In my five years of being a runner, I have been self coached. I took advice from others, but ultimately it was me who dictated what I did. Being self coached requires a great deal of discipline. The only person you are accountable to is yourself, which can be both a blessing and a curse. I think that worked out fairly well for me in the past. I achieved some respectable PRs under my own guidance.
But, I want to become better. I don't just want to be "average"...I want to be considered "good". I don't think I can achieve this on my own, which is why I am going to start working with a running coach on Wednesday. My coach "W" is a runner himself. He actually coaches my best runner friend, who I have trained with for the past year.
The self-coaching door is shutting come Wednesday and the "getting coached" door is opening wide. With it come all sorts of excitement, dreams, and goals that I hope to accomplish. I realize my goals are ambitious, but W says that they are attainable. This scares and excites me at the same time. In the next six months, my goals are:
1. Break 1:30 for a half marathon (sub 6:53 average pace)
2. Break 20:00 for a 5k (sub 6:24 pace)
3. Break 3:20 for a marathon (sub 7:38 pace)
And as Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." It will take work, but I believe my body and mind are capable of running these times.
My life as a runner, perfectionist, athlete, 20-something, and type 1 diabetic.
Monday, April 29, 2013
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Bombs and Floods
In the past week, I have experienced a bomb and a flood. I'm currently waiting for a tornado to happen to complete the trifecta.
Considering all things, I thought I handled the Boston Marathon bomb quite well. This is mostly because I didn't hear it go off, and was 1/2 mile from the finish line. Plus, my parents were in Boston with me. They could handle the logistics of getting back to the hotel while I hobbled down the streets of Boston after them trying to find our way to the bus station. Luckily, my mom and I flew back to Chicago on Tuesday before American had all of their problems. I was emotionally and physically exhausted from the race and the chaotic aftermath, but dealt with it quite well.
Then, on Wednesday night and early Thursday morning, we had torrential downpours in Chicagoland. My school was cancelled on Thursday and Friday, which provided me with a nice break to regroup. Although, I couldn't, because where I live was flooded. Water was all over the floors, and I had to leave. Luckily, I have some great friends that have helped me out. But, after a while I personally feel like I am a burden. Therefore, I stayed 2 nights in a hotel. However, I couldn't take it anymore. Tomorrow night I've decided to reside with friends again.
Unfortunately, I have not handled this event as well as the bombings. On Saturday I cried 4 times. On Monday I get to see my endocrinologist. I think it is safe to assume I'll shed some tears in his office.
I realize that temporary living somewhere is not the end of the world. But it is incredibly inconvenient and causes more stress in my life. Right now, I need peace and not stress.
The good thing is that after this week, things can only get better. Unless, of course, the tornado actually does come.
Considering all things, I thought I handled the Boston Marathon bomb quite well. This is mostly because I didn't hear it go off, and was 1/2 mile from the finish line. Plus, my parents were in Boston with me. They could handle the logistics of getting back to the hotel while I hobbled down the streets of Boston after them trying to find our way to the bus station. Luckily, my mom and I flew back to Chicago on Tuesday before American had all of their problems. I was emotionally and physically exhausted from the race and the chaotic aftermath, but dealt with it quite well.
Then, on Wednesday night and early Thursday morning, we had torrential downpours in Chicagoland. My school was cancelled on Thursday and Friday, which provided me with a nice break to regroup. Although, I couldn't, because where I live was flooded. Water was all over the floors, and I had to leave. Luckily, I have some great friends that have helped me out. But, after a while I personally feel like I am a burden. Therefore, I stayed 2 nights in a hotel. However, I couldn't take it anymore. Tomorrow night I've decided to reside with friends again.
Unfortunately, I have not handled this event as well as the bombings. On Saturday I cried 4 times. On Monday I get to see my endocrinologist. I think it is safe to assume I'll shed some tears in his office.
I realize that temporary living somewhere is not the end of the world. But it is incredibly inconvenient and causes more stress in my life. Right now, I need peace and not stress.
The good thing is that after this week, things can only get better. Unless, of course, the tornado actually does come.
Friday, April 19, 2013
Boston Marathon Race Recap
I got up at the early hour of 4 AM to get ready for the Boston Marathon. After getting lots of glorious sleep on Friday and Saturday night, I didn't sleep much at all Sunday night. All kinds of negative thoughts kept swirling around in my head, like how I wasn't in shape, would have to walk the final 3 miles to the finish, tripping during the race....Not the best thoughts pre-race, but especially pre-marathon.
I decided what to wear that morning, got everything together, and got into a cab with my parents so we could go to the hotel to catch the CARA charter bus. A friend that does track with me sat by me and in back of us was my friend that I would be running the race with and her boyfriend. The bus left a few minutes late, but we made it to Hopkinton in plenty of time.
I was supposed to start the race in 2/4, but moved back to 2/7 to run with my friend. We decided a few months ago that we were going to run the race for fun, and not race it. Getting to Boston was the challenging part, so our goal was to enjoy every moment of the 26.2 miles.
My brother, who ran Boston 3 times, told me what to expect: 13 miles of gently rolling hills followed by 3 heartbreak hills and 5 miles of downhills. This helped a lot, as most people say the first half is all downhill. Really, the first hill is at mile 1.75.
We started running and I shed my throw-away gloves at mile 3 because I started to get warm. By mile 6, I was hot. I took off my arm warmers and my friend weaved them through my tank top. They stayed there until mile 17, when we saw my parents. We briefly stopped to talk to them. I gave them my arm warmers and my mom gave me some GU packets. We continued on our way, and then mile 19 happened. I was already incredibly hot by this point, and went was taking a cup of water and pouring it down my back in the hope that it would cool me off. However, that didn't work. At mile 19 I got cramps in my legs, and it sucked. My friend listed to me complain about them, especially knowing that THE Heartbreak Hill was rapidly approaching, knowing I wanted to walk. "You'll regret it for the rest of your life, so I won't let you," she told me.
I listed to her, and I followed her up it, at a rather slow pace. For the next few miles, my cramps would come and go. By mile 21, I had to use the bathroom. My friend and I did 99% of our long runs together, and as most runners know, talking about poop is not odd. And although I really needed to use the bathroom, there was no way that my will would let me stop, nor would I poop my pants. We talked about other things instead. Rather, my friend did most of the talking this part of the race.
When we saw the 40k sign, I knew the end was close. The crowds had been awesome the entire time, and although I was in pain, I didn't really want it to be done. We concluded the marathon by running a 6:59 pace for the last 0.4 miles. And just like that, 3 hours and 46 minutes after we started the journey in Hopkinton, the Boston Marathon was over.
Outfit I decided to wear. I started the race with 2 pink gloves and not 1... I don't think I'm Michael Jackson.
I decided what to wear that morning, got everything together, and got into a cab with my parents so we could go to the hotel to catch the CARA charter bus. A friend that does track with me sat by me and in back of us was my friend that I would be running the race with and her boyfriend. The bus left a few minutes late, but we made it to Hopkinton in plenty of time.
I was supposed to start the race in 2/4, but moved back to 2/7 to run with my friend. We decided a few months ago that we were going to run the race for fun, and not race it. Getting to Boston was the challenging part, so our goal was to enjoy every moment of the 26.2 miles.
My brother, who ran Boston 3 times, told me what to expect: 13 miles of gently rolling hills followed by 3 heartbreak hills and 5 miles of downhills. This helped a lot, as most people say the first half is all downhill. Really, the first hill is at mile 1.75.
We started running and I shed my throw-away gloves at mile 3 because I started to get warm. By mile 6, I was hot. I took off my arm warmers and my friend weaved them through my tank top. They stayed there until mile 17, when we saw my parents. We briefly stopped to talk to them. I gave them my arm warmers and my mom gave me some GU packets. We continued on our way, and then mile 19 happened. I was already incredibly hot by this point, and went was taking a cup of water and pouring it down my back in the hope that it would cool me off. However, that didn't work. At mile 19 I got cramps in my legs, and it sucked. My friend listed to me complain about them, especially knowing that THE Heartbreak Hill was rapidly approaching, knowing I wanted to walk. "You'll regret it for the rest of your life, so I won't let you," she told me.
I listed to her, and I followed her up it, at a rather slow pace. For the next few miles, my cramps would come and go. By mile 21, I had to use the bathroom. My friend and I did 99% of our long runs together, and as most runners know, talking about poop is not odd. And although I really needed to use the bathroom, there was no way that my will would let me stop, nor would I poop my pants. We talked about other things instead. Rather, my friend did most of the talking this part of the race.
When we saw the 40k sign, I knew the end was close. The crowds had been awesome the entire time, and although I was in pain, I didn't really want it to be done. We concluded the marathon by running a 6:59 pace for the last 0.4 miles. And just like that, 3 hours and 46 minutes after we started the journey in Hopkinton, the Boston Marathon was over.
This may have been my slowest marathon, but it is the one that I am the proudest of. The course was the toughest. My legs were just not feeling it. But sharing the experience with one of my best friends will be something I will never forget. Running by thousands of fans was amazing. Boston definitely does live up to what everyone says about it. I don't know when, but I'll be back to make another 26.2 mile journey here again.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Boston Marathon - First Thoughts
Over the past 5 days, I have felt such a wide array of emotions. It was a weekend filled with excitement, nervousness, celebration, triumph, and tragedy. However, after returning home to Chicago today, the emotion that resonates the most is that of love. Luckily, I was already across the finish line and on my way to the family reunion area when the bombs went off. I didn't know what was going on, which is probably for the best. It wasn't until a man at the restaurant i was at told us about the finish line that I really realized what was happening. But, I was by my parents, and my sister was texting me like mad. Cell phone service was sketchy, and I would end up getting numerous text messages all at once and then not have service for the next 10 minutes. Getting back to our hotel was another adventure, one that I felt scared during. However, I am amazed of all of the love that was shown in Boston.
The love was shown in ways both big and small, by those that I know very well and those who I don't know at all. From a guy in my running group making sure everyone from the group that was running was safe to my sister doing everything she could from the west coast to texts and messages and emails from friends and family.
This was a special weekend, one that was designed around a race. But running the race was the least important detail in the end. This weekend showed me the various ways that love manifests itself in the world today, especially in the wake of such a horrific act.
The love was shown in ways both big and small, by those that I know very well and those who I don't know at all. From a guy in my running group making sure everyone from the group that was running was safe to my sister doing everything she could from the west coast to texts and messages and emails from friends and family.
This was a special weekend, one that was designed around a race. But running the race was the least important detail in the end. This weekend showed me the various ways that love manifests itself in the world today, especially in the wake of such a horrific act.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Yoga Geriatric Style
A few weeks ago, my mom asked me if I wanted to go to yoga with her. I was surprised at this question because although my mom exercises, never has she had any interest in doing it with me. I planned on visiting my parents and grandparents for part of my spring break, so she knew I would be home around that time anyway. I do believe she was even more surprised when I said yes, I would join her.
Keep in mind that my yoga experience is incredibly limited. Back in 2011 when I was training for the Chicago Marathon I went to yoga a few times the day of my long run to help with stretching. Since then, I have been to one class. Yoga and me just aren't compatible...I am not flexible, have a hard time being still, and like to move fast. I could care less about how I breathe, while that is a main component of yoga. Can you see why I haven't been back in over a year?
When my mom and I got to class, it was pretty much how my mom described it, with the average age of the person in then class being about 65. My mom also told me that I could not sit by her for fear of laughing. I am proud to report that I made it the entire session without laughing out loud.
When I went to other yoga classes, I always felt (more or less) like the outsider with being so inflexible. However, today, I fit right in. Granted, we didn't do a whole lot of movements/exercises/poses (whatever they're called), but what we did do, I was able to do, which made me feel good.
The moral of this story is that if I plan on going to yoga again, I think it would be best to find a geriatric class, which is obviously better suited to my ability level.
Keep in mind that my yoga experience is incredibly limited. Back in 2011 when I was training for the Chicago Marathon I went to yoga a few times the day of my long run to help with stretching. Since then, I have been to one class. Yoga and me just aren't compatible...I am not flexible, have a hard time being still, and like to move fast. I could care less about how I breathe, while that is a main component of yoga. Can you see why I haven't been back in over a year?
When my mom and I got to class, it was pretty much how my mom described it, with the average age of the person in then class being about 65. My mom also told me that I could not sit by her for fear of laughing. I am proud to report that I made it the entire session without laughing out loud.
When I went to other yoga classes, I always felt (more or less) like the outsider with being so inflexible. However, today, I fit right in. Granted, we didn't do a whole lot of movements/exercises/poses (whatever they're called), but what we did do, I was able to do, which made me feel good.
The moral of this story is that if I plan on going to yoga again, I think it would be best to find a geriatric class, which is obviously better suited to my ability level.
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Getting Coached
As I figure out what it is that I want to get out of the year in terms of my running, it has become that I think I possess super-human powers. Unfortunately, that is not the case - I am human. And as much as the "no goal for this race" approach is working for me, I do have goals, which are all a bit ambitious.
I've greatly enjoyed my winter/spring training session for Boston, especially since I am not racing Boston. As I have said before, all of the hard work was done last year in order to qualify for the race. The race itself will be the ultimate celebration. I'll be running it with my running BFF/training partner for the past 15 or so months. And I can't wait. I feel no pressure, expect the pressure to have fun and enjoy every single moment of the expo, race and weekend.
I have a few things that I'd like to do after the Boston Marathon this spring, but have not yet signed up for any because I don't know how my body will respond to the marathon. I anticipate that I'll be fine since I'm not going all out and trying to PR, but you just never know.
The summer and fall tell a much different story for me, though. Back in December, I signed up for the Fox Valley Half Marathon as my goal race for the fall. My goal is to run a sub-1:30 at this race. I feel that it is doable, and have gotten the same response from my track coach.
Then I decided I wanted to run the Chicago Marathon again....but really run it. Race it. PR it. Spring through the streets of Chicago with a smile on my face and enjoy every step. All this after theoretically PRing the half 3 weeks prior to it. Smart? Doesn't appear to be.
To add another twist to the story, I'll be in Texas for 8 days in July this summer, learning how to be an astronaut (more or less). I'm not sure the quantity of training I'll be able to do while there because of the heat, and the demands of the program that I am doing. I know we are in class/sessions from 8 until 5 or 6. But, I get to fly in an aircraft at zero gravity at the end of the week which will be completely and totally awesome.
Therefore, I've been thinking about how I want to handle the fall. Another running coach in my running club suggested that I sign up for a November or December half and PR the hell out of that race. But, that would require traveling, and I don't do that well.
My running BFF/training partner has a running coach that she has been working with the past 5 years. I do a lot of her workouts with her because we run together 3 times a week. And although he does not technically coach me, in a round-about way he does. He's our cheerleader, supporter, challenger and commander all wrapped up in one.
Last week I was telling my running bestie about my predicament. I've thought about getting a running coach before, but decided to forego it because I thought I could come up with a decent enough training schedule on my own (which I did). But I've never attempted anything like the fall I'm going to have. I think I need a coach to help me achieve my goals, tell me what to run and how fast, and keep me injury-free.
Deciding I need a coach isn't the hard part, it is deciding who I want as my coach. There are a few options:
I've greatly enjoyed my winter/spring training session for Boston, especially since I am not racing Boston. As I have said before, all of the hard work was done last year in order to qualify for the race. The race itself will be the ultimate celebration. I'll be running it with my running BFF/training partner for the past 15 or so months. And I can't wait. I feel no pressure, expect the pressure to have fun and enjoy every single moment of the expo, race and weekend.
I have a few things that I'd like to do after the Boston Marathon this spring, but have not yet signed up for any because I don't know how my body will respond to the marathon. I anticipate that I'll be fine since I'm not going all out and trying to PR, but you just never know.
The summer and fall tell a much different story for me, though. Back in December, I signed up for the Fox Valley Half Marathon as my goal race for the fall. My goal is to run a sub-1:30 at this race. I feel that it is doable, and have gotten the same response from my track coach.
Then I decided I wanted to run the Chicago Marathon again....but really run it. Race it. PR it. Spring through the streets of Chicago with a smile on my face and enjoy every step. All this after theoretically PRing the half 3 weeks prior to it. Smart? Doesn't appear to be.
To add another twist to the story, I'll be in Texas for 8 days in July this summer, learning how to be an astronaut (more or less). I'm not sure the quantity of training I'll be able to do while there because of the heat, and the demands of the program that I am doing. I know we are in class/sessions from 8 until 5 or 6. But, I get to fly in an aircraft at zero gravity at the end of the week which will be completely and totally awesome.
Therefore, I've been thinking about how I want to handle the fall. Another running coach in my running club suggested that I sign up for a November or December half and PR the hell out of that race. But, that would require traveling, and I don't do that well.
My running BFF/training partner has a running coach that she has been working with the past 5 years. I do a lot of her workouts with her because we run together 3 times a week. And although he does not technically coach me, in a round-about way he does. He's our cheerleader, supporter, challenger and commander all wrapped up in one.
Last week I was telling my running bestie about my predicament. I've thought about getting a running coach before, but decided to forego it because I thought I could come up with a decent enough training schedule on my own (which I did). But I've never attempted anything like the fall I'm going to have. I think I need a coach to help me achieve my goals, tell me what to run and how fast, and keep me injury-free.
Deciding I need a coach isn't the hard part, it is deciding who I want as my coach. There are a few options:
- My bestie's coach. He already knows me, has seen me run, knows how I like to approach long runs, and is experienced. I'm sure he would come to Fox Valley and help pace me if need be.
- My track coach. Also an experience runner (he was actually on Team USA last year for the duathlon), he knows his stuff. However, he likes long runs to be faster than I like to run them at. Given the fact that I'll be marathon training, this might be a problem. But he is a phenomenal track coach and could help me PR the half I'm sure, and the 5k, which is also on my bucket-list for this year. Another plus is that he already knows me as a runner.
Then there are some coaches that I only know via the internet. One guy is an endocrinologist in addition to being a runner, which could be beneficial as far as training is concerned. I also know Missy Foy, a diabetic runner, is a running coach that other diabetics have used and had success with her. I haven't looked too much into her - to see if she is even taking on new athletes or is willing to work with me.
Questions....
1. Did you/do you have a running coach? How did you pick them?
2. Thoughts on who I should pick? Or, is there someone else I should consider?
Monday, March 25, 2013
Boston Week #9
I've started tapering for the Boston Marathon and couldn't be more excited to do so. Unlike last year, when Chicago didn't have a winter, this year it has been cold and relatively snowy. It snowed last night. I prefer to run in the heat any day over the cold. My current view of warm consists of "30* and sunny"....a far cry from last year, when I was loving the 85*+ heat.
This week was more about recovery than anything else. My race at the hilly March Madness Half Marathon wrecked my legs for the first half of the week. If I have learned nothing else in this training cycle, it has been to listen to my body. My body tells me what it wants, or doesn't want to do. Sometimes we agree on things, and other times not. This week looked like....
Monday
Bike 6 miles
Walk 1 mile
Elliptical 2 miles
Weights
I decided to not run today because I was tired from the race on Sunday.
Tuesday
5 miles on treadmill
Bike 7 miles
Walk 2 miles
Stairs - 4 miles
Elliptical - 2 miles
I was tired by the end of the day. The 5 miles felt good, though, which was encouraging.
Wednesday
Run 5 miles at indoor track
I attempted to do a track workout this day and failed. My blood sugar was low, and wouldn't come up. I ended up running a 1 mile warm-up with 2 sets of 800/600/200 thrown in and some recovery laps. It pretty much sucked.
Thursday
Run 8 miles
Walk 1 mile
Stairs 1 mile
Basketball
For the first time in 3 years, I played basketball with some people at the gym after my run. I played AAU growing up, but got burned out on the sport by the end of high school. It was nice to shoot around again, and make shots.
Friday
Run 5 miles on hills
Bike 7 miles
Walk 1 mile
Stairs 1 mile
Weights
Attempted a tempo run on the hills, but only averaged 7:42 pace. Oh well...the legs were still recovering.
Saturday
20 miles
Last long run on Boston Marathon training! Originally, I wanted to go 22, but considering that I battled low blood sugar issues the entire run, especially from miles 12 - 16 we decided to cut it short. You know you're having a problem when you consume 2 GU's in three miles and test in at 53. #diabeticfailure
Sunday
Stairs - 2 miles
Walk 1 mile
Bike 1 mile
I was so tired from the 20 miler and from being so low during it that I slept in Sunday morning and did not run. I listened to my body, which was screaming "DO NOT RUN!" I've never been happier to taper.
Weekly Totals
Running - 43 miles
Biking - 21 miles
Elliptical - 4 miles
Stairs - 8 miles
Walking - 6 miles
Weights - 2 times
Basketball
Boston is three weeks from today...and I've never been more excited to running a marathon. Qualifying was the hard part, which I did last year, so this year is all about enjoyment.
This week was more about recovery than anything else. My race at the hilly March Madness Half Marathon wrecked my legs for the first half of the week. If I have learned nothing else in this training cycle, it has been to listen to my body. My body tells me what it wants, or doesn't want to do. Sometimes we agree on things, and other times not. This week looked like....
Monday
Bike 6 miles
Walk 1 mile
Elliptical 2 miles
Weights
I decided to not run today because I was tired from the race on Sunday.
Tuesday
5 miles on treadmill
Bike 7 miles
Walk 2 miles
Stairs - 4 miles
Elliptical - 2 miles
I was tired by the end of the day. The 5 miles felt good, though, which was encouraging.
Wednesday
Run 5 miles at indoor track
I attempted to do a track workout this day and failed. My blood sugar was low, and wouldn't come up. I ended up running a 1 mile warm-up with 2 sets of 800/600/200 thrown in and some recovery laps. It pretty much sucked.
Thursday
Run 8 miles
Walk 1 mile
Stairs 1 mile
Basketball
For the first time in 3 years, I played basketball with some people at the gym after my run. I played AAU growing up, but got burned out on the sport by the end of high school. It was nice to shoot around again, and make shots.
Friday
Run 5 miles on hills
Bike 7 miles
Walk 1 mile
Stairs 1 mile
Weights
Attempted a tempo run on the hills, but only averaged 7:42 pace. Oh well...the legs were still recovering.
Saturday
20 miles
Last long run on Boston Marathon training! Originally, I wanted to go 22, but considering that I battled low blood sugar issues the entire run, especially from miles 12 - 16 we decided to cut it short. You know you're having a problem when you consume 2 GU's in three miles and test in at 53. #diabeticfailure
Sunday
Stairs - 2 miles
Walk 1 mile
Bike 1 mile
I was so tired from the 20 miler and from being so low during it that I slept in Sunday morning and did not run. I listened to my body, which was screaming "DO NOT RUN!" I've never been happier to taper.
Weekly Totals
Running - 43 miles
Biking - 21 miles
Elliptical - 4 miles
Stairs - 8 miles
Walking - 6 miles
Weights - 2 times
Basketball
Boston is three weeks from today...and I've never been more excited to running a marathon. Qualifying was the hard part, which I did last year, so this year is all about enjoyment.
Friday, March 22, 2013
Diabetes Questions...Answered
I occasionally get questions emailed to me or put in the comment section of posts from my blog, which I often fail to answer.
How do you prep for long runs with having diabetes?
This answer has changed a lot in the past year. I do 90% of my long runs in the early morning, which I find to be the easiest time. In the past, I have eaten yogurt, fruit, and instant oatmeal (uncooked) on top of it before my run and taken Gu every 6 or so miles. During my Boston Marathon training cycle, I eat a piece of peanut butter toast 45 minutes before the run. Right before I start, I take a Gu. I take a Gu every 5-7 miles on long runs. I found the the hills I've been training on really wear me out, and I need the extra calories to make it through my run feeling strong.
How do you handle insulin on your long runs?
I do not set temporary basals ever. My pump is always on 100%, no matter what. Before my long runs, I deliberately take less insulin than what my pump tells me. I also do not bolus for the first Gu. I take between 0.2 and 0.3 units of insulin per Gu for the rest of them. I have found this balance to work well for me.
What color is your pump?
Someone emailed me this question, which I thought was really random. My pump is clear. I decided to get the clear one in college, when I first got my pump, because if it was visible it would match everything I was wearing. I could get another one, as I've had my current one for 5 years, but haven't decided if I want to stay with a clear one or go for a color one. Or, if I want to get a skin.
What type of holder do you use for your insulin pump while running?
I had a Medtronic Pump and use the belt clip. I have a black one, unlike the picture below. It is the only pump holder I have found that doesn't move around when I run. It is secure, which is why I like it.
How do you prep for long runs with having diabetes?
This answer has changed a lot in the past year. I do 90% of my long runs in the early morning, which I find to be the easiest time. In the past, I have eaten yogurt, fruit, and instant oatmeal (uncooked) on top of it before my run and taken Gu every 6 or so miles. During my Boston Marathon training cycle, I eat a piece of peanut butter toast 45 minutes before the run. Right before I start, I take a Gu. I take a Gu every 5-7 miles on long runs. I found the the hills I've been training on really wear me out, and I need the extra calories to make it through my run feeling strong.
My current favorite Gu flavor
How do you handle insulin on your long runs?
I do not set temporary basals ever. My pump is always on 100%, no matter what. Before my long runs, I deliberately take less insulin than what my pump tells me. I also do not bolus for the first Gu. I take between 0.2 and 0.3 units of insulin per Gu for the rest of them. I have found this balance to work well for me.
This picture made me laugh. I do love insulin, mostly because I like to eat.
What color is your pump?
Someone emailed me this question, which I thought was really random. My pump is clear. I decided to get the clear one in college, when I first got my pump, because if it was visible it would match everything I was wearing. I could get another one, as I've had my current one for 5 years, but haven't decided if I want to stay with a clear one or go for a color one. Or, if I want to get a skin.
My pump looks similar to this, but is an older version.
What type of holder do you use for your insulin pump while running?
I had a Medtronic Pump and use the belt clip. I have a black one, unlike the picture below. It is the only pump holder I have found that doesn't move around when I run. It is secure, which is why I like it.
When you line up at a race, do you think of yourself differently compared to the other able-bodied athletes around you?
No, I consider myself just as capable of achieving my goals as the runner standing next to me. I believe the proper term for seeing myself different is called "self pity." Yes, diabetes presents challenges that others do not have to deal with. I have had races where I couldn't run the way I wanted to because of my diabetes. But, I consider those races learning experiences, although I am generally pissed off after they happen. In all honesty, I think of myself of being a pretty good runner that has achieved some success in the short time I have been competitively running. I have big goals that I would like to achieve this year, and know that believing in myself and not having any self-pity is the only way they can have a chance at being accomplished.
Is anyone else diabetic in your family?
My paternal grandmother, who is still alive, has had diabetes for 75 years. It has been interesting to learn more about her life as I have gotten older. When she was younger, doctors told her that she should not have kids because it would be a risk to her health. She went on to have four. Doctors told her to not do a lot of things, and she didn't listen to any of them. Although it is hard for her to move around now, she still has all of her limbs and hasn't lost any of her brain power.
About 15 years ago, doctors told my dad that he was on the verge of getting type 2 diabetes. He took matters into his own hands, lost weight and started exercising. He is now pretty thin and works out 6 days/week, with not a sign of insulin resistance.
This was chosen only because my grandma loves Jeopardy.
Do you think you are a "diabetic elite" athlete?
This question was raised after I wrote about my experience with Team Novo Nordisk. I think it is important to mention that they never did change their website, and still claim that they are an elite diabetic racing team. To truly answer this question, I think you need to define "elite." Compare to many of the athletes on their team, yes, I am elite. If we were to race, I am confident in saying that I would be the 1st female across the finish line, regardless of the distance, and quite possibly some of the men. I know I am not the fastest diabetic runner around (I'm definitely slower than Missy Foy), but I don't know of one other female diabetic runner that is faster than me.
I was talking with a guy from my running club last month about TT1 and how they portray themselves on their website. "D" is a pretty good runner - a sub 3 hour marathoner - who is brutally honest. He told me I was "diabetic elite," which shows you that to one person you may be and another you may not. It all depends on your definition. I still stand by the fact that anything over a 25 minute 5k PR time is nothing close to elite, but rather closer to "middle of the pack on a good day" runner.
Do you wear a CGM?
No, I don't. I did not find it to be accurate and therefore stopped wearing it. It is an expensive toy to have if it doesn't work. I don't miss it, either.
This machine is used 8 - 10 times a day by me. I also have it in green, but purple is my favorite color so I always use that one.
You mentioned that you changed your pump site. How's that going?
For 7 straight years, I only had my pump infusion sites in my stomach. A few weeks ago, I finally go the courage to try a new spot after deciding it was time for the stomach abuse to stop. I started using my sides, which is working out really well. I like having my site on my right side far more than my left, only because it feels more natural to put my pump on the right side of my body when I run. Overall, the transition has been great. I don't think putting an infusion site in my boobs would work, as a few people recommended, because I don't have much in that department to begin with.
Have other questions? Email me ( lifeofqueenie@gmail.com) or put them the response section. Feel free to answer one of the questions, too. I'm interested in hearing other answers.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
March O'Madness Half Marathon Race Report
Last week was full of excitement, and to top it off I raced on Sunday.
However, I could have cared less. I've fully realized that the more pressure I put on myself, the wore I do. If I expect nothing, and just go out and have fun, the results are much more favorable. Therefore, I got 3 hours of sleep the night before the race. Saturday night was full of this:
I had to wake up at 6 AM on December 30 to register for this race, but wanted to because so many people from my running club do it and I could use it as my Boston half marathon race. It's a tad bit hilly:
However, I could have cared less. I've fully realized that the more pressure I put on myself, the wore I do. If I expect nothing, and just go out and have fun, the results are much more favorable. Therefore, I got 3 hours of sleep the night before the race. Saturday night was full of this:
On the ride up to the race, my friend was talking about her goal (sub 1:40). Since I had no goal, I thought i would just run with her. I didn't know what shape my body was in, but it sounded good. So, we started the race together....
Mile 1- 7:21
Mile 2- 7:15
Mile 3-7:19
Mile 4-7:33
At this point, I was feeling pretty good, but my friend said she wasn't feeling it, so I went ahead.
Mile 5 - 7:11
Mile 6 - 7:23 *hills
Mile 7- 7:27 *hills
Mile 8 - 7:16
Mile 9 - 7:01
Mile 10 - 7:34 *major hills
I passed a group of runners around this point. When I went by them, they said hi and said that we had met a few weeks ago. We met after I did my first 20 mile run on the hills. They drove from Chicago to the Arboretum to do their run. It was fun to see them out on the course, as they are really nice.
Mile 11 - 7:41*major hills
A man said to me that he never thought he was going to have to worry about chocking on ice in a water cup at this aid station. It made me laugh, because last year it was 80* at this race.
Mile 12 - 7:21
Mile 13 - 7:03
Last 0.11 - 43 sec (6:29 pace)
Overall time: 1:36:14 (not chip timed, Garmin time was 1:36:08)
Sex Place: 26
Age Group Place: 10/27
Overall: 100-something (can't remember) out of 1400 or something
Happiness level: high
My friend ended up running a 1:39:01, so she was happy. I didn't think I was in this kind of shape. I would've probably guessed that I was in 1:43 shape, as that is my default half marathon time in the past few years. After looking at my splits, it seems as if I could've run faster. I shouldn't be able to have a 6:29 spring in me at the finish if I really tried hard. I do know that my legs were so sore the next day from the hills. I have nothing but great things to say about this race and I would recommend it if you live in the Chicagoland area. It brings out some really good competition and the swag (medal, sweatshirt) is pretty sweet for how cheap the race is ($40).
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
What a Week
Last week was an incredible week...
I was lucky enough to get into the Chicago Marathon via the lottery. This made me so happy. I cannot wait to run it again and really race it. I won't be racing Boston, so this will be my only marathon race of the year. I have some goals I'd like to accomplish on October 13...
I ran a half marathon on Sunday. It is so hilly that they have nicely named the hill, which they post on a sign about half way up it. The elevation profile looks awful, but it wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. I was expecting to be running up mountains, and the hills weren't too big. The only other hilly half marathon that I've done in the Flying Pig 4 years ago. However, this made the Flying Pig seem like a flat race.
I took this race real seriously....I got 3 hours of sleep the night before, had no idea what my goal was, didn't really taper, and wore some outrageously gaudy sunglasses. The result? Not a PR, but a great time and a time that surprised me, especially on such a challenging course. I'll have the race report ready tomorrow hopefully.
There were some other great parts of the week, but they deal with things that I don't blog about, but brought many smiles and much laughter to my days.
I was lucky enough to get into the Chicago Marathon via the lottery. This made me so happy. I cannot wait to run it again and really race it. I won't be racing Boston, so this will be my only marathon race of the year. I have some goals I'd like to accomplish on October 13...
I found out my Boston Corral start. I'm in wave 2/corral 4.....but I am actually not going to start there. I'm running Boston for fun, with my running best friend/training partner. She is seeded in 2/7, so I am going to start back there with her. This race is all about the experience, and having a good time, and nothing about running a PR.
I took this race real seriously....I got 3 hours of sleep the night before, had no idea what my goal was, didn't really taper, and wore some outrageously gaudy sunglasses. The result? Not a PR, but a great time and a time that surprised me, especially on such a challenging course. I'll have the race report ready tomorrow hopefully.
There were some other great parts of the week, but they deal with things that I don't blog about, but brought many smiles and much laughter to my days.
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