So i joined I gym this week...

I had been fighting the decision off for months, and boy, did I have excuses - tons of them. My job is too busy, I don't want to drive there. I don't want to be locked in to a commitment. I can always run outside,etc, etc. etc.

But in the back of my mind I knew it was the right thing to do. And maybe it was the trip to running in Florida and then comparing it with the 10 below 0 windchill, that changed my mind. Or maybe it was the fact that I've gained 9 pounds since the Ironman. In any case, I decided to sign up.

So would you want to join a gym? It's that time of year after all. If you're interested, here's a couple things to look for:

• Find a gym close to your home or office - the closer, the easier it is to fit into your schedule.
• Decide what you want before you go - yoga classes are great, but if you have no interest then it doesn't really matter.
• Ask for a weekly pass to try it out - try it before you buy it.
• Be comfortable with the staff, and the membership policies - don't feel pushed into anything, be sure to ask questions and find out how you may cancel the policy if you move, change jobs, etc.
  

I found one within 5 miles of where I live called the Buffalo Athletic Club with several locations in Buffalo, and in Rochester. And after the two week trial they offered, I signed up for three months to see how it works. If it fits, (or if it doesn't) you'll hear about it.

You don't need a medal to know you're goofy

They say this is the place that dreams come true. Boy, i don't think Walt was planning this one when he came up with Disney years ago but he was right.

This weekend participants of the first Team CWD participated in The Walt Disney Marathon Weekend. I went as one of the race coordinators, but truth be told I did little in terms of coaching. The group that signed up were already dedicated athletes who knew what they were in for, so other then a little advice here and there I worked on my own training (which after spending my first winter in Buffalo was a challenge in itself).

The weekend races went in this fashion: Friday was the 5k and kids races, Saturday was the 1/2 marathon, and Sunday was the full marathon. We had TeamCWD participants all three events. I had originally planned to run just the full on Sunday, my wife was also signed up so we talked about the idea of running together. But at the last minute I also jumped into the 1/2 marathon to run along with my sister-in-law who was running her first race (Gulp!)

I know that sounds crazy, but would you beleive they actually have an event where you run both? It's called the Goofy challenge (how appropriate) where if you complete both you recieve a third medal to signify it. And as crazy as that sounds, that are was actually filled up!!! So although i was going to do both, i would not receive that third medal (which as i found out after, has major bragging rights).

Heather (my sister) and I had to be up by 3am (3am, are you kidding me!!!) in order to get there for the 6am start. And other then the 3am start to the day, the run that we had was absolutely wonderful. I can't never have a 'first' 1/2 marathon or marathon again, but it was special to share a first one with someone, even better since we are family. I ran to get her water, bananas, etc. during the run and gave encouragement along the way. Heather actually worked for Disney before she became a teacher, so I got to hear some inside stories about the parks which was pretty cool. The emotions of course are the best part of all, we both got teary at the end as we crossed holding hands.

The run with my wife was just as memorable. We had never run a marathon together, and I was so excited about the idea it was hard to contain it (which is good because she's never been a morning person, so I had enough excitement in the beginning for the both of us). Getting to run through the parks at twilight when no one was there was pretty cool, defintely a reason to get up at 3am. And although the early start wasn't something i wanted to repeat, the run through the finish holding hands with family was.

This race got me thinking, two years from now will be my 30th anniversary with diabetes. I spoke with my wife about it (see, I am getting this marriage thing down) and we're going back in two years to celebrate my anniverary. I'm going to do the goofy for real, and it's going to be great.

It always is.

Happy New (cough) Year!

The new year started off with a bang (or rather, a sneeze). Tricia and I brought my niece along with us to the CWD Best Practices Conference in Marco Island FL. I was still feeling under the weather, but had been looking forward to this conference for almost a year. I had written earlier that my wife and I were going to be presenting together at the conference on how to integrate nutrition and activity into diabetes management, a 'marriage' of sorts.

So we got in on New Year’s Eve, but rather then joining in the festivities we went right up to bed (I guess that should have been a sign of what was to come). I had one day where I felt ok, and in retrospect it was a great day. I was able to go for a long run on the beach and really enjoy running somewhere new. That evening the conference began and I had a great time, meeting old friend and making new ones.

But (there’s always a but) that was about it for me. The next day I was so sick I could hardly walk. I slashed most of my presentations with the kids in an effort not to get them sick, and spent that day (and the following one in bed). It was a horrible feeling..... Here I was at this beautiful destination and I couldn't enjoy it. The beach was pristine, the view from our hotel deck was spectacular, and I was shivering and convulsing with aches, pains, and a fever.

My BGs were all over the place too (isn't that mandatory when you're sick?) I did a few temp basals to try and get them down, it always amazes me how much insulin I need when I’m sick. I took more insulin then I do on a daily basis – but I didn’t eat. And my boluses usually account for about 55% of my daily insulin.

Although I spent most of the time in bed, the conference did have a few highlights. The fever did subside for a bit, and I did present with my wife, and although it was a bit hazy with the fever I really enjoyed it. And I also presented to the parents on extreme athletics with Joe Eldridge from Team Type 1, and anytime I get to do that with one of the TT1 boys it’s a thrill.

I’m headed back to Buffalo now, and hoping that my cold clears up by next week. I’m flying back down here to run in Walt Disney’s marathon as part of Team CWD. Here’s hoping I’m able to pull through.

I can't wait!!!!

I can't even write coherently. The next two weeks are going to be so cool!!!! I’m headed out to a Best Practices Conference for Children with Diabetes in Marco Island. These conferences are geared towards families where one (or more) of the children are diagnosed with diabetes. Parents attend session on diabetes management while the kids are off on supervised activities. Tricia and I will be flying out with my niece, Ella who’s six (we thought that would give us a good taste of what it'll be like to have a little one:).

Tricia and I will be presenting one of the sessions together, which is a first for us. Since she has a nutrition background and I have exercise physiology we thought we would do it on how to integrate nutrition and activity into diabetes management. I’ll also be presenting with Joe Eldridge from Team Type 1 on taking sports to the next level.

I’ll be flying home for work (of course) but then flying back the following weekend for Team CWD, a new initiative for CWD. We’ll be running in the Walt Disney Marathon weekend; family members are participating in the 5k, ½ marathon, or marathon. So very cool!!!!

Some new year resolutions…

I realize that New Year's Eve is still a few days away, but my MD appointment last week really got me thinking about what I need to work on. At diabetes conferences people always say how remarkable it is that I participate in triathlons, but I'm not perfect - far from it. Regardless of how people perceive us, there are always things we can improve on.Well, here's my list.

Caffeine Boy, I don’t know if it was the new job, or the move to a new state, but I’m drinking coffee – a lot of coffee. I make a pot of coffee and usually have to make another one before my wife even wakes up. Then I have it throughout the day, I even catch myself having it when I check into hotels in the evening.My Resolution Cut the caffeine. I went out and bought some decaf for the house, and am going to make a conscious effort to buy decaf when I’m out.

Water This kind of went hand in hand with the caffeine. The water went out, the caffeine went in. I feel like I’m borderline dehydrated most of the time.My Resolution Instead of a coffee cup, I I’ll start carrying a water bottle in the car. I’m also going to buy some of those Crystal Light on the go packets to make the water flavored.

Time Management This is something I’ve really struggled with, but now with the job and the new demands for CWD, and Triabetes, I really need to get this stuff sorted out. I think I let things like MD appointments and personal issues take a back seat, which is not good for me, or my family.My Resolution I’m going to try learning a little more about what my PDA has to offer (I use outlook) in the hopes of scheduling some time for everything

And for all of you?If I was going to make some recommendations about New Year’s resolutions, I would certainly recommend setting some goals for the year. Now is the perfect time to do so (everyone else is doing it!!!!)

1)Remember that people get in the habit of trying to do too much, too soon and end up failing at everything. Don’t get caught in this trap. Pick one or two small changes that you can make, then when you successfully accomplish them move on to bigger and better things.

2)Pick goals that you are able to measure, ‘feeling better’ is noteworthy, but it is subjective and hard to quantify. Weight loss or a daily fitness regimen is easier to measure, and is related to feeling better.

3) Find support. Tell your friend and family members about your goals, get them to follow suit. Find a way to support them while they support you, whether you have the same goals or not.