course
* 23.90 miles
* Avg pace 15.6mph
* Avg WATTS 141
* Finish time: 31:49:92...I think this translates to 1hr and 35min...but I could be wrong

Anyway I have to go now and finish my 3 part art final that's due tomorrow.

Thanks for reading and encouraging me throughout this process!

Jen

Thank You

"It is ok to choose your path and your pace...just stick to the path your heart is setting out for you.” My friend

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. There are no expectations other than having a great meal surrounded by the people I care most about. It’s a time when I start to reflect on the past year and think about how grateful I am for everything that has come my way – the good and the bad. I think about how appreciative I am for the support I have from my family and friends and how YOU continue to enrich my life.

So I’d like to say thank you. Thank you for supporting me in my life choices, thank you for supporting me in my athletic adventures and most of all thank you for continuing to donate to me on behalf of JDRF’s Ride to Cure Diabetes. The Ride to Cure has saved me in more ways than you could know and I am eternally grateful of your support. I asked you to make a decision to act and you did - you helped me raise $4,000.00 for this years ride in Vermont. As a whole the Vermont venue raised over 1.4 million dollars towards research – a first for the ride program!! All thanks to you.

That weekend was another life-changing experience as it challenged me like never before. You see I’ve never ridden in the rain. That day I rode 100 miles in the cold, wind and rain. I didn’t think I’d do it when I started; I was just going to see how I felt and take the day as it came. It’s a great thing when all is said and done, when you realize what you accomplished despite the adversity. I wrote in great detail what the experience was like in my blog. If you get a chance please copy and paste the link below to read all about it.

http://trainingdiabeteslife.blogspot.com/2009/08/coldwindrain100-miles-in-vt.html

As you may already know, this year I have become a triathlete and have now planned to race an Ironman by 2011. I can honestly say becoming an athlete has saved me. It’s helped me in dealing with loss, taking better control of my diabetes, becoming more involved in the diabetic community and as I have been positively influenced by the experience I want to continue to pay it forward. I have much to look forward to next year in preparation for 2011; lots of training, many races and new adventures as well as my annual century ride for JDRF. So I wanted to let you know you’re making a difference in my life and in the research being made with your continued support of the ride program. I couldn’t do this without you.

The path I am traveling right now is incredible and I’m enjoying every minute of it. Thank you so much for sharing it with me!!!

All my love,
Jen

30 Things About My Diabetes You May Not Know

1. The illness I live with is: Type 1 Diabetes

2. I was diagnosed with it in the year: 1995

3. But I had symptoms since: 2-3 months prior to diagnoses

4. The biggest adjustment I’ve had to make is: Thinking about how much insulin I need to cover everything I eat and always thinking about what my BG is.

5. Most people assume: That I can't eat the same things as them.

6. The hardest part about morning is: Waking up and getting out of my bed (cuz I'm tired!).

7. My favorite medical TV show is: (currently) Grey's Anatomy

8. A gadget I couldn’t live without is: My glucose meter & Insulin Pump. If I really had to choose life or death situation I'd say meter.

9. The hardest part about nights is: Going to bed! I'm a night owl which is why #6 is so hard lol.

10. Each day I take: insulin and coffee.

11. Regarding alternative treatments I: don't think there is one for type 1, other than a cure.

12. If I had to choose between an invisible illness or visible I would choose: Invisible, because I don't want people to make snap judgments based on something visible.

13. Regarding working and career: Eventually I'll be working as an RD, CDE (got a few years to go) but I hope to be that CDE that everyone wants to see and learn from. I've also thought about coaching so who knows maybe I'll do it one day...

14. People would be surprised to know: That I can eat anything they can. That despite it's daily annoyances I actually APPRECIATE having diabetes because I'm not sure I'd be doing half the stuff I'm doing. That I think about diabetes and all it entails more than I might let on.

15. The hardest thing to accept about my new reality has been: I can’t be quite as spontaneous as I would like when it comes to food and exercise.

16. Something I never thought I could do with my illness that I did was: become an athlete: century rider, triathlete and in 2011 an Ironman!

17. The commercials about my illness: usually target type 2 diabetes, not type 1. It's SO ANNOYING!!

18. Something I really miss doing since I was diagnosed is: eating whatever I want without a care.

19. It was really hard to have to give up: I haven’t completely given anything up. BUT it has been hard to cut back on the sweets without the guilt.

20. A new hobby I have taken up since my diagnosis is: exercising regularly (or at least trying to).

21. If I could have one day of feeling normal again I would: not have to check my BG and I'd eat whatever I want.

22. My illness has taught me: That I can accomplish more than I ever thought possible.

23. Want to know a secret? One thing people say that gets under my skin is: I have a few: #1: “Should you be eating that?” (said with those judging eyes) #2: When they see me with a pump: “Oh you must not have it under control" #3: What's your #? (when they see me checking)

24. But I love it when people: ask because they are interested, instead of assuming.

25. My favorite motto, scripture, or quote that gets me through tough times is: as of late..."slow and steady".

26. When someone is diagnosed I’d like to tell them: Diabetes is hard and it can be a real pain sometimes but don't EVER think you can't do something because of it.

27. Something that has surprised me about living with an illness is: I can still learn something new everyday about my disease - doesn't matter how long I've had it. I have also been surprised about the opportunities it has given me and the great people I have met.

28. The nicest thing someone did for me when I wasn’t feeling well was: opened the door for me and got me juice because I had a bad low.

29. The reason I am filling out this questionnaire is: I saw it on my teammate Jerry & David's blogs and thought it was cool.

30. The fact that you read this list makes me feel: very happy - so thanks for taking the time!