Anothers blog

I read this blog from a woman I follow..she's pretty cool and feeling pretty shitty about diabetes, it kinda woke me up and brought me into a reminisant mood.


Kerri Sparling. www.sixuntilme.com

Looking Back: The Sounds of Diabetes.
Another look back at a post from December 2007, talking about what diabetes sounded like in my childhood. These clacking insulin bottles make me feel like I'm seven all over again.


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I was reading through the November issue of Men's Health at the gym a few weeks ago and came across an article written by Jeremy Katz, the father of a child recently diagnosed with diabetes. There were parts of this article that really resonated with me, but this sentence caught in my throat.

"The clink of the insulin bottles against my wedding ring was hauntingly familiar: I'd heard my father make the same sound a hundred times." - Jeremy Katz

I immediately thought back to my own childhood, with the sound of the bottle of NPH as she rolled it against her wedding rings. Every morning, she would wake up at 5 am to get ready for work, stopping by my bedroom to test my blood sugar. Even though I was still asleep, the sound of her approaching slippers made my finger automatically stick out from underneath the mountain of blankets. She would then roll the NPH to mix it up in preparation for my morning injection.

Clink ... clack ... clink ... clack.

The glass bottle rolling against her rings in the early hours of my school days. The stale and hollow beep of my old Accu-Chek meter after it had counted for 120 seconds in efforts to offer up a result. The scratchy sounds of the cellophane wrapper on my Nabs crackers, or the shunk of the straw easing into my Capri Sun. The hot fizzing of the urinalysis tablets as they cackled from their glass test tubes on the bathroom counter.

These are the sounds of my childhood with diabetes.

Now, after 21 years and easing ever-faster into a new phase of my own life, there are new sounds that define my diabetes life. The boop beep boop of my insulin pump as it boluses for lunch. The whirring of the pump as it primes itself. The quick thwap of the lancing device as I prick my fingertip. The chalky scrape of glucose tabs rustling against one another in the jar. The gentle click of the beads on my medic alert bracelet.

These sounds have replaced those of my childhood. I wonder what twenty years from now will bring.

Even though I now use Humalog insulin that doesn't need to be mixed, I'll roll the bottle against my rings and make myself feel like a child again.

Goals!!!

So...how can one NOT be inspired by watching a fellow diabetic finishing one of the most amazing events ever??? Needless to say, I was/am inspired. So much so that Ironman 2011 in Id is now on my "to do"/goal list. Better yet...my darling husband wants to do it too!!

What other goals do I have? So of these are life goals, some are diabetic/health goals...but I am sharing both :o)

1. Return to school January 2010
2. Get Basal, Bolus & Correction rates dialed in better.
3. Learn that perfectionism is not attainable in day to day life, including in my diabetes.
4. At least 6-7hrs of workout time each week...including strength training.

Progress or Strategy So Far:

1. I am officially enrolled & registered in classes for 1/2010, just waiting on a small thing called financial aid.
2. Quarterly Basal, Bolus & Correction checks & continued consultation w/doc.
3. Daily inventory of what is going on in my life, reminding myself that even in my health, I am fallible. Learn to look at the positives of myself and the everyday blessings.
4. Flexibility is key...feed the athlete, don't beat her up because she failed to get up when the alarm went off...just exercise later in the day.

I think that about covers it. I do have a list of events I want to try in the coming 12 months...but I'm not promising anything there. My foot is healing nicely from the Plantars Fasciitis...it pays to do what the docs & pt people say...haha.

I pray my fellow buddies are doing well and enjoying their corners of the nation. Florida remains to be sunny and in the mid 70's during the day, 40-50's in the evening...Nice!

Enjoy!!

Dream big and accomplish much

This is crazy. That's what I was thinking on a chilly morning November 2, 2008. I was waiting outside a large white tent, a man drinking his cup of coffee and guarding the entrance way. My husband, Mark and father-in-law Larry, each of us nervously waiting yet excited at the commitment we were about to make. "You go in first, Holly."
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As I stepped in, the coffee man pointed to a man sitting in behind a laptop alongside 8 different volunteers. As I walked over to him, I recognized him right away. Michael Lovato. He is a professional triathlete. Just raced in Kona's World Championships a couple weeks back and placed in the top 10. I felt like I knew him, not because I watched him race but because I stalked his wife through her blog. I read a couple of blogs regularly and Amanda Lovato is also a pro triathlete who writes blogs on almost a daily basis.
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Simutaneously, I shake his hand and congratulate him on his place in Kona and then ask him when he's going to move back to Austin, TX where he lived for many years. Then the time comes when I have to commit. Placing trust in myself, I raise my credit card, fill out the forms, and officially sign up to do a freakishly long race in a little over a year. Ironman Florida 2009. Here we come.
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2009-The last year was not easy. As a firm believer of "the more work you put in, the greater the reward." I can say I did my fair share. Following an intense training program added to that the diabetes element left my basket pretty full at times. Daily logging forced me to be accountable. I don't appreciate being accountable for the highs and lows-mistakes galore. Seeing it down on paper is not fun. I know it gives lots of crucial information, I had to keep reminding myself it was for the end result. Over the last year, Matt and I had completely changed my basals, daily routine, and workout schedule. Through daily logging there was lots of change at the beginning, trial and error runs in the middle, tweaking at the end. Had some very positive races setting PRs and was hoping the Ironman would be the culmination where I put everything on the line and come away with the end result as perfection.
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Aside from diabetes, the workouts just got brutely long. Waking up, driving to a location, working out, stretching, recovering (eating, which was fun), showering. Sometimes I felt triathlon took up much of my free time. I was constantly asking myself if this was enough training to get me to the finish line smiling. Talking to people who say they do 5 hours a week more than me lead me to question my training. "Okay, I'm only looking to finish with a smile," is what I ended up deciding and reassuring myself. No Kona slot, no age group placement, none of these were my goals. Only thing to prove was that I could cover the distance in less than 17 hours and leave nothing on the course.
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About a month out from the race, I started to think daily about the successes and fun times throughout the last year. Somewhat chronological, some highlights include:
1. Running the Marin 10K, where I placed all my trust in Matt with the diabetic plan. Turned out to be one of my most memorable events and felt "normal" for the first time in a race.
2. DTC which totally changed me and now I am proud to let my pump hang out. The best week of my life, hands down.
3. DTC gets another point: to the AMAZING people I've made friends with and can honestly say they're lifers! I cannot cannot thank you gals enough!
4. Big Kahuna Half-IM where my attitude changed and started to enjoy racing instead of thinking of the pain/finish line. Plus setting a PR in a half-IM (b/c of the IM training) without pushing myself to the limit is a pretty cool feeling.
5. Having a crappy race in Silicon Valley but knowing that it was due to insulin deficiency instead of my training and didn't beat myself up mentally.
6. To doing this with Mark, who has been there literally from start to finish and many workouts.

Day 1: Ahh the ocean breeze in the morning. Our condo sits ocean side and the balcony allows for a great view. The gulf is pristine and calm, blue and green, far-stretching and blanket-like. In the middle, buoys mark the course and swimmers are lapping them. Each in their wetsuit, each spending many mornings with this race in mind, now their time is here. Zip ours on and stroll down to the beach.

The swim was relaxed and swimming alongside aquatic life below. Stingrays, crabs, and a school of small fish. The small fish liked Mark, swimming under him as if they were afraid of the sun. Packet pickup involved a long line of athletes inching closer to a manned opening. Once inside tons of smiling volunteers who were quite knowledgeable and also able to calm the nerves. Stepping on the scale for a weight should have been optional, I think. A woman told me it was for the medical tent for dehydration and medications you might need.....yeah yeah. Just want to make you think you shouldn't have had that Twinkie the day before. My woman reassured me it was all muscle weight, thats damn right, it'll be put to good use on Saturday! Thinking about the reasoning behind the weight reminded me of the seriousness of the race...things could get ugly. Things proceeded with around the expo where Mark bought everything under the sun making sure he'd have enough IM Florida parafanialia to wear for a month and a half. Off to meeting back up with the inlaws for a low key homemade dinner at their condo was a nice change to the busy day. The guest was Jeff who has raced this event several times before. I think there was a lightening round where we all threw questions at him from all different angles. He handled the pressure. The night ended early with loading up our transition bags to drop off the next morning. Or so we thought. Mark and I both couldn't sleep and had to read in order to get drousy. 4 hours of sleep, maybe.
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The last day as a non-Ironman: Waking up to a pancake breakfast strikingly reminisant of a McDonald's pancake breakfast. At the end of the table, there were packets of syrup from you guessed it, McDonalds! It was awfully (!) nice of the local church group to provide us with this free breakfast, so I ate it and knew that I'd be burning the thousand gram trans-fat rounds the next day. Checking in with Matt to go over some last minute race plans. Its amazing how he pulls a calm blanket over me. Back into the thick of things at the Expo and time to meet up with Kat. Where are you?! Ahh, she's at the wrong expo. Two expos, craziness. This reunion deserves a huge hug, a tight huge hug, a ginourmous tight huge hug. I think her and Mike wanted to take that hug back when I welcomed her kids, Max and Matthew with two loud hand clappers which they enjoyed hitting the other with it more than alone clapping. The boys were doing a kids triathlon on Sunday so they were packet picking up too. A short line plus a goody bag stuffed full of awesomeness left me wanting to change to the Sunday tri. Adults get seats, kids in the trunk. Max yells out, "is that a police car behind us???" I guess ducking was quick enough to avoid any further damage. Honestly the carb loading started two days prior but the night before was one of epic portions for the Holly. Barbecue Bacon Cheeseburger with fries. All in my tummy and my insulin pump did not fail me. Mark was astonished as I crunched the last fry. Good conversation and loved spending time with a family that constantly kept me laughing and wanting to stay out later. I secretely spiked the over 21er's drink with triathlon powder. The addiction is spreading as they confess they want to do an Ironman. Couldn't have planned a better night. Another Matt call with strict orders from Mark not to "get all ryled up." The night before, as I was talking to Matt, I was practicing my finish line dance and jumping up and down literally. Achem, I was also listening to every word Matt said, of course. Maybe that was why I couldn't fall asleep. This night, I kept my voice low and calm and stuck to the plan. Laid down for bed and since it was Friday night, there was a bar playing horrible music (sounded like droning Karyoke) and so at 1:20 I grabbed the comforter made a cocoon right next to the bathroom toilet. Yes, I slept in the bathroom the night before the race. Maybe thats the key.........................
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D-Day: The stress of the music or simply race jitters lead me to waking up 245 even though going to bed a good level, even on the lower end. Added a correction to my breakfast bolus waited then ate my waffles. These waffles had followed us from San Francisco which were precisely measured for carbs and what I've done for every race this season. Setting up I felt like I was rising and trying to stay positive. Mark was nervous about the race, very nervous, so I staying true to our opposing personalities, I stayed calm. We forgot to take our wedding rings off (something I always do in open water) so one last stop to the condo and I tested 197. Trending downward, perfect. Now off to find the table to place my pump. Since there wasn't an individual transition place, I had to figure out where to put my pump during the swim. No one knew where the table was, great. The 20th person we asked knew. Explaining to them, this literally is my lifeline without it I will die, I think got the point across. Although I had a syringe and insulin, getting my pump back was going to be a key player.
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Fast forward: the gun goes off and 2,600 athletes go into the water. I got into the middle-back. Stayed with the pack until the first turn then it started to thin out. I got kicked right in the ear and heard a THUD. Equilibrium is over rated. Getting into my groove started to feel good watching for the occasional life below. The swim is warmup for me, why waste your energy for the rest of the day? The first lap nearing an end and walking in knee deep water up on shore, over the timing matt, I felt very hungry. This usually is the precursor to a low so I went ahead and took half a gu. My only nutrition on the swim was now in a trash can and heading back in without my security blanket, hopefully another lap wouldn't bring on a low. I've practiced this many times and rarely have I needed anything at all on swims. Back into the water, this lap was significantly slower due to not being in the pack and also the waves. The waves took your whole body up and down feeling like your fighting just to not go backwards, seasickness crept in a bit. Apparently I might have gone backwards due to my time. Rounding up the swim and realizing one sport was done was an amazing feeling. Found my pump after asking a little kid where the table was. Then off to the showers to rinse off the salt water and wetsuit strippers. Its a good thing my mother-in-law saw me because I would have completely missed her, I guess I was in the zone. Running into transition, the Owen family spotted me and again thankfully yelled. They treked out early in the morning to see me race-thats dedication! Rockstars!
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Two wheels: Finding my groove on the bike. Little jitters begin, the longest leg of the course and what would come of it? The day before, I had mounted pictures on my bike of my support team that got me to this point. I looked down at my pictures and each time literally painted a smile from ear to ear stretching across my face. I received many compliments with my pictures and I have to admit was pretty badass looking. The memories kept flowing. A police escorted turn and it felt like we turned directly into the wind. Down in my aerobars to stay for me. Fighting the wind and keeping positive, this was unfortunately one of the longest stretches without a turn. I love flats but often the wind is more intense. But it was manageable. Actually mile 20 came out of the blue and I was crusing along. Was hoping to pull off 18 miles per hour but couldn't with the wind. I love the aid stations on bike courses: the kid volunteers stretch their hand out and you fly by and snatch the bottle from their hand. The kids hi-five each other and get so excited each time they successfully do this plus racers get fluid, total symbiotic relationship with a little adrealine rush on both ends. One girl passed me this gatorade endurance bar cut in half. When I put it in my mouth I started to chew and I thought I was eating the plastic wrapper, it was awful, it was like chewing a now-and-later but chocolate powdery and just tasted artificial. I looked at the ingredients (comfortably in those aerobars) and luckily there was no hydrogenated shit but not all natural. Back to my homemade energy balls. I was surprised at how many people I was passing and thankfully less were passing me. This is where I'm astounded at the comraderie, most everyone gives a bit of encouragement and its needed. Everyone's beginning to hurt a bit. There always seems to be a lovin-life-kinda-guy who rides by singing at the top of his lungs just enjoying the day and his lack of tune (not to misrepresent, but I've never seen a woman do this...). A little before mile 90 of the bike, I see Mark pulled over on the side with his bike in front of him. I ask him if he's okay, he confidently said yes and told me to keep going he'd catch me on the run. Well, I felt guilty for not completely stopping but before long Mark caught me. We talked for a while and eventhough we did a lot of our training rides together, it was a totally different experience actually riding together and accomplishing our longterm goal together. Although it sounded more of how much we both were hurting. His knees were acting up in a weird way but felt okay otherwise. Each of us were holding a good pace. My father-in-law was ahead and so I had to go hunt him down. After crossing a timing matt together (our marching along together forever documented) I pushed ahead. Changing direction and roads we were now in little wind and I was flying. At one point, I noticed my breathless breathing and pulled back a bit, still got a full marathon to go. Never did catch Poppa Pepper. This is where the chatter begins with other racers, people struggling due to aching muscles or maybe frank boredom, at this point you've spent a lot of time on your bike taking one revolution after another for hours on end. Started to chat it up a bit with others. I turned the last corner on the bike and two girls on the side started screaming at the top of their lungs--"GO HOLLY!!!!" That reaction was either drunk girls high on caffiene...too enthusiastic to be an average cheerer. (I got an email about two weeks after the race that was from one of my diabetic friends I knew in Texas. She had done a relay half IM with me a couple years back and wrote she saw my pump then my bib and started screaming for her fellow diabetic friend. We had lost contact and both of us were excited about the randomness of it.) Back to the race, I found my mother-in-law closer to transition and she was so happy to see me and quickly asked, where's Mark??? Didn't expect me to pass him? Ha! Get ready to RUN!
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One step after another: After the catored transition, I can't say I felt great. In fact, I didn't know if I could run at all. I took a cup of water, sipped, turned on the GPS. Once out of the transition area, I started up trotting. It felt nice. Nicer than expected. "All the training and bricks galore, paying off nicely!" Less than a mile in, I saw Poppa Pepper! He was walking, but booking it! Could barily keep up with him walking along side him. He explained his plan about walking 15 minute miles. He was certainly doing it now, just had to keep it up. Said goodbye but it was awesome having family on the course duking this out with you. We're all going to be Ironmans out here today. I stopped at just about every aid station, keeping hydrated is key at this point, there's still a lot of the race left. My first run goal: Just keep running till the 10K point then re-evaluate. Okay, this is the point were it didn't feel so happy. Started to count to 100 probably 15-20 times, just keep moving forward. Mark passed me before the 10K point, caught me faster than I expected, especially since he was hurting on the bike. But I ran with him--correction--he ran with me for a minute. Either way, the sun was setting and prepared for it, but it sure fell fast. Leading into a park without lights made you appreciate the moonlight, although it could have used some highbeams. Back into some light, one of the first things I saw was a man clutching over a trash can and contributing some pretty neon liquid. Offered a gu and if he needed help in between his heaves. Back to the counting again, this is getting long. I started to become really nauseous myself (probably not related to the previous Trash Can Hugger) and not having tested in while, I walked and found out I had my first not great blood sugar of the day, 260. What a spike but easily could have been due to a few extra carbs. I treated myself to a bolus. A couple miles later, feeling good, tested again and I was 80. I would have been happy if I was a steady 80 but a quick drop usually has a looming low ahead. Good thing I have a nice stash in my pocket, pop one and run on. I love having a healthy stomach and never really had any GI issues in races--the discomfort is usually diabetic related and today diabetes was in check. In the months previous, as much training as I did, I did twice as much diabetes training. Before the workout, planning specifically for nutrition to be accurate and on point, each hour taking in a steady amount. Too few or too much at any point can do (scarcastically) wonderful things. Testing my blood sugar during the workout, adjusting insulin level (basal or bolus) or carbs, then after the workout also led to some issues that needed to be worked out before the IM. I learned a ton through this journey, especially realizing how complex the body's processes is; although, only breaking the surface as there is a whole world underneath that too I'm sure. That I'll leave for textbooks. Anyway, back to the race (again). That glucose issue was the only one of the day, other than that, practice had made perfect, tweaking = A+. At this point in the race, I was pleasantly delighted to realize it felt better to run than walk. With plenty of walkers all around, I resisted most of the attempts to walk alongside and make a friend. Looking at my pace one might question if I was running or walking but for most of the marathon I was seemingly running. Aid stations were great for thousands of reasons: a light source, a boost of encouragement, food/fluid, a mental checkpoint, and a reason to walk. Coming back to the 13.1 mark, hearing the crowd, feeling the blisters forming somewhere in my shoes, looking for certain spectators, reading the signs, I got excited to think the next time I come through here, I would have accomplished much. Out again, this time to put a fork in it. The darkness was quite relaxing and cool. I began wondering what story each person would be able to tell of the way he/she got to the starting line. What an interesting story that would be. At some point, I knew Mark had finished, he was in gloryland, pushing a little faster to get to see him. Poppa Pepper was on the course with me and saw him walking so fast in the zone he needed to be reeled in for a quick hug. Running along side a man who this was his third IM of the season, he had trained for the first and spaced out the others just enough to recover and carry through the training to each event. He would finish with his slowest time but was happy as could be. We kept a shuffle and the chatter until it was time to say see you at the finish. At this point you can listen to the happy volunteers saying "almost there!" I love having your name on your bib and it never got old hearing, "Holly, you're going to be an Ironman tonight!" Ahh, the twinge of happiness still hasn't gotten stale. The costumed aid station was now in full force and the woman dressed as a cat provactively amusing herself with racers as they passed by. Coming up to the last mile as if I hadn't reflected enough over the last 14 hours, was the culmination of many months and began realizing what was about to happen. Eyes in the form of tears and lungs both affected slightly when it began to hit me. With about a mile away, I still needed both and decided to venture the thoughts in another direction. I began to look to the faces in the crowd and see all the faces of families tired but still cheering. Already hearing the roar of the crowd and the live microphoned voice of Mike Reilly as I turned the corner on to the ending drive, I began to feel what its like to be a true rockstar. A slight bit of confusion as I was lost in my head, "how do I get to the finish line?" trusting someone with a few beers in him had a bit more direction than I did at this point led me to the finish chute. The lights glaring, quick look behind me: no one. The stage is mine, this is my moment. Pure elation as I used the crowd as if I had won. Children still awake and feeding off my energy as I crused in for a high five. All I could do was scream, even scare a few. All the thinking about Mike Reilly's voice, all I hear amongst my head chatter was "from Austin TX" and me saying "I asked them to change that--I'm not from Austin." Thankfully my sister captured the video so I could go back to see what it looked and sounded like. About half way down the chute, I remembered my dance I had rehearsed at home. Ekk, I almost forgot. With a great percentage of the energy I had left, I danced about half of it with little precision or grace. Crossing the finish and being done.



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The finish line was everything I expected. I expended all I had. All the work put in, the reward was worth every minute. No one knows how much you've thought, planned, trained, worried, spent to get to this point but you. However, I didn't do this alone, nor could I have the motivation. Those people in my life that were my supporters, there to encourage me and help me realize my goal were fantastic. As much an individual sport on a daily basis, the group that were there with me that day was much bigger than any team sport. Even still, I cannot get over how many people reached out to me for this. I am just left with a deep thankfulness that I cannot truely express.
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Today is one month out from the race. Seems like so much longer than a month, but yet the emotions are so fresh. I wanted to write this down in such fine detail in order to remember the experience as best as I can (especially with my memory). To sum it up: hard work physically and mentally + daily dedication and focus + support from others = realizing a dream has come true. Enjoy the accomplishment.

Computer issues

Gals,

So I thank you both for the facebook uploads and comments!!!!!!!!! The computer at the Florida condo is soooooooooooooo slow and not letting me comment of facebook so I'm going to give up and write a blog which is needed also. But I didn't want to seem rude by not responding to everyone. :)

Goals...

Congratulations to Holly for achieving her DTC goal of finishing the Florida Ironman! Now I feel even more positive pressure driving me towards the goal I set at DTC this summer. My goal was to achieve an A1c of less than 6.5% by March 2010. I know I've taken some great steps to get my A1c below 7% and now I have the next 5 months to really focus and get my control even better.

Can I do it? You bet I can. I can't give up on my goal! Just to refresh myself on the steps I decided could lead me to the goal, here they are...

What are the top 3 actions I can take that would move me towards accomplishing this goal?
1. Build a strong “base” by examining basal rates, carbohydrate ratios, and correction ratios with my pump.
2. Focus on carbohydrate counting food to accurately determine carbohydrate amounts in common foods.
3. Maintain a weekly average of 80% (17 of 21) on 3 daily tasks – log blood sugars, workout, and walk Chaco.


What is my strategy for accomplishing each action?

Action 1
1. Test and tweak basal rates for all 4 time periods.
2. Test and tweak carbohydrate ratios for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
3. Test and tweak correction ratios for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Action 2
1. Buy and use carbohydrate counting scale.
2. Measure / develop understanding of size of food and carbohydrate count.
3. Choose 1 new food to add into the mix each week to vary food choices.

Action 3
1. Use calendar to record “stars” for logging, working out, and walking Chaco.
2. Reward myself on a monthly basis for maintaining an average of 80% on tasks.
3. Workout and walk Chaco at regular times to manage insulin adjustments and blood sugars.

I think things are going well. The one area for improvement would be to really focus on logging my blood sugars to analyze trends better. Even when the weather is shitty, it's important to take Chaco out on walks for his own sanity. I think I'm doing really well on getting to the gym most evenings after work - even during this period of transition into a new job.

Here's to Holly...

I can't even believe it's been almost three months since we met and I first heard about the goal that you've set out to accomplish. At first you were just that chick that neglected to change her lancet and now I finally realize why you've neglected to change your lancet. Your plate has been stacked full with all of your training for the Ironman and I guess you just didn't have time to change it. Here's to you, goal buddy, for sticking with your training plan and just going for it. At least you've made time to train even if you haven't made time to change your lancet! Your Ironman is in less than 4 days and I have no doubts in my mind that you can and will make it to the finish line come Saturday afternoon! When we talked tonight I was really wondering how you were feeling now that the days have been winding down and the event is getting closer. What I noticed is you seem to have such calmness in your voice and have grounded confidence, knowing just how hard you've worked and how well you've prepared yourself up until this point. You've done the hardest part and that's just to be able to get to that starting point.

I wish you the absolute best in the next few days and know that you can and will succeed and will cross that line as an Ironman. Know that your battle to cross that finish line is true proof that diabetes can't and never will hold you back from your dreams. You're an inspiration to us all and I feel lucky to be able to see the story unravel. Just look down at that seatpost on the ride and flash back to the cottonmouth story from DTC! Love ya and can't wait to see you dance to the finish line on Saturday...

GO GET IT PEPPER!

Fun in fall

Look over there...enjoy the beauty. I love fall. Fall is the best time of year, no questions, no debates, I am right. And in Austin and now in San Francisco--not too much in terms of fall. So these past two weeks I've been outside of SF and have totally relished the colors, temperatures, leaves on the ground, blowing in the wind and this amazing time of year. Spending time in Napa, California for a full day we traveled around and jaw dropped at how the grapevines leaves actually change colors like the trees. The valleys and hills overflowing by grapevines are now all sorts of shades of red, yellow, orange, green and a combination of them all. What a magical time of year. The pictures don't do justice so the memory will have to last.

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My last race before the BIGGY was this weekend. In Santa Cruz, CA. A beach town with the race having a hawaiian theme. Massive fog rolled in and cancelled the swim--pretty happy about that, b/c you literally couldn't see anything, needless to say the first buoy. Would have been a mess of frantic racers running (well, swimming) into each other. So we had to run to transition from the swim exit and it was freezing, so running barefoot across cold pavement for a 1/3 mile was concerning for frostbite. Took my time (as usual) in transition. On the bike, was pretty much going 90%, trying to hold little back for the run. I wanted to see where I was fitness-wise. Set a PR on the bike and somewhat hilly course. Once the fog lifted, the hills with free roaming cows and crashing waves against the cliffs were in view. What a great race so far. Got back to transition leading my friends and husband (competitive?...hum?) felt good. Running out, took about two miles to get comfortable. That was a little dissapointing, I was expecting to spring off the bike and into my run. Once I got my running legs, I started to get into a groove, but the run was suppose to be "completely flat" but suprised with all the ups and downs this had. Anyway, getting into a groove moving to a high at mile 6-8, saw two of my friends and Mark, I was crusing. Getting stoked about Florida. Mile 10 I saw I was on pace to set a pretty good PR on the run. Keeping Florida in mind I started slowing down, taking my time at aide stations, and even walking a bit. This was welcomed--after mile 10, I needed a break, it started to be a little bit harder to keep one foot in front of the other, so rather than mentally chugging through it, I let myself walk and feel okay with it. I needed it. So I saw the finish and the beach run into the chute was really unique. Nothing like running through sand in tennis shoes and already have blisters and feeling like you aren't going anywhere racing the guy in front of you. I made it, again, in front of all my friends and Mark! :) That was a first and enjoyed it! With all that, I still ended up setting a PR on the run. Wow, so the message is: train for an IM and do a 1/2 IM and it will feel like a strong race and set a PR without trying. Honestly, it wasn't as "easy" as I wanted it to be, I still had to push myself and mentally get through it, but it went by much faster than any of the others and the word of the day was "strong." I felt really strong and that was very liberating. IM 12 days away.

Goals, Dun dun dunh...

Soa, yeah, about those goals...let's see where I'm at. Keeping myself accountable! I've learned over the years not to set goals that are unachievable or will cause me to create unbalance in my life. My number one priority with going back to work has been still keeping a positive work life balance. I love what I do and I love working with kids, but I also enjoy playing hard. I think I keep the mentality of "don't work harder, just work smarter". Instead of "work hard to play hard", I like to think I "work smart to play hard"! I JUST REALLY LIKE TO PLAY! I've also learned to adapt to different situations life throws at you and change plans when needed. Enough rambling - back to the goal check in. The goal I set at DTC was to achieve and maintain an A1C of 6.5% or less by March 2010. Nice - no time crunch (well planned) and I've really made some great progress towards cruising down the road of lower A1C's. I've noticed since going back to work that I may have less time to test during the day but I can predict where my blood sugars are going to end up. It's amazing how dialed in my basals and ratios are - it makes life a lot easier and I feel "less diabetic" because it's less of a worry. I think I've been averaging right around 110 throughout the days. I guess it helps I'm a huge creature of habit and my daily schedule stays the same Monday through Friday. I can't say I've taxed my system with crazy 8 hour workouts lately but I've been hitting the gym for an hour every morning before school. Every day too - alarm goes off at 5:10 and I'm at the gym at 5:30 with no complaints. My main goal remains the same but the action steps I've taken to strive towards my goal have been adapted to fit my needs better now. Flexibility - that's the key! And I'm not talking touching your toes and turning yourself into a pretzel - I'm a long ways from that! Just one huge goal - that's the way I like it. Not too many goals or else I can't be flexible enough to accommodate the unforeseen circumstances that often arise in life!

Chaotically Peaceful....

Okay, I fully realize that is a bit of an oxymoron; however, it is one of the things that best describes me :o) I have been praying and thinking (maybe over thinking) what my goals will be for the next several months to come...I have realized that thinking that far into the future may be a little much. I do know that the following is true of things I would like to accomplish:

1. Lose the 6-8 lbs that I somehow gained back at DTC?? Figure that one out..
2. Complete another Sprint Tri...may be doing one Nov 14th at FSU...we'll see
3. Complete a 1/2 Marathon
4. Complete an Olympic distance Tri
5. Find meaningful PART-TIME work in the Diabetes Field (God willing)
6. Go back to school
7. Continue to make my marriage & children my #1 priority!!!
8. Oh yeah, and allow my foot to heal up...I have plantars fascitis :o(

I commend you both for knowing your positive characteristics!! I actually had to think about that one for a while...I think as a mom and wife of now almost 13 years, you tend to put yourself on the back burner at times. When you both get there, you can let me know if that's true for you too (haha).

So, here it is...only positives:

1. Driven
2. Adventurous
3. Humorous (some may call it smart-assism)
4. Bright (not like a light bulb)
5. Open minded
6. Caring/loving
7. Honest
8. Beautiful (at the risk of sounding prideful)

Kate, I'm so glad you are enjoying teaching...my oldest will start middle school next year, so it's nice to hear that they're still considered small and cute at that age.

Holly, what is it, 2weeks?? I can't wait to see you there. My mom & stepdad are going to be camping in the area so they can see my boys do their tri on Sunday...I'm hopeful that they will want to check out the Ironman events too.

Stay well...chat again soon.

Youthful...

So I'm part way through my first week of actually having kiddos in my classroom and I'm loving it! I'm teaching a two hour block of math & science to 6th graders (boy are they little, cute, and mostly innocent) and two 8th grade math classes. Now the 8th graders, that's a different story! They're great though and I'm loving the school I'm a part of. Enough of the job talk...that's not really why I want to blog. Yeah, my job's a part of me - but I can talk to just about anybody about being a teacher and they'll understand. Underpaid, long hours, hilarious kids - everyone knows that! Unfortunately that's not the same thing with diabetes - I just can't talk to anybody because only select few really understand what it means to live with diabetes. That's why I LOVE THIS BLOG!

I love knowing that my "blog buddies" are out there, reading my blogs. I love knowing my "blog buddies" are waiting for my responses to their posts. We're in this adventure of living with diabetes together and together we'll prove to the world that we live with diabetes while we accomplish great things! Here's to us - "blog buddies"!

Holly - "She's a triathlete - what are you?" I can't even believe that guy said that... How the hell could he even begin to compare his wife and her feats to what you have lying in front of you. It's impossible I think! You're not just a triathlete - your much more than that and that's the great part. I think we formed a pretty instant connection at camp and my favorite people usually share a lot of the same characteristics in personalities that I do - hmmmmm....

Kat - I'm amazed by the apparent focus that you've put on your life and your diabetes. It's great that you and your husband prioritized you focusing on your running and your triathlons and have given yourself a break from work to focus on what is going to guide you forward. So you've bagged your first Sprint Tri - what's next? Keep up your training and I'm sooo excited that you and Holly will be able to connect in Florida in just a few short weeks. I only wish I could be there!

Here are 8 words to describe myself (only positive):
1. Energetic
2. Driven
3. Youthful
4. Smart
5. Caring
6. Organized
7. Adventurous
8. Dedicated

How about you?!?!

-Cottonmouth Kate...

"She's a triathlete"

Coming up in the elevator of my apt complex you sometimes find yourself with some interesting people. About a month ago, a man saw me looking at my gps watch and asked me what I was training for. I told him then he said he was training for his first marathon and it was in about 3 weeks and guess WHY he was doing it?! For JDRF (his friends' son was just diagnosed)! GET OUT! He was raising money for our charity guys! What a great guy!
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Forward ahead, tonight coming up from the gym, I was wearing my Austin Triathlon shirt and this dressed up couple was in the elevator. The guy looked at this woman and said, "she's a triathlete, what are you?" said in a very condesending way, she laughed (they might have been drinking and he was just making a joke). Nevertheless, it got me to thinking----how would I describe myself to people? This fired me up to blog and think about it. Here are 8 words to describe myself (only postives):
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1. Reliable
2. Adventurous
3. Caring/supportive
4. Realistic
5. Determined/stubborn (oops, positives!!)
6. Feminist (well, equality)
7. Saver
8. Passionate (about ideas)


How bout you??????

Peace out,
LL-LANCET

Excited to Inspire...

I guess I understand what it's like to go from 0 to 60 in a really short amount of time. Last time I blogged I was waiting to hear back from a few teaching jobs and now I'm gainfully employed and find I have a lot less time on my hands! It's all great though and I can't complain at all. Last week Monday I started at Denny International Middle School as a 6th/8th grade math & science teacher. I'm really excited because this is the first school where I feel a strong sense of support from the administation. I think administrative support is key to the success of any school. I feel so incredily lucky to be employed. Although last week was crammed with learning logistics about the school, introducing myself to teachers and students, and getting my classroom all set up, I felt like I truly appreciated the opportunity to finally get to do what I've been wanting to do since we got back to Seattle. I'm really looking forward to inspiring kids in the classroom and hopefully making positive impacts in the lives of kids who really need someone who cares. I found myself pausing many times during the days and just feeling fortunate. I honestly can't wait for next week when I have kids in my classroom! As for diabetes stuff, my blood sugars were rock solid last week and I don't think I could have done any better with my control. I've started working out at 5:30am so I can get a solid hour workout in before I have to go to school and I successfully got out of bed at 5:10 all five mornings last week. I feel as if my priorities in life are set. Over the past few years I've learned to focus on myself first before I can be the shining teacher I want to be. It hasn't always been easy but I know that if I eat healthy, exercise everyday, and set strong boundaries for the amount of time I put into my teaching, I'll be a better teacher and role model than I otherwise would be. I'm only a week into this new job but there are many things about it that just feel "right". My blood sugar average last week was 123 and my sensor average was 105 - I think I finally feel the rewards of all of the hard work I've put into analyzing what's going on with my numbers since coming back from camp. In a way things are more predictable and I can cruise at 80-100 for most of the day without worrying. We just came back from the Seattle Underground Tour downtown with Erik's parents who are in town and we've been having a great time with them! It's nice to have family in town and over the years I feel like I've grown closer to them. Tomorrow we have a chocolate factory tour with them at Theo - my absolute favorite organic & fair trade chocolate! I have to admit I've been on the tour with almost every out-of-town guest who has come to visit and it's always a great excuse to nibble on chocolate. Mmmmmmm. Maybe we'll have to do a get-together in Seattle next spring and go to Theo - just a thought! Ok, now that I've blogged I have to go back and read your posts so I can respond to what's going on in your lives!!! Hope all is well and I promise to blog, even when life gets busy!

Thinking...maybe a little too much

So, I was thinking about everything today. This weekend I watched the Kona Ironman on video and was totally in a transe like mode with the whole coverage. Then I found youtube video of the previous years (what I grew up watching with my dad) but I watched the past two years of Kona...and again was totally mesmorized by the stories. Everyone has their own story and there were many people coming back after catastropic injuries and some who have some disability or challenge to overcome. All to do an Ironman and accomplish the unthinkable to themselves and others. Realizing their greatness got me started thinking. Getting nervous actually. Would I be able to do it like these people did? Am I mentally ready? Has my training put me in a good place? Am I strong enough all around to do this beast? Why do I have such doubt? The odds are so weighted in my favor yet I have this massive doubt? I've trained well, completed each distance of all three sports before, plus followed a training plan consistantly for the past year. When I was getting ready for work I thought to myself, how many people at work know I am doing this beast? I could probably count on one hand. Why is that? First off, I'm not that close with anyone but still only a few know. I thought about how much difficulty I have talking about myself...and therefore, what I am about to accomplish. My family doesn't talk about themselves and people that boast about their lives are seen as arrogant and self-centered, so lesson learned, don't talk about yourself---or your achievements. This is why at DTC this was so weird to have people asking me about my race and what an accomplishment it will be and how inspiring. My whole life, I've downplayed anything I do. Finding such admiration for these athletes on the computer screen yet I'm about to do the same thing, maybe even more challenges to overcome than the ones I'm looking up to. The outpouring of support from DTC, people wanting to track me during the race, people traveling far to cheer me on was a bit overwhelming. To think that people would even be considering taking a flight to support me...that was and still is incredible to me. Not to portray the wrong picture, but my family doesn't understand...my dad ran marathons so he understands a little....but no one from my family made an effort as much as some people I just met at camp. Can I blame them? I try to compare it to me understanding my sister's natural childbirth. Totally not something I can relate to b/c I haven't been through it. I think my family has a hard time understanding why I do triathlons and to be honest they don't see the daily training and issues with diabetes that Mark sees or someone training with diabetes will understand. They see this as "another one of Holly's races." I do race a lot but this one is different. But can I expect them to know that if I don't tell them that. Do I need to be more direct? This one is important, very important. It might be my last long tri for a while and this has been a very important part of my life for many years. I think I need to tell them to care. Be open-er and honest-er.
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Physically ready, mentally improving--finish line getting closer.

Holly

Last long bike...dun dun dun....

Pre race photo, no caption needed. 106 miles on my two wheels....

What I thought would be a nice easy course was not so much. After 55 miles of steady rolling hills, there was a climb pretty much seemed to last forever. Mark says about 30 minutes. I say forever. I had made a friend, Jack, who was a cross between a creepy man and a creepy man. After telling me about how he was living with an old schizophrenic woman and about to move out, he made the frank observation on the climb that I was panting. Yes, thanks I hadn't realized. But he was talking to me, telling me about himself and his biking club, and what was I suppose to do....couldn't ride my bike faster to get the hell outta there!!....so he was trying to tell me how to ride out of the saddle....probably not so good to teach when I'm about to fall over as it is and literally well "panting." So no thanks maybe next time. Got over the climb to a small flat....hooooray. Then a section where my friend Jack pulled over to take a water break, I just sailed...in the right direction? I didn't honestly know the answer. Kept going till I saw Mark (he always passes me on the uphill till I wiz by him on the flats and downhills). Mark was at the top of old smokey mountain we just climbed. There were two options...go over the edge or ride down the even steeper desent. Wish I would have taken out my camera in my bike bag b/c the view from the top was magnificent. The desend was terrifying and very curvy. Jack told us to hold on to both brakes, take one off for a rest then the other, then both again. You'd be going 25 mph with both brakes...yup pretty much true. Tried taking my hands off both and cramps galore. My hands didn't work b/c of the death grip I'd been giving them for the last five minutes. Trying to grip tighter for the serious turns was painful. Men were walking their bikes down....too late for that b/c I literally couldn't even come close to a stopping pace. My face was wincing in pain and panic. Reaching the bottom with a short flat and then....oh great a highway! Well, at least it was a very low traffic one since we were in the middle of nowhere. When I got to the bottom, I stopped to shake my hands out and wait for Mark. Mark said he would kept his eyes shut if it would have been straight. Lunch time was next.

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The rest of the ride was less thrilling which I was happy about. Smaller rolling hills and some nice long downhills. To be honest, it flew by...but the end was a happy one. Next long ride will be in Panama City, here I come!!!!!!!!

Quickie

So ladies,

In response to your post, Kat, you can use the goal setting worksheet from camp, thats what Kate and I used. Mine are on hold for now--well, I guess the main goal will hopefully be accomplished soon. :) Oh, also, I had a round of days where literally I think I was under 250 for maybe a hour. I always feel embarrased (maybe the "bad diabetic" syndrome) explaining that one to Matt....luckily the swing has gone back to normal, still don't know what caused it, but I'm glad its over. I often wonder how those days add up and affect my kidneys and eyes, etc. But all you can do is try to do the best and live life to the fullest...we definitely are doing alllll that we can. Still its frustrating.
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KATE, MAJOR KUDOS! I super happy for you finding a job--you're damn persistance paid off and its well worth it, hope you're still celebrating!
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I've just spend much of the day today glued to the computer watching the Ironman World Championship in Kona. These are the creme de la creme and each athlete has qualified in another Ironman just to get to the starting line. Chrissie Wellington a pro female beat 3/4 of the male pro field...she's the Michael Phelpes of Triathlon and was UNKNOWN TWO years ago until she won...none of the commentators knew who she was and ended up winning first female! This is her third year winning and continues to dominate yet so amazingly humble and appreciative to her competition (if you can even call it that). Anyway, getting to my point, I'm totally fired up for Florida! Cannot believe its right around the corner!!! Taper time begins Monday.
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Tomorrow is my last looong bike. I decided rather than do a 6-7 hour ride with Mark and a friend why not sign up for a century bike ride? So, I found one around here and now I'm doing a 106 mile ride/race which should be a lot more fun than "just another long ride!" Planning on working on nutrition, pacing, BSugars. Hopefully I can smoke Mark's behind! ;~) If I feel good, I'll run afterward, but if not, I'll bask in the sun to enjoy the afternoon sunshine, in my opium haze like JJ...hahah!!!

Assessing Goals...

So, I've done the Sprint Tri and have taken a complete week off...I don't think cleaning my house truly counts as cardio. Learned that the female body w/diabetes just sucks sometimes. Pre-cyc week, no workouts, extreme insulin resistance that I just didn't pick up on until today...oh well, that's what makes us so darn complex & beautiful, right?

Goals? I'm honestly not sure yet! I want to stay on my high from the Sprint, but there's not much to do around here just yet. I think I need to start back with a routine of working out & strength training first.

Holly, not even a month yet and we will be watching you cross the finish in Panama City!! My boys are excited to watch the event.

Kate, I hope the job offers rolled in & that you will be happily teaching come Monday!

Stay well & hear from you all soon.

The sunset - it's like skittles on crack... :)

I'm slowly coming to the conclusion that everything happens for a reason and patience is really the key to life! I've totally figured IT out! Just kidding, I'm full of shit... The last week or so has been kinda challenging for me mentally. I came down with a nasty cold that really knocked the wind out of me and my blood sugars took off with the cold and what is usually a fairly clear picture with blood sugars during the day became as clear as mud. I'm almost done kickin' it though, so I'm looking forward to getting back to running tomorrow. Time to dust off the shoes, blow the nose one more time, and hit the pavement for some peace and quiet and a little bit of challenge! Interviews, interviews, and more interviews has been the name of the game for the last few days and I'm getting pretty tired of it all. I've been anticipating getting a job for the last few months and I hope I'm getting close. I feel like I've settled into filling up days without being employed so if I get a job soon, I think I'll be going from 0 to 60 pretty quickly. I should know by the end of the week if I have any offers on the table and if not, I'm fine with subbing and finding my challenges elsewhere. Goals - I've fallen off the bandwagon a little this past week with being sick and now it's time to jump back on the train and stay focused on my goals. Tonight I saw the most amazing sunset I've ever seen - or at least one of the more impressive sunsets I've experienced. It was unbelievable - I saw all of the colors in the rainbow up in the sky, with the Olympic Mountains in the background and Puget Sound in front of the mountains. It was like Skittles on crack! Yep, I'm never leaving Seattle - I'm staying for good! Our nightly walk up to Sunset Hill Park continues to knock me off my feet - even after 6 years of living here!

Lunch Ramble

Hiya guys!





So I'm on my break at work and realized I need to blog. I'm always coming up with stuff throughout the day thinking, this would be good to blog about, then I've forgotten by the time I get to the computer, seems like a weak excuse to invest in an iphone. Or to work on my memory, goodness what am I going to be like at 80? Anyway.....


So I haven't had a chance to reassess my goals--what good are they you ask? Well, I know they're there and I've written them down and can come back to them once IM is done. Some I'm doing very well, the nutrition is slacking (snack more when stressed), and I'm making steps to decrease the anxiety in order to get more sleep. My sleep has been very affected and find myself waking up 4-5 times a night. Cannot be good...but trying to improve on it. Physically I feel strong in my training but its the mental aspect (which is sooo important in long distance sports) is my weak area at this point. So the other day, I did a 4 hour brick workout in the gym. It started out great, watching the top 20 countdown on VH1 and singing along. Music can always do the trick! I usually don't workout with music so this was a refreshing change. Then it started to get hard, honestly I thought of things to post on here and thinking of Kat's super tri and Kate's 5K and funny DTC memories. It worked for a while and then moved on to other thoughts. I started to think about how long I've been training specifically for this race. My plan is a 37 weeker. Thats about 9 months..doesn't include the two years of doing olympics and half IM training.

....I planned on getting back to this one at work, but it looks like I will have to save it for this weekend, I'm going to post it anyway, to be continued.

Successful Sprint!

Well, it has been 2days since I completed the Santa Rosa Triathlon in Pensacola, FL. It was awesome, but I am definitely enjoying some down time. You know, I quit my job & somehow couldn't find the inspiration to clean my house...well, we are hosting a party tomorrow night...I guess that is now my inspiration. Cleaning my house feels like a triathlon!!!

The training, data collection, trials, etc. all paid off. I had bkfst at 4:30am and had set both my basal and bolus back. I guess I got an adrenaline surge just before starting, because my bs climbed up to 268; however, after reviewing with the "Doc", we opted to not correct nor take in any carbs before the start. I started the swim at @7:50 and what seemed like forever was actually my fastest time ever and the open water swim was AWESOME! The water was so clear I could see straight to the bottom. I ran to the transition and my BS was @230 so I opted to take in a REAL small amount of carbs and then drink on my Hammer water mix. I had about 3/4 of it so @15-18 carbs and then a couple more shot blocks. The bike ride took the longest...I need to work on that, it was @1:10, but it was beautiful riding along the beach. Got back into the transition and my bs was @140 (yeah!). I can only say that I had MAJOR spaghetti legs as I started my run. I took in a pack of sports beans (25ch) and proceeded to run...really slow. I ended up walking @1/4 mile until I felt like my legs could stand my own weight. It took @34min to bring it back to the finish for the final time of 2:04:38!! I may have been in 638th place, but I was a HUGE winner in my own mind. What a success. My bs remained stable until after lunch. We continued to cut my bolus & basal back and that was a bit too much.

So what's next...well, Holly's Ironman of course!!!! Not to mention there is a Youth Tri the day after that my boys want to do in Panama City. We may make a long weekend out of it & head back to Tally the Monday after. Since I'm doing light stuff this week, I'm going to focus on getting some training time in with the boys...what fun to share this with them!

Well, I'm hitting the sack for the night. Kate - I pray your interviews have gone well and that the perfect job will have the door opened wide for you! Holly - you are SO CUTE with your nephew...I see a shimmer in your eyes! Diabetic moms bringing babies into this world is one challenge/workout that is well worth the reward at the finish line, even if they get mouthy as they get older :o)

Job Interviews...

So I promised that I would give myself until October 1st to sort things out with teaching jobs...and then I became really impatient about being unemployed! I started going down the track of nannying but deep down inside I really wanted to be in the classroom, educating and inspiring the next generation. Tomorrow I have 2 teaching interviews - the only challenge is I have a root canal at 7:45am and I also am trying to kick a cold! Perfect timing, huh? I think I'm going to opt for not wearing my pump during the interviews only because my sensor connections freaked out during my last two interviews and created a bit of a "diabetes awkward moment". So off with the pump it will be. One of the interviews is at a school for kids who are transitioning out of homelessness and I'm really excited about the great reputation and progressive nature of the school. It seems like all of the barriers are removed for these kids in the other areas of their lives so that they can have a continuous year of education as their families try to figure out their next steps. The other interview is at an international middle school with a very diverse student population. There's a lot of overlap between the students I was working with this summer and these schools so I'm going to keep my fingers crossed. Hopefully my sniffles will be put in check tomorrow and I won't be numb from the dentist's office and I can give the interviews everything I have. It's at least a step in the right direction!

Sprint in 2 DAYS!

I'm loving keeping up with you guys through the blog! I've been a little lazy this week...took (2) days off from my running, just felt like being a bit of a couch potato. Matt's been awesome to continue working with, but I do believe he's smoking something at times (ha ha). I'm doing the Sprint Saturday & then supposed to do an 85minute run Sunday.... I know myself well enough that I will get up & do it, but I have to whine a little. I never would have seen myself doing anything close to this a year ago and I'm so happy to see where I am now. I have to admit though, it would be nice if my family supported me more or showed a bit more interest...oh well. I have the most awesome husband & children that are definitely there for me!
My non-profit's name is going to be Diabetes Life Training. Mike likes it because the acronym reminds him of a BLT sandwich??? I meet with our local HMO Monday @4pm to discuss their involvement in residential focus groups, etc. I am also going to one of our local community colleges today to inquire into their RN program. We'll see how that goes...it's been a LONG time since I've been in a college setting.

My boys are enjoying me being at home. It's nice to go outside with them before & after school to throw the football around a bit, play a little tackle football, etc. I know that no matter what the future holds career wise...I want to be available for them in the afternoons!

Holly- YOU ROCK!!! I can't wait for November to roll around & see you. I know you will do great! I'm on board with something "big" in 2010...I know I'm going to do a 1/2 Marathon in February, but I love the idea of something larger to add. A girlfriend of mine here is going to run the Chicago Marathon. Sounds like a fun experience.

Kate- I don't know if the info I sent you was helpful at all, but it sounds like you are doing pretty good regardless!! I think it's great to see such a fire lit under all of us to do something that will impact others that are living with diabetes...there are so many out there that just don't have an ounce of resources or support. Phil is great...I know his mom pretty well & she rocks as far as support goes.

Well...I'm off to cross train today. I'm thinking of a nice bike ride once the am traffic slows down a bit. Stay well!!

Nothing more calming than waves...........

Beach week with the family is going along. Being on the west coast, I don't get chill fam time often enough. Our annual fam vacation was to Ocean City, MD and we would always do the same things, it was nice to go to somewhere you felt you weren't a stranger. When we got older, less of us went to the beach and so my parents stopped going too. Now as adults, we've decided to make it happen again, except at Nags Head, NC (outer banks). So this week is very similar, yet different. We are trading dinner nights, drinking champagne in the jacuzzi, and living room filled with nephews running/crawling/stumbling around. Tonight we watched home videos and I def got in touch with my abdominal muscles. Its nice to be home. And the beach is great too.
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Kate--so glad to hear your keeping up with the running and it sounds like you're going further and further! Enjoying it also is so necessary, helps to have a running buddy. Do you crave diet soda with a high too? Oh there is nothing else better than carbonation to quench that crazy thirst! I'll look at your goals again when I get home to be sure, but it sounds like you're mostly on track! The diabetes sports and wellness thing sounds like so much fun--don't think we have as big of a group in SF. I've told Matt that I'm ready to stuff envelopes or do anything to help DTC thrive. Anne, from Triabetes, is spreading the word and organizing events. I also feel the need to get involved and into the social scene---so many people out there to connect with.
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Kat, your tri is around the corner! You've gotta text, email or post here to let us know how much ass you kicked! With a sprint tri, its so quick that if you run into BG/insulin issue, just try to make adjustments and then keep on keeping on...oh, I'm super excited for you! Are you enjoying spending more time with your kids these past couple weeks? It seems like you're keeping yourself busy too! Hopefully the diabetes program is still a potential! We're all such multi-taskers....
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I only have about two more weeks of hard training before the taper period...seems pretty crazy I've been following this program for almost a year already! I can def say I'm ready ready ready for the taper. Mark said the other day, "I'm ready to going back to running 30 minutes a day"...so agreed. When did a 2 hour workout not be considered a "long" workout? I've come so far, proven it to myself, and ready to challenge myself with another big goal! Haven't totally set my mind, but I'm sure it won't be long..................

DTC peeps unite in Seattle

I just got back from a night of hanging out with diabetics and I have a smile on my face. It's amazing how you can meet a diabetic for the first time and feel like you go way back with them, all in a matter of a few conversations in a few hours. I think there's a lot of bonding that takes place lamenting about the fact that our pancreases are slacking big time. Tonight was the first JDRF Diabetes Sports & Exercise Workshop in Seattle and it was great! I was lucky enough to hang out with three of the campers from DTC - Susannah, Greg, and Mike and it was really nice to catch up with them. I met a ton of new diabetics and I'm looking forward to building a strong support network in Seattle with the crew that was there tonight. There were probably about 40 people there - not a bad showing! We had a pretty informal talk with a local endocrinologist and a CDE/dietitian/exercise physiologist and just shared frustrations, strategies, and questions. I felt like I was still on a ridiculous high from DTC and wanted to share all I learned with everybody! Hopefully I wasn't talking too much - it's kinda my weak point when I get excited! I offered to take on the more social informal gatherings for the group and there was a lot of interest - more of the grab a beer and just chat type of crew. We'll see if that gets up and running! After the workshop, 4 of us went out to the bar and continued to get to know each other over a beer. I can't wait to see what comes of the JDRF Sports & Exercise group - it's a great start. The JDRF cycling group is having its annual party that I'm thinking of attending to get to know some of the riders and then Phil Southerland from Team Type 1 is coming to talk in a few weeks as well. Exciting stuff on the horizon - I can really feel the untapped potential!

Keep Rockin' it Ladies!

Kat, it's great to have you on here! It's been so fun hearing about your triathlons and I can't wait to hear to success story once you've completed your next one! What's your training schedule looking like these days? It sounds like you have some great ideas up your sleeves for type 1 support groups - I'd love to hear more about that as you get closer! I think that's the strongest thing about DTC - the support network that has developed out of it! Ok, and maybe the motivation to actually sign up for a race!

Holly - 20 miles girl, you rock! Too bad you didn't just carry your dad on your back - I think you have enough drive and dedication to have done that if you wanted it bad enough! Just kidding! I hope you are kicking back with your family and really just enjoying their company and relaxing like you deserve to relax. Have you been able to sleep better lately? What's the latest on Carrie's book? How did your endo appointment end up going last week? Keep driving forward - I can't wait for November 7th - you'll rock it!

I've been running a lot lately and continue to love it. I can't wait for my 10K in a few weeks and then I'm going to let myself sign up for the Seattle half-marathon the Sunday after Thanksgiving if all goes well. I'm not going to get too ahead of myself - one thing at a time! I've been running 4 days a week and won't let myself run on the weekends because I don't want to eat into our play time with friends and each other. We're always going up to the mountains on the weekends and I really want to seperate my "training" from my play time! Chaco and I went for a great run on Friday and he was pretty pooped at the end of it. He and I were waiting on the corner for the light to change and a nice man came up on his bike. Chaco scored a tennis ball from the man's bike jersey and the people in all of the cars had huge smiles on their faces, never expecting that to happen! It made Chaco's day! I came back from my run and sat down on the couch, only to realize my breath smelled really sweet. Nice - pump site wasn't working the whole run and I went from 100 to 280 with ketones. I was on the verge of throwing up but slammed a liter of Coke Zero in just enough time to flush the little buggers out of my system! Gotta love it! Friday night Erik and I went out to dinner and I realized my favorite store had balloons out front that said "I will never grow up!" I went inside and asked for a balloon and Erik tied it to my wrist. I walked around, acting like I was 5 and really enjoyed feeling like a total kid again. Can you picture this? My little neighbor Marcus was out in front of our house when we got home and I gave Marcus my balloon. I think it made his day and it definitely made mine! We had a great weekend at a YMCA camp work party doing great work projects for camp - it really felt wonderful to volunteer and make a special place a bit better.

Keep rockin' it ladies! How are your goals coming along?? -Kate

Welcome KAT!!!

Hi KAT! I was hoping you'd posted something, so exciting that we're all doing it and staying in touch in style! :) You will be amazed at how fun the sprint tri is...you'll rock it out! The BG hopefully will be helping you out, either way, you'll have a great race!
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Kate, I like the phrase a lot. I think another diabetic tri group has fueled by insulin, what about powered by insulin to be different? Either way, think its a great idea for the another table top--hehe...I must say that was too cool.
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I did a 20 mile run today which is the longest I've run since my marathon a couple years ago. I had a pit stop at the beach house at mile 14 hoping to convince my dad (who also runs) to run the last 6 with me, but it was a no-go. So I got some more alone time and it ended up torentially downpouring for the last two miles (woulda only been 2 miles, but I got lost like typical Holly). Anyway, I feel very accomplished and think thats going to be my longest run till the real thing! I don't know about swimming in the Atlantic Ocean (I'm in the Outer Banks) the storms from Atlanta have brought in some pretty nasty waves....hopefully it will calm later in the week. Ahhhh family time ;) Good night, its tooooo late to be up!
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Peace out, Holly

Nice to be w/my buddies!!

I just finished reading all of the posts on the blog. It's great to see the successes everyone is experiencing! Kate, you can do it...pregnancy and all!! The rewards in the end are priceless, trust me! I look at my boys each day and am so thankful for the blessings in my life, even after SEVERAL years of really poor diabetes care.
I am one week away from my Sprint Tri @Santa Rosa Beach, Pensacola, FL. I am also getting nervous! I know that once the race gets underway I will be fine, but the nerves I'm feeling now is just crazy. After the sprint I will be moving on to a 15k in November...the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning in Tally. Then it will be a 1/2 Marathon in Jacksonville for Breast Cancer in February. That's as far out as I'm willing to plan right now.
I met with our local hospital this week to discuss a plan for a Non-Profit that will be geared towards a more personable approach to support Type I Diabetics. I shared my experiences at DTC as well as the struggles I've experienced in my training, etc. The buy in was AWESOME. I was meeting with the CEO, head of Admin, Pres of their Foundation and the head of their Diabetes Center. I am VERY excited to see this develop.
Keep up the hard work! Kat Owen

Ideas???

Hey Pepper - I'm thinking about making something...what is your take on "Athletic Diabetics - Fueled by insulin"? Or can you come up with something more creative? Leme know!

Sitting at Molly Moon's, eating ice cream

Today I did it, I finally got my A1c below 7% - 6.9% to be exact and it's the lowest it's been since probably 6 months before I was diagnosed with diabetes! The lowest in my diabetic life and I can't be any more happy. I went to my appointment early so that I could get my A1c done before I saw my doctor. Why? Because I really wanted to know! I'm working towards my goal of an A1c of less than 6.5% and I wanted to know if I was headed in the right direction. Sure, my averages were great and are getting better every week, but I had this sneaking suspicion that the A1c test would be totally inaccurate. They handed me the paperwork and I met Erik at my appointment and shared the news with him - I got a hug and a kiss and the feeling from him that he knows I can do it. Then I shared with him that I had this secret reward that I promised myself if my A1c was below 7% - salted carmel ice cream in a waffle cone at Molly Moon's! I could have easily driven myself to the ice cream shop any of these days but I decided my new reward for all of this hard work was an ice cream cone at Molly Moon's every 3 months after my appointment if I keep making headway towards my goal. Who the hell cares about one high blood sugar after ice cream every 3 months? It will be my "diabetes vacation". My appointment was great - my doc was very impressed with everything I've done since DTC. After camp I pretty much overhauled my pump, took my basal rates down to one rate and then built them back up, similar to taking a car into the mechanics shop. I've worked my ass of on basal test and carb ratio testing and from the looks of it - I'm there. She didn't recommend any changes but instead was interested in knowing how I got to where I am. I raved about DTC and my doc is actually interested in doing an internship with Dr. Matt at one of the future camps. She borrowed my book from camp and I can't wait for her to take a look at it. I feel like anyone who goes through DTC comes out with a different perspective and understands a lot more about the multifaceted challenges diabetes presents. Erik and I got the "green light" to head towards pregnancy although we've told ourselves that we are waiting until our Thailand trip in December and then at that point we'll see what happens. Today I feel great - I went on an amazing run with Chaco this morning and for the first time I feel like I really will be able to tackle pregnancy and know that it will be an adventure but that we can do it. The ice cream tasted great and knowing Erik had an ice cream cone at 5pm on a beautiful afternoon made me realize we are both in this together and together we can achieve more!

Endo apt. today...

It's crazy to think that my first 13 years living with diabetes I freaked out when I went to my every 3 month endo apts. Sometimes I would "forget" to bring my meter, sometimes I would religiously write blood sugars in a brand new log book, a few months of BS within 30 minutes, and sometimes my heart would race so much they often thought I had high blood pressure. I hate being held accountable by a doctor who really doesn't understand the emotional side of living with diabetes, someone who just doesn't get IT. The tables turned two years ago when I saw my doctor care about me enough to encourage me to change my life. I had really turned my back to my diabetes and during my first year of teaching it all came crashing down on me rather quickly. It was about this time two years ago when I decided to take a medical leave of absence from my teaching job to focus on myself and the advice my doctor gave me was the best advice ever. I now see her as one of my teammates, coaching me on the side and encouraging me when I need to be encouraged.

I know, this is going to sound crazy, but now I actually look forward to my appointments with her. I really respect her and at this point in my life, I feel like I can take charge of the appointments and set the agenda rather than get yelled at. It's a refreshing change of pace and today I'm looking forward to seeing her again and sharing with her some of the great things I learned at DTC and telling her how DTC filled the void in my life I needed filled. Today I seem to have less questions written down than most appointments and I feel a little more at peace. My 7 day average is 124, 14 day average is 142, and 30 day average is 147 and my sensor data agrees as well. I'm looking forward to seeing where my A1c is today and mapping out my journey of what I will need to do to achieve my DTC goal of less than 6.5%. Will I tear myself apart if it isn't there yet? No, I can't...I can only react and ask myself what changes I can make to get closer to that goal!

Standing at the crossroads...

Before I start my daily rambling, here's to Holly and how amazing it is to really experience her triumphs and challenges during her Ironman training! I'm so lucky to be able to hear the stories through our blog. She's one in a million in the fact that she's not going to let anything stand in her way, not even diabetes! Holly - I know you know how big of a challenge it is to merely train for the Ironman but you've really proven to yourself and others that the sky is the limit. Keep up the focus and effort and keep feeding the athlete - the athlete is hungry and the monster (ah, like the scary monsters that used to live under my bed when I was little) is full and has a stomach ache!

The crossroads - yesterday afternoon I felt like I stood at the crossroads of my life, just reflecting on where I've been, where I am, and where I'm going. If you can't tell, I kinda want my future to play out in front of me before it actually happens. I used to have this crazy sense of adventure and freedom and would reach for the unknown with hands wide open and over the past two years I've fluttered between "tell me now" and "I know everything will figure itself out, it's just a matter of time". I felt the crossroads yesterday because I had a great day with the two little boys I took care of yesterday! I loved nannying three years ago and I fell right back into that feeling of taking care of little kids so easily yesterday. They were adorable and we had a great time going on bike rides, picking up leaves at the park, and munching off their 10+ fruits and veggies in their garden. So that's one fork on the crossroads. The other - 3 math support specialist jobs just opened up at one of the more vibrant and more diverse middle schools in Seattle and after thinking I would just nanny and substitute teach, I applied to all 3 positions. I find myself totally confused about which route is going to be best for me and hope to find some calm in knowing things will work out the way they are supposed to be. Do I nanny, substitute teach, and think towards having kids when I feel great about my diabetes control and relatively stress-free? If given the opportunity, do I launch myself back into the sometimes crazy world of teaching and see if I can still manage my diabetes as well so that when we are ready to have kids, it will be an option? I guess I'll just have to wait and see...

Oh diabetes, sometimes you make me stronger and sometimes you complicate my life in ways I wish were less complicated!

As Dr. Matt said many times at camp - "I think it's amazing what each and every one of you does on a daily basis!" IT IS AMAZING - UNBELIEVABLY AMAZING! Keep it up!

SF diabetics and nerves

Tonight I ran with four other Type 1s organized by Anne Finlay, part of Triabetes. It was nice to be around other diabetics again...much love there. The run was along the SF Bay but the fog was outrageous and let us see nothing of the Bay Bridge or the Bay itself...how selfish. Anyway, cold and windy (yes, even in September) still had a good time. Wish I woulda taken a picture, maybe next time. Sounds like a couple were interested in meeting up for another workout, so thats cool.


AHHHH, I am so nervous about the workout tomorrow...its one of the longest in my training...its going to be a ~7 hour bike (90 miles) and then a 7 mile run. I hope it goes okay..................well, I should probably rest up. I'll post about it later and take pics too! Till next time.

Ha!

HAHAH, look at the posts...mine are all responding to your posts and yours are so reflective....love it!!!!

What a post!

Oh my goodness, so I totally should be writing an important email right now, but I need to respond to the post Kate wrote. I love the way you write, it completely fires me up. Taking the frustration out in a workout is so vigorating and eases the mind. So many times I find myself having trouble getting energy, then go out for a workout and then come home with 1000X more. Seems rather counter-intuitive but rarely does it not work. Running is the sport that challenges me the most too...I feel like biking you can see so much more, easier on the legs/recovery, and can go forever. Yet, after, running feels the best. Yes, it has a lot to do with the mental acheivement for me too. I find that I like my long runs more than the short ones--they allow you to step off the pace a bit, look around, get in a groove, and just go. Have you ever seen that runner who is just striding away with the perfect posture like she/he isn't even working hard? Thats the way I feel on many long runs...may not look it, but feel it. I once told a friend, I just want to get to the point where running gets easy. She told me it never gets easy b/c you push yourself every day. But it does get more comfortable.
Kate, you've got some hurdles in your way with the job but you're building your life every day and adjusting your personal goals with this frustration. Awesomeness.
The challenge I need to focus on is........to be continued.

The balance of challenge

Over the years I've begun to figure myself out, one puzzle piece at a time. I've always been one who has liked to reflect on my past to learn a little bit more about myself for the present and the future. So as I hit the saddle yesterday for my ride, I really needed to reflect on the last 5 weeks of searching for a job. I'm not going to lie, it's been a frustrating experience looking for a teaching job and I'm still unemployed. I've usually been the teacher that stands out from the crowd because others can really see that my relationships with students are genuine and I truly care about my kids. I've got amazing references and have had some stellar observations, and still I can't find a job back in Seattle. At this point, the frustration is starting to play with my mind a little because I'm qualified and unemployed - yeah for our kick-ass economy at this moment! I fell apart yesterday and went out on my bike ride to work out the stress I've been feeling about not being able to find a job. I was wondering why I was "feeding the monster" all morning and what switched in me to feed the monster and not the athlete. About 45 minutes into my ride it hit me. I figured out yet another puzzle piece to the complex, always changing Kate. I NEED CHALLENGE IN MY LIFE. The last 5 weeks have been all but challenging and I haven't met my appropriate level of challenge throughout the day to stay sane. Why have I set my road bike aside and picked up my running shoes? Up until my bike ride, I don't think there was an answer. I picked up my running shoes because I didn't think I could run and I've kept on running because it's my biggest challenge during the day! Biking doesn't challenge me unless it's a long ride but running does. I finished my first 5K and will be running in my first 10K in 4 weeks...maybe I'll keep going after that. Here's to using exercise to keep me mentally and physically challenged until I find a job that will do the same. I'm a very athletic individual and I'm going to take this time to challenge myself physically (don't worry - I'm not going to do an Ironman yet - go Holly!) and realize the potential that I haven't tapped into for awhile. I have the most amazing forward momentum when I meet my optimal level of challenge, if I fall below that level I fall apart and if the level rises too high, I fall apart. I know - I've felt the two extremes in the past two years and I've learned. The desire for challenge has led me to write 175 pages on my experiences and adventures living with diabetes a year and a half ago and will drive me to keep hitting the pavement one foot at a time!

Remembering the good times.......

So I blogged during camp....wish I was back. Its a long one, just a warning, I never claimed to be quick about anything....tip, sit back with a glass of wine and enjoy the memories.


Thursday August 13


What a day—bottle this day, take a sip each day, live a long life. To be honest, this is the day I was somewhat nervous about. Long runs tend to be the hardest workouts for me. The factors of thinking about running for a extended period of time, holding a steady pace, and also the whole blood sugar issues that can come into play.

The first couple days of camp I was fighting steady hyperglycemia. I increased my basal rate overnight and this was the first morning I woke up at a great blood sugar (now, the pressure to keep it that way). After bolusing for breakfast, still a great number with a little cushion for the long workout. Wearing the continuous glucose monitor, I could see my blood sugar drop a little and hold steady just where I wanted to be....just in time to start carb intake appropriately. Everything feel in place and was turning out to be a great run. Yoli pointed out on the map how it was impossible to get lost. Off we go, JJ and I into a good pace comfortable to talk. Yoli didn’t realize how directionally challenged we were. We got lost, well, not technically lost, we just got off the trail. So we just turned around and did an out and back course instead of the intended loop. Pushing it towards the end, we met back up to Yoli (cheering us in as always!) and then I went out for another loop with Dr. Matt. I was so happy to be able to have such a good run with the person who gave me the knowledge and power to be able run with little blood sugar issues. Pretty incredible experience. Meeting up with Amy, the three of us completed the loop. Third loop was on my own. I was wearing an Half-Ironman shirt and this woman walking her dog the opposite way must have noticed. We met eyes and she asked me if I had done an Ironman. “Nope but I’m training for one in November.” She then introduced herself as the first female Ironman finisher, Lyn Lemaire. Wow, that was so random and pretty awesome!!! My husband googled her to make sure this was true, and sure enough she was the first in 1979. Craziness.

That afternoon we listened to a Dr. Matt lecture on something that every diabetic has issues with: glucose control during workouts. We reviewed lowering basal rates at certain times, reducing insulin to carb ratio for meal prior to the workout, and then taking in adequate carbs during. This seems straight forward but it’s amazing how individualized it is and also so variable from day to day. Lately, as soon as I feel like I have it right, something changes and I need to go back to the drawing board and trial/error again. It was very comforting seeing people also struggle with this and I felt privileged that this was not the first time I’d heard this. Before I knew these techniques, I had been completely off with timing of insulin and exercise. So off that I didn’t enjoy workouts—not something you want to have going into months of training for a long distance triathlon. Incredibly practical lecture.

After this we had a guest, Chris Dudley, a former NBA basketball player talk with us. His story was very inspiring because it was at a time where type 1 diabetics didn’t have all the resources we do now. I couldn’t imagine playing such a competitive level of sports plus not having the pump. He said something like I felt best when I was between 150-180. I thought it was interesting the whole week finding that 180 was kind of the cut off of how high your blood sugar should get. I feel that when I’m over 180, workouts don’t seem as strong and I was under the impression that this was just my random number. Didn’t seem that way. Anyway, I asked him if he felt like he ever got it right? He said he felt like he learned a lot and got better but never felt like everything always went perfectly. Very interesting since he’s doing the same thing everyday, very precise, and yet he still had difficulties (and of course many successes). He was so humble and it was great hearing about his story. Diabetics are accomplishing great things.

The night ended with adults eating BBQ outside, playing Frisbee, and learning to hula hoop. Camp should last forever.



Friday August 14th


After having such a spectacular day yesterday, I was excited to see what was next. The schedule each day is jam packed with workouts, meals, lectures and showering is optional when you can find the time. Today started out with a nutrition lecture and it was interesting learning a little about Celiac disease because there are many people here with it. Even though the dining hall does have some options for gluten free products, I imagine this is hard to deal with on a daily basis in the non-DCT world.

Grant, the bike dude, is one of the funniest people here. He’s sarcastic and looks to have a good time anywhere. My bike fitting was this morning and since I was having trouble keeping my eyes open while pedaling on the bike, I was not too conversational, but even in my sleepy haze, I got the most awesome bike fitting ever (soon to read below). He fit me for my aero position along with the typical road position. Perfectionist bike doctor and now I feel more comfortable on my bike.

Yumm....lunch.....again lost the carb counting contest. About 12 carbs off. Next time.

Afternoon workout was a highlight of the week. We were lead out by Celeste, but once the bike path hit, people took off. Testing out my new fit, I was amazed at how fast and more importantly feeling like I could get a full foot stroke with lots of power. When I went by my friend, I said, “gazelle on your left!” I was smoking. We got to the destination, a beautiful lake with mountain ranges on the horizon. We were met by many campers sunbathing who took a car there and so we had a cheering crowd as we made our way to the lawn. Swim caps on and swam from buoy to buoy. Celeste and Yoli then decided we were swerving wasting our energy so we were given a quick lesson on sighting. Focused on a stationary object---got it. Just swimming in open water is so relaxing and seeing people swim in a lake for the first time was pretty cool. Everyone had a great time. Then back on our bikes with dinner as the destination. I decided not to get into the pace line because number one I was feeling so good and two I wanted to get a strong ride in. The guys broke up the drafting line on a hill and I took off into no man’s land. Riding by myself for about 15 minutes without anyone in sight behind me, Patrick comes to the left of me on his rental road bike with one drop of sweat coming down his cheek and passes me like I stopped to treat a low. Haha, so JJ and Sara were right behind him and then I jump on to the back. From there all the way back the race was on. We were playing leap frog, one person from the back would test the person in the front. We were cranking out ridiculous speeds (I honestly didn’t have the extra energy to look but JJ said we were holding 26 mph...might I add with a little wind). Then the trail was over and I think we all were a little sad to have our competition over.

Dr. Matt’s lecture was all about hypoglycemic. His lectures are so practical that they are always great to listen to. You learn so much about why things happen like they do. The theory behind consecutive lows (many repeated lows in a one day or so) was very interesting, especially since there have been a couple times I can remember them happening. The lecture ended with a pretty hilarious story of Dr. Matt being a research guinea pig for his “friend.” They made his blood sugar go incredibly low---some friends! Props to him for trusting them and especially to go through with the experiment...

Ending the night were the skits, we had some pretty funny inside jokes throughout the week, and so these skits were all making fun of staff...what better way to end the night???



Saturday, August 15


Today is very sad day. Saying goodbye to some of the coolest people is what I had to do. This group of people made my experience at camp so much more fun. I had conversations with just about everyone and each one was special and unique. The environment at camp was nothing like I’d ever experienced and was supportive beyond imagination. The staff was pretty unbeatable, each one of them so encouraging, uplifting and positive, energetic....campers plus staff led to the best week of my life.

After the circle of everyone’s closing thoughts, I don’t think there was a dry eye. That was raw emotions and no guards up. I had some things to say, thanks to everyone that sat through my book. The overwhelming support for my future Ironman event was incredible. In my regular life, no one seems to understand the true challenge this will be....it’s the beauty of uniting people with diabetes.

Goodbyes are always tough, but this one seemed a bit different. I plan on keeping in touch with a couple friends. I’ll see the staff again when I come back to camp next year. The eight hour drive home was truly therapeutic and drove without boredom, laughing out loud, and wishing camp were a little bit longer.


Sunday, August 16


Adjusting to regular life will take a couple days. That’s what I noticed when I went out for a group run and decided to run on my own—my mind was in a different place and didn’t feel right to be chatty. I live in San Francisco and was on such a beautiful run around the Presidio Park overlooking the Golden Gate bridge. In the middle of my run, I sat down for a minute and watched the waves crash against the rocks just thinking about the last week. Best week of my life? I think that is clear. Life is good.