I received my Carelink USB on Monday, and had to call Medtronic for help getting the driver to install with Windows Vista, but they (as always) had the answer, and in no time I was uploading my pump data wirelessly with my new little friend. At any rate, if you haven’t ordered yours, you should, and if you have and need a hand getting it running with Vista, here’s what I did to get it going.

Quick Note Before We Start: don’t insert the new USB device until asked by the software to do so.

1. First you’ll need to TEMPORARILY change a setting in “Internet Options”: Open the “Internet Options” control panel (Start Menu: Control Panel: Internet Options). Click on the “Security” tab. Now uncheck the “Enable Protected Mode” option. (When you are done, don’t forget to go back and re-check this!) Now click “OK”

2. Next you’ll need to close your web browser (all open windows of it). Now we need to start it again as Administrator. To do this, right click on the web browser icon (IE or Firefox for example), and select “Run as administrator.” (You’ll then have to allow the program to be run, since you launched it, you can trust it.)

3. The browser now open, log in to your carelink account, and click the “Upload” tab. Next select “MiniMed Paradigm Insulin Pump.” Click “Next.” Click “Next” again, and then verify that the serial number is that of your pump. Click “Next” and then select “CareLink™ USB” and click “Next.”

4. You should now be prompted to plug in your CareLink USB - so plug it in, and then (if I recall correctly) you wait for a bit (I had to be a bit patient here) and the driver installs itself. I think it then says that the CareLink USB is ready, and you click “Finish” to begin the upload.

Great, you’ve now uploaded your data with your new device… BUT WE’RE NOT DONE YET!!!

5. Don’t forget what I mentioned in step 1… You’ll need to go back to your “Internet Options,” click on the “Security” tab, and re-select the “Enable Protected Mode” option. ¡Es muy importante!

From here out, you don’t need to change that setting, and you don’t need to run the browser as Administrator. In fact, I would quit the browser, and relaunch it as you normally do to make things safe again.

Hope my successful experience is helpful to someone who just can’t wait to get started… You can always call Minimed for assistance should you need it. Drop me a comment if this works for you, or to let me know if I’ve left something out - it’s been a few days since actually doing it.

Pumped,
Jamie, The Diabetic Runner

So, this weekend we went back to Minnesota for my dad’s birthday, and for the relatives to meet our new son (well, at 10 months, he’s hardly new to us anymore). And during our visit, there was a race held nearby that I signed up for, the Fools Five, raising money for cancer patients. Like so many races, a nice course, good turnout, and great cause. This race was held in Lewiston, MN, and the number of registered runners (around 1800 between the two races they held) was greater than the population of this rural community.

I had been looking at the weather forecasts prior to flying back, and the weather during our stay looked like it would be GREAT, with the exception of race day, where it was likely to be in the 40’s and raining. EWWW, so I brought all kinds of cold weather gear with me, ready for whatever Mother Nature threw at us. As it turns out, it was cool, not quite cold, and while it rained all the way up to starting time, it did stop for the race - nice! The wind however did not!

I lined up and started out pretty strong, though this was helped by the slightly downhill, tailwind aided first half mile. Stopped for a quick sip of water (later wishing I had more than a sip) at the first mile marker. And then it got windy. From mile .75 to 2.5 it was rolling uphill into a serious head wind. I kept hitting the pavement, but was slowing the entire time. At the turnaround I took another sip of water and started off the downhill, tailwind aided return - ah nice. Then, what the heck is this!!! A cramp in my calves? At 3 miles? It turns out that drinking lots of wine and a shot of tequilla the night before, while celebrating papa’s birthday was not such a good idea afterall. I knew it would be a “hangover” event, and I wasn’t expecting a fantastic finish, but now I was paying for my miscalculations… Kept running, and at the 4 mile marker, I stopped for two FULL glasses of water, knowing I would appreciate the relief later, probably not during the final mile, but certainly after the race. I figured at that point that I was looking at a finish of about 43 minutes, which was fine by me - right around the 45 minutes I had told my family I would likely return at. As I rounded the corner for the final .5 miles, I realized I still had a lot in the tank, so I picked it up, and finished strong with a final time of 41:34. Not too bad for a hungover runner.

It was nice to be back, and kind of fun running out in the heart of this farmland, where the smell of cow manure was my biggest challenge. In the end, it was worth while, and at only $8 to register, it was a great training run with a thousand others by my side. Fools five - aptly named if you are foolish enough to imbibe the night before as I did.

Foolish, but not fooled,
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!"

Like most of you diabetic runners, I am in a constant state of learning and refining my protocol for good blood sugars during my runs. I’ve gotten much better at it, even realizing that sometimes you have to trust your gut instinct, since no two day are the same leading up to a run. Occasionally I have a bad run, and occasionally I have a perfect run - most fall somewhere in the middle, but boy, oh boy, last Wednesday night I had a really well controlled (from a BG standpoint) run that I wanted to share…. It looks something like this:

My BG stayed between 80 and 120 during the entire run, and by bolusing 2U towards the end of the run, I avoided my usual post run bump up. Lately, I’ve added a bolus at the end of my run nearly every time - though again, sometimes the gut instinct overrules. Feeling pretty good about this run - and have an upcoming post specifically about the post run bumps - so stay tuned…

Endorphins not BGs make a runner high,
Jamie, The Diabetic Runner

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"

I was reading a friend’s blog today and found this interesting post on it. Those of you that know me know how much I love Medtronic’s pumps and CGMS, but WHOA!!!!…. this is kind of upsetting. Give it a read and think about what message they are trying to send to their Hero wannabes.

From Marcus’ “Sweet Victory” blog:
http://certainintelligence.blogspot.com/2008/03/medtronic-sucks.html

Jerry and Marcus, you are both D-Heros in my book!

---

he·ro
–noun, plural -roes; for 5 also -ros.
1. a man of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities.
2. a person who, in the opinion of others, has heroic qualities or has performed a heroic act and is regarded as a model or ideal: He was a local hero when he saved the drowning child.
3. the principal male character in a story, play, film, etc.
4. Runners 40 years and older, who have had diabetes for more than 15 years

---

OUTRAGED,
Jamie, The Diabetic Runner

After a rather slow week in the workout department two weeks ago because of my flu, I’m happy to say that this week (sorta like last week, but better: I WILL HIT MY 20 MILES THIS WEEK) is shaping up to be much better. I made it to the gym over lunch yesterday for some weight training, and then I made a late night trip to the treadmill around 9:15. I managed a 10.4 mile run on the thing… quite a feat if you know just how boring running on a treadmill can be. BUT, with time so scarce, sometimes we do what we must, and in the end I felt good about getting back on track. I give credit to the challenges I’m involved in for helping motivate me last night, otherwise I may have just called it an early night.

Game on,
Jamie, The Diabetic Runner

P.S. Did anyone notice the St. Patrick’s Day themed DR-Challenge banners this past weekend?

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

DR Reader and fellow Diabetic Runner, Blogger, and CGMS-er, Ryan Nichols, sent me the story of his first marathon as we were emailing, and after reading it I felt I had to ask permission to post it here, and he kindly obliged. It is inspirational, and brings back memories of my first marathon experience… If you’ve done one, you’ll understand, if you are thinking of doing your first, check this out for some added motivation.

Ryan Nichols writes:

About four years ago I was in Washington D.C. for a work function; it is so clear in my mind now. A co-worker and I were flying home on October 26th. We almost missed our flight because our cab had to follow an alternate route due to the Marine Corps Marathon being run at that time. If someone would have told me then that in four years I would complete a marathon on that same course, I would have said, “You’re absolutely crazy.” Not only was I disinterested in running, but I did not think it was possible because I have diabetes. Well, four years have passed and I have completed 2 half marathons . . .and on Sunday October 28th, I completed the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington D.C. My first marathon!

Since my diagnosis eight years ago, I have been very conscientious of my health. In December of 2004, my girlfriend convinced me to start running with her. After doing many casual runs and a few short competitive runs, she talked me into a 15k run (9.3 miles). I did this, but I was worried how my blood sugar would react on a run of this distance. Well, it did not go very well. I had to stop running five times (almost 10 minutes) to check my blood sugar level. I also consumed many carbohydrates in order to finish the race; my time was 1:34:22. I am a very competitive person, and I was not happy with that time.

I did not think about tackling a distance longer than 15k until I started on the Continuous Glucose Monitoring System (CGMS). In October of 2006, I ran my first half marathon, the Dayton River Corridor. I started on the CGMS about a week before the race. It was all pretty new to me, but it gave me a very good idea of my blood sugar levels. I ran a 1:52:11, but had to stop a number of times because my BS was a little low. About six months later I tried another half marathon, the Flying Pig Half Marathon. This race went much better. I did not have to stop as much to fuel because I learned how many carbohydrates I should consume in order to continue running without going hypoglycemic. I ran a 1:50:13 on a much tougher course and I did not have to stop at all during the race. I was also able to maintain good Blood Sugars! After having two half marathons under my belt, I decided I was ready for a full marathon.

I set my sights on the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington D.C. Because the marathon takes place at the end of October, the 16-week training program must begin in July. The training program is designed so that the early weeks in training are lower mileage, and then it builds up to longer runs. My hope was that because the longer runs were later in the program, the heat would be less of a factor. Unfortunately, the heat played a very big factor and made most of the training very difficult, but I figured it would make me that much stronger when the weather cooled. The CGMS played a very integral role in my training in these hot temperatures, as the heat can cause my blood sugars to do some crazy things. It causes the highs and lows to be much more sudden, and the CGMS allows me to react sooner.

I went to Washington D.C. very confident that I could finish, but also very intimidated about the 26.2 miles distance. I read and heard numerous stories about a “wall” that exists in the marathon, and how the 20-mile mark is really the “half way” point. My goal for the Marathon was to keep my blood sugar in the range of 115 – 170, and to run the Marathon in 3 hours and 40 minutes. I have learned that if my blood sugar drops lower than 115 or exceed 170, I begin to feel it. Dropping below 100 is where problems really occur because it zaps my energy level, which takes a while to get back up. When I go above 200, I begin to feel a drop in energy, but it’s not quite as drastic as going low. This is why it’s imperative to always know where my blood sugar levels are.

Running a marathon is very demanding, but running a marathon with diabetes is even more difficult. These two factors make fueling (eating while running)imperative, because as you run your blood sugar levels drop. After trying many different products, I have settled on the Cliff Shot Blocks. There are six of these in a pack for a total of 48 carbohydrates. I carried four packs of these on me to last the whole race.

I woke up at 5 a.m. the morning of the race, and the start of the marathon was 8 a.m. My waking Blood Sugar was 160. I calibrated the CGMS, and I ate a protein bar (31g Carbs) and had a cup of coffee. I took my normal bolus for the meal. Right before I left the hotel room at 6:05 a.m., I checked my Blood Sugar one last time with a finger stick, which read 135. This would be the last time I would check my sugar (with a finger stick) until after the race.

The weather was perfect and the Inspirational talks by the Marines before the race were amazing! At 7:45 a.m., I checked my Continuous Glucose Monitoring System and it read 140, so I ate three shot blocks. I figured these would cover me for the next 3 miles. From that point, I took three shot blocks (24g Carbs) every three miles. My blood sugar never went higher than 165 nor lower than 125. I checked my pump for my blood sugar about every 10-15 minutes.

I tried so hard to hold back in the beginning, which I did pretty well. I stayed right ahead of the 3:40 pace group for about the first 16 miles. From there, I stayed with the 3:40 pacer. At about mile 20 I was going over my status in my head, and I kept wondering where was this “wall”? I continued this “status check” at every mile marker the rest of the way. It wasn’t until after the 25-mile mark that I felt a little twinge in my right hamstring going up an incline. I reached back and massaged the hamstring while I was running and it went away as the course flattened out. The hamstring turned out to be temporary, and with the crowds at the end, I felt like I floated across the finish line. I completed the race in 3:40:06.

Over the period of the whole race, my diabetes did not cost me a single second, and I attribute this to my training with the Continuous Glucose Monitoring System. When compared to my first Half Marathon, I would estimate that stopping to check my blood sugar cost me about four minutes. I did check my BS (finger stick) after the race and it matched my CGMS at 125!

If you are interested in seeing my splits you can go to http://results.active.com/pages/oneResult.jsp?pID=30850708&rsID=47350 My first half of the marathon was 1:49:01 and my second half was 1:51:05.

It is truly the most amazing thing I have ever done in my life, and I am already looking forward to the Flying Pig Marathon in May. My ultimate goal is to qualify for the Boston Marathon within the next three years. I truly believe that these dreams would not be possible without the use of the Minimed Pump and the Continuous Glucose Monitoring System. They have made this disease a starting gun instead of a roadblock in the race of life.

-Ryan Nichols

You can find Ryan’s blog at: http://www.runningthrudiabetes.blogspot.com/

Hey Ryan, Great race! Great blood sugars! Great report! Thanks so much for sharing,
Jamie, The Diabetic Runner