In college I ran cross-country and track. In my mid- to late twenties I ran because I enjoyed it. In my thirties I haven’t really done much running. Oh, I’ve done and will probably again do the gym thing, spinning classes, all of that, but lately — and in no small part because of lovely weather and a beautiful hilly, forested cemetery two blocks from our house that has beautiful trails on which we take our dog on long walks — I’ve had the urge to start running.
So what’s stopping me?
First I need to get decent running shoes. That’s an OK excuse for not getting out on the trails as soon as possible. I mean, the support in the years-old tennis shoes I have is pretty much gone, and they’re torn up from gardening, so I need to make a trip to a shoe outlet soon and pick up a discount pair. Simple enough.
Second is knowing that I’m not in the kind of cardiovascular shape I was when last I ran. I’m older, and heavier, than in those college days and years in my twenties. That means that I’m slower. Oh, and that I’m slower. Did I mention I’m probably not as fast as I used to be? This means I need to call upon the wisdom of my years to deal with the internal monologue, because it will do its damndest to try to shame me out of even trying to get back out there because I’m not what I once was. I know this about me. I know the self-defeating inner voices will conspire to keep me inside. I need to override them, remind them that I’m a much happier, more well-adjusted person now than I ever was during the cross-country days of yore. Winning doesn’t matter. Pushing it to the extreme doesn’t matter. There don’t have to be any races; there is no clock.
The third thing? Hmm. Well, it may just be the fact that two years ago I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.
Now I know, I know… yes, I know, that there are all sorts and kinds of folks with Type 1 diabetes who run, who even do marathons. And it’s not as if I haven’t exercised since my diagnosis (for nearly a year I was pushing myself intensely in those spinning classes). The thing about running, though, about heading off on my own through city streets and cemetery trails, is that I’ll more than likely not be around anyone who’ll know what’s going on if, for some reason, I were to have an episode of low blood glucose.
During spinning classes the instructor knew I had diabetes and that I was on insulin. As well, I had a bottle of Gatorade or other carbohydrate-intensive drink with me on the stationary bike as I pedaled. I also had my kit and could monitor my blood glucose as I continued to pedal.
But here’s where I get stymied with running streets and trails: all of that diabetic junk — carrying extra carbs, a kit, probably my cell phone just in case, and thinking about the preparation to have my blood glucose in line before running, and so on — it really does weigh on me, both literally and emotionally.
It doesn’t seem fair. I want to pout about it (I just did). I so wish it wasn’t necessary.
Unfortunately, all of the diabetes accoutrement is necessary. And I know that I’m making something out to be way more problematic than it actually is. I know about carbohydrate gel packets. I know I can stop to check my blood glucose if I need to. I know about starting out slowly, not trying to run five miles the first time out, that I should stay close to home, only go out for 15–20 minutes the first time, watch my blood glucose patterns. All of that stuff.
So why does it still loom large? Seem overwhelming to contemplate it? Because I’ve yet to start, and the shadow looms so much larger than the actual object. And there’s that internal monologue. It’s there. Probably always will be. It’s very adept at talking me out of things I ought not be talked out of.
However, doing something like this, writing down the supposed impediments to returning to running: that helps. It’s sort of like setting up each perceived roadblock and then pushing it down as I write through it.
I’ll get out on those trails soon.
This is the perfect article. This is one of the situations that I think most of us with any kind of diabetes faces, it is good that you are vocalizing it. I know that I worry and stress over all the “little things” that go along with diabetes and the people around me sometimes don’t get that.
Thank you for giving it a voice. I am going to show them this article and hope that they “Get It”.
Shelly
Posted by Shelly | Jun 04, 2009 at 6:56 pmHey Eric, I totally get you that not being as fast/in shape/lean/etc. is hard to deal with sometimes. I’m dealing with that a bit now. Did my first 1/2 marathon in Feb, and had a slump after than. Now I’m rebuilding…am slower than ever and have a tendency to bet myself up about it. When I’m feeling that way, I tell myself “I’m faster than my couch”. Silly, I know, but it helps.
As for all the stuff, I know you can figure out the details, but purchasing an amphipod belt really helped me. I got an extra large pouch for mine that holds meter, test strips, lancing device, and gels or shot blocks. Also nice to be able to carry my own water in the heat here in TX.
And when I let those little things that can be overcome keep me out of the game, there is usually some larger issue I’m grappling with underneath. Running is a great “therapy” for working out those things though, so I hope you will get out there…today. Don’t let your couch catch you!
Posted by Carol | Jun 05, 2009 at 11:23 amThanks for the comments thus far, guys. Last night after dinner my wife wanted to go out with me and get running shoes because she knows how badly I actually do want to run and doesn’t want the shoes thing to be any part of the excuse. So I found a comfy pair of Reeboks (I’ve always been partial to Reebok and Saucony for runnin).
Around 8:30 I went online and mapped a 2.5-mile loop from our house and told myself it didn’t matter if I walked parts of it. I ran the first 2 miles and then realized how much I want to do this again (maybe this evening) and again, so not wanting to overdo it, I walked the last half-mile for a cooldown.
I carried a small Nalgene bottle filled with Powerade during the run, and I checked before running and was at 168 mg/dl (after loading up a bit on carbs). After the run I did drop to the 70s for a bit, but I was able to correct and got it back up to 120 pretty easily. Relearning running now that blood glucose is a factor.
Just now, after lunch, I stopped by a store and picked up some Clif Shots gel packs: 25 grams of carb in each, and very unobtrusive. I’ll carry one or two of those, as well, depending on the length of the run.
Anyway, maybe a loop through the cemetary after work. Slowly but surely.
Eric
Posted by Eric L. | Jun 05, 2009 at 12:05 pmWoohoo!!!!! Way to go. You left your couch in the dust! Your wife is awesome too for supporting and encouraging you.
Posted by Carol | Jun 06, 2009 at 9:06 amEric,
I am partial to swimming laps and am not as good as I used to be. Some days are better than others. I just say to myself, when I am a bit down on those not so better days, “some is better than none” then do what I can at that given point in time, knowing that the next day will be better. So keep on running……
Posted by Diane | Jun 10, 2009 at 1:48 pmWay to go! You are very inspiring! I too am a runner, (who hasn’t been running for two years), and am currently taking the steps to get back to full on running again. I am in love with the sport. I was diagnosed type 1 in January and have been re-learning how to exercise with diabetes since then. I went hypo the very first time I used Humalog with breakfast and then went for a brisk walk not knowing that the dose was too high for me…oops. What a way to find out one is insulin sensitive. I was lucky I made it back to my office that morning. I agree that the idea of running in areas where people might not know what is going on if you do hypo is a bit daunting, but I plan on being prepared with all necessary tools. I have a pretty good network of friends, co-workers, gym-buddies and family to help along the way. Each step at a time…So, yay! to you!
Posted by Lisa | Jun 14, 2009 at 3:26 amEric,
They make Road ID bracelets (in a variety of colors). They differ slightly from medical ID bracelets which I hope you have. They are velcro and can either go around your laces or your wrist and are very clearly marked. When you take it off, it has a little card that slides out with all of your information on it. Amazingly useful! As a paramedic I wish every patient I came upon had such a bracelet. It holds Meds, Allergies, Dr. numbers, emergency contacts, medical history. EVERYONE should have one, but it is definatly a huge comfort for me to have it when I go running alone in case my sugar drops.
Posted by Nicole | Jun 18, 2009 at 2:42 pmThe worst for me is timing the run. The best time if I didn’t have diabetes is right after work, or right before bed. The worst time with Type 1 is right after work, or right before bed.
Given you bolus after you eat, when do other Type 1s run?
Posted by Dan | Jun 24, 2009 at 6:39 pmI enjoyed reading this thread. I have type 1 and used to run quite a lot and have turned into the very occassional runner. Now for the last month I’ve been running 5-6 times a week. the thing I love about running is seeing progress. When I started I had trouble making it 2 miles. Now I still have trouble making it 2 miles (but not as bad as at first) and also manage to then survive the trouble of the next couple/few miles after that (but I make it!) And I am seeing progress, as I’m able to run farther, feel better, losing a few pounds.
Just like running 2 miles at first was really hard, it was also very difficult figuring out tweaks to carb rations, temporary basal rates, and trying to find the right time to fit in the run that won’t negatively impact work, my family time, or that won’t lead to hypo/hyperglycemia. The good thing is I’m also starting to see progress with my diabetes management of all of this. Far from perfect, but I’m staying safe, getting healthier, and having fun.
Anyway, just like I’m not yet ready to run a 1/2 marathon (but come September or October I’ll be there), there’s a lot of progress I can still make with the diabetes management issues.
Here’s the struggles I’m trying to work through personally right now:
1) I like to run early in the AM prior to breakfast because my glucose level is pretty stable and I don’t have carbs being digested and extra insulin working. Problem with this is I need fuel to run farther than 4-5 miles.
2) When I run in the morning– my gluscose spikes post-workout. I’m getting close to knowing how much extra to bolus. I can have a breakfst of 35 g carb and take 7-10 U insulin when I might eat 3 times that for dinner and use a unit or 2 less of insulin.
3) If I run at night I need to reduce my bolus at dinner and then still wait preferrably 3 hours before I run. When I do this I still better be prepared to check my blood sugar a couple times during a 40 minute run and make sure to have ample available carbs.(even with a glucose sensor because the sensor will still show stable when my glucose level has already dropped 50 points!). I’ve also learned that it’s OK to turn a good run into a nice slow walk while munching fruit snacks because of a low bloos sugar.
Anyway, thanks for the opportunity to reply as writing out these issues helps me realize that progress is being made.
One foot in front of the other,
Posted by Erik | Jun 29, 2009 at 5:23 pmErik
I know just what you mean. I have been a diabetic for 37 years and try to keep tight control over my blood sugars. I have lost all of my warning signs for a low blood sugar incident and i am terrified to go exercise alone. I can’t tell you how many times I lace up my sneakers to go out and end up not going.
Posted by Lisa | Jul 22, 2009 at 8:23 pm