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Monday, May 9, 2011

Admiring Differences

Running Update: I ran my last 11 mile training run yesterday, and it was less than wonderful.  I'm glad I had a crappy training run, as opposed to a crappy race.  I felt sluggish throughout, but hopefully that will fade as I'm now in full taper mode.  I'm so happy to be tapering!  It's been a long training year so far.  Six days until the Rockford Half!!

Admiring our differences is the theme for day 1 of Diabetes Blog Week.  "Today let’s talk about how great it is to learn from the perspectives of those unlike us"!


Of the posts I've read today, most people are acknowledging the admiration they have for Type 1 parents.  I'm sure their blogs are interesting and informative, however, I don't read any of them.  I read blogs where I find commonalities with the writers - running, similar age, where we live, athletes, my friends, and people I find interesting.  I have admiration for all of the blogs I read, which are many (although I don't comment too often, if at all). 

In the diabetes online community, there are two people that I admire a great deal.  Jerry and Marcus are both people I admire for their ability and wisdom.   

Jerry wins the prize for the most frequent commenter on my blog.  His wisdom has helped me become a better runner and diabetic in more ways that he probably realizes.  It is nice to have someone who has trained for races similar to me, who has experienced some of the same things I have as well.  Thank you, Jerry, for always being willing to share you wisdom and support with me. 

When I read Marcus's post about his 50-mile race, I was inspired.  If you didn't read his post, go do so now.  How can one not be motivated after reading that?  Although Marcus doesn't blog a ton, and I've never met him in person, I feel like he is a person who everyone likes.  Training, making time for his kids, and "sneaking every running gizmo and diabetes gadget into his house" means his life is most likely incredibly busy.  There have been times on my blog when I've complained in a post about how my training wasn't going how I wanted, or being disappointed after a half marathon, but Marcus's comment always remind me to suck it up and continue on.  Disappointment happens to everyone.  It is how we bounce back that really matters.  Thank you, Marcus, for reminding me of this. 

Lastly, there is one Type 2 diabetic that I admire greatly: my dad.  About 10 years ago, he went to the doctor and they told him he either had to lose some weight or go on pills for diabetes.  My dad has the most drive and determination of any person I've ever met.  He did not want to go on pills, so my parents bought a treadmill.  He has walked almost every single  morning on the treadmill for the past 10 years, getting up at 4 a.m. to do so.  Now, he is really skinny and very healthy.  He takes everything in moderation.  He lives such a balanced life, making time for being the president of a company, traveling, volunteering on numerous boards, exercising, and spirituality.  He's the best dad I could have ever hoped for.

I look forward to reading all of the posts on this topic.  Did you post?

1 comment:

  1. I posted a blog as well! That is awesome your dad took a hold of his health like that! I wrote about the parents, but your topic was very interesting. Good luck with the running!

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