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

I was planning to run my virtual race on Saturday, the day after the media folks got together in Miami to run their race. The weather was bad, and we had a children’s birthday party to attend, so in the end it didn’t happen Saturday. Looking back, this was actually a good thing - it was after all just a day after my leg-heavy weight training session. And the requirements were to run sometime on the 22nd through the 24th, so I still had another day, Sunday. Sunday my mother flew in to visit, and the day proved busy, but around 4PM she, my wife, and the kids all laid down for a nap, and it had been at least 3 hours since my last insulin bolus, plus I was running a nice blood glucose, so the timing was right. Quietly, I suited up and headed out for my run with one goal in mind, 3 sub 8 minute miles, NO EXCUSES.

I finally saw my strength training and interval workouts pay off. I knew I could pull 3 sub 8’s, since recently I’ve been running periodically at that pace without feeling overexerted. I decided to run to the point that I felt my breathing become more intense - not out of breath, but certainly more than the relaxed breathing I’ve grown accustomed to. I gobbled up some carbs, as I wanted to avoid a low during my soon to be intense workout, avoiding having to stop for a gel mid-run, and this worked. I started out strong, I would end up increasing my pace throughout the run, but wanted to be sure I would not need to stop and rest. I felt great, and at one point a song came on that had the perfect tempo, forcing my turnover to quicken to keep pace with the beat - I can see this period in my data before mile 2, and looking back I wonder if I would have been even faster if I would have kept repeating the song… I felt as though I kept increasing my pace as I went on, getting more and more confident that I would finish this thing strongly. In actualitiy, I was lengthing my stride, but slowing my turnover, so I didn’t get the huge speed increase I thought I had, but hey, the numbers don’t lie - I had my best 5K race EVER. 22:50, about a 7:20 minute/mile pace. Great for me actually, and the time was a good 2 minutes better than my previous best, so I was pumped. Got out of the shower to a household now awake, and shared the good news with them. I feel like I’m faster these days, don’t get me wrong, there is no way I could have maintained that pace for a 10K, or even a 5.5K, I gave it everything I had, but I certainly see improvement, and can call it a sucessful day just knowing that.

Thanks again to Marcus for putting on the race - I look forward to another one in the future!

PR’d,
Jamie, The Diabetic Runner

Jeff Howett Writes:

Hey Jamie,
I’ve been a type 1 diabetic since I was 21, and I’m 46 now. I’ve always been active in all sports. I’ve managed to keep my weight down all these years and experienced very few problems realted to this disease. I’m thinking about running again and wanted to know what you thought was the best running shoe for me. Recently I’ve experienced some pain in my right foot and have started putting inserts in my shoes for padding. What brand/type of shoe would you recommend for padding for the ball of my feet. I just bought some Misuno Wave Inspire II but haven’t had the chance to try them out on the road. Just wondered what you wear and or recommend.

Respectfully,
Jeff Howett

DR Responds:

Jeff,

First off, congratulations on living with diabetes for 25 years while keeping youself in shape, and problems to a minimum! This is great news, and an inspiration to the rest of us with less D-experience.

Here’s my thoughts on shoes, err feet and running I should say. First off, I really believe in paying for a good pair (read few pairs) of socks! When I started running, I wore cotton, because that’s what I had, and I didn’t know any better. *NASTY BLISTERS ENSUE* I went to a running store and told them I needed new shoes because I was getting blisters, a big no-no for us feet-conscious insulin consumers. They asked what kind of socks I was wearing, and immediately pointed out my first mistake. I’ve tried several brands and have found one that I love (and have NEVER since gotten a blister): Balega Enduros. They are well ventilated, something I also look for in a shoe, to keep my feet dry (an important part of not getting blisters), they have a bit of padding in them, more than other socks I’ve tried (every little bit helps as I have knee problems), and most importantly, NO COTTON!

So, feet are covered with great socks, and now it’s time to put on the rubber that we put to the road. I’ve not tried a gazillion different shoes. I HAVE tried Nike Shox, Asics GT 2080’s, Saucony Hurricane 8’s, Pearl Izumi, and finally Asics Gel Kayano’s. I found the Nike’s to be cool looking, but terrible while running… I used them for 2 weeks, and had more aches and pains than I could shake a stick at - just my personal experience - plus I under-pronate, and this shoe offered little stability - something else I learned about at the running shop. The Asics GT’s were great, I wore these when I started out and couldn’t really complain, but then again, I knew so little back then, that any ache or pain I had was always contributed to being a noob. The Saucony’s were my workhorse shoe - I trained and ran my first marathon in these, and they worked quite well for me, some cushion, and some stability. When they were dead (I shoot for 300 - 400 miles) I went to look at shoes again, but wanted to try something different. Pearl Izumi was a brand I knew for all their triathlon and cycling gear, and they had recently put out a pretty cool looking shoe that I HAD to try. Looks, GREAT, ventilation, SUCKED. The running shop I go to let me take them home and try them out on a treadmill with the expectation that if I didn’t like them, I could return them - needless to say these went back to the store. I left the store with some Gel Kayano’s - they are an upgrade from the GT’s I had started with - offering some stability, plenty of ventilation, and more cushion (esp. in the fore-foot - like you, I wanted more cushion for the balls of me feet). I LOVED THEM. Now I continue to buy just these. While they won’t prevent me from developing an overuse injury, I’ve yet to experience the pains I had in the past, and haven’t had a blister or black toenail yet (I buy them 1/2 size bigger than the rest of my shoes).

You mentioned inserts. Whenever I buy shoes they recommend inserts, as the inserts that come with new shoes are typically crap. I used them with all my shoes until my second pair of Gel Kayano’s. I got lazy and didn’t put them in, but haven’t had any problems. I guess it’s a personal thing, but if you are looking for more cushion, they are highly recommended. I will add my own experience here though. When I tried “running” inserts, the arch always seemed too high - maybe this was the way they support the arch, and while I’m not flat-footed, they seemed too high to me, so I was always buying FLAT inserts for the cushion without the higher arch areas. Also, if you do use them, be sure to cut them to fit properly, and if you notice them while running, I would suggest trimming them - as you really shouldn’t notice that they are in your shoe - I guess that goes for trying shoes in general - the best fitting shoes feel like a natural extension of your foot. If you feel any pressure when trying them on, you can imagine this pressure x 300 as you wear them for long periods of time while running.

So those are my experiences, but here is the best advice I can give you while finding new running shoes, advice I was once given and am simply passing on: Find a good running shoe store and have them help you find your shoe. Everyone’s body is different, there is no one perfect shoe, only one perfect shoe for YOU. And it’s not always easy finding it, but experienced people can help narrow down the field, meeting your individual requirements, and then you can focus on a few shoes until you find the right one. When I say running shoe store, I don’t mean Foot Locker or something, I recommend a shop that specializes in all things running. If they don’t make you try on shoes and run while they watch you, looking at your gait, FIND ANOTHER STORE. And make sure the person you are working with is an experienced runner, and not just a high-schooler working a summer job. These specialty shops typically employ experienced folks that know what to look for in your running style, and know which products are well suited for you. After that, it’s a matter of trying them out until you are happy. Sure it costs more to go there, rather than purchasing online, but their input, and things like my ability to return a less-than-perfect fit are some of the benefits they offer, and if you ask me - IT’S WORTH IT.

There are other readers/runners here that put in many more miles, and have been doing this much longer than I have, so please chime in with your advice by leaving comments as well…

Hope this helps, and good luck rediscovering running,
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

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)

So yesterday I went for a run after work. I planned to do about 5 miles on the treadmill while watching some hoops on TV. Over the past few weeks, my mileage has been down and frequency down too, and as a result my annoying groin strain seems to have disappeared. It’s been pestering me for a few months, not to the degree that it did last year when I had to take 4 full weeks off to recover, but enough that after my runs I kept thinking how nice it would be to start and finish without this nagging feeling of “I hurt a little, and if I go further will I really reinjure it?” Well yesterday’s run was PERFECT, no sign of ANY nagging injury feelings. So as I passed the 5 mile mark feeling great I decided “it’s my 34th birthday, so I think I’ll run and hour and 34 minutes and see where I end up.” I did with no problems in the groin, and ended up at 10.47 miles. A great run.

BUT, I FORGOT SOMETHING…. on runs over an hour I usually slap on some Bodyglide on the thighs and under arms. I didn’t for this run, and as a result, my pits have some chafing from my singlet rubbing them for such an extended period of time… I didn’t notice the rubbing, or chafing until I hit the shower, and WHAM, you know that feeling when the salt water pours into a wound….YEEEOOOOW!

Not to sound like your mother, but wear clean underwear, and don’t forget to lube!

Elbows out today,
Jamie, The Diabetic Runner

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.

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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!

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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