Still gotta like him!
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Michigan State Triathlon & Duathlon Championship
It’s been awhile…life, life, life. Let’s see if I can remember what happened at my last race.
What was I thinking eating Mexican food the night before a race!! It was just a veggie taco salad…how’s a girl to know it was going to skyrocket the blood sugars all night long! I had to bolus corrections every two hours until I went to bed. This was not setting me up for a good race. But it is what it is right?
I woke up the next morning with sugars in the 130 range. Not too bad considering the Mexican fiesta I had the night before. This methodical, dare I say, OCD girl ate her very same pre-race breakfast. I hate being so predictable, but ya’ll know me by now.
I was going alone to this one. Brent opted out of this race. My last, and only Olympic of the year and he is a no show…geezzzz. Good thing I know the love is there!
I got the gear in the car and headed out to the park. Pontiac Lake Recreation area is big, and full of mountain bike trails, so there were a lot of mountain bikers they’re looking at us like we were crazy. Which of course we are. Who would actually swim in 68-degree water, wetsuit or not!
Cold weather stands out the most. VERY cold that morning. I was setting up my area in gloves and a hat. I see all the usual suspects there. Gym rats and tri geeks. I saw my tall friend Steve at a distance…not hard to miss. He’s still setting up when I walk up to chat with him. We are both a bit nervous about that cold swim. I’m even prepared with 2 swim caps. You know what they say about heat and your head. I did a quick check of the blood sugars and I soared to 215 and it’s 1 hour before race time. I can’t remember what I did…probably nothing…I bet I just rode it out until the start because it only came down to 174 right before. (I found the paper I wrote my bg’s on, but I didn’t write down anything I did with the pump, or how I fueled…stupid me!)
With our wetsuits on we headed down to the beach. The sun is peaking out now and it doesn’t feel so cold. But it is still only in the 30-40 degree range. Ok, it’s still really cold to be swimming. But dang nabbit….I’m doin it! Steve goes first..then the women are off a few minutes later. I’m in up to my knees and I’m thinking it’s not so bad…what the heck am I worried about. Then I get up to my chest and now I’m thinking…oh crap…what the hell am I doing. I look at my heart rate monitor and it’s reading 100 bpm. Where’s it going to go when I really get in??? The horn blows and I physically can’t put my face in. I mean every time I try this strange impulse comes over me and keeps my head out. So I decide to breaststroke for a while. I caught a glimpse of my monitor now and it’s blinking 168! Wow! I thought it would go high, but that????
So 100 meters later my face finally makes it in and I fall into a groove. I figured the faster that can happen the faster the swim would be. I finished in 33:53…not too bad for me. I poked my finger yet again when I got to my bike and the meter read 168. That makes me happy…if I remember correctly.
I dried off as much as I could before I headed out on my bike. It was still cold and I had planned on going fast (☺) so it would be colder. I put on my long sleeves and attacked the course. There a few good climbs and I wanted to conserve as much of my legs as I could for the run. I was feeling great most of the time. My toes were frozen, but other then that everything went to plan. I finished in 1:26:07, with an average pace of 17mph.
I glided into transition with the sugars at 229. I’m sure I was disappointed here. (Funny how you don’t remember. That just goes to show you…you shouldn’t sweat some stuff huh?)
One thing I do remember is the run. The first 3 miles or so were awful! With the exception of the beautiful sun on my face warming me up! My toes were still numb from the cold, and every step I took it was like pins and needles stabbing into them. Boy if that is anything like diabetic neuropathy….I SO don’t want that! My pace was slow and my heart rate was high. Dehydration setting in? I don’t know if I was drinking enough because of the cold. In any case it was a terrible run. I remember giving a bolus for some food during…I’m just not sure what. I saw Steve around that 3-mile mark…he was on his way to the finish already….and in true Steve form asked if I was ok when he saw me testing. All was fine, still high, but just trying to get a rhythm in the run and putting the bg’s out of my mind. They let us use our ipods for the run……thank goodness for that. If I wouldn’t have had that super awesome run mix in my ears I don’t know how it would have gone!!
Finally, with the finish line in sight, I try to muster up that extra something…which just isn’t there. Maybe it’s because I feel like the absolute last person to cross, or maybe I was just spent..tapped out…toast…pick your adjective. I finished the run in 1:08…pretty poor for me. That’s an average of 10:57 minutes per mile. My sugars were at 249 now. Maybe that was some of the problem. I hate using the blood sugars as and excuse for poor performance, but it can indeed play a part.
So onward and upward as they say. From here on out it is back to base training. Long, slow, and easy. It sure is hard to keep that heart rate in zone 1-2 when all you want to do is hit it hard. But base phase of training is effective training! Thanks to Rick Crawford from Diabetes Training Camp for that! Base, base, and more base. And just when you think you’ve had enough…do more!!!
What was I thinking eating Mexican food the night before a race!! It was just a veggie taco salad…how’s a girl to know it was going to skyrocket the blood sugars all night long! I had to bolus corrections every two hours until I went to bed. This was not setting me up for a good race. But it is what it is right?
I woke up the next morning with sugars in the 130 range. Not too bad considering the Mexican fiesta I had the night before. This methodical, dare I say, OCD girl ate her very same pre-race breakfast. I hate being so predictable, but ya’ll know me by now.
I was going alone to this one. Brent opted out of this race. My last, and only Olympic of the year and he is a no show…geezzzz. Good thing I know the love is there!
I got the gear in the car and headed out to the park. Pontiac Lake Recreation area is big, and full of mountain bike trails, so there were a lot of mountain bikers they’re looking at us like we were crazy. Which of course we are. Who would actually swim in 68-degree water, wetsuit or not!
Cold weather stands out the most. VERY cold that morning. I was setting up my area in gloves and a hat. I see all the usual suspects there. Gym rats and tri geeks. I saw my tall friend Steve at a distance…not hard to miss. He’s still setting up when I walk up to chat with him. We are both a bit nervous about that cold swim. I’m even prepared with 2 swim caps. You know what they say about heat and your head. I did a quick check of the blood sugars and I soared to 215 and it’s 1 hour before race time. I can’t remember what I did…probably nothing…I bet I just rode it out until the start because it only came down to 174 right before. (I found the paper I wrote my bg’s on, but I didn’t write down anything I did with the pump, or how I fueled…stupid me!)
With our wetsuits on we headed down to the beach. The sun is peaking out now and it doesn’t feel so cold. But it is still only in the 30-40 degree range. Ok, it’s still really cold to be swimming. But dang nabbit….I’m doin it! Steve goes first..then the women are off a few minutes later. I’m in up to my knees and I’m thinking it’s not so bad…what the heck am I worried about. Then I get up to my chest and now I’m thinking…oh crap…what the hell am I doing. I look at my heart rate monitor and it’s reading 100 bpm. Where’s it going to go when I really get in??? The horn blows and I physically can’t put my face in. I mean every time I try this strange impulse comes over me and keeps my head out. So I decide to breaststroke for a while. I caught a glimpse of my monitor now and it’s blinking 168! Wow! I thought it would go high, but that????
So 100 meters later my face finally makes it in and I fall into a groove. I figured the faster that can happen the faster the swim would be. I finished in 33:53…not too bad for me. I poked my finger yet again when I got to my bike and the meter read 168. That makes me happy…if I remember correctly.
I dried off as much as I could before I headed out on my bike. It was still cold and I had planned on going fast (☺) so it would be colder. I put on my long sleeves and attacked the course. There a few good climbs and I wanted to conserve as much of my legs as I could for the run. I was feeling great most of the time. My toes were frozen, but other then that everything went to plan. I finished in 1:26:07, with an average pace of 17mph.
I glided into transition with the sugars at 229. I’m sure I was disappointed here. (Funny how you don’t remember. That just goes to show you…you shouldn’t sweat some stuff huh?)
One thing I do remember is the run. The first 3 miles or so were awful! With the exception of the beautiful sun on my face warming me up! My toes were still numb from the cold, and every step I took it was like pins and needles stabbing into them. Boy if that is anything like diabetic neuropathy….I SO don’t want that! My pace was slow and my heart rate was high. Dehydration setting in? I don’t know if I was drinking enough because of the cold. In any case it was a terrible run. I remember giving a bolus for some food during…I’m just not sure what. I saw Steve around that 3-mile mark…he was on his way to the finish already….and in true Steve form asked if I was ok when he saw me testing. All was fine, still high, but just trying to get a rhythm in the run and putting the bg’s out of my mind. They let us use our ipods for the run……thank goodness for that. If I wouldn’t have had that super awesome run mix in my ears I don’t know how it would have gone!!
Finally, with the finish line in sight, I try to muster up that extra something…which just isn’t there. Maybe it’s because I feel like the absolute last person to cross, or maybe I was just spent..tapped out…toast…pick your adjective. I finished the run in 1:08…pretty poor for me. That’s an average of 10:57 minutes per mile. My sugars were at 249 now. Maybe that was some of the problem. I hate using the blood sugars as and excuse for poor performance, but it can indeed play a part.
So onward and upward as they say. From here on out it is back to base training. Long, slow, and easy. It sure is hard to keep that heart rate in zone 1-2 when all you want to do is hit it hard. But base phase of training is effective training! Thanks to Rick Crawford from Diabetes Training Camp for that! Base, base, and more base. And just when you think you’ve had enough…do more!!!
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Ohhhhh It's Cold Out There!
The last race of the year is just 5 short days away and my thoughts are on goals for next year already. I feel the need to have significant ambitions this coming year...as it will be my 40th birthday come August. How's that for a mid-life crisis?? I guess athletic achievements for a mid-lifer is better then the usual mid-life crisis behavior. But I suppose you should ask Brent....if I want my aspirations to come true, I will be training, and training A LOT! I'm not saying anything out loud yet....but stay tuned!
I digress......it really is very cold out there and I'm not looking forward to the cold swim I'm in for on Sunday. And for that matter, I'm a bit nervous about doing the Olympic distance...but mainly because of the run. I just read someones race report from doing Ironman Wisconsin and he talked all about pacing himself on the bike. That was a good reminder for me. I must pace myself. I'm prepared...I know the bike course pretty well. A few good climbs and false flats. I drove the run course today and it looks to be slightly rolling, but pretty flat.
So what mantra will I use to get me through this race? I will not let the negative thoughts stay in my head! The blood sugars will be perfect! (Thanks to the new Dexcom birthday present...thanks Mom & Dad!) I know I can do it...because I have before. So what's my mantra going to be???? Maybe it'll be"Act as of if it were impossible to fail". My good friend Tony told me to read my email signature more often, so I guess that might be appropriate!
I digress......it really is very cold out there and I'm not looking forward to the cold swim I'm in for on Sunday. And for that matter, I'm a bit nervous about doing the Olympic distance...but mainly because of the run. I just read someones race report from doing Ironman Wisconsin and he talked all about pacing himself on the bike. That was a good reminder for me. I must pace myself. I'm prepared...I know the bike course pretty well. A few good climbs and false flats. I drove the run course today and it looks to be slightly rolling, but pretty flat.
So what mantra will I use to get me through this race? I will not let the negative thoughts stay in my head! The blood sugars will be perfect! (Thanks to the new Dexcom birthday present...thanks Mom & Dad!) I know I can do it...because I have before. So what's my mantra going to be???? Maybe it'll be"Act as of if it were impossible to fail". My good friend Tony told me to read my email signature more often, so I guess that might be appropriate!
Friday, August 31, 2007
One More Under the Belt
Another race morning came upon me! I woke up with a blood sugar of 136, and this perfectionist accepts it as a good number for a race day. (And yes to all my diabetic friends out there...I would normally correct a 136, that's how anal I am!) The same ol nerves and anticipation are coming on while I'm eating my usual pre-race breakfast. Although the nerves are not as present as they have been in the past and I'm just plain excited to race. I made a big pot of coffee for my loving husband who is not quite up yet. (Early bird and night owl....a match made in heaven!) Brent and Jim can't understand why triathlons have to be so early....why not a more respectable hour? But Shannon and I still drag them.I finish getting all my gear together and we head out the door at 5:30am. After getting a bit lost in the early morning darkness we made it to the park. I check in, get my goody bag and head back to the car for my gear. Brent and Jim are now joking around on how to jockey for a good position to see us.
Shannon got her stuff all set up super fast, and I just take forever......remember...perfectionist!I checked my blood sugar and it's 215. Obviously not a number I would like. I increase my basal rate and wait it out. At this point Shannon has realized that the swim will be cold...and decides to look at the wetsuits the "bike store" under the tent. Great price on a 2XU sleeveless one and fits great. SOLD! Risky move on race day...but I'm the one with those hangups, not Shannon. Now we want to get in the water to test it out right? I do one last check on the bg, and it's down to 174....better, but not what I wanted to see. I think I bolused a very small amount then took the pump off and headed to the start.
The water was fine...love wearing the wetsuit...if only taking it off were easier! The men go off first, and the women follow 1 min. later. I fall into my rhythm pretty early. The bright sunlight made it hard to sight the buoys, but I managed fine.
I'm the one taking the earplugs out
As I exit the water my mind goes to the bike and the routine I use for transition. I get the wetsuit off and check the bg, and it's 168. Now this makes me happy. A very small change after a race effort swim. I consider that success! I finish transition, hop on my bike and I'm off!
This bike course surprised me. I rode a part of it for the Tour de Cure back in June, and I don't remember some of those hills. Geezzzz! I still managed a bike speed of 18-19mph. My legs are burning near the end of the 12.5 miles, and now I'm starting to imagine the run on legs that feel like 2 bricks!
I arrived in transition and the blood sugars are up to 229. Yep...I knew that was coming. I think I corrected a little again. (I really should write that down huh?) This run should be interesting to say the least. I head out to the cheers of the husbands and....BAM....the run starts with a short but steep hill. Can you say anaerobic?? Like I wasn't already! The run course was 2 loops and I decide to ease into it with the first loop.....I gotta get those legs loosened up! By the time the 2nd loop came I felt way better...but still not "there" yet and don't feel like I will be.....until I see the finish line through the trees....AND the women in front of me with the age of 38 on her calf! Now I don't need to tell you what happened next do I? Yes, I found that "something" that I needed to push me to the line, and get my race face on. I caught...I passed...I finished 5th out of 25 in my agegroup.
I looked around for the boys and found them with their chairs and cameras in hand. I check the blood sugars once again and I see a 249....another climb, but not too bad. I say not too bad...but really....I'm unhappy with it. I tried to forget about it and enjoy the finish! I head on back to the finish line to wait for Shannon. Strong finish for her! She looked great! But I'll tell you we both agreed that the run hard.....grass/paved path. The grass was the tough part...not even a trail.
I tried to see if they posted any finish times...but no go. I had pancakes on the mind and didn't want to wait! Shannon and I quickly changed in the Element and made our way out of the park! Always love replenishing those glycogen stores!!
Did I kick stress in the butt today???? I think I did...at least I'm kicking it down one block at a time. I will say that I didn't think about any of it while I was racing. I plan on knocking a few more blocks down on Sept. 16th...the last race of my season!
Next up...Sept. 16th
Monday, August 20, 2007
Have I Mentioned.....
...the living with diabetes part of my blog. There is much more to the big ball of diabetes then just my training and racing. STRESS is a huge part of the chaos that causes blood sugar woes! Stress makes you want to crawl under a rock and not get your butt out there and train. Stress fuels thoughts that would never cross ones "normal" mind. How do you break the cycle? I have never quite found that something, but one thing is for sure....stress can kick your a**!!!!
So...in light of current situations....and so little racing this year.....I look forward to the next race. Another sprint distance with my friend Shannon. Sunday I will wake up fully focused and ready to go. Stick to the race plan...stick to the race plan. I do this because I love it...I do it also to show we diabetics CAN do it! And on race day.....stress will no longer kick my a**.....I'll do the a** kicking that day!
So...in light of current situations....and so little racing this year.....I look forward to the next race. Another sprint distance with my friend Shannon. Sunday I will wake up fully focused and ready to go. Stick to the race plan...stick to the race plan. I do this because I love it...I do it also to show we diabetics CAN do it! And on race day.....stress will no longer kick my a**.....I'll do the a** kicking that day!
Monday, August 06, 2007
Race Season Finally Starts
Life is hectic sometimes. Yesterday was the first race of the season for me. Training has been crap, so I went into this race with no expectations. And for anyone that knows me well…they know that is very hard for me to do. So my report goes as this:
No nerves at all race morning. Amazing! Maybe that was the no expectation part of my preparations. I woke up around 5AM with a blood sugar of 76(not ideal for race day).
I eat, and bolus for all of it…only 25carbs anyway. I also raise my basal rate based on all the testing of this method I did last year for sprint races. And I check often to see where it goes in the next 2 hrs. The Dexcom is dead so no continuous monitoring this time. Bummer!
They had been predicting rain and way cooler temps for Sunday so I checked the weather first thing. (who are “they” anyway???) It looked like there was a lot on its way via the radar. I’m thinking this is not going to be good…especially if there is lightening/thunder. They will cancel for sure. But I kept packing my gear and thinking that at least it won’t be the 90 plus degrees it has been the past week. The water will be warmer then the air. I made a pot of coffee for Brent to take…and amazing enough he was awake before I could wake him.
We were to meet our friends Shannon and Jim around 6:15-6:30. Brent and Jim were all bundled up with chairs, cameras, umbrellas, and coffee in hands. They think triathlon is not a spectator sport, but you could have fooled us. Brent has been to enough of mine to know the ropes. This event I’ve done every year since it started. Right here in Clarkston. They know where to sit to see Shannon and I several times. (Although I might add they gave their chairs to 2 women with babies watching their husbands…chivalry is not dead!)
As I’m setting up my transition area I’m seeing all sorts of friends of mine. Nice to see them all! (By the way…the new bike looks great racked at an event. Hope I do it justice!) We all seem to be talking about the weather, which at this point has not started yet…just super cloudy and 60ish degrees. It’s been about 1.5 hr’s since I ate. I do a blood sugar check, and I’m at 105…perfect, but scared again of a low I eat 10gm. I get my swim stuff and we make the trek to the beach, about 700m away. Once there I make the obligatory porta-john stop….along with everyone else. And now the wait begins.
Shannon and I are in second wave to start. Now I’m realizing that I have the only white swim cap among the women…clearly a mistake at check-in, but no one says anything so I ignore it. Turns out to be a good thing for Brent…he can see me through the whole swim.
I see my training friend Steve who is anxious to start, and wish him luck. Which he won’t really need…he is a SUPER athlete! Maybe it will rub off on me!
One last blood sugar check, and I’m at 117. I’m happy and hand my meter and pump to Brent who will be waiting to hand my pump to me after the swim.
I’m in the water and dunk under several times to get the body used to the temperature. I hate how my heart rate goes up so fast at the beginning of the swim and hope that this helps a bit. The horn blows and we are off. I get my groove early…and it surprises me. I’m feeling really good…sighting the buoys, breathing on both sides, just smooth. I’m trying not to worry about my pace so much and keep trying to remember that I’m not really racing this one. As I’m coming out of the water , someone is screaming my name. I look over to see my friend Dana with her boyfriend Travis. This really motivates me!! I was wishing Dana could be racing with me, but after quite a health scare, having her there is wonderful !!!
I quickly hook my pump back up, and slip my shoes on for the 700m run to transition. I hate that part of this race! When I get to my bike, I’m fumbling around a bit because it is now just starting to drizzle and I covered all my gear up with a plastic bag. I check the bg’s and I’ve peaked to 190. I’m a little deflated by this, but I continue and happy it isn’t higher. I think that 10gms I ate are showing…plus a little anaerobic swim.
I couldn't wait to race on my new bike!!! The day is here…on a course I know like the back of my hand! It was just great! I averaged around 19-20mph. Other then the few MEN who didn’t call out “on your left” and pass you at very close range….the ride was great. The real rain held off. So I didn’t worry too much about slick roads.
I’m in transition once again and check bg’s once again. Now I’m at 200. Not bad considering the 190 to start and a pretty all out effort on the bike. (I just couldn’t hold back..it was too fun!!) As I’m poking my finger there are people watching right next to me and I do a quick explanation, they give a few WOW’s and I’m off again. I think I bloused .5 to correct and I anticipated a more anaerobic run.
Running has been dog slow for me lately, so what will happen here I don’t know! It’s a 2 loop course with one big hill that I curse every time I get to it! I kept the pace down a little to get the legs used to running. Just when I get to the bottom of that hill a guy passes and says..”You’re tough!…You’re diabetic?” I say yes and thanks. Either he saw the pump or he overheard the small explanation in transition. (Sorry Tony…no jersey worn today to promote Type 1 Rider….I was hot!) Tough I thought? I’m not feeling so tough on this hill. Then I started to think about tough….people like Tony, Mari, Marty, Mike, Kathy, Dana who know tough….and then the names got to be too many…and it suddenly became not so tough. I go through for the second loop and see Brent, Jim, Ann, Bob, and Janet too cheering me on…then see Dana again. I hold my hand out for a high 5 and take some of the awesome strength of hers for the last lap. This lap now feels faster and stronger. The finish was sweet and I gave it all in the last mile. Steve finished right behind me and looked fantastic. He asked how my blood sugars were when he couldn’t even catch his breath…now that’s a true training friend…scratch that…true friend. I can’t even describe how that made me feel! We went to grab some food and water and then went to find our families. (by the way, blood sugar was 230. Bolused for the correction and a bagel)
I went back to the finish to wait for Shannon…then low and behold my friends Matt and Gary cross the line then Shannon. Great finish for Shannon! She hasn’t done a triathlon in a while…she looked terrific!!
At this point it is starting to really rain and we cut out chatting with everyone to get our gear in the car and go to breakfast. Bob and Ann, Jim and Shannon, Dana and Travis all head to the coney island. I think we all deserved a pancake or 2!!
I finished 11/25 in my age group. Which I’m trying not to be disappointed about…because I was not racing…right??? But I really thought that run was faster…that pace is 3 years ago pace!
11/25 Nancy Eastman
swim rank 4- 18:23- pace 2:18- 800m
bike rank 9- 50:05- rate 19.2 - 18miles
run rank 19- 44:01- pace 10:01- 4.4 miles
Total time 2:00:17
As I came into the finish chute I heard my name and almost wish I could have heard.”Nancy Eastman, diabetic, from Clarkson.”
No nerves at all race morning. Amazing! Maybe that was the no expectation part of my preparations. I woke up around 5AM with a blood sugar of 76(not ideal for race day).
I eat, and bolus for all of it…only 25carbs anyway. I also raise my basal rate based on all the testing of this method I did last year for sprint races. And I check often to see where it goes in the next 2 hrs. The Dexcom is dead so no continuous monitoring this time. Bummer!
They had been predicting rain and way cooler temps for Sunday so I checked the weather first thing. (who are “they” anyway???) It looked like there was a lot on its way via the radar. I’m thinking this is not going to be good…especially if there is lightening/thunder. They will cancel for sure. But I kept packing my gear and thinking that at least it won’t be the 90 plus degrees it has been the past week. The water will be warmer then the air. I made a pot of coffee for Brent to take…and amazing enough he was awake before I could wake him.
We were to meet our friends Shannon and Jim around 6:15-6:30. Brent and Jim were all bundled up with chairs, cameras, umbrellas, and coffee in hands. They think triathlon is not a spectator sport, but you could have fooled us. Brent has been to enough of mine to know the ropes. This event I’ve done every year since it started. Right here in Clarkston. They know where to sit to see Shannon and I several times. (Although I might add they gave their chairs to 2 women with babies watching their husbands…chivalry is not dead!)
As I’m setting up my transition area I’m seeing all sorts of friends of mine. Nice to see them all! (By the way…the new bike looks great racked at an event. Hope I do it justice!) We all seem to be talking about the weather, which at this point has not started yet…just super cloudy and 60ish degrees. It’s been about 1.5 hr’s since I ate. I do a blood sugar check, and I’m at 105…perfect, but scared again of a low I eat 10gm. I get my swim stuff and we make the trek to the beach, about 700m away. Once there I make the obligatory porta-john stop….along with everyone else. And now the wait begins.
Shannon and I are in second wave to start. Now I’m realizing that I have the only white swim cap among the women…clearly a mistake at check-in, but no one says anything so I ignore it. Turns out to be a good thing for Brent…he can see me through the whole swim.
I see my training friend Steve who is anxious to start, and wish him luck. Which he won’t really need…he is a SUPER athlete! Maybe it will rub off on me!
One last blood sugar check, and I’m at 117. I’m happy and hand my meter and pump to Brent who will be waiting to hand my pump to me after the swim.
I’m in the water and dunk under several times to get the body used to the temperature. I hate how my heart rate goes up so fast at the beginning of the swim and hope that this helps a bit. The horn blows and we are off. I get my groove early…and it surprises me. I’m feeling really good…sighting the buoys, breathing on both sides, just smooth. I’m trying not to worry about my pace so much and keep trying to remember that I’m not really racing this one. As I’m coming out of the water , someone is screaming my name. I look over to see my friend Dana with her boyfriend Travis. This really motivates me!! I was wishing Dana could be racing with me, but after quite a health scare, having her there is wonderful !!!
I quickly hook my pump back up, and slip my shoes on for the 700m run to transition. I hate that part of this race! When I get to my bike, I’m fumbling around a bit because it is now just starting to drizzle and I covered all my gear up with a plastic bag. I check the bg’s and I’ve peaked to 190. I’m a little deflated by this, but I continue and happy it isn’t higher. I think that 10gms I ate are showing…plus a little anaerobic swim.
I couldn't wait to race on my new bike!!! The day is here…on a course I know like the back of my hand! It was just great! I averaged around 19-20mph. Other then the few MEN who didn’t call out “on your left” and pass you at very close range….the ride was great. The real rain held off. So I didn’t worry too much about slick roads.
I’m in transition once again and check bg’s once again. Now I’m at 200. Not bad considering the 190 to start and a pretty all out effort on the bike. (I just couldn’t hold back..it was too fun!!) As I’m poking my finger there are people watching right next to me and I do a quick explanation, they give a few WOW’s and I’m off again. I think I bloused .5 to correct and I anticipated a more anaerobic run.
Running has been dog slow for me lately, so what will happen here I don’t know! It’s a 2 loop course with one big hill that I curse every time I get to it! I kept the pace down a little to get the legs used to running. Just when I get to the bottom of that hill a guy passes and says..”You’re tough!…You’re diabetic?” I say yes and thanks. Either he saw the pump or he overheard the small explanation in transition. (Sorry Tony…no jersey worn today to promote Type 1 Rider….I was hot!) Tough I thought? I’m not feeling so tough on this hill. Then I started to think about tough….people like Tony, Mari, Marty, Mike, Kathy, Dana who know tough….and then the names got to be too many…and it suddenly became not so tough. I go through for the second loop and see Brent, Jim, Ann, Bob, and Janet too cheering me on…then see Dana again. I hold my hand out for a high 5 and take some of the awesome strength of hers for the last lap. This lap now feels faster and stronger. The finish was sweet and I gave it all in the last mile. Steve finished right behind me and looked fantastic. He asked how my blood sugars were when he couldn’t even catch his breath…now that’s a true training friend…scratch that…true friend. I can’t even describe how that made me feel! We went to grab some food and water and then went to find our families. (by the way, blood sugar was 230. Bolused for the correction and a bagel)
I went back to the finish to wait for Shannon…then low and behold my friends Matt and Gary cross the line then Shannon. Great finish for Shannon! She hasn’t done a triathlon in a while…she looked terrific!!
At this point it is starting to really rain and we cut out chatting with everyone to get our gear in the car and go to breakfast. Bob and Ann, Jim and Shannon, Dana and Travis all head to the coney island. I think we all deserved a pancake or 2!!
I finished 11/25 in my age group. Which I’m trying not to be disappointed about…because I was not racing…right??? But I really thought that run was faster…that pace is 3 years ago pace!
11/25 Nancy Eastman
swim rank 4- 18:23- pace 2:18- 800m
bike rank 9- 50:05- rate 19.2 - 18miles
run rank 19- 44:01- pace 10:01- 4.4 miles
Total time 2:00:17
As I came into the finish chute I heard my name and almost wish I could have heard.”Nancy Eastman, diabetic, from Clarkson.”
Newsweek Article
A fellow camper is a writer for Newsweek...check out her article online...then read the Q &A with Dr. Matt! Awesome exposure! Also make sure to look at my 1 minute of my 15 minutes of fame on the second page. Quite the photo of "happy campers"!
Saturday, June 23, 2007
The 2nd Last Day
The worlds smallest triathlon happened again! Our run coach, Ray, had his strategy of taping his feet so he wouldn't have to put his shoes on. Graham, his assistant, decided to run the bike portion...he figured he could out run them all and did a pretty good job! Jay wore his helmet in the pool to save time. Veronica(nutrition/medical staff), Michelle(fitness/exercise physiologist), and Carrie(sports psychology) had an awesome team in the relay division. The only coach that didn't cheat was Celeste our fabulous swim coach! Our fearless head coach Nicole wore running shoes for the whole thing...swim and all...and took home the prize! It was a photo finish with Celeste and Jay...quite the sprint! I also heard there was some boxing going on in the pool...by everyone!! Who ever said our staff wasn't competitive??!! I have the pics to prove it!
Only 4-5 us did ours...I think I was first out of the pool....but that didn't mean anything for sure! I think we all laughed more than anything.
The last official all camper gathering was much like last year. Teary eyed for many.....and for our diabetes guru Matt. Is he overwhelmed at our response to him, or to just the overall experience? Maybe both. Campers where calling him a life savior. Clearly we diabetics are not getting the information we need. They, much like me last year, learned things they had never heard before. (A great refresher for me!) And some of them have been living with diabetes for 20+ years. How do we slip through the cracks? Are we too much effort for the physicians we see? Are we really not the typical T1 diabetic? To find a doctor so willing to put the puzzle together with us is a gift. There are so many pieces to it that someone like Matt...AND the amazing staff he put together...have the passion and willingness to sit down and put plans into action with us.
This is the 2nd last day of camp I've experienced...does that make sense?? The first time around was pretty profound, and I feel like this year the feeling is blunted in some way. I expected it to be different for me, and I can't quite put it into words. It took me 5 hours to get to my half way point in my drive home, and I had a lot of time to think. Here are a few thoughts....
Very different group this year..not bad...actually I think good. I saw people gain confidence in their abilities with diabetes and with fitness. I heard..."I haven't rode a bike since I was a kid, and I loved it!" "I'm getting a new bike!" " I'm going to find a yoga class!"
The people were stand out!!! The friendship with my roomie has grown and I'm not letting that go. I need more people like Mari in my life....not to mention her brother Marty. I don't think I've laughed that much in a long time! Insert photo here....Nicole, Mari, Matt, Marty...
I heard more then once that I...yes me....I was an inspiration to the others. Funny....their courage inspired me. They tried things they have never done before and really pushed themselves. With the diabetes and the athletics. You've got to admire that! Anyway...very flattering to have that said to you, and makes me really want to move in that direction. I never really thought that I could inspire others...but I think I found my niche with fellow diabetic athletes!
Ohhhh, I'm Tired
Well last night ended up too late for this early bird! I slept in a bit and missed a swim while my great friend Mari went on with her brother to dunk in the pool. I went a bit later to meet up with them to meet the cycling group at the park. Outstanding ride. A little too much traffic for my liking, but we did great! We got there just in time for the pacelining to begin! This time...fast! It was thrilling! My heart rate was way up there with all that intensity. I don't know that I stopped smiling once...I think I got bugs on my teeth! After the thrill was gone some of us rode back at a nice pace. Once I got back I really felt the lack of sleep. Usually I don't need much, but I believe this week is finally catching up with me. Am I getting too old for this $@%*??? Ok, bad statement...I'm SO not too old for this, just maybe not at this pace huh?
At this point Mari and I are fried, so we ate and decided to skip Jay's speech, lecture, whatever you'd like to call it, and take a nap. Apparently we missed a good one, at least that's what most people said....pretty inspirational. Oh...the pillow was calling me though. So I really don't nap well, and when I wake up I'm usually worse then before. But this was a risk I was willing to take...and after a 2 hr. HARD nap I woke up...yep...worse. The shower helped a bit...then dinner helped a bit more, but still not a 100%. I have to get it together because we are going on a field trip tonight!
Around 7:30 we all head out to go to the Lehigh Valley Velodrome. It is world renowned, and if you have never witnessed track cycling...crazy fast and very strategic.
This photo is of 11 yr old girls...the one in the front won. She was fast...geezzz!
We got home around 9:30...not so early tomorrow, so this will be good!
At this point Mari and I are fried, so we ate and decided to skip Jay's speech, lecture, whatever you'd like to call it, and take a nap. Apparently we missed a good one, at least that's what most people said....pretty inspirational. Oh...the pillow was calling me though. So I really don't nap well, and when I wake up I'm usually worse then before. But this was a risk I was willing to take...and after a 2 hr. HARD nap I woke up...yep...worse. The shower helped a bit...then dinner helped a bit more, but still not a 100%. I have to get it together because we are going on a field trip tonight!
Around 7:30 we all head out to go to the Lehigh Valley Velodrome. It is world renowned, and if you have never witnessed track cycling...crazy fast and very strategic.
This photo is of 11 yr old girls...the one in the front won. She was fast...geezzz!We got home around 9:30...not so early tomorrow, so this will be good!
Friday, June 22, 2007
Refreshed?
Woke up pretty refreshed today. More like rested. I decided to take it easy. Recover from yesterdays activities. Had a great swim this morning! Put it all together. Did a lot more swimming this time. We also got to review are swimming video from the first day, and compare it to today’s video. Boy, just when I get one thing ironed out another pops up. I’m going to swim tomorrow to get the legs in order!
Relaxation! AHHHHHH! Had about an 1 1/2 hours to just chill out. I need it too. Chatted with campers and staff, snacked, etc. Now I have not mentioned any sports psychology and not because it hasn't been good...just because I missed that session a couple of days ago for my VO2 test. Today she had us doing a little teamwork exercise. Did peoples personalities come out in force on this one! You certainly learned who wanted to be boss quickly! From there it was lunch.
In the afternoon I decided to take a nice recovery run with the run group. Only 3 of us. That was nice. It was to be a nice tempo workout at 70-80% of your max heart rate....so that's slow and steady for me. I tried a new plan with my insulin and fuel with Matts advice...we'll see how that goes. Nice 15 min. warm up...20 min tempo...20 min. cool down. Perfect!! Beautiful park, great temperature...great afternoon! Blood sugars kept dropping low during because of the lower intensity. One Gu and part of a bag of Mike and Ikes candy took care of that, and at the end of the run I was in a perfect range! Now this wouldn't remain the same....so trial and error is the life of a diabetic, so Nancy must be flexible and go with it and stick with the plan I set up with our leader. I trust him...so I continue.
We were asked to be part of a focus group for Matt this afternoon. It seemed to be for new product design stuff. Our group kept going left and right of that subject, but we always came back. Interesting stuff...I wonder what will come of that.
Tabouli??!! What a dinner for the veggie tonight! I also got some eggplant veggie something or other. Awesome! It feels like home...someone cooking for me.
Matt had a terrific lecture on exercise induced hypoglycemia...technical...great....I won't do the details!
Got back to the hotel and got hoodwinked into going for a drink...which is what I had...1...really...but I stayed on until 1ish and laughed my head off. There are some funny people here!
Relaxation! AHHHHHH! Had about an 1 1/2 hours to just chill out. I need it too. Chatted with campers and staff, snacked, etc. Now I have not mentioned any sports psychology and not because it hasn't been good...just because I missed that session a couple of days ago for my VO2 test. Today she had us doing a little teamwork exercise. Did peoples personalities come out in force on this one! You certainly learned who wanted to be boss quickly! From there it was lunch.
In the afternoon I decided to take a nice recovery run with the run group. Only 3 of us. That was nice. It was to be a nice tempo workout at 70-80% of your max heart rate....so that's slow and steady for me. I tried a new plan with my insulin and fuel with Matts advice...we'll see how that goes. Nice 15 min. warm up...20 min tempo...20 min. cool down. Perfect!! Beautiful park, great temperature...great afternoon! Blood sugars kept dropping low during because of the lower intensity. One Gu and part of a bag of Mike and Ikes candy took care of that, and at the end of the run I was in a perfect range! Now this wouldn't remain the same....so trial and error is the life of a diabetic, so Nancy must be flexible and go with it and stick with the plan I set up with our leader. I trust him...so I continue.
We were asked to be part of a focus group for Matt this afternoon. It seemed to be for new product design stuff. Our group kept going left and right of that subject, but we always came back. Interesting stuff...I wonder what will come of that.
Tabouli??!! What a dinner for the veggie tonight! I also got some eggplant veggie something or other. Awesome! It feels like home...someone cooking for me.
Matt had a terrific lecture on exercise induced hypoglycemia...technical...great....I won't do the details!
Got back to the hotel and got hoodwinked into going for a drink...which is what I had...1...really...but I stayed on until 1ish and laughed my head off. There are some funny people here!
Hittin' It
Hittin hard today! I decided…with great timing…to do all three disciplines today. Up at 6:30 to do a 7:30 swim. Drills, form, drills, form…more of the same, but not in a bad way. Fine tuning if you will! Things are clicking just like last year, but better. I wish I could compare the video from last year to this year. It felt so much better. I’m going to really try not to abandon it this time. I really feel as if I have the drills and knowledge base. Might have to find a Total Immersion class somewhere to help along the way, but much improved!
The lecture before lunch was about basic carb counting and fueling before, during, and after exercise. Jay Hewitt…Ironman, Type1…gave some tips on what he does and what products he uses. Good info there. Then taste testing some foods the girls made for us. YUM!
Off to lunch and time to rest…went back to the hotel to drop some stuff off, and chill. Not much time there…the maid was cleaning the room. Would have liked to lay down for a bit. I’m a diehard…who needs a stinkin rest right??? I made it back, hopped on my bike and hit the road with the group. Maybe 7-8 of us. Nicole(head coach) and Jay were at the helm and led us over to the Rodale Fitness Park. There is a 1 mile paved track for riding, roller blading, running, etc there. Same place as last year. If my memory was serving we were in for some pacelining. Yep…I was right! It went way better for me then last year, which made it even more fun. I just love it when I feel like I’m doing well. No, I’m not competitive at all!!! (Creatively place sarcasm) We had a nice easy ride back for a total of about 17 miles. Felt nice to actually get some time on the bike. I loved the drill work, but was itching to get my legs moving.
The minute of our return our guru Rick Crawford started his lecture. Started out with Team Type 1. Unfortunately no great detail because of a time issue. But we have our returning camper from last year, Andy, that was on the team this year and I got to talk to him a bit. Super nice guy, and wicked on the bike. His words….”It was hard!” Need I say more? The strategy was to put each guy out there for a push for 25 min. or so. And I mean push…all out. And keep rotating teammates until the finish. Lots of planning…lots of strategy. Very cool. Hope to hear more about it. Not one problem with the diabetes among any off them. WOW!
Now last year’s food…not so good right? This year I am apparently the only vegetarian, so the wonderful chef has been cooking me my own meals at night. Last night was a veggie quinoa. Who would have thought he would have known what quinoa was? I mean it’s only the cafeteria at the college. I think I’m getting couscous tomorrow. I’m hungry already!
After dinner, and still without a shower, we went over to the lecture hall for our guest speaker, Will Cross. A type 1 who has successfully summited Everest. Not to mention many, many other climbs. Very inspirational. Amazing story. Tried 2 other times before he succeeded. He had some special NASA material to keep his insulin in to keep it from freezing.
Now I’m toast! Need to go back and sleep! My body needs a can of soda first then my head is hitting the pillow. Lights out!
The lecture before lunch was about basic carb counting and fueling before, during, and after exercise. Jay Hewitt…Ironman, Type1…gave some tips on what he does and what products he uses. Good info there. Then taste testing some foods the girls made for us. YUM!
Off to lunch and time to rest…went back to the hotel to drop some stuff off, and chill. Not much time there…the maid was cleaning the room. Would have liked to lay down for a bit. I’m a diehard…who needs a stinkin rest right??? I made it back, hopped on my bike and hit the road with the group. Maybe 7-8 of us. Nicole(head coach) and Jay were at the helm and led us over to the Rodale Fitness Park. There is a 1 mile paved track for riding, roller blading, running, etc there. Same place as last year. If my memory was serving we were in for some pacelining. Yep…I was right! It went way better for me then last year, which made it even more fun. I just love it when I feel like I’m doing well. No, I’m not competitive at all!!! (Creatively place sarcasm) We had a nice easy ride back for a total of about 17 miles. Felt nice to actually get some time on the bike. I loved the drill work, but was itching to get my legs moving.
The minute of our return our guru Rick Crawford started his lecture. Started out with Team Type 1. Unfortunately no great detail because of a time issue. But we have our returning camper from last year, Andy, that was on the team this year and I got to talk to him a bit. Super nice guy, and wicked on the bike. His words….”It was hard!” Need I say more? The strategy was to put each guy out there for a push for 25 min. or so. And I mean push…all out. And keep rotating teammates until the finish. Lots of planning…lots of strategy. Very cool. Hope to hear more about it. Not one problem with the diabetes among any off them. WOW!
Now last year’s food…not so good right? This year I am apparently the only vegetarian, so the wonderful chef has been cooking me my own meals at night. Last night was a veggie quinoa. Who would have thought he would have known what quinoa was? I mean it’s only the cafeteria at the college. I think I’m getting couscous tomorrow. I’m hungry already!
After dinner, and still without a shower, we went over to the lecture hall for our guest speaker, Will Cross. A type 1 who has successfully summited Everest. Not to mention many, many other climbs. Very inspirational. Amazing story. Tried 2 other times before he succeeded. He had some special NASA material to keep his insulin in to keep it from freezing.
Now I’m toast! Need to go back and sleep! My body needs a can of soda first then my head is hitting the pillow. Lights out!
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Is Today Tuesday?
Today I can remember!
Not so early wake up today. Mari and I decided to eat here at the hotel instead, which is much better food, so no need to get up at the crack of dawn. After that we headed over to our meeting area at the Rodale Aquatic Center here in Allentown. I was suppose to go with the run group in the morning. but quickly decided to go cycling instead. That turned out to be a great decision on my part. Only 4 of us! Jacob(yet another young funny boy), Mari, and her brother Marty(yes he's diabetic too) Off to a parking lot we went. Now I'm freakin out because last year was a little disheartening for me. The realization that I'm not a bike handler was hard. But were a small group and maybe I'll get more time? Absolutely true. I can pick up a water bottle while riding, jump, and corner like nobodies business...oh and I can go with no hands now. Why was that easier as a kid??? Key...overcoming the fear factor. What kid has fear I guess. Anyway, worth the price of the ticket!
Usual lunch. Rick Crawford finally came out of his sleep deprived coma and joined us. He was with Team Type 1 while doing RAAM. Look forward to hearing more of those stories soon! He was suppose to talk tonight, but time got away from us with a great lecture by our fearless leader Matt...more on that later, or maybe not...very technical, I'm not sure I even get it yet!
I'm hittin the pool again! This time backstroke. Nice to change it up. Very similar to the crawl, but on your back....duh! Ok, more to it then that, but you get it.
VO2max test!!!! Nervous? Naw, not me! (Note sarcasm here) I got out of the pool with a low blood sugar and did a bunch of correcting then onto the bike for the test! I got all hooked up and started pedaling. 15-20 min. later I'm done...sweating like a pig. The results were pretty much the same as last year, but Rick will go over them later with me. I guess I had hoped it would get better....me? Perfectionist?
Last....we had a sponsored dinner at a TGI Fridays. Forgive me I forget the company. We all let loose a little bit. Laughed a lot. That was nice!
Gotta sleep...over and out!
Not so early wake up today. Mari and I decided to eat here at the hotel instead, which is much better food, so no need to get up at the crack of dawn. After that we headed over to our meeting area at the Rodale Aquatic Center here in Allentown. I was suppose to go with the run group in the morning. but quickly decided to go cycling instead. That turned out to be a great decision on my part. Only 4 of us! Jacob(yet another young funny boy), Mari, and her brother Marty(yes he's diabetic too) Off to a parking lot we went. Now I'm freakin out because last year was a little disheartening for me. The realization that I'm not a bike handler was hard. But were a small group and maybe I'll get more time? Absolutely true. I can pick up a water bottle while riding, jump, and corner like nobodies business...oh and I can go with no hands now. Why was that easier as a kid??? Key...overcoming the fear factor. What kid has fear I guess. Anyway, worth the price of the ticket!
Usual lunch. Rick Crawford finally came out of his sleep deprived coma and joined us. He was with Team Type 1 while doing RAAM. Look forward to hearing more of those stories soon! He was suppose to talk tonight, but time got away from us with a great lecture by our fearless leader Matt...more on that later, or maybe not...very technical, I'm not sure I even get it yet!
I'm hittin the pool again! This time backstroke. Nice to change it up. Very similar to the crawl, but on your back....duh! Ok, more to it then that, but you get it.
VO2max test!!!! Nervous? Naw, not me! (Note sarcasm here) I got out of the pool with a low blood sugar and did a bunch of correcting then onto the bike for the test! I got all hooked up and started pedaling. 15-20 min. later I'm done...sweating like a pig. The results were pretty much the same as last year, but Rick will go over them later with me. I guess I had hoped it would get better....me? Perfectionist?
Last....we had a sponsored dinner at a TGI Fridays. Forgive me I forget the company. We all let loose a little bit. Laughed a lot. That was nice!
Gotta sleep...over and out!
Finally!
Let's talk Monday! Ok, let's see if I can remember Monday! Swim in the AM...awesome. Did a ton of drill work then put it all together. I am one with the water now! Maybe two with the water anyway.
VERY hot today...I stress VERY!!! After lunch I headed out for a run with our new coach this year, Ray, who happens to be diabetic also. Big plus in my book. The plan was to do 800m intervals at a sub max heart rate. In other words...HARD! In that heat was a real challenge. We all made it through a warm-up, 3 sets, then a cool down. YIKES! Even with dunking my arms and legs in the ice bucket that had all the Gadorade and water I was still hot.
Ok this is so not in order of things happening. I'm sitting here in my room with my friend Mari and she is reminding of all I've done. She can remember, why can't I?
I got hooked up to a continuous glucose monitor again. I know I have one now of my own, but hey I figure I'll use up their sensors at $35 a pop right? Lot's of pain and anguish with that. Problems getting it to work..3 sticks to put sensors in...yada, yada...but all is good in the world now and getting readings all day.
Lectures.....
Ray, run coach, spoke about his career before diabetes and about his diagnosis and career with diabetes. Great stories and a great coach. He has an assistant with him...Graham..very funny, very young. Kids today!
Technical lectures....do you want to hear them?
VERY hot today...I stress VERY!!! After lunch I headed out for a run with our new coach this year, Ray, who happens to be diabetic also. Big plus in my book. The plan was to do 800m intervals at a sub max heart rate. In other words...HARD! In that heat was a real challenge. We all made it through a warm-up, 3 sets, then a cool down. YIKES! Even with dunking my arms and legs in the ice bucket that had all the Gadorade and water I was still hot.
Ok this is so not in order of things happening. I'm sitting here in my room with my friend Mari and she is reminding of all I've done. She can remember, why can't I?
I got hooked up to a continuous glucose monitor again. I know I have one now of my own, but hey I figure I'll use up their sensors at $35 a pop right? Lot's of pain and anguish with that. Problems getting it to work..3 sticks to put sensors in...yada, yada...but all is good in the world now and getting readings all day.
Lectures.....
Ray, run coach, spoke about his career before diabetes and about his diagnosis and career with diabetes. Great stories and a great coach. He has an assistant with him...Graham..very funny, very young. Kids today!
Technical lectures....do you want to hear them?
First Full Day!
This is a day late and a dollar short...this will be VERY brief...I'm flyin out the door to dinner.
Yep...that's that! See you tomorrow!
Ok...seriously...I'll update tonight.....hopefully. More of the same late hours as last year.
Just know that I can't believe I've learned more already!
By the way...feel free to leave me comments...I'd love to hear from anyone who is bored, or enthused of my escapades! But be nice:)
Yep...that's that! See you tomorrow!
Ok...seriously...I'll update tonight.....hopefully. More of the same late hours as last year.
Just know that I can't believe I've learned more already!
By the way...feel free to leave me comments...I'd love to hear from anyone who is bored, or enthused of my escapades! But be nice:)
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Check in Time!
Does anyone ever sleep in a hotel room??? Maybe it was too much caffeine, but I really didn't sleep well last night. So I was up early to start my 5 hr. drive into Allentown...or to be more specific Lehigh Valley. Near the end of the drive you hit a tunnel through a mountain. I thought those were only out west! This Michigan girl thought it was cool. I'm amused so easily!
Obviously I made it here fine. A lot of sitting today waiting for things to officially start. Campers were arriving all day. I was able to get my underwater swim video done with Celeste (same coach as last year). I'm not sure when we'll see it, but I got some great advice already. I abandoned the Total Immersion style half way through the year...mostly for fear I would pick up bad habits with no one instructing me. A few words from Celeste and I'm back on track. Maybe I can make it stick this time!
There was a small ice breaker with Carrie our sports psychologist...always fun. Now if I can just remember everyones names. I'm sure, like last year, I'll remember them by the end of camp.
I got to meet a fellow Type 1 Rider! Yea!! I thought I would never meet any of them. Beth is very nice and I look forward to riding with her soon! Tony you are next on my list!
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Almost there
After a semi-long day of work, I headed home to finish packing and pay bills...my favorite thing in the world to do. (Are you noting the sarcasm??) I got out the door around 4:30 and have arrived here in Hermitage, PA around 9pm. Easy drive. I'm so glad I decided to go half way this year instead of the full 10 hours. Now I'm chillin' out and going to bed soon so I can start the drive early tomorrow.
For anyone interested...check out how the RAAM(Race Across America). Team Type 1 is leading the corporate division, and going for the record I'm sure. Then there's Kerry White who's leading the women's solo division with type 1 diabetes also. She will be the first type 1 to finish in the solo category! I'm truly amazed...she is one tough cookie!
For anyone interested...check out how the RAAM(Race Across America). Team Type 1 is leading the corporate division, and going for the record I'm sure. Then there's Kerry White who's leading the women's solo division with type 1 diabetes also. She will be the first type 1 to finish in the solo category! I'm truly amazed...she is one tough cookie!
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Tour de Cure
The Tour de Cure came up fast on me this year! Would have really liked to ride the new pony, but since I was riding with many people, some experienced and some not, I decided not to. Safety issue I suppose. Thanks to Jim and Shannon for riding with me on such a beautiful day. Couldn't have asked for better conditions. Big congrats to my friend Tony, the mastermind behind Type 1 Rider, to a HUGELY successful Tour de Cure in North Carolina. It happened to be the very same weekend as ours here in Michigan. Love to have more of us in all the states!
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
I've taken possesion!
It's been a very long time in coming! I actually have my new bike, and it's beautiful! I need a few saddle adjustments for comfort, but other then that it's wicked fast. Considering I was on a road bike for years...it's wicked fast! So I'm trying to get some miles on it before my first race, which I hope to do in July. This month is going to be crazy. I'm off to Diabetes Training Camp again on Saturday...stay tuned for the latest and greatest as I go get my butt kicked and pay for it!
Sunday, February 25, 2007
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