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

Well, here’s something new for me this year. Running in the dark of night. As winter crept in, finding time to run while there was some sunlight became a challenge. I could always hit the treadmill, and still find myself doing this more often than running outside because of my winter habits. However, I’m more excited about running in the great outdoors. So what’s a guy to do?

I tried an early morning run in the middle of winter but found it SCARY actually. I set out at 6 AM on a path near the bay I know well, but once I made my away from the city street lights and onto the path next to the open San Francisco Bay, I found it almost impossible to see where I was going. Luckily this morning there was a fairly significant moon still present to at least outline the sides of the path (keeping me out of the bay!). Four interesting things happened… First as I was running in the darkest section I suddenly had a man appear out of nowhere… YIKES! He was dressed in all black and walking the path next to the bay. I have no idea why he was there, perhaps he was out for some exercise as I was, perhaps he had just robbed a house and was making his getaway in all black in the thick of the night, or perhaps he was there to mug me, but I was too speedy (wishfull thinking). It scared me though - the area is very peaceful, with little crime, but still… Next as I made my way into mile 4 of the run, I suddenly saw two lights on the path ahead of me bobbing up and down, and headed my direction. It turns out it was 2 other runners - they had lights strapped to their chests and they bobbed as they ran, but they could see where they were going - a novel idea I thought! Next interesting thing was the sudden quack of a duck that nearly filled my pants. I kept my iPod volume VERY low to help make myself more aware as I ran so when I neared the water and this one wanted to make its presence known, it did so at my expense. Running in the early morning was incredibly quiet, so much so that even this quack sounded like an explosion to me - or someone yelling, or something equally startling. It took a second to figure out what it was, and then I had myself a good laugh. On the way back, the sun started to come up, and as I passed the same group of ducks in the water I was smiling as they once again greeted me with their quacks. Finally the fouth interesting bit to come of this run was me getting a headlamp for Christmas. I figured I would need it for these morning runs, but alas I am not a morning person.

But I am still deprived of time to run, what with a full time job, family and all… So lately I’ve been taking advantage of my new “GEEKDOM” and wearing this for late night runs by the bay. I’ve grown a little more comfortable running at night. Sometimes I see folks out walking their dogs on the bayshore trail, owner with flashlight in hand, and dog with glowstick or blinking light on collar. Sometimes a bicycle comes by with lights, occasionally a dark walker or runner, and once a SKUNK (from which I ran away from quickly). But it has afforded me some spare time to run - when the kids are asleep, and I have a few moments to myself. I still frequent the treadmill - mostly for the basketball games I’m able to watch while running, but it really is nice to get outside during the week, and frankly running in such a different environment brings some excitement to a trail I’ve run a hundred times before.

Enlightened,
Jamie, The Diabetic Runner

UPDATE Apr. 23, 2008: D’oh, ITBS is going to keep me from doing the ride this year, so disregard this post. DAMN!

Team Vino Velo is BACK!!!!!

Two years ago my sister and I started a team, Vino Velo, for the ADA (American Diabetes Association) Tour de Cure. We had 41 members join the team, and raised nearly $30,000 to help in the fight against diabetes. This earned us the honor of being the 10th best fundraising team in the nation in 2006. We are once again assembling a team to ride in the 2008 Napa Valley Tour de Cure on May 4th. This year we are promoting a smaller team with lofty goals - each riding 100 miles. I have never ridden the “century ride” before, and am looking forward to the challenge in a beautiful area with great friends. You are welcome to join our team if you want to ride Napa with us, or consider supporting our efforts with a small donation at the link below. Thanks, and let’s wipe out Diabetes!!!!

You can support me with a donation to the ADA here.

Riding 100 Miles for a CURE,
THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT,

Jamie, The Diabetic Runner (and cyclist)

My sister Jenny and I share Type I Diabetes, and a birthday - TODAY. We’re not twins, we were born one year apart (I’m a year older), just on the same day - and did I mention she’s a runner too (much more so than I am!)?

Happy birthday Jenny & Jamie!

Older & Wiser Just Older,

Jamie, The Diabetic Runner

Since my last post on the DR Challenge Rockstars, 10, count ‘em TEN new challengers have signed up! THANKS!

Rockin’ New Challengers:

Brittany Lemmons
Katie I.
Ray Campbell
Maddy
Janene Christman
Lesley Looper
Tomasinyo
Vijay
JohnnyVail
Ryan Nichols

I’m pumped that this many people have risen to the occasion, and taken on this challenge. It really means a lot to me!

Also, I’ve been following the blogs of everyone, and some of you are noting your January accomplishments… WAY TO GO! Looks like we’re off to a great start! If you want to send me your monthly mileage, please do at DiabeticRunner@gmail.com and I’ll include it in a shout out to all the challengers here on the blog.

Keep up the good work, you are all inspiring me to keep going the distance!

In inspring company,
Jamie, The Diabetic Runner

va·ca·tion (v?-k?’sh?n, v?-) n.
1. A period of time devoted to pleasure, rest, or relaxation, especially one with pay granted to an employee.
2. A holiday.
3. A fixed period of holidays, especially one during which a school, court, or business suspends activities.

---

I’m back from vacation. A vacation from work and blogging it seems… So here’s the quick wrap-up.

1). Cruising, Bahamas, St. Maarten, St. Thomas -> ALL GOOD
2). Delta Airlines -> VERY BAD
3). Burger quota for January spent somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean
4). Donut quota for the first quarter spent as well
5). Blood Glucose readings run high during a cruise, who knew?
6). Did manage 3 cool runs on vacation (see below)
7). Ipod -> DEAD AGAIN, this time it looks FATAL (hoping the Birthday Gods know…..)
8). Finished January with 78.73 miles, a bit behind for the DR1K, but hey - VACATION - and I’ll catch up!
9). Happy to be back to blogging and exercising - though my body appreciated the rest!

---

My 3 cool runs on vacation:

1). Ran on a treadmill while sailing to St. Maarten. The fitness room was on the 17th level, and treadmills right over the captain’s bridge looking at the ocean we are about to cut our way through. I ran three miles here (and about another 1.5 miles laterally as we were in rough seas while trying to run). It was the most beautiful treadmill run I have ever done.

2). Ran on the island of St. Thomas for 4 miles from one ship terminal to another and back. Wanted more than anything to log the GPS recording in another part of the world. It was hot, but a gorgeous run none the less.

3). Ran on the jogging track while sailing back to Ft. Lauderdale. This again was about capturing some cool GPS data while the ship was moving. I ran 3 miles, but because the ship was moving, the GPS said I had gone over 10. This is exactly what I expected, but I had to try it myself to see the results. Now the big question… how much mileage should I give myself credit for? (J/K) But I do give extra credit for choosing to run on the track rather than run to the buffet.

R&R-ed,

Jamie, The Diabetic Runner

I usually try to avoid taking anything I don’t need to be taking - but recently I feel like I’m on a first name basis with the pharmacist.

I went to the Dr. for an ear infection yesterday and he prescribed some antibiotics and ear drops - cool, and they are already working, but it made me think of all the crap I’m taking these days…

Left to right:
1). Novolog insulin via pump for my diabetes
2). Test strips, while not a drug, I use them to test my blood sugar
3). Ear drops for my recent ear infection - only 9 more days of use thankfully
4). Antibiotic for my recent ear infection - only 6 more days of use thankfully
5). Cozaar for my diabetes - it’s a preventitive thing, and also helps lower blood pressure.
6). Naproxen - I use this occasionally for runnning pains. It’s a non-steroidal anti-inflamatory
7). Dex4 - not really a drug but it’s fast acting sugar to quickly fix low blood sugars
8). Glucosamine - this is used for lubricating joints, and promoting healthy cartilage - for running (but I never remember to take this)

So whew! Am I ready to play baseball already? Will the combination of these make me a superstar? Nah, for now I’m just focusing on my diabetes and ridding myself of this ear infection so I can get back in the pool again. After all, I committed to doing a 70.3 next year - I must have been on something… why yes, I’m on a lot of things….

What are you on?,
Jamie, The Diabetic Runner

I do feel good! This year is off to a great start! My resolutions are still on track. I know, I know, it’s only been 11 days, but hey one day at a time. I’ve yet to eat a hamburger or donut. I have started swimming and even done a little biking in addition to my runs, and as an added bonus I started a bit of weight training as well. I went to the “Y” for a FitLinxx orientation thinking that the program would track all the swim, bike, running I’m doing and found out that it is more geared towards weight training. So we set up a 6 station circuit for me, and I’m planning to do it 3 times a week. I’ve NEVER done any sort of weight training before, so I’m kind of excited to add it to my workouts - besides building my core strength, it keeps me from getting bored. And it only takes 30 minutes to complete. I’ve also started contributing to the Diabetes 365 Project, and find the feedback and stories/photos of other uplifting! So the year’s resolutions are on track.

Also, I’m pretty pumped about the 2008 DR Challenge. I started it just hoping to get a few people interested, and to date there are 18 participants!!!! The coolest part is seeing how this big social network actually functions… There are people that have signed up that I don’t know (some diabetic, some not), but can trace back to through blogs that I read. It’s great because I now have other blogs to read for inspiration that I may not have otherwise found. Thanks to those that have signed up, and those that are still planning to!

Here are your “DR Challenge Rockstars”:

Jamie, The Diabetic Runner
Charles White
Marcus Grimm
Jerry Nairn
Amylia Grace
Carol Ezell
Sarah Condon
Ed Liebowitz
Susan
Alysha Brady
Bo Young Lee
Kristen Ingalz
Scott Mark
Alex Glarakis
carrie
Erika Roth
Tony Gravato
Heidi Henry

My personal thanks and admiration goes out to these folks for making this a reality, and adding this to their routine for the year - it means a lot to me personally, and helping spread awareness and making online connections benefits everyone in the online community.

You guys rock,
Jamie, The Diabetic Runner

A friend of mine, Marcus, is hosting a 5K race this February and has invited me to participate, which I will, and has extended the invitation to all of you too!

Consider joining me in the online (I hate to call it virutal, because you DO actually run) version of the race. While the race is billed the “World Media Run” and has a signature location - that of their conference, you can sign up for the online race, and run where you are and submit your time. TECH T-SHIRT INCLUDED! …and you don’t even have to be a media professional! Plus a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Special Olympics!

Help me support the efforts of a fellow diabetic runner as he puts on this race, and as an extra incentive - anyone that beats me gets NOTHING, I’m slow - but if you can beat “Speedy Marcus” I will personally send you an extra gift for doing so… Don’t let me down Marcus!

Gunning for Sweet Victory,

Jamie, The Diabetic Runner

Kicked off the new year at a steakhouse, and finished dinner with the A1c-crumpling “Chocolate Indulgence.” I actuall wrote “A1C?” on the side of the plate… hope the person doing dishes is diabetic, and laughing still at my choco-scribe.

I’m back, and what I got for Christmas was some rest - my strained groin from last year has returned, and I’ve been giving up some miles in exchange for a healthy body - and it made me realize that training for marathons is hard on the body - so I’m planning to drop the March 1 Napa Valley Marathon in exchange for another challenge…. my first 70.3. For those wondering, it’s 1.2 miles of swimming, 56 miles of biking, and 13.1 miles of running. (followed by 24 ounces of beer drinking goodness!) I’m still committed to my running first and foremost, but want to tackle this beast next year!

RESOLUTIONS
This year I will allow myself only 1 hamburger per month.
This year I will allow myself only 1 donut per quarter.
This year I will contribute to the Diabetes 365 Project.
This year I will resume swimming and biking in addition to running.
This year I will run 1000 miles.
This year I will prepare for a 70.3 triathlon in 2009.

This year I will ROCK!

Jamie, The Diabetic Runner