Howdy From Oceanside,
It's been some crazy times lately. Not sure where I was last time, but have been some places as of late. I got the chance to get back into Yoga last week. First class about killed me, and was lucky enough to have Morgan Patton with me to suffer. We had a good weekend of hanging out, and after two rest days off of running, my metabolism shut down. I upped my basal rate to 18 units, and probably did another 30 units of rapid acting, and still not having successful blood sugars. One run in, and it was better, then another run in, and life was good again. Amazing how much easier the diabetes game is when I am active. Then it was off to NYC:
I got in, checked in, and set off to meet my author, John Hance, agent, Linda Konner, and Publisher, Pete Wolverton of St. Martins Press. Planning out ideas for the book, which is set to release in June 2011. Then John and I set off to run with Mike Keohone, who is handling my running program. I had some pasta and not much insulin at lunch, so started the run at 178. Ate half a power bar right before heading out. We did 2 miles easy, then a 6:40 mile, then 1 mile easy, then a 6:40 mile, then 1 cool down. All in all it was a tough day, and gave my 5 units right after shot back to hotel to grab Joe, and begin the BDay Celebration. Fun times in NYC!!! I guess the intensity of the run got my metabolism going again, as I ate a big meal, and just hovered at 60 all night, before going low, low the next morning. Started empty, and met my buddy Christian Strong (Dex4) for another run. We went out for 5 miles at a 7:30 pace, and it felt good. The two feet thing is much better with a friend to chat with. Finished my run at 101, expecting a jump in blood sugar (which is what has happened every run) so did 3 units. This time the jump only went to 108, before a sharp crash as I was walking to meet Matt for lunch. Matt is a super human runner, and just diagnosed last year at 37. Luckily I had my Dex4 tabs, so smashed 6 of those and a gatorade from street vendor to level off before I went hypo. Thanks Navigator. Media training, then a dinner which was awesome. The Euro folks really do it right.
I love that this game is never the same. As soon as I get my system of insulin right after run, then it changes, and I don't need it, or need more food quicker. Will be fun to document the changes. I have been running on the low side in the am at 16u of basal. I would typically cut it, but since today was a 6 hour travel day, I am gonna leave it at 16, and bet I wake up at 100 in the am...
Finished up NYC with a full day of interviews (24 to be exact;Joe and I rocked em together) then a photoshoot which was a good time. Had a Russian dinner with Vassili and Sergey, and hit the hay for the big day tomorrow... What's that: RAAM BABY!!!
For the 4th year now Team Type 1 has a team going for the World Record. For the 1st year, we have Team Type 2 aiming to finish this never ending race. For the 4th year, Dave Eldridge is playing a big role. This year he has taken charge of the 50 crew, in helping get them all prepped for the road. The organizational skills big Dave has are unparalleled. He has gone above and beyond all expectations and has the crew ready to rock, which is crucial to success. No offense to the riders, but the crew are as important, if not more important than the actual guys on bikes... So now we have 4 RV's, 6 mini-vans, 37 crew, and 16 riders. It is quite the operation. Seeing the growth from 4 years ago is awesome. I wish I had more energy right now to take it in, but frankly I am beat. Then I think about it, and the tired feeling I am having is nothing compared to what each and every person on the team will experience in the days to come. This race is brutal. It is a huge mental challenge, an enormous physical challenge, and everyone involved is going to have to go well beyond their limits to succeed. This may seem hard, but all the guys on TT1 and TT2 know that it is more than just the 7 other teammates, but 24 million in the US that are riding with us. They are riding for diabetes, riding to prove that with good control, no challenge too big. I could not be more proud of my guys out there, and more grateful for Big Dave, and his crew who all volunteered their time to make this happen.
So please, check em out, leave comments, show support on www.teamtype1.org. Check the blog. We got printouts of each and every comment over the years, and it really did a number on helping keep us motivated.
Thanks for reading, and for supporting us in our quest to tackle the Country!
Also, thanks to the 100's who have purchased jerseys, and who are going to wear this week! You rock!!!
Ciao for now!!
Phil
www.teamtype1.org (Team Kits available- wear yours this week to show support!) Thanks
http://twitter.com/PhilSoutherland
Friday, June 19, 2009
Friday, June 12, 2009
Diabetes and um... running (yes I said it)
Howdy from HotLanta,
Great to be home! I have had a few days at home now, and thanks to my little bro, Jacko, I am finally somewhat organized back home. My life the past 3 weeks has been:
Go on trip with bags packed
Arrive home wash clothes (don't put away)- pack bags again
Next am: leave again
Arrive home- unpack- pack- leave etc... There were 22days straight I was gone, and somehow had 3 nights in the house, which was nice, but when I got home the last time, things were scattered... it is somewhat comical, and for those who know me well, know that I can (and often do) function in a state of mayhem... Last time I posted I was in Hollywood. It was cool to go on set of the Sony Studios, and meet with Doug Wick, and chat about diabetes, and the documentary. Then met with a friend that evening for dinner, before hitting the red-eye back to Atlanta. I got home, unpacked, took a nap, did some work, packed, and then set off for Camp Kudzu.
This was awesome. I had the 9-10 year old boys Cabin #24. Great group of kids. I got to witness some doing their first shot, some doing their first pump site change, carb counting, drawing insulin, the works. All of these kids were stepping outside of their normal comfort zone of diabetes, which I think is the reason to go to camp. Seeing kids upset at highs, or cranky from lows at 9 years old is a lot to take in. Seeing kids dance for the first time, or get the nerve up to ask a girl to the dance was all real special. I got 2 days there, and it was my best 2 days so far this year. Camp Kudzu has a few full time employees, but everyone else is strictly volunteer.
Hopefully we can raise enough $ to help make it a full time camp in the years to come, as the kids could really benefit. It was also cool to see the kids that were in my cabin 5 years ago, which was my first time volunteering. Most of them are now a foot taller than me, and are leading cool lives. Sadly I had to leave early, to get to New Orleans for the ADA, but I will be back at camp again later this summer!!
Get home late that afternoon, work for a while, unpack, wash clothes, repack... Chaos is an understatement. Then sleep. Wake up at 4am to finish packing, and get to the airport, which I did, with 2 minutes to spare!! YEE-HA! ADA was great as well. I really got to see how far reaching Team Type 1 and now TT2 has become. Our sponsors, sanofi-aventis diabetes, FreeStyle, Omni-Pod, and Dex 4 were all present at the show, and TT1 members at each booth. Early meeting everyday kept things in check, and it was good to brainstorm research ideas with some of the brighter docs in the world. Always good to see good people.
Oh yeah- so how about this running thing?? I have been doing it for 3-4 weeks now, and it is different. Cardio wise, muscle wise, I am good. But the beating on the body is new to me. Back in the day, I could go ride for 1 hour easy, come home, eat some food with no insulin. But go ride 1 hour very hard, come home, do some rapid or the BS would skyrocket. Why? What I gathered from docs (and I am just theorizing here) is that the body was reacting to the beating by releasing a hormones which caused BS to rise, along with the food that was taken in to perform, now is not needed by muscles, so it goes straight to the blood stream. Running is different, but the same. I can go out for a 4-5 mile run, take in 24-30gms of DEX4 glucose, come home, and then blood sugar sky rockets. So new system is that when I get back from a run, I do 3units of rapid right away. This has been good to level me off. If I want to eat after, I am taking the 3 units, plus an increased dose for the food. It has been a fun shift. I did get to run the 5km race in N.O. It was good to see about 600 people out for a 6:30am start time. I was out with my buddies Matt Vogel (starting BG of 223,) Nathan Bartels (starting at 334-technology set back) and I (starting BG of 194 trending up) The start was all I saw of those guys. I was running with my buddy Chris at a steady pace. Could of gone faster, but really wanted to slow down. Last right turn, went full gas, passed a bunch of people, and finished with a time of 21:33, which is a 6:58 avg pace. My goal was sub 7 minute miles, which was achieved...barely. After a 3 mile cool down, and then a lot of rapid, and off to eat. I hope to be doing longer runs here soon, and will keep posted on the new learning's.
There is no kink age when I run, and I had do get to doing something that is good for my head, and my body. I never thought I would have laced up running shoes for a month straight, but it feels good not to be fighting my body. I still have no answers on the surgical front, and am going to see still about fixing. Until then, Run Phil Run...
Next up NYC for 3 days, then San Diego for RAAM. Both Team Type 1 and Team Type 2 will line up for the start. It is going to be a HUGE challenge for both to meet their goals, and I can't wait to see these guys do it.
So next Saturday, please show your support for the Team's by getting your own TT1/TT2 gear on the site: www.teamtype1.org Wear it on your local ride, and see whose life you change by spreading the word about the team! Thanks in advance for your support!!!
Ciao For now!
Phil
Great to be home! I have had a few days at home now, and thanks to my little bro, Jacko, I am finally somewhat organized back home. My life the past 3 weeks has been:
Go on trip with bags packed
Arrive home wash clothes (don't put away)- pack bags again
Next am: leave again
Arrive home- unpack- pack- leave etc... There were 22days straight I was gone, and somehow had 3 nights in the house, which was nice, but when I got home the last time, things were scattered... it is somewhat comical, and for those who know me well, know that I can (and often do) function in a state of mayhem... Last time I posted I was in Hollywood. It was cool to go on set of the Sony Studios, and meet with Doug Wick, and chat about diabetes, and the documentary. Then met with a friend that evening for dinner, before hitting the red-eye back to Atlanta. I got home, unpacked, took a nap, did some work, packed, and then set off for Camp Kudzu.
This was awesome. I had the 9-10 year old boys Cabin #24. Great group of kids. I got to witness some doing their first shot, some doing their first pump site change, carb counting, drawing insulin, the works. All of these kids were stepping outside of their normal comfort zone of diabetes, which I think is the reason to go to camp. Seeing kids upset at highs, or cranky from lows at 9 years old is a lot to take in. Seeing kids dance for the first time, or get the nerve up to ask a girl to the dance was all real special. I got 2 days there, and it was my best 2 days so far this year. Camp Kudzu has a few full time employees, but everyone else is strictly volunteer.
Hopefully we can raise enough $ to help make it a full time camp in the years to come, as the kids could really benefit. It was also cool to see the kids that were in my cabin 5 years ago, which was my first time volunteering. Most of them are now a foot taller than me, and are leading cool lives. Sadly I had to leave early, to get to New Orleans for the ADA, but I will be back at camp again later this summer!!
Get home late that afternoon, work for a while, unpack, wash clothes, repack... Chaos is an understatement. Then sleep. Wake up at 4am to finish packing, and get to the airport, which I did, with 2 minutes to spare!! YEE-HA! ADA was great as well. I really got to see how far reaching Team Type 1 and now TT2 has become. Our sponsors, sanofi-aventis diabetes, FreeStyle, Omni-Pod, and Dex 4 were all present at the show, and TT1 members at each booth. Early meeting everyday kept things in check, and it was good to brainstorm research ideas with some of the brighter docs in the world. Always good to see good people.
Oh yeah- so how about this running thing?? I have been doing it for 3-4 weeks now, and it is different. Cardio wise, muscle wise, I am good. But the beating on the body is new to me. Back in the day, I could go ride for 1 hour easy, come home, eat some food with no insulin. But go ride 1 hour very hard, come home, do some rapid or the BS would skyrocket. Why? What I gathered from docs (and I am just theorizing here) is that the body was reacting to the beating by releasing a hormones which caused BS to rise, along with the food that was taken in to perform, now is not needed by muscles, so it goes straight to the blood stream. Running is different, but the same. I can go out for a 4-5 mile run, take in 24-30gms of DEX4 glucose, come home, and then blood sugar sky rockets. So new system is that when I get back from a run, I do 3units of rapid right away. This has been good to level me off. If I want to eat after, I am taking the 3 units, plus an increased dose for the food. It has been a fun shift. I did get to run the 5km race in N.O. It was good to see about 600 people out for a 6:30am start time. I was out with my buddies Matt Vogel (starting BG of 223,) Nathan Bartels (starting at 334-technology set back) and I (starting BG of 194 trending up) The start was all I saw of those guys. I was running with my buddy Chris at a steady pace. Could of gone faster, but really wanted to slow down. Last right turn, went full gas, passed a bunch of people, and finished with a time of 21:33, which is a 6:58 avg pace. My goal was sub 7 minute miles, which was achieved...barely. After a 3 mile cool down, and then a lot of rapid, and off to eat. I hope to be doing longer runs here soon, and will keep posted on the new learning's.
There is no kink age when I run, and I had do get to doing something that is good for my head, and my body. I never thought I would have laced up running shoes for a month straight, but it feels good not to be fighting my body. I still have no answers on the surgical front, and am going to see still about fixing. Until then, Run Phil Run...
Next up NYC for 3 days, then San Diego for RAAM. Both Team Type 1 and Team Type 2 will line up for the start. It is going to be a HUGE challenge for both to meet their goals, and I can't wait to see these guys do it.
So next Saturday, please show your support for the Team's by getting your own TT1/TT2 gear on the site: www.teamtype1.org Wear it on your local ride, and see whose life you change by spreading the word about the team! Thanks in advance for your support!!!
Ciao For now!
Phil
Monday, June 1, 2009
Bike racing game-from the sidelines
Howdy from Hollywood,
Jersey rocked! Had a great time up there and the whole team got to go to Sanofi Aventis to meet the people that make it happen for us. Then a bunch of races, and the guys did good. It was definitely interesting being a spectator. While up there I got a chance to see a doctor who was actually knowledgeable about my leg deal. I explained the symptoms, and he pulled out a book written by the guy who invented the surgery in the Netherlands. It was great to read through that to get a feeling for what could be going on. Apparently there are 4 ways the the iliac artery stops working.
1. Lesion in the artery.
2 Stenosis or narrowing due to a ligament coming down on it.
3. Iliac artery is too long, which causes kinking
4. just plain old kinking.
I also learned that cyclist normal ABI: (blood pressure in arm relative to leg) is .90 or above. Symptoms begin at .85 or below, and my left leg had an ABI of .66.
It really meant the world to talk to Dr. Silberman, and now I have copies of the book to take to all my docs in Atlanta to try and get this bad boy figured out.
In the meantime, I need a goal. Having a ride or race goal is out of the question right now, as I have no idea what the length of time for recovery/fixing is. But, a run goal is doable. So I signed up for the NY Marathon, and have begun training for that. Running has been ok so far, but I definitely miss getting lost in the middle of nowhere having the thoughts run free. Back to some bike racing:
I got to watch the " Tour of Somerville" from the sidelines. The boyz were rocking it, being in just about every move. Then at the end, they lined it out, and it was great to see the full TT1 train going for the W. Execution was perfect, but racing is racing, and Aldo got 3rd, which was a great result. I had never been so excited at a bike race before. I was biting my nails out there... We had a nice celebration that night, and then in the air on Tuesday. Delta rocked out for us. I guess I fly enough to get these 6 free upgrades, which I will never use. It just so happened Dan Holt was on the same flight, and the agents let us use a ticket to upgrade him, free bags and all. Sometimes they go out of their way to take care of us, and is much appreciated. Wed I flew to Laguna Beach so I could give a talk at the Mother's dream Guild for the "One Shot" Doc. We are trying to raise funds so they can be there every step of the way from now, till the tour. It was def cool being at the Pelican Hills Resort. I would be willing to caddy to get to walk that course on a regular basis...ha
Friday was an athlete day which was fun, and this time was extra special. I got to talk diabetes to a lot of docs, and finish up with Ramon and Andrew taking me to Millers Children Hospital. This put it all in perspective. I met kids with hemofelia, diabetes, leukemia, cancer, and all sorts of ailments that they can not control. It is 100% in the doctors hands. This made me feel lucky. Diabetes can be a challenge at times, but it is controllable, and that control is up to me. It was really cool to sit there and chat and put some smiles on their faces.
So how about that diabetes game?? Running has made it easy. 15u basal and every night... So far training has been easy, doing 4-5 mile runs at about an 8minute/mile pace. It is nice not having to stress about 1u more, or 1u less, but I am sure as the runs get longer this will come into play. It is interesting teaching the body to do something new. My feet have finally stopped aching, and I seem to be getting more efficient, meaning that I don't have to eat a lot. While out on the run, all I take is a tube of 10 Dex4 tabs. I typically eat about 5 -7 of them on the run, and have been finishing runs around 100. Thing is, right after the run, my BS spikes. So have got a new system to just do 3u rapid at the finish, and no food. Different than riding, but fun to learn.
Also: Big congrats to Shawn Milne for the W yesterday, and Aldo for his win on Wednesday. The boyz are rocking!!!
Today I am meeting back with the "One Shot" http://www.voxpopfilms.tv/oneshot/
crew to try and raise some dollars to make the film happen. The goal for Lisa/Guy (and me:) is to win an Oscar. Tonight will be the Red-eye, getting back to Atl at 6am, run a few errands, and then head to Camp Kudzu to spend a few days with kids. Can't wait! That is all for now.
Have a great day.
Phil
www.TeamType1.org Clothing is available!! Get it while it's hot!
http://twitter.com/PhilSoutherland
Jersey rocked! Had a great time up there and the whole team got to go to Sanofi Aventis to meet the people that make it happen for us. Then a bunch of races, and the guys did good. It was definitely interesting being a spectator. While up there I got a chance to see a doctor who was actually knowledgeable about my leg deal. I explained the symptoms, and he pulled out a book written by the guy who invented the surgery in the Netherlands. It was great to read through that to get a feeling for what could be going on. Apparently there are 4 ways the the iliac artery stops working.
1. Lesion in the artery.
2 Stenosis or narrowing due to a ligament coming down on it.
3. Iliac artery is too long, which causes kinking
4. just plain old kinking.
I also learned that cyclist normal ABI: (blood pressure in arm relative to leg) is .90 or above. Symptoms begin at .85 or below, and my left leg had an ABI of .66.
It really meant the world to talk to Dr. Silberman, and now I have copies of the book to take to all my docs in Atlanta to try and get this bad boy figured out.
In the meantime, I need a goal. Having a ride or race goal is out of the question right now, as I have no idea what the length of time for recovery/fixing is. But, a run goal is doable. So I signed up for the NY Marathon, and have begun training for that. Running has been ok so far, but I definitely miss getting lost in the middle of nowhere having the thoughts run free. Back to some bike racing:
I got to watch the " Tour of Somerville" from the sidelines. The boyz were rocking it, being in just about every move. Then at the end, they lined it out, and it was great to see the full TT1 train going for the W. Execution was perfect, but racing is racing, and Aldo got 3rd, which was a great result. I had never been so excited at a bike race before. I was biting my nails out there... We had a nice celebration that night, and then in the air on Tuesday. Delta rocked out for us. I guess I fly enough to get these 6 free upgrades, which I will never use. It just so happened Dan Holt was on the same flight, and the agents let us use a ticket to upgrade him, free bags and all. Sometimes they go out of their way to take care of us, and is much appreciated. Wed I flew to Laguna Beach so I could give a talk at the Mother's dream Guild for the "One Shot" Doc. We are trying to raise funds so they can be there every step of the way from now, till the tour. It was def cool being at the Pelican Hills Resort. I would be willing to caddy to get to walk that course on a regular basis...ha
Friday was an athlete day which was fun, and this time was extra special. I got to talk diabetes to a lot of docs, and finish up with Ramon and Andrew taking me to Millers Children Hospital. This put it all in perspective. I met kids with hemofelia, diabetes, leukemia, cancer, and all sorts of ailments that they can not control. It is 100% in the doctors hands. This made me feel lucky. Diabetes can be a challenge at times, but it is controllable, and that control is up to me. It was really cool to sit there and chat and put some smiles on their faces.
So how about that diabetes game?? Running has made it easy. 15u basal and every night... So far training has been easy, doing 4-5 mile runs at about an 8minute/mile pace. It is nice not having to stress about 1u more, or 1u less, but I am sure as the runs get longer this will come into play. It is interesting teaching the body to do something new. My feet have finally stopped aching, and I seem to be getting more efficient, meaning that I don't have to eat a lot. While out on the run, all I take is a tube of 10 Dex4 tabs. I typically eat about 5 -7 of them on the run, and have been finishing runs around 100. Thing is, right after the run, my BS spikes. So have got a new system to just do 3u rapid at the finish, and no food. Different than riding, but fun to learn.
Also: Big congrats to Shawn Milne for the W yesterday, and Aldo for his win on Wednesday. The boyz are rocking!!!
Today I am meeting back with the "One Shot" http://www.voxpopfilms.tv/oneshot/
crew to try and raise some dollars to make the film happen. The goal for Lisa/Guy (and me:) is to win an Oscar. Tonight will be the Red-eye, getting back to Atl at 6am, run a few errands, and then head to Camp Kudzu to spend a few days with kids. Can't wait! That is all for now.
Have a great day.
Phil
www.TeamType1.org Clothing is available!! Get it while it's hot!
http://twitter.com/PhilSoutherland
Monday, May 18, 2009
Old School- Finger Testing and Racin in the dirt...
Howdy from HotLanta,
How goes it? Thanks everyone for the great comments, and showing of support. To Mr. Anonymous who likes to talk trash: I don't care. Post your name, then maybe I will take note.
This past weekend was a lot of fun. I haven't raced mountain bikes since, well, um... I have no idea. This race meant a lot more. This was one of the first times I got to go away from home with the boyz, and for a 14yr old, it was the coolest thing in the world. I also remember finishing one 7 mile lap, and being dead. Here we are, 12-13 years later, same camp ground (minus a few who bailed at the last moment...) I was there with RAAM Crew vets Chris Big Daddy Slaton, Daren, Ricky Silk, and Jim. I always new Rick was fast, but I did not know that if you named a song, he could immediately go into chorus, and sing the whole thing... Any song too...
Back to racing in a minute. The past 2 weeks of blood sugars have been pretty good. I was back to finger stick full time. Having run out of sensors, it was time to go old school. At first, I was high, then low, then high, then low, but after a few days I got my rhythm back, and #'s were solid, with 14day avg down to 108. Here is the thing though, with CGM, I could have 14day avg at 103, with 3-5%below target, and no blood sugars under 50. Now to get to 108, I had to drop way too low a few too many times. I woke up low one time, another low while on the phone with my literary agent, and once on the bike. What I found was in the transition period after CGM (Day 4-8,) I was only checking about 14 times a day, and I saw too many #'s that I did not like. So I went old school OCD, and began to check 20-22 times a day. Guess what: No more high BS, cause I caught them before getting there, and a lot less lows. Even without CGM, you can still simulate it... I found myself checking 2-3 times in a 20 minute window to get a real idea of my trend before making a correction. Although this method works, and with effort, it works very well, I still think that CGM is the way to go. I am back on it now (thanks to a study) and have hit the button to see my BS 47 times today, and that is in the last 8.5hrs, or checking an avg of 5 times/hour.
Then the bike race... So 2 weeks ago I got news my artery was healthy, yet I am still having blood flow problems to my left leg. So at a friend's (thanks Joe E. and Tim J) I decided to play with position. No dice. Tried riding mtb, and leg went numb. Pretty bummed out, and not that excited about racing, if one leg is not gonna work, but the thought of mountain bike racing, and doing it with my big bro Slaton brought a smile to my face. Ya see, when I first started riding, while everybody slaughtered me, and left me out in the woods, Mr. Slaton waited. Every Sunday I would make it farther and farther before he would have to stop for me, but every Sunday he waited until he didn't have to wait any longer. I am forever grateful to his Jimminy Cricket for telling him to wait for this punk kid so he would make it home alive.
So we have a good time dying on the pre-ride, camp out, get up and get ready to rock. We take off down the dirt road, and then up a climb. I was 2nd wheel into the woods, but no middle chain ring, as I was stuck in the big ring. This didn't work for this steep climb. So I got off, had a few guys pass me, then back on it, with only a middle ring. Then pass a few guys, blow up, get passed by a few, and settle in. I was 15 seconds back of this one guy for a long time, when it felt like my bike was not right. Sure enough, my crank (attaches to the pedal) was coming off. So I walk up the hill for about 10 minutes (wanting to quit) until a guy came by and let me borrow his wrench. I fixed the bike, and got going again. Passed 3-4 guys, and then at the start of the 2nd lap wanted to quit so bad. I was no longer racing for the win, not really competing, but decided to keep on going. I am thinking that my BS was a bit low at this point. I didn't get to eat too much on the first lap, and then only snacked a bit for the 2nd. I was pretty bad off at the start of the 3rd lap, and seriously thought about stopping. I waited for my BBray for a few to have someone to ride with. At this time, I ate a bunch of food, and had a gel. Then I passed BB, and took another gel, feeling better. I saw another guy and passed him, then had another gel, at which point I felt really good. I was flying the last lap, and I want to say that I had a great Blood sugar for the last 8 miles, where I put 10 minutes into a few people. Fueling, and having the right # is something we all strive for, and with the right technology, CGM, the playing field is close to level, and when we do the other stuff right (eat, insulin, timing...) then I think we have the edge. Over the past few weeks I have gotten to go old school in a few different categories, which I think is always good to put in in perspective. Rapper Rick Smith got 2nd, with Big daddy Slaton winning his, as did Darren. I won my division thanks to nobody else showing up, and had a great time doing it. The experience was priceless if for nothing other than getting the refresher: Finishing what you start is very important, and no matter the result or the pain in the process, always seems like fun. Can't wait till next time. Now is time to move forward with "The Tour of Somerville" coming up this week, and a lot of big events at Sanofi-Aventis this week.
Tomorrow I am off to Jersey, and will be there for a week. Then back, and off to Cali for 5 days, before getting back and then going to Camp Kudzu for a few days, before going to NO for 5 days. All in all, I think I have a run of 22 days away from home coming up. But I am back on CGM, and have weined off the 2-day basal and am now back to once per day. Messed up last night, and had to bolus a few times with rapid bed, so hope to have the right dose tonight.
Thanks for reading, and have a GREAT night!
Phil
P.S. TT1+TT2 jersey's are now available for sale!! http://teamtype1.myshopify.com/
Team Type 1
http://twitter.com/PhilSoutherland
How goes it? Thanks everyone for the great comments, and showing of support. To Mr. Anonymous who likes to talk trash: I don't care. Post your name, then maybe I will take note.
This past weekend was a lot of fun. I haven't raced mountain bikes since, well, um... I have no idea. This race meant a lot more. This was one of the first times I got to go away from home with the boyz, and for a 14yr old, it was the coolest thing in the world. I also remember finishing one 7 mile lap, and being dead. Here we are, 12-13 years later, same camp ground (minus a few who bailed at the last moment...) I was there with RAAM Crew vets Chris Big Daddy Slaton, Daren, Ricky Silk, and Jim. I always new Rick was fast, but I did not know that if you named a song, he could immediately go into chorus, and sing the whole thing... Any song too...
Back to racing in a minute. The past 2 weeks of blood sugars have been pretty good. I was back to finger stick full time. Having run out of sensors, it was time to go old school. At first, I was high, then low, then high, then low, but after a few days I got my rhythm back, and #'s were solid, with 14day avg down to 108. Here is the thing though, with CGM, I could have 14day avg at 103, with 3-5%below target, and no blood sugars under 50. Now to get to 108, I had to drop way too low a few too many times. I woke up low one time, another low while on the phone with my literary agent, and once on the bike. What I found was in the transition period after CGM (Day 4-8,) I was only checking about 14 times a day, and I saw too many #'s that I did not like. So I went old school OCD, and began to check 20-22 times a day. Guess what: No more high BS, cause I caught them before getting there, and a lot less lows. Even without CGM, you can still simulate it... I found myself checking 2-3 times in a 20 minute window to get a real idea of my trend before making a correction. Although this method works, and with effort, it works very well, I still think that CGM is the way to go. I am back on it now (thanks to a study) and have hit the button to see my BS 47 times today, and that is in the last 8.5hrs, or checking an avg of 5 times/hour.
Then the bike race... So 2 weeks ago I got news my artery was healthy, yet I am still having blood flow problems to my left leg. So at a friend's (thanks Joe E. and Tim J) I decided to play with position. No dice. Tried riding mtb, and leg went numb. Pretty bummed out, and not that excited about racing, if one leg is not gonna work, but the thought of mountain bike racing, and doing it with my big bro Slaton brought a smile to my face. Ya see, when I first started riding, while everybody slaughtered me, and left me out in the woods, Mr. Slaton waited. Every Sunday I would make it farther and farther before he would have to stop for me, but every Sunday he waited until he didn't have to wait any longer. I am forever grateful to his Jimminy Cricket for telling him to wait for this punk kid so he would make it home alive.
So we have a good time dying on the pre-ride, camp out, get up and get ready to rock. We take off down the dirt road, and then up a climb. I was 2nd wheel into the woods, but no middle chain ring, as I was stuck in the big ring. This didn't work for this steep climb. So I got off, had a few guys pass me, then back on it, with only a middle ring. Then pass a few guys, blow up, get passed by a few, and settle in. I was 15 seconds back of this one guy for a long time, when it felt like my bike was not right. Sure enough, my crank (attaches to the pedal) was coming off. So I walk up the hill for about 10 minutes (wanting to quit) until a guy came by and let me borrow his wrench. I fixed the bike, and got going again. Passed 3-4 guys, and then at the start of the 2nd lap wanted to quit so bad. I was no longer racing for the win, not really competing, but decided to keep on going. I am thinking that my BS was a bit low at this point. I didn't get to eat too much on the first lap, and then only snacked a bit for the 2nd. I was pretty bad off at the start of the 3rd lap, and seriously thought about stopping. I waited for my BBray for a few to have someone to ride with. At this time, I ate a bunch of food, and had a gel. Then I passed BB, and took another gel, feeling better. I saw another guy and passed him, then had another gel, at which point I felt really good. I was flying the last lap, and I want to say that I had a great Blood sugar for the last 8 miles, where I put 10 minutes into a few people. Fueling, and having the right # is something we all strive for, and with the right technology, CGM, the playing field is close to level, and when we do the other stuff right (eat, insulin, timing...) then I think we have the edge. Over the past few weeks I have gotten to go old school in a few different categories, which I think is always good to put in in perspective. Rapper Rick Smith got 2nd, with Big daddy Slaton winning his, as did Darren. I won my division thanks to nobody else showing up, and had a great time doing it. The experience was priceless if for nothing other than getting the refresher: Finishing what you start is very important, and no matter the result or the pain in the process, always seems like fun. Can't wait till next time. Now is time to move forward with "The Tour of Somerville" coming up this week, and a lot of big events at Sanofi-Aventis this week.
Tomorrow I am off to Jersey, and will be there for a week. Then back, and off to Cali for 5 days, before getting back and then going to Camp Kudzu for a few days, before going to NO for 5 days. All in all, I think I have a run of 22 days away from home coming up. But I am back on CGM, and have weined off the 2-day basal and am now back to once per day. Messed up last night, and had to bolus a few times with rapid bed, so hope to have the right dose tonight.
Thanks for reading, and have a GREAT night!
Phil
P.S. TT1+TT2 jersey's are now available for sale!! http://teamtype1.myshopify.com/
Team Type 1
http://twitter.com/PhilSoutherland
Friday, May 8, 2009
Lessons Learned
Howdy from Hotlanta!
How is everyone doing? Thanks very much for the comments and posts. This has been a pretty interesting week. I have had some big developments in my new training tool, a shake up in the team, and decent news from the doc. But today after spending a week fixing all energy on the now, I began to stop and reflect a bit on the past. What is the old saying: "If it doesn't kill you, it will make you stronger?" I find this to be very true, and want to share a few experiences of the past which at the time sucked are now somewhat entertaining.
14 years old hanging out at Revolutions Cycles (in Tallahassee) when me and my buddies were too loud, and knocked some stuff over or scared a customer away, the owner (who shall for privacy reasons be called Kent Woodville) yelled at us all: "You can leave, or you can sit in this area (a duct tape square on the floor) for 30 minutes without saying a word. " My friends left, but me, wanting to fit in, and become welcome, and to learn from these guys who I looked up to, sat in the box for 30 minutes. Then we were cool.
-lesson learned
16 or 17 years old, first year racing on the road: Leaving a race in St. Pete Fl, and as tradition had it, we stopped at a gas station. I had won some money, and decided to GO BIG with a 64oz Diet Coke... I was told by Louis and Ray: We are not stopping until Ocala, so watch what you drink. 20 minutes later it was gone, and 10 minutes after I had to pee. "We told you," was the response I got. 1 hour later, I really had to go, but still no stop. Then for good measure, they went past Ocala, as I am nearly in tears. For 2.5hrs I sat squirming, screaming, begging to stop, and when we did it was the best thing in the world. They taught me a lesson. I could have gone home and cried to mom, but I wanted to race, and these guys were racers, so I took the lesson, and got a smaller drink next time.
-lesson learned
19 years old racing for UGA: Daytona weekend and racing bikes 20 minutes from Daytona. None of us reserve a hotel, and the only one we could find was a 29.99 dump, with 1 room available, 2 beds. It just so happened that 8 of us had to fit in there. I was the youngest, so got relegated to the floor, where I had roaches crawling all over me for the night. Waffle house the next day, and off to the races. I was broke, but should have made a reservation. We won the race the next day.
-Lesson learned
21 yrs old, racing for UGA: I was 3rd in the conference, and got told that I was not going to Nationals (my goal for the year) because I didn't do Volunteer hours required. I was upset, so won the race the next day, and then whined about it to the world. In hindsight, If I would have taken a little time out of my life, volunteered, I could have helped the team go for Gold that year. Instead, as they were racing crits, I did a 7 hour training ride by myself.
-Lesson learned, and who knew how great it feels to Volunteer.
***For anyone who wants, please visit CampKudzu.org, as they are in need of counselors for Summer Camp. It is a great week!!
How about diabetes:
6yrs old: Mom says "Don't do your shot, you will go blind." Result: I beg for my shot every day so I can keep my eyes.
- Lesson Learned
12 yrs old, I get my A1C of 8.2, and ask my doctor if that # will make me go blind. He didn't say yes, but didn't say no, so I asked if it should be better, and he said yes. I said what should I do: check more. So I checked more, and came back 3 months later to get an A1C of 7.1.
-lesson learned
17 years old: DQ Blizzard #1, 5 units- result BS of 300-
1 week later: DQ Blizzard #2, 7 units- result BS 51 (finish my friends blizzard)
1 week after that: DQ Blizzard #3, 6 units- Result BS of 105
-lesson learned
These were all very important times in my life. Some might seem like bad, or scary times, but in reality, Life is just like riding a bike, you fall down, and then you get back up and do it again. I am grateful to those who have taught me lessons, and showed me the way. I have had a lot of people I looked up to growing up who were very hard on me, and pushed me, but taught me. And then this past winter I get to do Team Training camp/media training, AKA (from the riders) Food Camp, as we were all over fed and under ridden for a few days, all in the name of the team.
As for the now: This week my docs told me my arteries are good. This is good because I don't need surgery, but this is bad because I have no idea what is causing the problem. Now it is back to the drawing board with my team of friends, to adjust position, do body work, and try and figure out what is going on.
As for the rest of our team: a kid quit, made up some stories, and now I wish him well.
I am very happy to report the average A1C of Team Type 1. We have 35 athletes with diabetes, 26 type 1, and 9 type 2. Our motto is A1C: Strive for 6.5, and it looks like the team did just that coming home with an avg of 6.41. The do this, because they all take advantage of FreeStyle, Omni-Pod, and Dex4 (not necessarily all of those) that they have access to thanks to the team. Of the 54 athletes on TT1/TT2, 26 are returning, and 28 are new.
We run a good ship here, and are always learning. I am sure in 5 years, I will look back and laugh at this week, as I have at just about every other one so far in life.
Have a great weekend, and thanks for reading!
Phil
How is everyone doing? Thanks very much for the comments and posts. This has been a pretty interesting week. I have had some big developments in my new training tool, a shake up in the team, and decent news from the doc. But today after spending a week fixing all energy on the now, I began to stop and reflect a bit on the past. What is the old saying: "If it doesn't kill you, it will make you stronger?" I find this to be very true, and want to share a few experiences of the past which at the time sucked are now somewhat entertaining.
14 years old hanging out at Revolutions Cycles (in Tallahassee) when me and my buddies were too loud, and knocked some stuff over or scared a customer away, the owner (who shall for privacy reasons be called Kent Woodville) yelled at us all: "You can leave, or you can sit in this area (a duct tape square on the floor) for 30 minutes without saying a word. " My friends left, but me, wanting to fit in, and become welcome, and to learn from these guys who I looked up to, sat in the box for 30 minutes. Then we were cool.
-lesson learned
16 or 17 years old, first year racing on the road: Leaving a race in St. Pete Fl, and as tradition had it, we stopped at a gas station. I had won some money, and decided to GO BIG with a 64oz Diet Coke... I was told by Louis and Ray: We are not stopping until Ocala, so watch what you drink. 20 minutes later it was gone, and 10 minutes after I had to pee. "We told you," was the response I got. 1 hour later, I really had to go, but still no stop. Then for good measure, they went past Ocala, as I am nearly in tears. For 2.5hrs I sat squirming, screaming, begging to stop, and when we did it was the best thing in the world. They taught me a lesson. I could have gone home and cried to mom, but I wanted to race, and these guys were racers, so I took the lesson, and got a smaller drink next time.
-lesson learned
19 years old racing for UGA: Daytona weekend and racing bikes 20 minutes from Daytona. None of us reserve a hotel, and the only one we could find was a 29.99 dump, with 1 room available, 2 beds. It just so happened that 8 of us had to fit in there. I was the youngest, so got relegated to the floor, where I had roaches crawling all over me for the night. Waffle house the next day, and off to the races. I was broke, but should have made a reservation. We won the race the next day.
-Lesson learned
21 yrs old, racing for UGA: I was 3rd in the conference, and got told that I was not going to Nationals (my goal for the year) because I didn't do Volunteer hours required. I was upset, so won the race the next day, and then whined about it to the world. In hindsight, If I would have taken a little time out of my life, volunteered, I could have helped the team go for Gold that year. Instead, as they were racing crits, I did a 7 hour training ride by myself.
-Lesson learned, and who knew how great it feels to Volunteer.
***For anyone who wants, please visit CampKudzu.org, as they are in need of counselors for Summer Camp. It is a great week!!
How about diabetes:
6yrs old: Mom says "Don't do your shot, you will go blind." Result: I beg for my shot every day so I can keep my eyes.
- Lesson Learned
12 yrs old, I get my A1C of 8.2, and ask my doctor if that # will make me go blind. He didn't say yes, but didn't say no, so I asked if it should be better, and he said yes. I said what should I do: check more. So I checked more, and came back 3 months later to get an A1C of 7.1.
-lesson learned
17 years old: DQ Blizzard #1, 5 units- result BS of 300-
1 week later: DQ Blizzard #2, 7 units- result BS 51 (finish my friends blizzard)
1 week after that: DQ Blizzard #3, 6 units- Result BS of 105
-lesson learned
These were all very important times in my life. Some might seem like bad, or scary times, but in reality, Life is just like riding a bike, you fall down, and then you get back up and do it again. I am grateful to those who have taught me lessons, and showed me the way. I have had a lot of people I looked up to growing up who were very hard on me, and pushed me, but taught me. And then this past winter I get to do Team Training camp/media training, AKA (from the riders) Food Camp, as we were all over fed and under ridden for a few days, all in the name of the team.
As for the now: This week my docs told me my arteries are good. This is good because I don't need surgery, but this is bad because I have no idea what is causing the problem. Now it is back to the drawing board with my team of friends, to adjust position, do body work, and try and figure out what is going on.
As for the rest of our team: a kid quit, made up some stories, and now I wish him well.
I am very happy to report the average A1C of Team Type 1. We have 35 athletes with diabetes, 26 type 1, and 9 type 2. Our motto is A1C: Strive for 6.5, and it looks like the team did just that coming home with an avg of 6.41. The do this, because they all take advantage of FreeStyle, Omni-Pod, and Dex4 (not necessarily all of those) that they have access to thanks to the team. Of the 54 athletes on TT1/TT2, 26 are returning, and 28 are new.
We run a good ship here, and are always learning. I am sure in 5 years, I will look back and laugh at this week, as I have at just about every other one so far in life.
Have a great weekend, and thanks for reading!
Phil
Friday, May 1, 2009
The Diabetes Game: The Sign and the Jinx
Howdy from Emory Radiology Dept:
So the bike racin has not been all that great for me (but great for the team!!) Tuesday in Beaufort was a quick one for me. Before my leg quit working, I typically feel really good, and have no problem riding the front of a race. But once the left leg gives, there is no need to be there, as I just get in the way. Beaufort was a hard race, no doubt about it. Krazy Ken Hanson made the break, and those guys stayed away for most of the race. Got caught with a few laps to go, but he still managed a top 10. Then Wednesday was Walterboro, which is a good one. I like the course, and have ridden well there in the past. Spent 5 laps moving up, then cover a move, and then shut down. I slowly worked my backwards, and then off the back. 2 guys stayed away, and Aldo and Ken took 1-2 in the field sprint again for 3rd and 4th. It was a solid performance, and the team was starting to ride better together. Most of these days, we would ride in the morning, typically to a coffee shop, then back take a nap, and then get ready to race at night. The 2-a-days really boost the metabolism, and for me especially at night. I got the s-a pen, and it seems to be more potent than the vial, or my metabolism is just really flying. I haven't done a bolus over 4 units in a while now, and have been hovering at about 15u of basal a day. Back to 16 now with no racing. Weird though, as every night at 9, I would just need more and more carbs. I was taking in Dex4, and Gatorade at bed time, as that was when it was racing.
There was one night I thought I had it all good, but could not sleep. For me, not being able to fall asleep is a tell-tale sign that I need more food, or insulin. My body won't let me go to sleep having messed up. So sure enough, I check again, and am hovering at 60, got some more carbs in, and then 15 minutes later I was in dream land. Also, I think it is a guarantee that if I brush my teeth before that final check, then I am going to drop and need more food. This is a jinx that has proven itself time after time. Funny little intricacies of The Diabetes Game.
I was planning to stay with the team, and keep trying to race, but I got a call from the Radiology Dept at Emory, and Dr. Diego Martin ( a radiologist) was not happy with the first MRA. So in for another, which is supposedly 2x as powerful as your standard MRI. Diego also rides bikes, and wanted to take everything into account. He actually sat in while they did the MRA, to ensure they got every possible image. Now I get to play the waiting game for a while, and hope to hear something that will allow me to move forward. For some leisure reading on this condition,
I have a couple of links below, which are more descriptive of the condition I have.
http://www.velonews.com/article/13064
http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/bicyclinginjuries/a/Arteriopathy.htm
Thanks for reading, and the Well Wishes!
Have a great weekend.
Philpott
http://twitter.com/PhilSoutherland
TeamType1.org
So the bike racin has not been all that great for me (but great for the team!!) Tuesday in Beaufort was a quick one for me. Before my leg quit working, I typically feel really good, and have no problem riding the front of a race. But once the left leg gives, there is no need to be there, as I just get in the way. Beaufort was a hard race, no doubt about it. Krazy Ken Hanson made the break, and those guys stayed away for most of the race. Got caught with a few laps to go, but he still managed a top 10. Then Wednesday was Walterboro, which is a good one. I like the course, and have ridden well there in the past. Spent 5 laps moving up, then cover a move, and then shut down. I slowly worked my backwards, and then off the back. 2 guys stayed away, and Aldo and Ken took 1-2 in the field sprint again for 3rd and 4th. It was a solid performance, and the team was starting to ride better together. Most of these days, we would ride in the morning, typically to a coffee shop, then back take a nap, and then get ready to race at night. The 2-a-days really boost the metabolism, and for me especially at night. I got the s-a pen, and it seems to be more potent than the vial, or my metabolism is just really flying. I haven't done a bolus over 4 units in a while now, and have been hovering at about 15u of basal a day. Back to 16 now with no racing. Weird though, as every night at 9, I would just need more and more carbs. I was taking in Dex4, and Gatorade at bed time, as that was when it was racing.
There was one night I thought I had it all good, but could not sleep. For me, not being able to fall asleep is a tell-tale sign that I need more food, or insulin. My body won't let me go to sleep having messed up. So sure enough, I check again, and am hovering at 60, got some more carbs in, and then 15 minutes later I was in dream land. Also, I think it is a guarantee that if I brush my teeth before that final check, then I am going to drop and need more food. This is a jinx that has proven itself time after time. Funny little intricacies of The Diabetes Game.
I was planning to stay with the team, and keep trying to race, but I got a call from the Radiology Dept at Emory, and Dr. Diego Martin ( a radiologist) was not happy with the first MRA. So in for another, which is supposedly 2x as powerful as your standard MRI. Diego also rides bikes, and wanted to take everything into account. He actually sat in while they did the MRA, to ensure they got every possible image. Now I get to play the waiting game for a while, and hope to hear something that will allow me to move forward. For some leisure reading on this condition,
I have a couple of links below, which are more descriptive of the condition I have.
http://www.velonews.com/article/13064
http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/bicyclinginjuries/a/Arteriopathy.htm
Thanks for reading, and the Well Wishes!
Have a great weekend.
Philpott
http://twitter.com/PhilSoutherland
TeamType1.org
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Twilight Time!
Howdy from Beaufurt, SC:
We are hanging out in the marshland these days, at a beautiful house compliments of Mr. Mike! Last check it was time for the crits. We cam in with a solid team, great staff, and motivated to get some results. First on the block for me was an MRA (MRI of the arteries) to see what is going on with my leg. I got that out of the way on Wednesday, then an easy cruise on Thursday, same on Friday in good ole Athens, GA! It really was great to be back, and good to see a lot of old friends in advance of Twilight.
Friday night we had dinner with the Team Type 1 ladies team, who were also motivated for some good results. Saturday am was an easy ride, and then some relaxation in prep for the race. The writer of my book (due out next June) John Hanc came into town to experience the race scene, and work on the outline so we can get the story straight. It was a pretty hectic day. With the race slated for 9pm, we went to get the last meal at 5:30, which was going to be my last shot of rapid until after the race. I did my 3 units for the All Star breakfast at Wafflehouse (usually 5) and was hoping to be sitting at 130 or so after the meal. Low (no pun intended) and behold I had a bit too much basal, and the metabolism was cooking, which kept me at about 90 after the meal. Then 2hrs before I made an attempt to get the blood sugar up, but no response. 45 minutes before I ate some more, and then at 8:30 I was sitting at 171 and flat lined on the FreeStyle Navigator. At 9pm I was sitting in the start house and adrenaline was pumping. If the race would have gone off at 9pm, or even 9:15, BS would have been between 200-220, but at 9:30 I was 225 going straight up. 260 on the start line. Did I eat too much? Was the adrenaline from 40,000 screaming fans and a front row start jacking me up? Who knows, and at that point who cares. All I could do was focus on the race, and know that I would not be going hypo. The gun went off, and it was madness. Full gas from the go, and I just stayed in the top 5, top 10 hoping to have a functional leg. The race began to get pretty hard, and the leg slowly died. About 10 laps in I was having trouble maintaining position, and jumping out of each turn with my right leg only. If the race would have eased up for a bit, I may have got through it, but that doesn’t happen at twilight, so I pulled the plug. I was pretty bummed, as this is practically a hometown race, and lots of friends were out watching, but that’s life. I got to see the end of the race, and 3 guys had snuck off the front. Ken Hanson and Aldo looked good, and came in 1-2 in the field sprint for 4th and 5th overall, which ain’t bad for Twilight. Followed this with a celebration on the town, and time to think about Roswell.
Also, big congrats to the Ladies, who animated the race with many attacks, and Jen McCrae who took 3rd place!!
Day 2, we did a quick ride in the morning, then drive home, and off to the race. John and I spent some time together, as did my mom and I. Then it was race time. Today, I had backed off the basal a bit, and got my meal about 3hrs in advance. 1hr before I was sitting at 90, but took a less drastic approach to raise the BS today. 20 minutes before I was at 170, and then on the start line I was 206 and flat, when the gun went off. Roswell is a completely different race. I knew to have a chance to help the team, I had to make it through the numbness. Vassili told me to chill for the first half, and then try to help. So for 40 minutes, I sat at or near the back, conserving as much as possible. Took in 1 gel 20 minutes in, and drank some sugar drink, and water. 40 minutes in there was a lull in the race, and I hopped up to the top 10, which was a tough run. It was much tougher to fight for position, and jump out of the turns on this one. I started losing power in my left leg, and began to go into survival mode. Ken and Aldo were flying out there, and Timmy Hargrave looked decent in a crit. So I drifted back to the back, and used the “Jason Snow” method to get through the race. With about 5 laps to go, I started to move up, and Vassili was telling us to try and win the sprint. There were 5 off the front, and with 2 to go, I snuck to the front, and thought I would give it a good drag for half a lap, to help Ken/Aldo, but then I ended up with a small gap. I went about as hard as I could for .5 a lap, and with .5 a lap to go got caught, and Mad Man Ken Hanson took over. He gave Aldo a leadout through the last turn, and Aldo blasted the sprint to take 6th.With the race over, I checked the Navigator, and was 170 headed straight down. Perfect BS for the race… The team is looking good, and if we can keep it together to the line, we have good shot at taking a W this week. Jen McCrae took 3rd again, and Monique and Morgan began to show the goods in the race. I did not get to see it, but I heard that the ladies kept the pressure on all day.
Out west Fabio spent many hours in the breaks, which helped to set up Darren Lill for the Win in Vuelta de Bisbee! Congrats guys!
I decided to come try and race this week, in hopes of lending a hand to the team. A big thanks to our Swanny: Sergey who makes everything off the bike perfect, and also to our mechanic Alex Banyay. He rocks the house, and our bikes have been flawless every time he touches em!
Bike racing and diabetes are very similar in that we are very dependent on our team around us to help make us succeed. If we have the right tools, we have a chance. Also, winning 2 race here will be a success, but that also means we will lose 5 races. After the defeats, if we learn, and do it better next time, then it was a lesson, not a loss… On the bike side we have Orbea bikes, Shimano parts/wheels, director, mechanic, souigneur which are all necessary for success. On the diabetes side we have sanofi-aventis, Navigator, Omni-Pod (for some,) dex4, endo, educator, and for each game we all depend on our family and friends to support us. When one is going good for me, the other typically is too.
Off to grab a nap, and get ready for the race tonight. Thanks for all the comments, and well wishes! Also, thanks TJ for making it out to watch!
Our schedule is on the blog off www.teamtype1.org so please come meet us if you can!
Have a great day, and thanks for reading
Phil
We are hanging out in the marshland these days, at a beautiful house compliments of Mr. Mike! Last check it was time for the crits. We cam in with a solid team, great staff, and motivated to get some results. First on the block for me was an MRA (MRI of the arteries) to see what is going on with my leg. I got that out of the way on Wednesday, then an easy cruise on Thursday, same on Friday in good ole Athens, GA! It really was great to be back, and good to see a lot of old friends in advance of Twilight.
Friday night we had dinner with the Team Type 1 ladies team, who were also motivated for some good results. Saturday am was an easy ride, and then some relaxation in prep for the race. The writer of my book (due out next June) John Hanc came into town to experience the race scene, and work on the outline so we can get the story straight. It was a pretty hectic day. With the race slated for 9pm, we went to get the last meal at 5:30, which was going to be my last shot of rapid until after the race. I did my 3 units for the All Star breakfast at Wafflehouse (usually 5) and was hoping to be sitting at 130 or so after the meal. Low (no pun intended) and behold I had a bit too much basal, and the metabolism was cooking, which kept me at about 90 after the meal. Then 2hrs before I made an attempt to get the blood sugar up, but no response. 45 minutes before I ate some more, and then at 8:30 I was sitting at 171 and flat lined on the FreeStyle Navigator. At 9pm I was sitting in the start house and adrenaline was pumping. If the race would have gone off at 9pm, or even 9:15, BS would have been between 200-220, but at 9:30 I was 225 going straight up. 260 on the start line. Did I eat too much? Was the adrenaline from 40,000 screaming fans and a front row start jacking me up? Who knows, and at that point who cares. All I could do was focus on the race, and know that I would not be going hypo. The gun went off, and it was madness. Full gas from the go, and I just stayed in the top 5, top 10 hoping to have a functional leg. The race began to get pretty hard, and the leg slowly died. About 10 laps in I was having trouble maintaining position, and jumping out of each turn with my right leg only. If the race would have eased up for a bit, I may have got through it, but that doesn’t happen at twilight, so I pulled the plug. I was pretty bummed, as this is practically a hometown race, and lots of friends were out watching, but that’s life. I got to see the end of the race, and 3 guys had snuck off the front. Ken Hanson and Aldo looked good, and came in 1-2 in the field sprint for 4th and 5th overall, which ain’t bad for Twilight. Followed this with a celebration on the town, and time to think about Roswell.
Also, big congrats to the Ladies, who animated the race with many attacks, and Jen McCrae who took 3rd place!!
Day 2, we did a quick ride in the morning, then drive home, and off to the race. John and I spent some time together, as did my mom and I. Then it was race time. Today, I had backed off the basal a bit, and got my meal about 3hrs in advance. 1hr before I was sitting at 90, but took a less drastic approach to raise the BS today. 20 minutes before I was at 170, and then on the start line I was 206 and flat, when the gun went off. Roswell is a completely different race. I knew to have a chance to help the team, I had to make it through the numbness. Vassili told me to chill for the first half, and then try to help. So for 40 minutes, I sat at or near the back, conserving as much as possible. Took in 1 gel 20 minutes in, and drank some sugar drink, and water. 40 minutes in there was a lull in the race, and I hopped up to the top 10, which was a tough run. It was much tougher to fight for position, and jump out of the turns on this one. I started losing power in my left leg, and began to go into survival mode. Ken and Aldo were flying out there, and Timmy Hargrave looked decent in a crit. So I drifted back to the back, and used the “Jason Snow” method to get through the race. With about 5 laps to go, I started to move up, and Vassili was telling us to try and win the sprint. There were 5 off the front, and with 2 to go, I snuck to the front, and thought I would give it a good drag for half a lap, to help Ken/Aldo, but then I ended up with a small gap. I went about as hard as I could for .5 a lap, and with .5 a lap to go got caught, and Mad Man Ken Hanson took over. He gave Aldo a leadout through the last turn, and Aldo blasted the sprint to take 6th.With the race over, I checked the Navigator, and was 170 headed straight down. Perfect BS for the race… The team is looking good, and if we can keep it together to the line, we have good shot at taking a W this week. Jen McCrae took 3rd again, and Monique and Morgan began to show the goods in the race. I did not get to see it, but I heard that the ladies kept the pressure on all day.
Out west Fabio spent many hours in the breaks, which helped to set up Darren Lill for the Win in Vuelta de Bisbee! Congrats guys!
I decided to come try and race this week, in hopes of lending a hand to the team. A big thanks to our Swanny: Sergey who makes everything off the bike perfect, and also to our mechanic Alex Banyay. He rocks the house, and our bikes have been flawless every time he touches em!
Bike racing and diabetes are very similar in that we are very dependent on our team around us to help make us succeed. If we have the right tools, we have a chance. Also, winning 2 race here will be a success, but that also means we will lose 5 races. After the defeats, if we learn, and do it better next time, then it was a lesson, not a loss… On the bike side we have Orbea bikes, Shimano parts/wheels, director, mechanic, souigneur which are all necessary for success. On the diabetes side we have sanofi-aventis, Navigator, Omni-Pod (for some,) dex4, endo, educator, and for each game we all depend on our family and friends to support us. When one is going good for me, the other typically is too.
Off to grab a nap, and get ready for the race tonight. Thanks for all the comments, and well wishes! Also, thanks TJ for making it out to watch!
Our schedule is on the blog off www.teamtype1.org so please come meet us if you can!
Have a great day, and thanks for reading
Phil
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)