So, the SportBand arrived, and I’ve run with it one time (pushing my Daughter in a running stroller, so that may have affected the accuracy) for real, and done a walk and run for calibration. Here’s what I’ve noticed. The band is slim, and the bump where the USB device is, is not that bad… WAYYYY better than the Garmin 305 for sure, and actually (size-wise) wearable as a watch. It was SO much easier to prepare for my run without worrying about running headphone cable, wrapping iPod in baggie to waterproof, and get the armband attached… Snapped on the SportBand, and was ready to go. Pairing it with my old Nike+ transmitter was cake, starting stopping runs was the same. Downloading/installing software was easy - everything was pretty straight forward, but there are 3 concerns I have.

1. Annoyingly, when I plug it in, click the (i) button to set up prefs, and then log in, the software doesn’t remember my login information, it just sits in a “Pending….” state. So, each time I plug it in to sync, it uploads my data like in some Guest mode, and then in the browser, I have to sign in to get it added to my N+ account. Minor annoyance - but with iTunes, it always sent it right to my account. Plus, and I haven’t tried this yet, but what if I close the window to the web browser.. do I lose my run? Unlike the iPod, the device can’t be viewed in disk mode, so I’m not sure the data is still on the band at that point… It seems like it’s erased when uploaded… so then where is my run? (I’ll try this tonight to see what happens and report back) Here’s the photo of the software causing headache #1.

2. Calibration… after my first run, I noticed that the Nike+ was reporting my mileage a bit short compared to the GPS I was also wearing. Ah, so I need to calibrate… I figured I would anyway, but here’s the second bummer I ran into. The calibration page uses you last run or walk (provided it was a steady pace), and lets you adjust the distance to calibrate… but only in .1 mile increments…. I needed to adjust by .02 for a .3 mile calibration run, and couldn’t…. SO I’ll have to run a 1.5 mile run to get it calibrated accurately. Good thing that kind of mileage is easy for me, but damn… I guess I could just run .28 miles and set it as .3 miles in the calibration page and see if that helps… (will test that as well….)

3. My calibration run & walk appear quite “jittery” despite running very consistently, almost like their software is creating the little bumps every so often… maybe this is normal, and longer runs don’t show this effect and thus I’ve not seen it before… I’ll have to test that too with the iPod to see what happens, but in the mean time check out the image below of what I’m talking about.

Otherwise it’s good… I hope my tests resolve some of these issues for me, and I can report back good news, because I’d really like to start using this rather than the iPod because it’s so easy to strap on and get going.

Technology, supposed to make our lives easier, yet I find it creating more work for me today,
Jamie, The Diabetic Runner

Wow, and the gadgets just keep coming… From the minimed site:

Great news! U.S. customers who currently own a MiniMed Paradigm® REAL-Time System (522 or 722 insulin pump models) or a Guardian® REAL-Time Continuous Glucose Monitoring System can expect to automatically receive a OneTouch® UltraLink™ Meter at no charge before June 30, 2008.

So here it is, the new meter option for Paradigm Pump users:

So cool that it’s going to be free to existing users - these guys are really getting it right with their Carelink USB, and now meter. Plus, I already use the OneTouch UltraSmart, so the strips I already have will work with this new meter…. Two great companies here doing something really great for us - now if they could just stop treating the disease and CURE IT!

Still no automatic UPS notification, but can’t wait,
Jamie, The Diabetic Runner

P.S. I got the Nike+ SportBand on Friday and have tried it out…. still saving my opinion - but looks okay so far…

Kerri at SixUntilMe.com started something cool, the Raise Your Voice, Type I Diabetes Awareness Day. Be sure to stop by her blog and see what others are doing to raise their voices.

Over here, I am raising my voice, so listen up (and cover your kids’ ears, cause it’s about to get a little crazy in here):

I AM DIABETIC

They said I can’t eat sugar: 6 Krispy Kremes in 60 seconds, and still kicking
They said I can’t scuba dive: 100+ dives and not dead
They said I can’t run a marathon: Completed, and gearing up for a 70.3 triathlon
They said I can’t have a baby: errr, ummmm
They said I’ll go blind: I can see clearly that they were wrong
They said I’ll be impotent: Bob Dole can keep his pills
They said I’ll die of complications: BULLSHIT
They said a lot of things, and you know what, They were wrong!

I AM DIABETIC, AND BETTER FOR IT!

Irreverent rant over, but that was kind of fun,
Jamie, The Diabetic Runner

More Cool Stuff - is it Christmas already?

Medtronic has introduced a wireless USB key that facilitates uploading CGMS data from the pump - thereby bypassing the (crappy) BD Meter and (poorly designed) cable. Check this out:

From the carelink.minimed.com site (after logging in, you’ll find a link on the bottom)

Get Your Complimentary CareLink™ USB Today!

The new CareLink USB upload device wirelessly sends data from your MiniMed Paradigm® Insulin Pump to CareLink Personal software. It delivers important advantages:

* No wires, no cables! The CareLink USB is not only convenient and easy, but also sleek and compact.
* It is fast and no batteries are required.
* It makes uploading information from your insulin pump to CareLink Personal Software easier than ever! Simply connect the CareLink USB directly to your personal computer’s USB port, and then upload all of your insulin pump information to your PC.

* Limited time only. One product per customer. For U.S. customers only

Soon-to-be Wireless CGMS uploader,
Jamie, The Diabetic Runner

So I read something very interesting today, well interesting to me as a Nike+ user/fan. They are releasing a Nike+ SportBand that will allow users to use the Nike+ system without an iPod. Don’t get me wrong, I love my iPod nano, but this solves two of my problems. First of all, I can go ahead and buy a waterproof case for my iPod that will keep it dry when I run (and double for pool use), using the SportBand as the data collector instead. (the nano Nike+ module wouldn’t fit inside the waterproof case) Secondly, when entering a race that prohibits headphones, I can just leave the iPod at home, but can still track the run with Nike+. I know, I know, I could always have used it without headphones plugged in, but it is easier to slap a band on my wrist than to stow the nano somewhere - and I don’t have to worry about carrying an expensive iPod with me, instead I just have the (rumored price) $59 SportBand.

ALSO, and just as cool in my opinion, is the Nike+ Coach they are adding soon that lets you set up a training schedule online and integrate it with Nike+ data - can’t wait to get my hands on this as well.

I’ve been a big fan of Nike+ since the day it came out, so I find this news pretty exciting. In fact I was going to publish a “Readers Write” post about Nike+ in response to a question I was asked by a friend contemplating whether or not to pony up for the nano/Nike+ solution. I’ll post that in the “continue reading” link on the bottom here, because it still tells my tale of love for Nike+.

Jamie, The Diabetic Runner+

continue reading "Nike+ about to get even cooler!"

I’ve been tagged by Kristen (and then Brett too) to do the IMPOSSIBLE: Six Word Memoir. I sat down and tried a few (which you can read at the end by clicking the “continue reading….” link), but have settled on the following:

ex-hedonist motivated diabetic dad, husband, athlete

There is no way you can sum up a person’s life in six words, but I think you can capture their current state, which is what I’ve tried to do. Now, here’s the rules for the five of you that I challenge to complete the SWM.

1. Write your own six word memoir
2. Post it on your blog and include a visual illustration if you’d like
3. Link to the person that tagged you in your post and to this original post if possible so we can track it as it travels across the blogosphere
4. Tag at least five more blogs with links
5. And don’t forget to leave a comment on the tagged blogs with an invitation to play!

And the lucky tag-ees are: Charlie, Ryan, Marcus, Heidi, and Chris

Aspiring to be more than six four letter words to y’all,
Jamie, The Diabetic Runner

continue reading "Six Word Memoir"

Let me get off the topic(s) at hand here for a second…

I have never been a big fan of college hoops, or basketball really. I mean, c’mon, I grew up in Minnesota, so naturally I played hockey. BUT, two things happened that have changed that.

First of all, the Golden State Warriors had a fantastic run last year, and an incredible showing in the playoffs. I jumped on that bandwagon last year during the playoffs, and have been hooked on them since! It’s another amazing year, and despite playing in one fierce Western Conference, they look like they’ll make it to the playoffs again this year… WOO HOO.

Secondly, two years ago, another “Warriors” team, the Winona State Warriors, had a GREAT showing. Winona State is the state college in the town I grew up in, and is coached by Mike Leaf, my former health/PE teacher and coach of my sister’s middle school basketball team - what a long way he’s come. They are a D2 school, and two years ago WON the D2 NCAA tournament. Amazing… my little home town college famous (well as famous as D2 gets you). Last year they were ranked number 1 and again made it to the championchip game, only to lose in the final 45 seconds in the most amazing comeback I HAVE EVER SEEN (though it wasn’t the team I would have preferred to win). It’s a pretty amazing story, and has a lesson attached: NEVER GIVE UP. One person is capable of the most amazing accomplishments if they set their mind to it and work hard. You have to see it… here’s a youtube video of the improbable finish - it’s a couple minutes long, but I promise it’s worth viewing all the way to the end….

The Warriors (the Winona sort) are hosting their regional tournament this weekend, and I’m wishing them the best of luck from afar, as they enter the tournament ranked #3 overall.

Warriors and hometown championing,
Jamie, The Diabetic Runner

1). Was pretty sick early last week, and as a result did only 1 workout (a 7 miler on Friday) the entire week.

2). Had this SCARY episode last Friday as I was driving down the interstate. I’m okay, and am now sporting 4 new tires.

I guess the wheels fell off my exercise and car this week!

3). I’m working on a cool new service I’d like to make available to everyone. It will merge run data and CGMS data. I have big plans for including various devices (Nike+, Garmin, Minimed CGMS, Dex 7 etc), but will start out with just Nike+ and Minimed CGMS. If you use these two devices and are interested in participating, please send me an email, and I’ll let you know when I’m ready for people to start playing with it: DiabeticRunner@gmail.com

4). Got a cool story of a diabetic’s first marathon I want to share with you. It was written by fellow diabetic runner & blogger Ryan Nichols. He’s recently begun blogging HERE, stop by and say hello, and look for his story here soon.

5). Funny story to share from a run with my sister, yet another diabetic runner, the other day. We were talking about infusion sites and CGMS sensors, and how people like to stare at them when we are at the gym. She mentioned that during a trip to her gym a lady asked bluntly, “What’s that?” To which she replied, “I’m diabetic and it’s how I give myself insulin,” or something like that, and the lady replied, “You’re diabetic? You don’t look THAT fat.” Of course my sister, (who is far from fat BTW) was pissed! What did she mean “THAT fat?” We kept talking about it and I had to point out - you never really see FAT type I diabetics, and I hypothesized this is why: If they are in control of their BG, and actually getting the sugars they eat, they are likely into taking care of themselves in general, exercise and all that goes with it, so keeping weight in check is part of their (often) obsessive behavior. If on the other hand they aren’t in control of their BG, then they are probably peeing out all the sugar, and not gaining weight anyway. Sad but true… but on the bright side, we can medicate to eliminate the effects of diabetes, while the woman at her gym is screwed - she’s stuck with her ignorance.

6). Oh Yeah - there are 10 more Diabetic Runner Challenge Rockstars to check out:
Kevin Bonks
Bill King
Brett
Caitlin Field
Russel Hiatt
Mike Lawson
Dave Shack
Paul Funk
Kim
Kate Makinson

Way to go, and thanks again for signing up!!!!

Got some “skinny” on a story you want to share? Hit me up,
Jamie, The Diabetic Runner

Not only have I recently watched the Michael Moore movie Sicko (and given just 2 stars on Netflix - sorry, but I liked his other movies better), but I’ve also recently played the part! I picked up something from the kids (or given the number of blog postings I’ve read at all your sites, maybe I got it from YOU, VIRTUALLY), a nasty stomach flu, and it’s been keeping me down this week.

I’m happy to say that I think it’s passed, and I can resume working out tonight. Funny thing - with all the challenges, and my obsessiveness over logging and posting my training data, I felt stressed about not running etc. I had to take a step back and come to terms with being human, admitting that I need to address my life and health in addition to my training. It’s not like I’m professional, and losing something by taking a break for a week, but it sure was hard to stop visiting the gym or lace up my shoes. With things now in perspective, I’ve regained my health, and am ready to rejoin the pack!

Thanks to the Diabetic OC for keeping me entertained the past few days,
Jamie, The Diabetic Runner

Here I was, walking down the stairs after a strength training workout, headed for the locker room to shower before returning to work. Suddenly I hear “We have a code blue in the men’s locker room, repeat code blue in the men’s locker room.” No more than 2 seconds after this is announced I see 4 men and women run towards the men’s locker room. One woman had an arm full of towels, and a man carried a gray kit that looked like a toolbox. I don’t even know how they could have grabbed those things so quickly, but boy were they prompt. Three seconds later, a woman comes running from behind asking me to make way as she too rushed in. Then I entered the men’s locker room.

People were croweded around an older man, holding him as he appeared unconscious. They were asking him if he could hear them…. to squeeze their hands if he could hear them, as they spoke his name (I don’t know how they knew him, but it was amazing.) I went to my locker to give them space… I have taken CPR and medic first aid courses, but knew these people were well trained, so as the thought of offering help crossed my mind, I could tell there were plenty of trained personnel already working on him - and the magic toolbox had first aid and oxygen in it. I made my way to my locker and as I heard them say, “put down some towels, and let’s lay him down,” something must have changed for this guy, because I heard the best line of the day - “Oh, there you are… Do you know where you are?” And a sigh of relief came over the crowd of people attending to this gentleman. They had called 911, and were asking him questions about hitting his head, and if he had fainted earlier in the day, etc…. I could hear the man answering their questions at this point, and a sigh of relief came over me too, petrified in the next row of lockers.

I was asked to leave through the pool rather than past the scene of this poor man laid out naked on the floor with a towel covering his manliness. I finished dressing minus a shower, and while a woman, presumably the man’s wife, came in from the pool to see me dressing, wearing only my “undies”. There was no sense of privacy - and none needed, this was life and death for a few minutes… I made my way out to the car in time to see a firetruck and ambulance roll up and “walk” in. It seemed this guy was going to be okay. WHEW!

I sat in the car and literally had a quick cry as I recalled what I had just witnessed… Finally I made my way back to work, a little shaken, but very conscious of just how precious life is, and thinking of the face of the lady coming in to see her husband. When we die, or come close to death, the worst part may just be for those that aren’t coming along with us. I shuddered to think of my family having to deal with that scenario had that been me. I reassured myself that I am taking the best care of my health that I can, I watch my diabetes closely as I work out to avoid a similar situation, and I wear a RoadID when I’m exercising so that if something should happen, the angels that find me know what’s going on. I will stay within my limits, pushing them gently as I look to extend them, but know there’s more to life than just working out - like LIVING.

Hoping my only “code” in the men’s locker room will be the one to my lock,
Jamie, The Diabetic Runner