You all know how into sports I am. So I did a little research on just how much physical activity it would take to “burn off” these popular fast foods. [Read more…]
Featured Diabadasses: Bryan Ritchie and Robin Armstrong
Team Diabadass runners Bryan Ritchie and Robin Armstrong:
Robin
Robin has always been active. She’s run cross country, played soccer, been a lifeguard, and is an ironman finisher. She had a brief brush with gestational diabetes that opened her eyes to what the disease was like.
Following the birth of her son, she dove back into exercise, only to be beset by atrial fibrillation. Following surgery and recovery, she returned to sports. Then during a check-up after being sideswiped by a car during a bike race, she encountered her worst fear: a diagnosis of type 2. As with previous challenges, she never looked back. She continues to compete, and to coach diabetic friends on combining diabetes and physical activity.
Bryan
Bryan Ritchie has had type 1 diabetes since the age of 30, for 15 years. He manages it with multiple daily injections and uses a continuous glucose monitor and regular exercise. He started running two years ago to lose weight and become more active. Living a more active lifestyle has improved my overall diabetes management.
What was the toughest run you ever did?
My first half marathon. I didn’t train properly for the race and my longest run was 8 miles prior to the race. The final 3 miles were challenging and tested my resolve to finish. Made it through and haven’t looked back.
How do you manage your sugars during a run?
I fuel with UCAN about 20-30 prior to the run and supplement with Hammer gels as needed, which is usually about 1 an hour after the first hour and a half. I wear a Dexcom G4 to monitor my blood sugar levels during the run and rely on it (probably a little too much). If I see or feel irregularities, then I will test, but often do not test for runs under an hour and a half. For runs beyond that, I usually test every hour just to be not he safe side.
How do you train? How often and how far do you usually run?
I have been training by myself for quite some time, but recently joined a triathlon team to have more accountability and more precise coaching. I tend to run 5 days a week for a total of 20-25 miles a week. I also swim twice a week for around 45 minutes and try to cycle at least once a week for an hour.
How do you stay focused on longer runs?
While I love the simplicity of tuning into nature and all, I usually am listening to a podcast or music on my longer runs. I need a little entertainment.
What’s the best and worst diabetes advice you ever got from anyone?
The best diabetes I advice came from several members of this C2C team. Simply stated: We can do anything with diabetes. Nothing should hold us back from achieving any goal we desire. The worst diabetes advice was to not exercise. I was told that it was just too difficult to manage diabetes with exercise.
What would you tell someone who’s just been diagnosed with the same type of diabetes you have?
It is a great time to have diabetes. While it certainly can be a pain, it is very manageable in our current era. The technology is moving so quickly as well. Even if we don’t see the cure we all desire, the technology is certainly making the day-to-day management of the disease easier. Everybody has hurdles in their life. This is just ours. Learn to run with them on the track and enjoy the experience. Don’t ignore it. Don’t fight it. It is a part of you. Learn to enjoy the ride.
What do you know now that you wish you’d known earlier about diabetes and exercise?
How large of a community of diabetic athletes exist. Diabetes can be a very isolating disease leaving you to feel like you’re the only one facing these issues, but there are thousands of active diabetics out there. Find some and learn from each other.
What keeps you going / keeps you motivated?
I enjoy being outside. While I’m not terribly competitive, I enjoy being out there and experiencing nature.
What do people in your support network do that you especially value and appreciate?
Many of the folks just model what can be done. Watching other diabetics crush an Ironman is inspiring on those days when you just want stay on the couch. Others are always there to get a workout with you whenever they can. There is some power in working out with fellow diabetics and seeing the highs and lows of their accomplishments.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I’m just excited to be a part of this team. My C2C relay team is filled with incredible athletes and several folks that I admire. To be a part of this effort is extremely exciting for me. Can’t wait!
Featured Diabadass: Doug Masiuk
Team Diabadass runner Doug Masiuk is the first and only Type 1 to run solo across the continental United States. He was diagnosed at age three, the day after Halloween, in 1977. He chronicles his running adventures at DougMasiuk.com and on his Facebook page, 1Run.
Featured Diabadass: Jim Cadorette
Team Diabadass runner Jim Cadorette has been “pre-diabetic” for about 15 years. He keeps things in check with a healthy diet and exercise, mostly running and cycling. He’s an accomplished cyclist and runner who’s medaled at a number of Step Out 5Ks, and is the volunteer chair of the DFW Tour de Cure, one of the American Diabetes Association’s largest fundraising events.
Featured Diabadass: Joshua Fabian
Team Diabadass runner Joshua Fabian has been Type 1 since 1995. Josh recently completed an epic 260-mile run from Austin, Texas to Camp Sweeney in Gainesville, TX.He’s been running since 2002 and manages his diabetes with multiple daily injections, diet, and exercise.
Featured Diabadass: Dave Pratt
Team Diabadass runner Dave Pratt has had Type 2 diabetes since 2008 and manages it with a healthy diet, exercise, and medication. He’s also an elite member of Team Novo Nordisk‘s running squad. He started running in middle school on the track and cross country teams, found he had a talent for long distance running, and has been doing it ever since.
Featured Diabadass: Don Muchow
Team Diabadass badge
Team Diabadass runner Don Muchow has had Type 1 diabetes for 42 years and uses an insulin pump and CGMS.
An ultra runner, distance cyclist, and just-becoming-a-decent-open-water-swimmer, his goal is to find out just what he can’t do despite diabetes.
Featured Diabadass: Glenn de Veyra
Team Diabadass runner Glenn de Veyra has been insulin-dependent for almost 20 years and manages it with multiple daily injections, a balanced diet, and exercise.
An avid cyclist and martial arts athlete, he started running two years ago, discovered the joy of it, and completed the Big D Half Marathon.
Featured Diabadass: Jeff Kilarski
Team Diabadass runner Jeff Kilarski has had Type 1 diabetes since 1988. He is on multiple daily injections currently because of a medical study but usually uses a pump. He tests frequently during runs to get an idea of trends and adjusts accordingly. He started running in 2013 as a way of cross-training to become a better cyclist.
