sweet sixteen diabetes!

Training Feb 6 - 12th, 2012

2012-02-11T15:53:00.000+13:00

So this week has been hard. I'm now teaching swimmig at Otumoetai Pool 4 afternoons a week. I teach learn to swim Levels 6 & 7, Development Squad and AquaSport. All of these little swimmers are very good already and I love teaching kids that want to learn how to be better and faster.

Monday:               cycled 51km over a hilly course
*Waitangi Day     BG's: 8.8mmol/??

Tuesday:               brick session - cycle 38km/run 6km (cycle course was hilly)
                             BG's: 5.7mmol/9.4mmol/3.7mmol
                             swam 750m while waiting for squad to arrive (didn't test)

Wednesday           ran 8.5km with Mark easy
                             BG's: 14.3mmol/7.2mmol

Thursday:             swam 3km at squad
                             BG's: 11.5mmol/6.3mmol
                             cycled 65km - 3hours (Ohauiti/Pyes Pa/Omokoroa)
                             BG's: 6.3mmol/6.4mmol
                             cycled 23km
                             BG's: 6.3mmol/10.4mmol
                             cycled 11km
                             BG's: 10.4mmol/13.9mmol

Friday:                 ran 11km (hill repeats) 65mins
                             BG's: 5.8mmol/4.9mmol
                             ran 5km - 30mins easy
                             BG's: 13.4mmol/4.2mmol

Saturday:

Sunday:

Diabetes Resources - Resources - TES

2012-02-10T11:55:00.000+13:00

Diabetes Resources - Resources - TES

I have put up my diabetes resources for everyone here at TES. Enjoy!

Douglas | Dexcom

2012-02-09T11:29:00.000+13:00

Douglas Dexcom

He really is a hero! Read how he lost his flying career and then became the first Type 1 to fly solo around the world!

When the Worst Happensbr / Children & Teens Diabetes Lifestyle Everything Diabetes

2012-02-03T12:35:00.000+13:00

When the Worst Happensbr / Children & Teens Diabetes Lifestyle Everything Diabetes

Michelle is awesome...we have been facebook friends for many years now and I got to meet her when I raced in Ironman Wisconsin.

A Diabetic Ballerina: Everything is better with Sparkles!

2012-02-01T11:03:00.000+13:00

This blog looks awesome, not just because she is a ballerina but look at her bling on her D-toys!

A Diabetic Ballerina: Everything is better with Sparkles!: I was goofing around at Sephora yesterday and found a glorious package of "Boo Boo Bling". They're these plastic jewels that are supposed t...

Ironman Jay - Diabetes Health

2012-01-30T09:39:00.000+13:00

Ironman Jay - Diabetes Health

Vote for me...Team Wiggle Sponsorship!

2012-01-28T19:25:00.000+13:00

Click on this image to take you to the link...vote for me to be in Team Wiggle...

http://apps.facebook.com/promosapp/239414/entry/241967?=f2nt3o

Details of the sponsorship:
As a winner you will receive a fantastic product package and enjoy full support in your chosen sport.
You don’t have to have your own room of medals but you will need to have passion, drive and a smile!
We’re looking for ordinary people with extraordinary sporting talent. If you’re 16 years old or above and compete in one of the following disciplines, this could be YOU!

• Mountain Biking / Cyclo-Cross
• Road Cycling
• Triathlon / 70.3 / Ironman
• Running / Marathon / Adventure / Fell
• Swimming
• BMX / Trials
Winners will each receive this spectacular support package for a full year including:
A training bike for the season worth up to £1000
A race bike for the season worth up to £2000*
A clothing and equipment package including your Team Wiggle 2012 kit
An amazing discount on any other pieces of kit available from Wiggle
*Not available for the sponsored runner or swimmer.
Winning a place in Team Wiggle is not about how many times you have reached the top of the podium. We are looking for stand-out athletes that have shown determination and improvement over the last couple of seasons.
We also want you to be proud of your accomplishments and to have a natural flair for sharing your experiences. Success shouldn’t be hidden – success should be celebrated!
Your main role as a valued member of Team Wiggle is to be a brand ambassador for Wiggle. We want you to help bridge the gap between our online activity and our customers. As we are an online company, it is essential that we have a physical presence in the cycling, triathlon and fitness community in order to promote the Wiggle ethos of making sport accessible and friendly. When customers see you in magazines, at events or just in Wiggle kit, you are Wiggle.
All winners of Wiggle Athlete Search 2012 will become contributors of the Wiggle Blog – the Bloggle. Each week, thousands of Bloggle readers will get an insight into your training and race experiences. It’s a fantastic opportunity to use your position in Team Wiggle to inspire other developing athletes and to share tips, photos and experiences. You’ll be in great company too as our existing Team Wiggle athletes all blog in the Team Wiggle section of the Bloggle.

Make a noise - Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF)

2012-01-28T17:11:00.000+13:00

Make a noise - Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF)

I want to make a noise about Type 1 Diabetes!

Life for a Child film - Part 1 of 2

2012-01-27T09:17:00.000+13:00

Buy Some Diabetes Goodies

2012-01-24T13:10:00.003+13:00

To raise money for my T1 Tri/Cycle/Run Teams I have the following items on sale on trademe. If you don't want to go throught trademe you can order them through my website www.t1trigirl.org.nz

Your Diabetes Science Experiement by Ginger Vieira $35
This is a brilliant book that helps even the most experienced diabetic understand what is happening in their body. It expains diabetes and exercise simply and assist with safe management of blood glucose control. Ginger is a genius! If you are a diabetic and like sport you should definitely read this book.

DOG TAGS $25

These medical dog tags are made of hard wearing, yet light weight, adonised aluminium.

The front/back has the words "SOMEONE I LOVE HAS TYPE ONE DIABETES <3" enrgraved.

It has a 60cm chain.

Tag Measures: 2" x 1.2" approx.

Comes in Pink!

Pink Rubber Bracelets $15

Someone I love has diabetes wristband - LARGE - HOT PINK with white debossed text

Large size, suitable for medium to large framed adults.

100% silicone, hypoallergenic and washable.

size is just under 8 inches / 20 cm

Diabetic Athlete's Handbook: Your guide to peak performance by Sheri R. Colberg PhD $35

This book takes every type of sport and breaks it down for the diabetic athlete. It doesn't matter if you are on MDI or insulin pumps it caters for you. Brilliant book for all diabetic athletes out there.

Even Superheroes Get Diabetes by Sue Ganz-Schmitt $30

This is a hardcover book.

Even Superheroes Get Diabetes is a colourful and beautifully written book explaining how Kelvin (Super K) got diabetes. You will not want to stop reading when you meet Captain Fly-A-Betes.

It has a cool manual at the back with explanations about Type 1 Diabetes and glossary of diabetic terms.

Not Dead Yet - My Race Against Disease: From Diagnosis to Cominance by Phil Southerland and John Hanc $35
This is a hardcover book.

This is an inspirational book about for people with or without Type 1 Diabetes. An excellent read and insight into the life of Phil Southerland the Founder and CEO of Team Type 1 - professional cycling team.

SPALDING ANTI-BURST SWISS BALLS $18 each

Improve your balance, flexibility, core strength and stability with a Spalding Anti-Burst Gym Ball. These large inflatable gym balls are made of heavy PVC insuring they are burst resistant.

•1 x Burst resistant gym balls (blue or silver)
•White Spalding text printed on ball
•65cm diameter
•PVC material
•1 x dual action hand pump included
•Workout chart included
•Made in China

Keep Calm and Do a Blood Test

2012-01-24T12:03:00.002+13:00

Trans-Tasman Challenge: Fabio v Jack!

2012-01-24T11:14:00.000+13:00

Fabio Calabria from Team Type 1 took on one of NZ's young cyclists Jack from Auckland (also with T1). They had a 1 minutes cycle challenge on stationary bikes and it was pretty even. Jack is heading down to Otago University this year to study medicine...hopefully he will be a Endo!!?? Watch out diabetes world, Jack is coming!

Lunch with Team Type One - Professional Cycling Team

2012-01-23T18:48:00.001+13:00

Yesterday I was asked to attend an invitation only lunch with Team Type 1 who are a professional cycling team here to race in the Tour of NZ later this week. The annual event covers 535.6km of Palmerstton Norths finest roads. I hope the team like to ride in the wind! Details on the Tour can be found here.

The team photographed below is Joey Rosskopf from USA (who I sat with at lunch), Kiel Reijnen from USA (who won the Tour of Rawanda), T1 Tri Girl, Aldo Ino Ilesic from Slovenia (who won two stages at the 2010 Tour do Rio in Brazil), Rubens Bertogliati from Swizterland and Fabio Calabria from Australia (who was diagnosed with T1 in 2001 and is the teams most successful T1 rider).

Competitions for Youth/Teens in NZ

2012-01-14T20:47:00.002+13:00

T1 Tri Girl has two competitions for Youth/Teens in NZ

Upload a video competition...
Simply make a short (under 60secs) video telling us "why its cool to have T1 Diabetes". Upload this video to the T1 Youth/Teen Team NZ page and the best video will win a prize. May the best video win.

T1 Tri Girl is giving away 2 free spots in the T1 Teen Sports Camp...
Just need to write a 200 - 400 word explanation stating why you think this T1 Teen athlete deserves to attend the camp for FREE!!! The T1 Teen Sports Camp will be held in Tauranga on April 20 - 22nd 2012. Look forward to reading the nominations. Two lucky T1 Teen athletes will be announced on Monday 19 March 2012. Nominations close on Monday 12th March and can be emailed directly to heidi@t1trigirl.org.nz

TEAM TYPE 1 – SANOFI Racing in 2012 Cycle Classic in NZ

2012-01-14T15:16:00.004+13:00

‎2012 Cycle Classic is scheduled for 25 to 29 January 2012 in the Manawatu
TEAM TYPE 1 – SANOFI

26. Rubens Bertogliati Switzerland
27. Fabio Calabria Australia
28. Aldo Ino Ilesic Slovenia
29. Kiel Reijnen USA
30. Joey Rosskopf USA

Fabio Calabria (T1D) - AUS

Rubens Bertogliati - SUI

Joey Rosskopf - USA

Kiel Reijnen - USA

http://www.teamtype1.org/about/default.htm

Team Type 1 Sanofi quotations from a few of the riders coming to the New Zealand Cycle Classic this month.

Rubens Bertogliati - SUI
"I've never raced in New Zealand before, but I'm looking forward to seeing such a beautiful country so far away from home. For us coming from Europe, January is a really early start to the season. But race calendars are now longer and longer every year, and so I'm hoping to be in good form and to give my best at the Tour of Manawatu.

"My last race was the Chrono des Nations time trial in the middle of October, and since then I had two extra good weeks of training on the road, as the weather was exceptional in Lugano in the fall. Then I stopped completely for three weeks and didn't start training again until Nov 20. Mostly since then I have been getting out on my new 29-inch MTB, and doing some long road rides, and also spent some time in the gym, hiking and doing yoga."

Joey Rosskopf - USA
"Until this November when I raced in Rwanda I had never even been to the southern hemisphere. I'm really looking forward to racing in New Zealand. I'm not sure what the climate will be like, but I'm hoping to experience some warmer temperatures than at home in Atlanta."

"I have no idea what to expect out of my legs at the Tour of Manawatu for two reasons. One, I have never raced this early in the year before. And two, I just finished last season at the end of November, and still haven't quite figured out if that will help or hurt my early-season form. I expect there to be some really tough competition from the New Zealanders and Australians who are in the middle of their season. If nothing else, I think that doing a stage race in January will be a good kick-start for my year."

"My entire off-season lasted all of two weeks, so I didn't have a lot of time to kill. I spent those two glorious weeks mostly catching up with neglected friends, making sure my dog knows I still love him, and cleaning and organizing the house a bit. I also squeezed in a couple of hikes, which always hurts way more than I expect."

Fabio Calabria (T1D) - AUS
"I raced in New Zealand twice before. Once with the Australian national team in 2005, where we did a few races, including the NZ national U19 championships. I won that race and my teammate came in third. I also raced the Tour of Wellington in 2006 on the "Trust House" composite team from Australia. Most of us were from Canberra, but we also had Darren Laothorn from Melbourne with us."

"At the Tour of Manawatu I know that all the locals and Australians will be going very well, coming off the summer season. But I think that with Kiel and Joey having raced in Rwanda we should be going well, too. We'll be racing at the front as much as we can."

"In the off-season I enjoy staying at home and not travelling. Spending time with friends and family and doing all the chores I put off for the season. When I'm not racing I do a lot of hiking up in the mountains to keep fit, and I try to get into the gym to work towards rebuilding myself for the coming season."

"The key to good diabetes management is to control the condition, not to let it control you. Constant monitoring and a healthy lifestyle is key. Like Phil Southerland always says, you need to be CEO of your own body."

Kiel Reijnen - USA
"I grew up in a small town in the northwest of the United States, where I spent plenty of time riding in the rain and wind. So for that reason and from what friends have told me, I am really looking forward to racing in New Zealand. From a stage race in January I usually expect rain and cold wind, but that's what makes bike racing fun."

"In the off season I did a lot of hiking, a lot of trail running, a lot of yoga and I ate a lot of cookies. Lots of cookie eating."

Phil Southerland - Chief Executive Officer, Founder
"Team Type 1-SANOFI is honoured to kick off our 2012 campaign in New Zealand, and to work with the great promoters of the race, and our partner SANOFI to bring our message of hope and inspiration to New Zealand. We are excited to work with the diabetes community there, and help all to realize the great power of the bike."

Phil Southerland

Success on the Track

2012-01-12T16:14:00.000+13:00

Today I had some trouble with my BG levels registering 3.5mmol at 4.48am this morning. As I was getting ready to go to swim squad I thought I better just stay at home and sort out my sugars. I probably could have gone but with Challenge Wanaka only being only 9 days away I though better to be safe then sorry.

Later that morning I did a track session with my friends Tash and Ben. My BG level was 4.3mmol (77) at the beginning of the session and I reduced my basal rate to 70% for 2hours. We did a 2km warm up with the dog and then started the session: 1600m, 200m (recovery), 1200m, 200m (recovery), 800m, 400m (recovery), 800m, 200m (recovery), 1200m, 200m (recovery), and 1600m. We then ran 1.5km to warm down also with the dog. My BG level at the end of the session was 6.7mmol (120).

My times weren't fast but pretty consistent:

1600m - 7.00mins
1200m - 5.24mins
800m - 3.29mins
800m - 3.27mins
1200m - 5.17mins
1600m - 7.17mins

All in all a great session (apart from missing swimming due to a hypo early in the morning).

Total distance: 11.9km

T1 Tri Girl Services

2012-01-11T12:51:00.003+13:00

These are the diabetes and sports services that I can provide. For more information please visit the page below or email me on heidi@t1trigirl.org.nz

http://t1trigirl.org.nz/index.php/t1-tri-girl-services/

T1 Team Membership

Sign up to be a T1 Team Member and receive: (1) T1 Tri Girl monthly newsletter, (2) Sports and Nutrition Advice, (3) training t-shirt, and (4) 10% off all T1 Team Camps.

12 month Membership - $50

T1 Tri Girl Coaching Packages

All packages include: (1) consultation meeting, (2) detailed training plan, (3) training t-shirt, (4) weekly email feedback and skype conferencing, (5) FREE T1 Team Membership, (6) 20% off all T1 Team Camps, & (7) personal race plan and advice. They are only for T1, T2 or T3's who are over the age of 18years.

3 month Packages for running, cycling, swimming and triathlon - $150
6 month Packages for running, cycling, swimming and triathlon - $240
9 month Packages for running, cycling, swimming and triathlon - $320

T1 Tri Girl Mentor Programme (4 - 18years)
The Mentor Programme is for athletes with T1 up to the age of 18years of age. Sign up to the Mentor Programme and receive: (1) FREE membership to T1 Teams for 12months (worth $50), (2) unlimited skype and text messages, (3) a T1 Tri Girl home consultation, (4) training t-shirt, (5) a T1 Tri Girl autographed poster, (6) all Fan Club benefits, & (7) 15% off all T1 Team Camps.

12 month Membership - $75

T1 Tri Girl Guest Speaking
T1 Tri Girl is an experienced in public speaker and teaching. She will deliever a positive message and personal experiences about competiting at an international level with T1 Diabetes. The follow Guest Speaking packages can be customised to suit the group and prices are negotiable. These prices do not include travel expenses.

Option #1: Guest Speaker and Questions (approx 60mins) - $150
Option #2: Guest Speaker, Workshop and Questions (approx 90mins) - $300
Option #3: Guest Speaker and Group Activity - exercise to suit group (2hours) - $250
Option #4: Guest Speaker(s) from T1 Teams and Questions (approx 90mins) - $300

T1 Tri Girl One-on-One Sessions
One-on-one training sessions with T1 Tri Girl can be arranged. Sessions can be customised to suit the athlete (including length of activity).

Bay of Plenty - $20 per session or $45 for 3 or more people
All other areas (North Island) - $50 per session or $75 for 3 or more people
South Island - to be negoitated

T1 Tri Girl Sports Camps
All camps are subject to change but the dates and ages are listed below. These camps are designed to challenge, educate and encourage healthy participation of all T1 diabetics. There will be forums, skype conferences with other athletes from overseas, workshops, fun activities and training. All prices will be finalised 3months prior to the camp. All camps will be held in Tauranga unless stated otherwise.

20 - 22nd April 2012: T1 Teen Team Camp (T1, T2 or T3: 14 - 20years)
1 - 4th June 2012: T1 Run Team Camp ( T1, T2 or T3 over 15years)
10 - 12th August 2012: T1 Cycle Team Camp (mtn and road cycling, T1, T2 or T3 over 15years)
7 - 9th September 2012: T1 Team Camp (swim, cycle and run training and T1, T2 or T3 over 15years)
18 - 20th January 2013: T1 Youth Team Camp ( T1, T2 or T3 between 8 - 13years of age with at least one parent present)

All payments are to be made prior to recieving the service or product. To register for an event, product or service send inquiry below. An invoice will be sent in the mail so please provide a postal address. All funds will go towards supporting T1 Tri Team and their quest to take on Ironman NZ 2013.

Hard Brick Session with Tash

2012-01-11T12:39:00.004+13:00

Tash and I had been planning this Brick Session for some time and this morning the weather was agreeable. We started at 7am and the Brick Session went like this:

32km of cycling (16km to the top), 5.5km of running, 33km of cycling (17km to the top), and 5.5km of running.

In total: 4.07hours

I really enjoyed this session even though my legs were screaming at me the whole way up the hill.

My diabetes management was ok but definitely not a winner. My starting BG level was 3.6mmol (65) so I drunk a juice and reduced my basal rate to 60% for 4.30hours. During the bike I drunk nothing but a bottle of Horleys Replace. After the first bike (1.31hours) my BG level was 13.0mmol (234) so I knew I needed some insulin but because I was going running I didn't have any. During the run I consumed a PowerBar Gel and after I'd run the 5.5km I re-tested to find it was still 13.0mmol (234). I programmed my insulin pump to inject 1unit of insulin (even though my pump suggested to inject 4.10units). The next bike was hard because it was slightly longer and I was sore. Half way through I ate some four Powerbar Lollies and when we completed the bike (1.36hours) my BG level was 10.6mmol (190). As we set of for our last 5.5km run (30mins) I ate two more PowerBar Lollies. We kept a solid pace but were able to talk all the way. When it was all over my BG level was 7.1mmol (127).

What I learnt was that I should have treated my hypo and re-tested before starting training. That was I wouldn't have been high in the middle. I could also try a smaller reduction for this session as it was in the morning so the Dawn Phenomenon would have been in affect.

We are always learning with Type One Diabetes!!!!

NZ Long Course Triathlon Champs - Tauranga 2011

2012-01-07T22:18:00.001+13:00

Just a few of my favourites to share...I was spectating while my husband (Mark) raced...enjoy!

Cameron Brown - Winner

Age Group Men with Princess in the background

Start of the Port of Tauranga Half Ironman

Start of the Port of Tauranga Half Ironman and Princess

Team Announcement: Team Member #17

2012-01-05T18:12:00.002+13:00

Team Announcement #17:
The next team member is teacher of secondary school students with T1 diabetes. She is a the lead PE teacher at Sacred Heart College in Wellington and completed her first Ironman in March 2011. Maria Kemp (soon to be Maria Kerr) has a great understanding of what we go through and is always interested in finding out more about T1 diabetes. She is a talented runner, cyclist and has over come some pretty nasty shoulder injuries to become a great swimmer.

Looking forward to doing Ironman 2013 with you Maria.

2012-01-04T16:40:00.000+13:00

On 21 January I'm racing in Challenge Wanaka. This will mark the end of my 10month challenge to complete 3 Ironman distance races.

My first was Ironman NZ in March (11.59.50hours) followed by Ironman Wisconsin in September (13.25.05hours).

Challenge Wanaka is a tough Ironman distance (3.8km/180km/42.3km) course and if it's as windy as it was last year I'm in for a long day out. I have been training pretty hard and I've specifically been building enough strength to attack the hilly bike course which should help. I will put a race plan up next week.

My race number is #632.

If you want to track my progress during the day, you can click on the link below and get sent text updates to your phone.

http://www.challengewanaka.com/text-message-service

T1 Tri Team Announcement: Team Members 15 & 16

2012-01-02T16:34:00.000+13:00

Team Announcement #16:

Ann Bondy is famous...she is a World Champion, a NZ champion and has done Ironman so many times. Ann is the best T3 supporter ever! If you need advice about Ironman or triathlon, just ask Ann. I know she will be a great addition to the team and an inspiration to us all.

Team Announcement #15:

Andrea Huston from Honolulu is team member #15. She was part of the Triabetes team last year at Ironman St. George with Tiffany and Dan. She is a Type 1 diabetic and was diagnosed in 1999. Andrea said we can all come and stay with her when we qualify for Ironman World Champs in Kona!?!

T1 Tri Team: Team Announcement, Members 6 - 14!

2011-12-31T10:56:00.001+13:00

Team Announcement #14:

Our second T3....Deni Rosevold Winsand is a mom to two great kids. Her daughter Sophia, has had T1 since 2009 at the age of 7. She is a gymnast who last year qualifed to the Women's Junior Olympic State Level 4 Championships(she was 9yrs at that time). She was in gymnastics before her diagnosis, so it was an adjustment for her after, but she has done an amazing job! She we...ars a purple pump & loves how much freedom it has given her back. They live in North Dakota and participate in as many diabetes awareness events as they can. Deni rode in the local Tour de Cure this year and has run in many 5k, 10k & 1/2 marathons. Her favourite is the 5k Step Out Walk for diabetes. This will be her 1st triathlon and she isvery excited to be a part of the team!See more

Team Announcement #13:

Daniel Vincent is a Triabetes Captain who has clocked over 50 triathlon races! He is a Triabuddy and mentor to young and old who want to do triathlon. He lives in Washington with his wife and 3 small children. Daniel is a T1 pump and Dexcom user who LOVES having diabetes. We really should be thanking his wife Rachel for the OK to do this one...thanks Rachel!

Can't wait to do Ironman NZ 2013 with Daniel!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsJB-Y9zxjE

Team Announcement #12:
WOW!!! We now have 2010 - 2011 Triabetes Captain Tiffany Devereaux Heindel in the team. She is the owner of a Veterinary Clinic in Cleverland. She has done 2 Ironman races (IM Florida and IM St.George) and has been a type 1 diabetic for ages. She has 2 daughters and a son and actively encourages young people with Type 1 diabetets to get involved in sport. She is also ...a Dexcom and Pump user!

I've been looking forwarded to meeting Tiffany for a long time.

Check out her blog and youtube video...links below.
http://imjustgonnatri.blogspot.com/
http://www.youtube.com/insulindependencetv#p/f/7/bqn0kD-ne2I

Team Announcement #11:

Angela Past is a member of Team Type 1 - Triathlon Team but she wants to race with us for Ironman NZ 2013. Angela lives in Beverly Hills and raced in Ironman Canada this year. Whats even more impressive about Angela is she has had type 1 diabetes for almost 40years!!!! I bet she will be able to tell us some interesting stories.
She loves being inspired by Team Type 1 so she will definitely love hanging out with us. Looking forward to racing with you Angela.

Team Announcement #10:

It gives me great pleasure to announce team member #10, Gillian Forsyth. I had the pleasure of racing with her this year in Ironman Wisconsin for Team WILD. Gillian is from Chicago and has been a Type 1 diabetic for 13 years.

To date Gillain has done 19 marathons and 4 half ironman and she is now an Ironman.

When you watch Gillian race you'd think she was doing a mear 5km because she is always smiling. Looking forward to racing with your again!!!

Team Announcement #9:

Christina Turner has done 5 Ironman races since 2005. She has had T1 diabetes for over 10years and uses multiple daily injections as well as her insulin pump. She obviously has the Ironman bug as she has also signed up for Ironman NZ 2012. She will be able to give the rest of the team advice for sure. She is a great swimmer and trains very hard in Auckland when she isn't working hard.

Team Announcement #8:

Matt Boss who lives in the Mount Maunganui is team member #8. He is a natural talent when it comes to all sports and is looking forward to doing his first Ironman with the team. Matt studied Sports and Recreation at Waikato University (BoP campus) so he knows everything about sport!

Team Announcement #7:

Nicholas Meeny from Melbourne is the latest member of T1 Tri Team taking on Ironman NZ 2013. He is a T1 diabetic and an accomplished multisporter and marathon runner. Nick keeps a blog about his training and racing too, check it out! http://www.runningwithsugars.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2011-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-08%3A00&updated-max=2012-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-08%3A00&max-results=39

Team Announcement #6:

Andrea McDonald Sopolinski was training for Ironman 70.3 Bussleton and Bussleton Ironman when she was diagnosed with Type 1 (1.5 LADA) diabetes. She is currently on multiple daily injections but is going onto a pump. Andrea is from Australia but we promise to treat her nicely. T1 Tri Team is now international!

T1 Tri Team 2013: Team Announcement

2011-12-29T18:48:00.001+13:00

T1 Tri Team 2013 has five members so far...the aim is to get a total of 15 - 20 athletes. If you would like to be part of the team contact me.

Team Announcement #5:

I'm pretty excited that I managed to persuade team member# 5 to be part of the T1 Tri Team. Tim Hargrave raced for Team Type One (the American Professional Cycling team) from 2008 - 2009 and placed 5th in the NZ Duathlon champs in 2007. He doesn't race professionally any more but often pops up in random events around NZ and kicks ass (with little training - he tells me). Tim has had T1 diabetes for 19years (I think??) and he has used multiple daily injections and insulin pumps to control his BG levels.

Tim Hargrave: Type One Diabetic (19years)

Team Announcement #4:

The fourth member of T1 Tri Team is none other than Amanda Parish. She has completed an impressive 4 Ironman races to date and and is taking on Coast to Coast next year. She was 27 years old when she was diagnosed and has had Type 1 diabetes for 7.5years now. Amanda juggles her BG levels with multiple daily injections and tests at least 7 times a day. She lives in Auckland and has this advice for newly diagnosed diabetics: "Don't let diabetes stop you but test, test, test and then test again!"

Amanda Parish: Type One Diabetic (7.5years)

Team Announcement #3:

While this team is mostly going to consist of Type 1 diabetics the next team member lives with the disease without having insulin. He is my husband, Mark James. We call these members our Type 3's! Mark has done 5 Ironman events to date, Switzerland 2007, Austria 2008, Lanzarote 2009, NZ 2010 and Challenge Wanaka 2011. Mark works as a Mechanical Engineer in Tauranga and has only lived in NZ for 2years. Formally from Loughborough in the UK, he has done extensive racing and training in Europe.

Mark James: Type Three Diabetic (husband of Heidi-Jane James)

Team Announcement #2:

The second member of T1 Tri Team is Ian Coventry. Ian loves endurance sports like running, mountain/road cycling, kayaking, adventure racing. He's been a Type 1 diabetic for a few years and he is not letting that slow him down. Ian lives in Whakatane and works in the kiwifruit industry.

Ian Coverntry: Type One Diabetic

Team Announcement #1:

It comes as no surprise I'm sure but the first member of 'T1 Tri Team' is Heidi-Jane James (aka T1 Tri Girl). She is a T1 diabetic on a Dana R insulin pump and Dexcom CGMS. She was diagnosed on 24 Dec 1992 when she was 14years old. She will be competing in Ironman NZ 2013 as part of T1 Tri Team and will be wearing the spunky new race kit that has been designed for the t...eam. This will be Ironman #6 or #7 depending on how many she does in 2012. She has completed Ironman NZ in 2008 (11.51hrs), Ironman NZ (12.38hrs), Ironman NZ 2011 (11.59hrs) and Ironman Wisconsin 2011 (13.25hrs). She is also doing Challenge Wanaka on 21 Jan 2012.

Heidi-Jane James: Type One Diabetic (19years)

Seven Days of BG's

2011-12-26T22:53:00.002+13:00

I've been reading "Your Diabetes Science Experiement" by Ginger Vieira and it made me think about a few diabetes related issues I have and would like to change. She talks about the myth of "Mystery Highs & Unexpected Lows". As a person with T1 diabetes I know all too well that the reason my BG level was 18.9mmol/L was purely because I ate 6 mellowpuffs and didn't bolus for it or the reason why my BG levels dropped to 2.2mmol/L was definitely because I guessed incorrectly the amount of carbohydrates in the entire meal.

In Gingers book, she makes it clear that no sugar level is unexplained...so I have taken a look at all of my BG level for the last 7 days and have tried to give a reason for all of the "highs" and the "lows" I experienced. Here are my results:

Tuesday 20th December:
5.10am 13.1mmol/L
6.00am swam for 90mins (4km)
7.34am 6.0 mmol/L
11.34am 18.8mmol/L (ate food and forgot to have insulin)
12.00pm Ran 85mins
1.34pm 3.1mmol/L (I corrected before the run/temp basal rate but still had too much insulin in my system for the exercise)
2.48pm 3.8mmol/L (despite treating hypo, I forgot to follow up with more carbs)
3.23pm 5.6mmol/L
5.20pm 11.6 mmol/L
6.00pm 17.1mmol/L (didn't have bolus for snack)
9.29pm 6.1mmol/L
10.29pm 2.1mmol/L (had too much insulin with dinner as guessed amount of carbs)
10.42pm 5.6mmol/L

Wednesday 21st December:
5.42am 12.8mmol/L
7.30am 8.7mmol/L
8.00am Rode 160km around Lake Taupo (7hours)
8.31am 2.6mmol/L (not enough carbs for the start of the ride or too much insulin on board)
10.25am 6.2 mmol/L
1.30pm 11.5mmol/L
4.10pm 6.3mmol/L
4.15pm Ran for 10mins off the bike
4.34pm 4.8mmol/L
6.41pm 7.9mmol/L
9.10pm 13.9mmol/L (not enough insulin with dinner)

Thursday 22nd December:
6.40am 5.4mmol/L
8.44am 4.2mmol/L
9.00am cycled 30km over a very hilly course (hypo'ed after only 7km but didn't test)
10.27am 6.0mmol/L
3.16pm 4.4mmol/L
4.55pm 3.3mmol/L (not enough food)
6.32pm 16.9mmol/L (over ate for hypo)
9.15pm 6.3mmol/L

Friday 23rd December:
7.15am 5.3mmol/L
9.15am 6.8mmol/L
2.54pm 24.5mmol/L (ate too many sweets and forgot to take insulin)
3.41pm 25.6mmol/L (correction made)
4.23pm 16.4mmol/L (correction made)
4.51pm 13.4mmol/L
5.00pm Ran for 41mins
5.43pm 3.6mmol/L (temp rate too high/too much insulin on board)
7.44pm 8.4mmol/L
8.46pm 12.0mmol/L (not enough insulin with dinner)
9.53pm 8.9mmol/L
11.29pm 7.9mmol/L

Saturday 24th December:
7.02am 4.3mmol/L
7.05am Ran 56mins over a hilly course
8.11am 3.5mmol/L (temp rate too high)
9.30am 13.2mmol/L (no insulin with snacks after run)
11.08am 16.9mmol/L (not enough insulin for correction and carbs)
3.46pm 12.5mmol/L
3.50pm Cycled for 60mins of hill repeats
4.51pm 3.3mmol/L (temp rate too high/too much insulin on board)
7.43pm 15.1mmol/L (not enough insulin with dinner)
9.36pm 6.8mmol/L

Sunday 25th December:
5.35am 6.5mmol/L
5.45am Ran 90mins at a steady pace
7.19am 7.7mmol/L
11.10am 9.9mmol/L
2.05pm 15.9mmol/L (not enough insulin with dinner)
2.55pm 13.0mmol/L (not enough insulin with dinner)
4.00pm 6.8mmol/L
4.05pm Ran 90mins at a steady pace
5.48pm 5.3mmol/L
7.34pm 12.4mmol/L (too many snacks)
9.14pm 6.3mmol/L

Monday 26th December:
8.13am 7.3mmol/L
10.33am 6.9mmol/L
1.20pm 13.5mmol/L (had insulin for the scone but not the coffee with 2 sugars)
3.25pm 8.3mmol/L
3.30pm Run for 30mins
4.22pm 3.3mmol/L (basal rate too high)
9.22pm 6.6mmol/L
9.47pm 6.7mmol/L

Ginger defines your BG readings as information. From my information gathering I discovered that 7 times I ate food and forgot to take my insulin, 7 times I guess the amount of carbohydrates in a meal, 5 times I used an incorrect temporary basal rate, 4 times I didn't eat enough carbohydrates, once I had too much insulin in a correction rate, and once I over ate for a hypo.

My goal for the next couple of weeks will be:
1. Always have my insulin when I eat carbohydrates
2. Use correct carbohydrate counting methods to get a better idea of how much insulin to take
3. Refine my temporary rates when exercising

I will report back in a week with some results. In the mean time, read this great book..."Your Diabetes Science Experiment" By Ginger Vieira, its truely remarkable! If you want to buy this book click on this link here

Book Reviews!

2011-12-18T16:35:00.000+13:00

These are the three best books about diabetes I've read. I will be writing a review about each one book over the next couple of months. If you want some good diabetic reading over the NZ summer get one of these books.

Book #1: Diabetic Athlete's Handbook - Your guide to peak performance by Sheri R. Colberg, PhD

Book #2: Not Dead Yet by Phil Southerland and John Hanc

Book #3: Your Diabetes Science Experiment by Ginger Vieira

Training: 12 - 18 December 2011

2011-12-18T16:06:00.000+13:00

This week hasn't been a very well rounded week of training but I've done a lot of running. It was my last week of school and I had so much to do so I had to change things to suit work.

Mon: Ran 1.40hours (16km) first 60mins easy from work) 40mins of hill repeats 8 x 90secs...basal rate of 60% for 2horus BG levels 8.3/5.3

Tues: Ran 60mins for a track session - 8 x 800m (10km)

Wed: REST DAY...only because I fell asleep when I got home

Thurs: Ran 1.50hours over a flat course (18km)

Fri: REST DAY

Sat: Cycled 3hours (90km) over a very hilly course and then ran 40mins off the bike (10km) basal rate of 70% for 5hours BG levels 9.5/??

Sun: Ran 1.50hours over a hilly course around Omokoroa (19km) basal rate of 60% for 4hours BG levels 6.4/8.3

2012 - Change of Career!

2011-12-15T18:47:00.000+13:00

Tomorrow is the last day of my full time teaching career and what a fun 12 years its been. I have taught at many great school, met some lovely students and worked with some amazing people but now its time for a change.

A couple of months ago Mark and I discussed our future and decided it was a great time for me to pursue something I feel deeply passionate about. I registered my interest in the Bachelor of Sport & Recreation at the Waikato University (Windermere Campus) and got an interview along with 100 other hopefulls. A week later I heard that I had been accepted in the 2012 intake along with 40 other students. The Bachelor of Sport & Recreation degree focuses on sports science, coaching, athletic conditioning, sports leadership and nutrition. So just what I wanted to do.

I thought while my luck was running hot I'd apply for the Team BOP Polytechnic High Performance Academy Sports Scholarship.

The Bay of Plenty Polytechnic High Performance Academy Sports Scholarship Programme aims to provide support for students to achieve a high academic standard in a programme of their choice, whilst seeking excellence in their sporting code.
There are 10 sports scholarships available annually to students studying at Bay of Plenty Polytechnic. The scholarships cover full fees, paid for a maximum of two years. In addition, recipients will be granted access to sport and fitness facilities at Te Pare a Ruahine, as well as access to a high performance manager for education, sporting and lifestyle support. Successful students are also allocated 10 hours per annum access to sports support services such as sports science, testing, and lifestyle support. They will also be given a High Performance Academy kit, consisting of track suit and t-shirt.

I was lucky enough to get one of the 10 scholarships as well. So for the next 3 years I will be a student. I will also be putting everything into my sport in the hopes to lower my Ironman time and get a spot for Kona.

More about this later...

Ironmaori Duathlon Lower Hutt

2011-12-05T19:22:00.000+13:00

The missunderstanding about Type 1 diabetes continues...

2011-12-04T14:18:00.001+13:00

So I was at the pharmacy yesterday wearing the t-shirt circled above and the pharmist said to me "should you be wearing that t-shirt?" I informed the pharmist that it was infact my favourite t-shirt and I had purchased it from The Sugar Factory in Las Vegas on my last trip to America where I represented NZ at the ITU Long Distance World Triathlon Champs. He then went onto say, "I'm just thinking about you medical condition." I blew this comment off but later thought, shouldn't a pharmist know the difference between Type 1 and Type 2? Shouldn't he know that comments like that are uneducated and insulting to a Type 1 diabetics?

In the same month I attended the coolest Diabetic family camp in Taranaki. On the way we stopped and asked for directions. The lovely pub owner took one look at the t-shirt and preceeded to tell me it was an inappropratie top to be wearing to a diabetic camp.

At least pharmists don't have to look after your diabetes but some school teachers and Prinicpals are responsible for the care of students in which they teach. I worry about how uneducated some of these 'educated' people are.

A friend told me that the Principal of her school wouldn't let her fundraise for diabetes awareness week because Diabetes isn't as well known as Daffadil Day and Red Nose Day. This was dispite the fact that there were 3 type 1 diabetic students attending the school at the time.

An ex-student of mine told me that he left a school in Lower Hutt because he was not allowed to carry his hypo kit with him. He had to walk all the way to the office if he felt low to test and treat his hypo's.

In October, I had a job interview where the Principal of the Tauranga school told me that the kids come first even if I have to treat myself for a hypo. I always agree that the children in my class come first however in the event I have a sereve hypo not treating it first would put the children at greater risk. He continued to ask me how many days I had taken off work because of my diabetes. If my diabetes was at all used as an excuse to not hire me, this is would be descimination based on a medical condition and therefore illegal. I walked away from this interview feeling discouraged and dissappointed about the lack of respect people have for type 1 diabetes.

Two weeks ago a parent sent a letter of complant about me to the Principal of my current school. It outlined, amongst other things, that I had spent a whole day educating kids about diabetes. Coincidental it happened to be November 14th (World Diabetes Day). I actually didn't teach them about diabetes for the whole day but did think it was important for the kids to know about it seen as 1 in 10 will get diabetes at some point in their lives (probably more likely to be Type 2). Furthermore, I have diabetes so it is important for the kids to know what happens to me.

I am mindful that I'm sensitive to these types of comments but when will these stupid comments end? This is why we need more education about the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. I also see a need for more education for people who are responsible for the welfare of children with type 1 diabetes.

children with DIABETES - The Dead in Bed Syndrome

2011-11-28T20:40:00.001+13:00

children with DIABETES - The Dead in Bed Syndrome

The trial | Stop Diabetes

2011-11-28T20:24:00.001+13:00

The trial | Stop Diabetes

Barfoot & Thompson Auckland ITU World Cup Triathlon Photos

2011-11-23T22:22:00.000+13:00

A small selection of photos I took while Mark and my friends raced in the Barfoot & Thompson Auckland ITU World Cup Triathlon on Sunday. The weather was amazing and the atmosphere buzzing.

R2B - A Success Story: Karla Edge

2011-11-23T19:01:00.000+13:00

Tash gets 2nd!

2011-11-16T15:31:00.001+13:00

My training partner Natasha Lydiard, who is an awesome physiotherapist in Tauranga, got 2nd in 25 - 29year age group at the Jamis Lake Karapiro Half Ironman in the weekend. She is training for Ironman NZ in March. She is so talented and in past Ironman events, has won her age group and qualified for Kona (World Ironman Champs). She is well on her way to doing it again. I always look forward to training with Tash although she takes me on some pretty challenging swim, cycle and runs. Once she asked me to ride with her to Whangamata and back...I said yes before I realised it would be a 165km cycle. She is a great training partner and looks out for me and my diabetes.

Well done Tash! Wish I was as fast as you!

Diabetes Youth Taranaki Family Camp (12th - 13th November 2011)

2011-11-14T17:58:00.001+13:00

On Saturday, Mark and I drove to a remote part of Taranaki called Te Wera Forest to attend a camp for children with type 1 diabetes. I was lucky enough to meet Jane Roguski (a parent) on facebook a couple months ago and she suggested I should come and help out. The children ranged in ages from 4 - 12years of age. Most were on multiple daily injections but 2 of the children were on insulin pumps, like me. All type 1 diabetics came with their families and some even bought their cousins. The camp was an opportunity for parents to talk together about issues and children to get to know each other. Some of the activities that we did at the camp were: eeling, water slide, fireworks, rope course, tyre ride and flying fox. Everyone had heaps of fun! Can't wait for next year!

Mark and Jess on the tyre ride.

The three pumpers...Rachel, Ethan and HJ

Heidi and Rachel on the tyre ride.

Ethan is only 4 years old and has been on an insulin pump for about a month...way to go Ethan!!

The waterslide.

Darryl, Max, Sam, Anna, Jacob, Cody, Jessica, Rachel, Becky, Bradley and Heidi...sorry if I forgot some of your names.

The rope course.

Maureen (Patron on Diabetes Youth NZ) and the kids.

WORLD DIABETES DAY CHALLENGE - 14th November 2011

2011-11-14T17:47:00.003+13:00

Today is a special day! Type 1 & Type 2 diabetics get to celebrate the fact that we have tested, injected, counted carbs and treat high's and low's everyday since the day we were diagnosed.

I try every year to do special things to celebrate and this year was no different.

The first thing I did this morning was test my bg level. The second thing I did today was put on my favourite 'blue' diabetes t-shirt that reads 'unless your pancreas isn't working, stop whinning'. The best thing I did was set up my husband, Mark with a tester, syringe, hypo treatment pack and log book. He agreed to be a Type 1 Diabetic for the day and has been texting me with his results throughout the day (see below). I also taught the kids in my class some important facts about diabetes.

To complete my day...I carried out the blue test: running for 55mins testing pre/during/post run and then recording it on the World Diabetes Website.

Heidi's BG levels were: 11.1mmol-L pre-run, 9.5mmol-L 30mins during-run, and 3.8mmol-L post-run.
*reduction of basal rate to 60% for 60mins.
Mark's BG levels were: 6.1mmol-L pre-run and 5.1mmol-L post-run.

Mark's kit for the day...tester, syringe, log book, hypo equiptment and test strips.

                  Mark:                              Heidi:
6.15am     5.0mmol-L                     10.1mmol-L
8.46am     4.6mmol-L                      7.8mmol-L
10.14am   2.9mmol-L
10.30am   2.8mmol-L                      5.6mmol-L
10.59am   5.0mmol-L                   11.1mmol-L
2.50pm    6.3mmol-L                     15.4mmol-L
4.44pm     6.6mmol-L                      9.0mmol-L
6.00pm     6.1mmol-L                     11.1mmol-L
6.30pm                                            9.5mmol-L
7.00pm     5.1mmol-L                      3.8mmol-L
9.45pm     5.7mmol-L

Just incase you are reading is for the first time...Heidi is the type 1 diabetic and Mark is her husband (who doesn't have diabetes but has to live with it too).

Piotr Nowak Fundraising for Diabetes NZ

2011-11-14T17:23:00.000+13:00

Another type 1 diabetic doing amazing things...I'm looking forward to meeting Piotr for a chat. I will find out more information about his great adventure to climb Mt Aconcagua.

Race Day - Saturday 5th November

2011-11-06T20:07:00.004+13:00

ITU World Long Distance Triathlon Champs in Las Vegas, Nevada

We arrived at the course around 5.30am and could hear people saying that the swim had been cancelled. We decided that we wouldn't panic until we actually heard it from the ITU officials. As soon as we reached the entry to the transition area we were denied entry and told that the swim had in fact been cancelled.

The official reason for cancelling the swim was that the difference between the water temperature and the wind chill factor was too great. This would mean there would be a higher change of hypothermia and cyclist error resulting in injury to the athletes.

The race was turned into a 120km (cycle) time trial followed by a 30km run. The race starting procedure was elite and para-triathletes first and then the age groupers in number order and the first rider started at 7.45am and there was a 5sec gap between each rider. My number was 763 so I started around 9am.

Due to the change in race circumstances I had to change my race plan.

I planned to eat 50g of CHO around 6.30am because of the later start and didn't want to have insulin in my system when I started to reduce the risk of hypo in the bike.
I planned to make a reduction to my basal rate for the cycle (70%). I planned to make a reduction to my basal rate for the run (60%).
I planned to eat 50g of CHO every hour.
My planned times for the race were: 4hours for the cycle, 5mins in T1 and 2.10hours for the run.

These are the things that I actually did in the race:

I tested my BG levels before and after the race and these were the results (pre-race BG level 8.4mmol-L and post-race BG level 8.3mmol-L).
During the cycle my BG levels got as high as 11.3mmol-L but came back to normal (watched my CGMS) after the cycle.
Unfortunately during the first lap of the run my sugars dropped to 3mmol-L so I changed my basal rate from 60% to 0%. I changed it to 50% after an hour but my BG levels started to drop again so I reduced it to 0% for the remainder of the run.
My times were a little slower than I expected: 4.41.00hours for the cycle and 2.58.00hours for the run = 7.39.00hours

It was one of the hardest races I have done. The roads were smooth and hilly all the way out to Lake Mead. When we went on the bike trail the surface was rough and again, hilly. Once we reached the city we had many twists and turns and the course was...hilly and technical. I am very happy with my performance...I finished in good spirits and I placed 36th in the 30 - 34year age group. After doing Ironman Wisconsin only 7 weeks ago, I am very happy but very sore.

Photos of race...

Pre-Race Report - Friday 4th November

2011-11-05T18:28:00.000+13:00

Pre-Race Report

I've been in Las Vegas, Nevada for 5 days now and I have experiences some unusual weather. Its been hot, cold, sunny, windy and today it rained. I am feeling pretty calm but very excited. I have thoroughly enjoyed the food in America although I can understand why there is a large amount of obesity in this country.

My sugar levels have been stable all week and I have been keeping a good eye on it with the use of my Dexcom (CGMS).

Today I got some essentials ready for race day:

I organised my back up insulin pump which I will put in my T1 bag, just in case.
I placed 2 zip lock bags in each tranistion bag containing: BG tester, syringe filled with 5 units of insulin and hypo gels. I intend on testing my BG levels in each tranistion tent and will use the insulin only if my BG level is too high.
I inserted another Dexcom site and calibrated it.

The distances of the event are: swim 4km, cycle 120km, and run 30km.

My plan:

Nutrition: breakfast at 4am (2 x small tins of cream rice and 2 x banana's), 50g per hour (Gu chomps, Powerbar gels, Banana's, Powerbar, Horley's Replace - in bottles, and Redbull)
Time targets: swim 1.30hours, T1 5mins, cycle 4hours, T2 5mins, and run 2.30hours = 8.10hours
Temporary basal rates: 7 - 9am 70% reduction, 9 - 1pm 60% reduction, and 1 - 3.30pm 50% reduction (I will check my BG every 30mins on my CGMS to make sure these basal rates are correct)

Timeline:
4.00am - wake up, check BG levels and breakfast (use normal Insulin/Carb ratio 1:9)
4.20am - put on uniform and number tattoos (#763)
4.30am - pack bag for the day
4.45am - walk over to the NZ Team motel
4.50am - give my bike collection card to Peter (who is collecting my bike and tranistion bags)
5.00am - catch the NZ Team coach to Lake Mead (T1 and swim start)
5.15am - re-test BG levels and calibrate CGMS
5.30am - pump up tyres and put nutrition on bike
6.00am - re-test BG levels and eat some food
6.10am - put arm warmers and vest in T1 bag
6.20am - start putting on wetsuit and applying anti-chaff on neck
6.35am - put CGMS on glasses table in clear bag marked with race number (#763)
6.50am - get into the water and start to warm up
7.15am - race start

I am really looking forward to the cycle, it sounds challenging! Go to www.lowerysmultisport.com for live streaming of the finish line tomorrow.

More photos of Las Vegas...

2011-11-05T15:54:00.000+13:00

Photo's of Las Vegas - Day One

2011-11-02T12:18:00.000+13:00

Training 14 - 17 October

2011-10-16T16:35:00.000+13:00

I have been training pretty hard in preparation for the ITU World Long Distance Triathlon Champs. With race day only 20 days away I thought I would share some recent training successes.

Thursday 14th October:
6am - 7.30am swim squad at BOP Polytech Pool (Windermere) - 4.2km

no pump attached for 90mins
pre-swim BG level 7.0mmol-L
post-swim BG level 13.9mmol-L

session was hard and included 3 sets (300m, 200m, 100m).

8.30 - 11.30am long run with Tash from Otumoetai around the base of the Mount and back - 31km.

pump basal rate reduced to 60% for 4hours
pre-run BG level 12.2mmol-L
post-run BG level 3.9mmol-L
consumed 2 gels

Friday 15th October:
7am run at the Mount. Very hilly course 11km in 50mins.

pump basal rate reduced to 70% for 1hour
pre-run BG level 5.8mmol-L
post-run BG level 6.8mmol-L

Saturday 16th October:
7am cycled from Omokoroa to Whangamata and back (165km). It took 7hours and was very hilly.

pump basal rate reduced to 80% for 7hours
pre-cycle BG level 8.0mmol-L
post-cycle BG level 5.8mmol-L

Sunday 17th October:
11.30am ran for 62mins Mark around Omokoroa (11km). Course was very hilly.

no pump was attached for run
pre-run BG level 4.1mmol-L
post-run BG level 7.3mmol-L

6pm cycle 70mins on the windtrainer (35km).

Diabetes Family Guy

2011-10-11T11:19:00.000+13:00

Hi, I'm Scott Malkinson, I have a lisp and diabetes

2011-10-11T11:16:00.000+13:00

John has diabetes!

2011-10-11T10:46:00.000+13:00

Couldn't stop laughing at this poster I found on Karyn Browns facebook page. Thought I'd share it with you all. Shouldn't really laugh but I guess its a T1 thing!

World Diabetes Day - New Zealand: 14th November 2011

2011-10-10T13:20:00.000+13:00

Where ever you are in New Zealand at 6pm on November 14th 2011 log your BG level as your status.

If you are up to it...try one or all of the following things:
1. Go for a run, cycle or swim...test before and after and put your BG level and activity details as your status.
2. Record all of your diabetes related activity for the day on this event or your wall.
3. Make a video of you talking about the best part of being a diabetic and post it on your wall.
4. Post some pictures on this event or your wall with your diabetic supplies.
5. Write your favourite diabetic funnies as your status.
6. Hug another diabetic!!!!
7. Make a donation to your favourite diabetes charity - Diabetes Youth NZ or your local diabetes society...
8. Get a tattoo that represent how you feel about your diabetes.
9. Start a blog, to tell people about how you deal with your diabetes.
10. Set yourself a personal challenge: take on something physical or artistic.

Tell me all about what you are going to do...I really want to hear what you are doing to celebrate World Diabetes Day - 14th November 2011.

NZ Team Selection for ITU World Duathlon Champs 2012

2011-09-30T11:42:00.001+13:00

Ironman Wisconsin Article - By HJJ

2011-09-26T22:49:00.000+13:00

Team WILD takes on Ironman Wisconsin

By Heidi-Jane James

For those of you who know the sport of Ironman, you will appreciate just how much commitment, perseverance and determination is needed just to get to the start line. Team WILD made it to the start line on September 11^th 2011 with a full strength team of 11 women ready to take on the 3.8km swim, 180km cycle and 42.2km run in Madison, Wisconsin.

Team WILD (Women Inspiring Life with Diabetes) was founded by Mari Ruddy in 2008. She wanted to set up an organisation that would help women with diabetes exercise safely and gain the much needed advice from experts in medicine and sports. Mari has lived with type 1 diabetic for 30years and is also a two time breast cancer survivor.

The 11 type 1 diabetic women undertook at least 12 months of training for this event and were guided by the many Team WILD coaches, nutritionists, and diabetic educators, as well as their own personal triathlon coaches. The women would often meet for training camps, group rides, and smaller events around America. In addition, webinars on various Ironman related topics were conducted by other experts on the team. Team WILD learnt about how to be safe and healthy athletes and this is what they needed to complete an Ironman.

Not only would this Ironman be a special day in history for all American’s (9/11) but for me this event was about sharing the day with nine other people who understand the daily struggles of living with type 1 diabetes and doing endurance sport. For many of these women, Ironman Wisconsin was their first experience with the long distance event and this bought about many worries, concerns and anxieties. Unlike the regular Ironman athlete, these women had more than a few things to consider.

· Would we swim with our pumps? If yes, would we use an aqua pack?

· What would we do if our pump stopped working?

· How many carbohydrates should we eat for breakfast, swim, bike and run?

· What should our basal rates be for the day (pre-race/swim/bike/run/post-race)?

· How would be set these basal rates?

· Would we bolus for breakfast? How much?

· How many pump/CGMS sites should we have?

· Would we use a CGMS? If no, how often should we test? If yes, should we also test using a BG meter?

· Would we attach a BG meter to the bike or just test in T1 and T2?

· What diabetes related equipment should we put in our T1, T2, and special needs bags?

· If we went high or low during the race, what would be done to manage it?

· If you plan isn’t working what are our options so we can still finish the race?

· If we get ketones, what would you do to manage this?

Have you ever felt like people are staring at you and your insulin pump cord? Well not hanging around with this group of women, we all wore insulin pumps and not on the inside so that no one would say to you, ‘your ipod cord is hanging out!’ We all wore our medical devices on the outside. Loud and Proud! We all tested using BG meters in transition, on the bike/run, and most of us used CGMS devices. With the help of Mari and her experts, we developed special tailor-made plans for the event that included nutritional information, basal rate plans, ‘what if’ scenarios, and super long gear lists.

While the day didn’t quite go to plan for all, 7 out of the 11 women completed the event within the 17hour cut off time. Sadly, 4 women didn’t get to the finish line despite making a gallant effort. All the planning in the world sometimes isn’t enough when other unrelated diabetes problems occur. Karen had a nasty crash on the bike leaving her with broken bones, collapsed lung and concussion. While bike failure and cramp plagued Susie, Lorrie and Kathleen. They haven’t lost the determination and have already signed up for other Ironman races just so Mike Reilly can too call them, ‘An Ironman!’

You might be wondering why this was the slowest Ironman I’ve ever done. In short, it was hot and hard. I had trained hard but just didn’t have enough left after the awkwardly painful swim and the technically taxing ride. My target time was 11.40hours which I still believe I will do one day however my actual time on the day was 13.25hours. The time didn’t matter to me in the end. What mattered was that I was racing amongst a team of WILD women.

From these priceless experiences we always learn something. What I learnt is that I’m always amazed by the strength of type 1 diabetic women. I’m not surprised just amazed. It made me wonder if this kind of project could be achieved in New Zealand but that I will come back to later. I found a bunch of women just like me...who are also proud of what they can do despite a certain lack of beta cells (a cell in the pancreas that makes insulin). I learnt that even though we all come from different backgrounds and life experiences we have a unique bond. Most significantly, I learnt not to be afraid to be me...to wear my CGMS on the outside, to bite my tongue and respond positively to strange and sometimes offensive comments and to be proud of what I can achieve even with a few small (or large) obstacles.

What next? My next couple of months will be pretty hard on the mind and body. I will compete in the ITU World Long Distance Triathlon Champs (swim 4km, cycle 120km and run 30km) in Las Vegas on Saturday 5^th November. Around the same time I will be crafting 32 End of Year school reports, needless to say that will be the brain drain. In late January, I will compete in my 5^th Ironman distance event, Challenge Wanaka and hopefully redeem myself with a reasonable time. As for my plans to create a team of type 1 athletes to take on Ironman, the ball is rolling. I am looking for 20 type 1 diabetics who are willing to take on the challenge of racing an Ironman in 2013.

Once again, “I am an Ironman”. The question is, can I do 6 more?

Diabetes Awareness Week

2011-09-26T20:14:00.000+13:00

Diabetes Awareness Week is coming up on the 15-21 November 2011. It’s a great opportunity to raise awareness and share information about simple ways to stay healthy.

The theme for Diabetes Awareness Week is Tau kē koe! ("Stay Sweet As"); our three top tips for preventing TYPE 2 diabetes are:

Mā te kai tika e tōtika ai (more than you need is more than you need) - try to make healthier food choices
Ka tū, ka kori, ka ora (stay on your feet and stay sweet) - try to do 30 minutes of exercise a day
Tirohia! Ki te kore, ka pore (if in doubt check it out!) - if you’re in doubt about your health talk to a health professional

Fundraising for World Champs - Buy a bracelet!

2011-09-26T20:06:00.000+13:00

I'm fundraising for my trip to the ITU World Long Distance Triathlon Champs in Las Vegas on 5th November 2011 (only 5 weeks away). Click on the link below to buy a bracelet that says "Someone I love has diabetes". The buy now price is $12.
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=410222582

TV ad: Molenberg: Cyclist

2011-09-21T16:11:00.000+12:00

TV ad: Molenberg: Cyclist

My Ironman Wisconsin Finishing Video

2011-09-15T14:45:00.000+12:00

http://www.asiorders.com/view_user_event_video.asp?EVENTID=75734&BIB=430&S=230&PWD=

Team Wild Interview 9-9-11

2011-09-15T03:34:00.000+12:00

Team of Women Who Exercise with Diabetes Will Compete in Ironman Wisconsin on September 11, 2011 | PRLog

2011-09-14T13:32:00.000+12:00

Team of Women Who Exercise with Diabetes Will Compete in Ironman Wisconsin on September 11, 2011 | PRLog

Tony Cervati!!!

2011-09-14T12:56:00.002+12:00

http://www.type1riderthefilm.com/

Heidi Jane and Kathy Z Talk Ironman Strategy with Diabetes

2011-09-14T12:32:00.000+12:00

Team Wild: Women Inspiring Life with Diabetes - an interview with Karen...

2011-09-14T12:28:00.000+12:00

Team Wild Promotional Video.mov

2011-09-14T12:27:00.000+12:00

Firefighter Rob Verhelst finishing Ironman Wisconsin, 9/11/11

2011-09-14T12:21:00.000+12:00

T1's Take on Rotorua (Quarter, Half and Full) Marathon!!

2011-08-20T12:51:00.000+12:00

In 3 weeks I'm racing with Team WILD (Women Inspiring Life with Diabetes) at Ironman Wisconsin, USA. In the event there will be eleven T1 diabetic women competing along side each other in the day long event. Our experiences with T1 Diabetes and sport are all very similar and its so cool that we are all able to complete in this event together.

I will be creating opportunities for T1 diabetics in NZ to get together to achieve awareness and make new friends with people who strive to achieve normality with this autoimmune disease.

The first event will be the Rotoria (quarter, half or full) Marathon on 28th April 2012. We need as many T1's (runners and walkers) and their supporters to take part in this event. We will provide a running singlet and as much training support and advice as you will need. To be part of the team, register your interest on the facebook event link below. If you have any questions about diabetes, training, the event and anything else please don't hesitate to contact me via heidi@t1trigirl.org.nz

Click here for the link to the facebook event: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=253518584668959

For information about the Rotorua Marathon (and other events) visit the link that follows.
http://www.rotoruamarathon.co.nz/

4km Swim!

2011-08-20T12:37:00.000+12:00

This morning I did a 4km swim with Mark at Huia Pool in Lower Hutt. My session consisted of 4 x 500m (swim/kick/paddles/swim) and then 5 x 400m (paddles on/paddles off) on 8mins. Nice long session and makes me feel good knowing that I could do that session easily with Ironman Wisconsin in only 3 weeks.

Cool article about...What Fuels the Athlete With Type 1 Diabetes?

2011-08-20T08:09:00.000+12:00

http://egmnblog.wordpress.com/2011/08/12/what-fuels-the-athlete-with-type-1-diabetes/
August 12, 2011 · 4:44 pm

↓ Jump to Comments

What Fuels the Athlete With Type 1 Diabetes?

A phenomenon that was virtually impossible just a couple of decades ago is now becoming increasingly commonplace: Athletes with type 1 diabetes are not only competing at elite levels in just about every sport, but in many cases are actually beating nondiabetic competitors. Gary Hall Jr. won three Olympic Gold medals in swimming after his diagnosis in 1999. Natalie Strand, an anesthesiologist, won the TV extreme-sport reality show Amazing Race with her partner last December. And bicycle racers Team Type 1 won the Race Across America in 2009 and 2010.
Of course, exercise is encouraged for people with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes as a way of improving glycemic control, cardiovascular health, and quality of life. But in competitive sports, milliseconds count and physical perturbations of any kind can mean the difference between winning and losing. With type 1 diabetes, aerobic exercise can result in hypoglycemia, while anaerobic exercise can cause glucose levels to rise. Many sports involve a combination of the two. The athlete with type 1 diabetes must perform frequent glucose checks and eat or take insulin as needed to maintain normal or near-normal glucose, while at the same time performing the athletic feat itself. It seems nearly impossible, yet they do it … with the help of both new technology and devoted health care professionals.
“I take each athlete, learn their sport and find solutions,” said Dr. Anne Peters, the endocrinologist who managed Gary Hall Jr.’s diabetes regimen during the Olympics and is now doing the same for professional racecar driver Charlie Kimball. “Each athlete is unique and requires individualized care.”

Javier Megias of Team Type 1 checks his blood sugar while warming up for a time trial at a race in Italy. Photo courtesy of Team Type 1

New research is aimed at understanding the physiology of these athletes better in order to improve that care. Team Type 1, sponsored by Sanofi, is funding a study in which data are being collected on about 10 bike racers with and 10 without type 1 diabetes. The athletes are being evaluated before, during, and after races using continuous glucose monitors and devices placed on the bicycles that measure variables such as power, heart rate, energy expenditure, speed, and altitude. Data on the athletes’ diet, insulin doses, and other variables are also being collected in a total of five major cycling events, each of which includes 4-8 individual races. “Bottom line, it’s a lot of data,” said Team Type 1 director of research Dr. Juan Frias.
Interestingly, blood glucose values of up to 200 mg/dL - far above “normal” – have been recorded in the nondiabetic riders during very intense portions of races. This “stress hormone” effect had been seen previously in the lab and in some hospitalized patients, but has not been well documented in field-based, real-world studies of healthy people. “Ultimately we hope that this feasibility study will provide data that will help us begin to better understand the optimal glucose concentrations needed to maximize athletic performance, Dr. Frias said.
Findings from the TT1 study will likely be announced at scientific conferences during 2012 and ultimately published, he told me.
Another research project, led by Nate Heintzman, Ph.D., of the University of California, San Diego, is studying athletes who are part of Insulindependence, an organization that promotes physical fitness and sport for people with type 1 diabetes. One of Insulindependence’s recreation-specific clubs, Triabetes, trains people with type diabetes to compete in triathalons. The UCSD-supported project, called the Diabetes Management Integrated Technology Research Initiative (DMITRI), is looking at many of the same variables as in the TT1 study, but is also collecting other data, including behavioral and cognitive information and biospecimens for DNA sequencing.

Insulindependence Captains starting their track workout at UCSD in June. Every person in this photo has type 1 diabetes. Courtesy of Nate Heintzman, Ph.D.

“The idea is to use emerging wireless and device technology as well as genetics and genomics to understand more about the personalized basis of blood glucose management. I think we’ll uncover trends to help tailor therapeutic regimens, and also develop technology on a personal level,” Dr. Heintzman said.
The DMITRI project began in June, and data will begin to emerge in the coming months. In the meantime, if you’re a health care provider or person with diabetes interested in learning more, Dr. Peters recommends Sheri Colberg-Ochs Ph.D.’s Diabetic Athlete’s Handbook. And if you’re seeking inspiration, you can follow Team Type 1 founder and CEO Phil Southerland’s efforts to enter the team in the 2012 Tour de France, professional cycling’s most elite event.
Bottom line, according to Dr. Peters, “The truly gifted athletes I have known seem to be born with an ability that compels them to compete, diabetes or not.”
-Miriam E. Tucker (@MiriamETucker on Twitter)

Any excuse to eat candy popcorn...

2011-08-16T19:26:00.000+12:00

Today's training still isn't over but I thought I would blog about this afternoons disaster. This morning I swam with Liz Van Wellie's squad at Windermere Polytech Pool. The pool's heat pump wasn't working property so we had to swim in the open air pool in our wetsuits. The set was long and hard. We cover 3.55km between 6 - 7.30am. I was so tired and cold afterwards but went straight to work.

pre-swim BG level: 4.1mmol-L (73)
post-swim BG level: 8.0mmol-L (144)
detatched my pump for swim

This afternoon I ran with my school's cross country champ, who just happens to be one of my neighbours. We ran for 30mins together before I ran from her house to mine. Total run time was 36mins. When I finished the run I walked and tested. I was surprised that my BG level was as low as 1.5mmol-L (27) and quickly consumed a whole bag of candy popcorn. I've been having a few lows lately but that is the first post exercise hypos in a while.

pre-run BG level: 4.9mmol-L (88)
post-run BG level: 1.5mmol-L (27)
detatched my pump for run

I will wait another hour before I start my wind trainer session and then lots of carb's for dinner.

5.5 to 4.9!!

2011-08-15T20:26:00.000+12:00

Although I raced yesterday, I am so aware of my lack of fitness and got straight back into training today. I ran for 59mins easy over a very hilly 10km course around home. When I started my run my BG level was 5.5mmol-L (99)!!! I took my insulin pump off for the entire run. At 25mins I consumed one Gu gel. When I returned home my BG level was 4.9mmol-L (88). This was a successful session.

5th in NZ Duathlon Champs (30 - 34 female)

2011-08-14T20:08:00.002+12:00

Today I took part in the NZ Duathlon Champs in Taupo, NZ. The day started off quite nicely with calm but cool temperatures until the Artic Polar Blast traveled up the country and settled above my head...well thats what it felt like anyway.

So, race stats are not something I'm too proud of...an all-time slowest duathlon but I finished. With Ironman Wisconsin only 4 weeks away I was just happy to practice my Ironman shuffle...success!

Another success was my BG levels...I woke 8.2mmol-L (147) and ate breakfast at 7.30am (late race start 10am). I ate toast, peach slices and an Up and Go (58g CHO). I dialed up 8.33units of bolus insulin and continued to get ready. We left the motel at 8am and on arriving at the race track I set up my bike. At 9am my BG level was 6.8mmol-L (122), so I started a temporary basal rate of 60% for 4hours. I tested again at 9.40am and was happy with 6.7mmol-L (120). On the start line I consumed one GU gel. My duathlon took 2.46.53hours and I placed 5th in the 30-34years age group. I drunk one bottle of Horleys Replace on the bike. Once finished my BG level was 4.4mmol-L (79).

All in all a very successful day even if it was cold.

Team WILD Kit!

2011-08-13T12:05:00.000+12:00

Ironman Wisconsin is only 4 weeks away and I'm getting nervous. My team WILD kit has arrived and I thought I would show you what it looks like. I have even painted my nails orange to match my new race kit. Going to try it all out on the race track tomorrow...New Zealand Duathlon Champ, Taupo. Wish me luck!

Along the way...: Onwards and upwards to Moscow.

2011-08-03T18:48:00.000+12:00

Check out what Steph McKenzie is up to on her blog...Steph is in the NZ track cycling team and a fellow pumper!!!

Along the way...: Onwards and upwards to Moscow.: "The boys at the top of a climb. Bonjour! We have finished our 2 nd day of training and the sensations throughout the team so far are t..."

Sponsors - MedAware & Managing Diabetes NZ Ltd

2011-07-27T18:25:00.003+12:00

http://www.medaware.co.nz/

MedAware is a small NZ company who sells affordable medical accessories. I wear a lovely pearl medical ID bracelet from MedAware. I also have a great organiser to keep all of my pump supplies together. MedAware has purchased a new aero cycle helmet for me to race with. This will not only make me look good (as it matches my NZ team kit) but it will definitely make me faster and more aerodynamic. Thank you for your support!

http://www.managingdiabetes.co.nz/

Managing Diabetes NZ Ltd (formerly Insulin Pumps NZ Ltd) is also a NZ owned company that supplies insulin pumps to diabetics in NZ. I have been lucky enough to be supported by Managing Diabetes NZ Ltd since 2007. Firstly with a Cosmo pump and now with a Dana R pump. Justin at Managing Diabetes NZ Ltd has sponsored my trip to Ironman Wisconsin in September. Without the support I get from this company I wouldn't be able to compete.

Diabetes Bracelets For Sale $10

2011-07-27T17:58:00.002+12:00

This is a picture of Phoebes new bracelet. I only have 6 pink ones left but if you want one send me your address and I will put one in the post. Each bracelet has the words, 'someone I love has diabetes'. They cost $10 and you can send me a cheque or deposit money into my account (I will send details). All money goes towards my trip to the ITU World LD Triathlon Champs in Henderson, Nevada, USA.

Thanks to Natasha, Melanie, Phoebe, Melissa, Kathy, Joel, Debbie, Terry, Georgina, Nicola, Liz, Dean, Jen, Darryl, Nikolai and Jan who have all bought bracelets.

Thursday 28th July - A Day in the Life of My Diabetes

2011-07-27T17:54:00.005+12:00

A little update on what has gone on in my life in the last 2 weeks to explain my absence from blogging. I got a new job at a school in Tauranga, moved into a flat 10days later and I'm now living 6hours away from Wellington. It was sad to leave, especially since I loved my class at Boulcott School so much but now that I'm finding new places to run, bike and swim I'm enjoying it. Our house is located in Omokoroa, which is 18km North of Tauranga. Its a small beach town with a lot of new developments...our place in brand new and one of 25 new homes in the gated community.

I haven't recorded all of my diabetic activities in one day in a while but here's a day in a life of my diabetes.

5.30am: BG level 9.7mmol-L
6 - 7.30am: Swam 3.5km at squad this morning. Took my insulin pump off for the whole session and ate 4 mentos.
7.30am: BG level 8.2mmol-L
7.45am: Ate 40g of CHO. Took on 7.5units of insulin (6units for food & 1.5units for BG level)
9.30am: BG level 9.1mmol-L and ate 45g of CHO. Took on 1.4units of insulin.
10.30am: BG level 5.8mmol-L
11.30am: BG level 6.3mmol-L
1.00pm: BG level 6.4mmol-L. Ate 120g of CHO. Took on 10.10units of insulin (12units for CHO and 0.36units for BG level - adjusted 2.20units for insulin on board).
1.50pm: BG level 1.8mmol-L. Treated with jellybeans.
2.30pm: BG level 4.8mmol-L.
5.00pm: BG level 7.0mmol-L.
8.00pm: BG level 3.7mmol-L. Treated with hypo gel and bread.
8.55pm: BG level 8.1mmol-L. Cycled on the wind trainer for 60mins and detached my pump.
10.05pm: BG level 4.3mmol-L after cycle. Ate pasta (50g CHO). Took on 4.3units of insulin (5units for CHO and -0.48units for BG level).
11.00pm: BG level 13.8mmol-L.

Average BG level day: 6.9mmol-L (124)
Number of BG tests: 13 tests
Highest BG level: 13.8mmol-L before bed
Lowest BG level: 1.8mmol-L after lunch (1.50pm)
Hypos: 1.8mmol-L and 3.7mmol-L
Injections: 4 bolus injections
Exercise: 90mins of swimming and 60mins of cycling on the wind trainer

Training 4th July to 10th July 2011

2011-07-09T21:37:00.000+12:00

This week was my first week back after 3 weeks (forced) time off training. Forced because I got so sick that I could do nothing more than lye on the couch/bed and sleep all day. A lot of helpful medicines, much needed rest and 6 days off work has meant I'm now healthy enough to start training again.

Ironman Wisconsin is in 9 weeks. Not that I'm panicking but I hope I will be able to get enough quality training in so I'm ready for the race. I've heard from fellow Team WILD team mates that the bike course is hard.

While I do understand that it was going to take me about a week to get back to what I was before I got sick, I didn't think I would struggle with so much of my training this week.

So here it is...training this week:
Monday: 30min run easy
Tuesday: 2.35km swim session with squad mates
Wednesday: 50min run easy
Thursday: 60min indoor trainer session and 2.6km swim session with squad mates
Friday: 90min run (60mins by myself and 30mins with my running club at school)
Saturday: 2hour indoor training session (supposed to do 2.30hours outdoors but weather was too dangerous)
Sunday: 90mins run and a 3km swim (including 10 x 200m).

Total of 10.20hours (so a light week of training but considerably more than all of the last 3 weeks).

Check out my videos about my indoor trainer session today (Saturday). BG levels were 11.4mmol-L before session, 6.4mmol-L after 60mins, 4.2mmol-L at 90mins and 4.8mmol-L after 2hours. Reduced basal rate to 70% for 90mins and then took pump off for the last 30mins.

Diabetes NZ Magazine Winter Issue 2011

2011-07-08T23:01:00.000+12:00

Carbohydrate Counting - American Diabetes Association

2011-07-03T17:41:00.000+12:00

Carbohydrate Counting - American Diabetes Association

Carbohydrate Counting with My Blackberry!

2011-07-03T17:39:00.000+12:00

http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/755?lang=en

I'm trailing this application in the hopes that I will get better at carbohydrate counting. I will post more information at the end of the week.

Being Sick Sucks!

2011-07-03T14:12:00.000+12:00

Well it has to be said, "Being sick sucks the big one!"

I don't think I've ever been this sick before making May and June the worst months ever...During May I was sick with the most uncomfortable stomach flu ever. I think I spent 6 days in bed/couch. Although I now know everything anyone should know about hollywood celebrities, I got next to nothing done. Then in June I was struck down with an inner ear infection and a nasty head cold. This time I was off work for another 6 days and it's only just gone away.

So training has been nonexistent for the last 3 weeks and I'm starting to get a little concerned with Ironman Wisconsin getting closer.

One thing is for sure when you get sick your sugar levels are harder to control. I had to test more often and increase my basal rate.

Depression may aggravate glycemic control in teens with diabetes - DiabetesPro SmartBrief

2011-06-17T12:14:00.000+12:00

Depression may aggravate glycemic control in teens with diabetes - DiabetesPro SmartBrief

HbA1c Result...7.6%!

2011-06-06T15:49:00.000+12:00

For the second month in a row I have scored a 7.6% for my HbA1c test. I'm having a few more hypo's than I used to but I'm trying to sort that out by changing my basal rates. I was hoping for a 7.5% but I'll have to wait until next month.

No Pump Run

2011-06-06T15:39:00.000+12:00

Today I did my easy, long run (21km in 1.50hours) around Masterton without my pump. I did this because I didn't have any gels so I had to make other plans to get through this run.

At the start of the run my BG level was 4.4mmol-L. I took my pump off 5minutes before I left after eating a LCM bar. I ran the first 55minutes by myself and tested (6.7mmol-L). I picked up my father (Carl) and husband (Mark) and they ran the last 50minutes with me. When I finished the run my BG level was 11.2mmol-L. Not a bad result with no insulin on board.

A success I think...I usually do all of my runs with my pump on so good to know that I can (when I need to) run without it.

Insulindependencetv

2011-06-05T19:29:00.000+12:00

Insulindependencetv

Training 30th May to 5th June 2011:

2011-06-05T18:35:00.001+12:00

This week was my first week with my old but new coach Kevin Nicholson. His programme has me focussing on quality and not quantity. So this is what I did:

Monday: Ran 50mins easy - BG levels: 7.9/4.2 (had a hypo at around 30minutes so struggled)

Tuesday: (AM) Cycled on WT with various efforts for 70mins - BG levels 11.1/11/7

Tuesday: (PM) Swam squad 3km for 80mins (included 10 x 50m & 20 x 25m) - BG levels 8.1/6.3

Wednesday: Ran 61minutes with intervals (6 x 3min efforts) 13km - BG levels 5.4/4.2

Thursday: (PM) Swam squad 2.35km for 80mins including 750m TT in 12.18mins - BG level 5.6/8.2

Friday: Ran 30mins with my school kids (easy) - BG levels ??/4.4

Saturday: Cycled 53km for 2.15hours - BG levels 4.9/5.1 (hypo after 26mins 2.1mmol-L)

Sunday: (AM) Cycled 35km for 1.30hours - BG levels 13.4/6.1 (hypo after 30mins 1.2mmol-L)

Sunday: (PM) Swam 2.1km for 60mins - BG levels ??/4.7

Totals: 10.51hours - 146.35km

Hypos: 3 hypos during training...levels range from 1.2 - 2.1mmol-L

Swim time trial: 12.18mins for 750m

Words I Use Most

2011-06-01T21:57:00.002+12:00

Using http://www.wordle.net/create these are the words that I use the most on my blog...HbA1c is large, not sure if thats a good thing. Testing, tests and test are used a lot...now that has to be good. Make one with your blog.

Vote for Steph

2011-06-01T20:36:00.000+12:00

Help Steph win the #AMPScholarships People's Choice Award worth 10k!

www.doyourthing.co.nz

DESA Sports Camp

2011-05-29T19:45:00.000+12:00

The DESA Camp was held at Lake Karapiro from Tuesday 26 to Thursday 28 April. The camp was aimed at diabetic athletes between the age of 13 - 18years.

I was there for the forum on Wednesday night. I spoke with Claire and Clement (two other type 1 athletes). We also answered questions and talked about how we cope with our sport and diabetes.

When I got home I set up a DESA NZ face book page for anyone to join. Find us here if you want to join the group http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_197746606927167&ap=1

DESA plans to hold more camps for athletes with diabetes around NZ so keep an eye out on http://www.desa.org.nz/

Race Plan: 2011 - 2012

2011-05-29T18:06:00.000+12:00

My main focus for the next 8months is to complete my fourth and fifth Ironman races. I will also be taking part in some other important events around NZ and the World.

Sunday 19 June - Capital Half Marathon, Wellington

Sunday 14 August - NZ Duathlon Champs, Taupo

Sunday 11 September - Ironman Wisconsin, Madision, USA

Saturday 5 November - ITU World Long Distance Triathlon Champs, Las Vegas, USA

Saturday 21 January - Challenge Wanaka, Wanaka

I will keep you posted on how I have gone.

How I Improved BG levels and HbA1c in 3months!

2011-05-29T16:55:00.001+12:00

testing while out on a ride in the Wairarapa

This year I had a plan to lower my HbA1c and have better control over my BG levels. I started making a conscious effort to test more often and record the results on an Excel spreadsheet.

At the start of February I got my HbA1c tested and got a result of 8.4%. In February I tested a total of 82 times (average of 3 per day). I recorded my results on the table above. I colour-coded the results...blue represents under 4mmol-L, white represents 4 - 12mmol-L, orange represents 12 - 15mmol-L and red stands for tests over 15mmol-L.

This is the break down of the results:

under 4mmol-L: 11%
4 - 12mmol-L: 59%
12 - 15mmol: 14%
over 15mmol-L: 16%

At the end of February I made some goals...(1) test more often (at least 4 times a day), (2) test more often at morning tea (10.30am) and at dinner, and (3) get my bedtime result down under 12mmol-L.

Sadly but understandably, I got 8.5% for my HbA1c results on 1st March. During March I increased my testing by 189% to test a total of 155 times. There was a noticeable improvement in my morning tea results but little had changed overall.

This is the break down of the results:

under 4mmol-L: 7%
4 - 12mmol-L: 56%
12 - 15mmol: 21%
over 15mmol-L: 16%

My new goals for April were...(1) to improve my BG results at lunch, dinner and before bed, and (2) to increase my testing to 6 times a day.

Again I increased my total number of tests in April by 121% to 189 tests (averaging 6 test per day). I made improvements to all of my BG levels but most significantly breakfast (average of 9.5mmol-L to 7.3mmol-L), morning tea (average 9.9mmol-L to 8.1mmol-L), lunch time (average 11.4mmol-L to 8.8mmol-L), and afternoon tea (average 9.8mmol-L to 8.2mmol-L). While my dinner and before bed tests improved also they were still only an average of 9.9mmol-L and so my goal for May was to work on these tests.

This is the break down of the results:

under 4mmol-L: 9%
4 - 12mmol-L: 72%
12 - 15mmol: 14%
over 15mmol-L: 5%

Due to hard work, regular testing and careful management my HbA1c result on May 1st was 7.6%. This was a 10% decrease in HbA1c over a 3 month period.

The picture below is my May test results...with 2 days left in May I will have to wait to put up statistics. In summary, with lots of testing you can improve your HbA1c result.

My Top Ten List of Things a Parent of a Child with Type 1 Diabetes Hates to Hear

2011-04-29T15:49:00.000+12:00

My Top Ten List of Things a Parent of a Child with Type 1 Diabetes Hates to Hear

New Website

2011-04-19T16:46:00.000+12:00

My new website is now up...http://www.t1trigirl.org.nz/ Have a look and tell me what you think. I rung my dad about the new website and this is what he said...

Wow. Congratulations Heidi-Jane on the release of your new web page. Because I got you into athletics, harriers, and running in general, in the first place, I believe I'm qualified to add some insights into what it takes to be an achiever while the general populus expects your physical exploits to be 'toned down' and 'safe within the confounds and limitations' of functioning with type one diabetes. I remember the early experiments with John Tylden (JT) when we tried to get the mix right for 3000 metres on the track. We almost had you disqualified with our supporter contributions, on many occasions. When we got it right eventually, you achieved some amazing things like: wining provincial cross-country races, road races, and track races over 1500 and 3000 metres. The 4 minute 39 second 1500 metres as a 17 year old would be one one my favourites (one of the fastest times run that year). And the national 2000 metre steeple chase title as a 17 year old, was huge. We look up to you, not only because you are 6 foot tall, but because you are an inspiration to all young type ones.

Thanks Dad (Carl Humphries)

20th Female in Xterra Half Marathon

2011-04-10T18:58:00.000+12:00

http://res.nz.eventdirector.net/XTNZ/SITES/1435/ZUSER/results%2021k%20run%202011.pdf

One Good Run by Hamish Norton: Blood Glucose Meter Test Results Comparision - Opt...

2011-04-04T08:11:00.000+12:00

This is a very interesting study done by my friend Hamish.

One Good Run by Hamish Norton: Blood Glucose Meter Test Results Comparision - Opt...: "I can remember the first time I tired the Accu-Check Performa out, after using an Optium Xceed for quite sometime. The Performa gave h..."

Challenge Wanaka - The Active Network

2011-03-27T19:30:00.002+13:00

Challenge Wanaka - The Active Network

As some of you may know I did the Lake Wanaka half ironman this year in January. My husband, Mark did the full Challenge Wanaka. The conditions were hideous with 70 - 100km/hr winds in all directions. Despite this I have set myself the challenge (like the pun) and I've entered Challenge Wanaka...bring on 12hours of pain!

Prevalence of intentional under and overdosing of insulin in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

2011-03-27T18:39:00.003+13:00

I thought this study was very interesting reading although not new to me. The study was designed to raise awareness of the prevalence of insulin underdosing and overdosing in young T1 patients.

29.5% of patients (group B) admitted to intentionally over or under dosing of insulin
27.8% of patients (group C) reported management problems leading to unintended inappropriate insulin dosages
22.8% of patients (group B) injected higher insulin doses than needed
24.1% of patients (group B) omitted their insulin

They concluded by suggesting that intentional overdosing of insulin is almost as prevalent in young people as omitting insulin is. It goes on to say that young females are more at risk.

Click here to see the offical report.

BG testing

2011-03-27T16:58:00.004+13:00

I recently did a poll on facebook and while only 13 people voted, it showed what I suspected. Most of us test over 5 times each day. No wonder I have holes in my fingers.

Check out the poll here

This month I challenged myself to test at least 4 times a day and I seems to be doing quite well. So far I can see some patterns emerging too which will be very helpful for next month. I am also going for another HbA1c on April 1st to see if it matches up.

I was also invited to join a group on facebook called 'The 5.5 Club'. This prompted me to check my testers to see just how many 5.5mmol-L test results there were. I discovered that I only had 4 of them (over a 5month period). It has inspired me to try and get more. So every time I get a 5.5mmol test result I will share it with you.

More to come...

Splash and Dash Series Winner (F30-39years)

2011-03-26T17:52:00.003+13:00

This is an overview of my racing this season in the Splash and Dash series 2010/11.

Race #1: 730m and 3km (15.14/13.04=28.18) 2nd place 7 points

Race #2: 730m and 3km (15.03/12.46=27.49) 1st place 10 points

Race #3: 730m and 4km *DIDN'T RACE*

Race #4: 730m and 5km (16.16/21.23=37.39) 1st place 10 points

Race #5: 1300m and 3km (26.14/12.47=39.01) 3rd place 5 points

Race #6: 1300m and 4km (26.10/17.22=43.32) 5th place 3 points

Race #7: 1300m and 4km (25.41/18.12=43.53) 4th place 4 points

Race #8: 1300m and 5km (25.28/22.00=47.28) 3rd place 5 points

The series was decided by your best 5 points. I ended up with 37points to win the 30-39year female category by 5 points.

Friday I raced in Ali Dennis' Squad Challenge over the same 730m course and did a PB in 13.44mins. We all started on handicaps and mine was 4mins behind the starters gun. I got passed by a lot of fast swimmers and didn't pass anyone. Placed 28th out of 31 people which is fairly embarrassing but everyone was very fast.

4th in Splash and Dash Race# 7 - Wellington

2011-03-10T08:15:00.008+13:00

Despite hurting in the run, last night I raced in the Splash and Dash Series - Wellington. The course was long but calm due to the Southerly.

1300m swim - 25.41mins (fastest over this distance all season!!)

4km run - 18.12mins

I came 12th female and 4th female 30-39 category.

I'm currently leading the female 30-39 category and with one race remaining I'm hoping to take out the series. The next and final race in the series will be on Wednesday 23rd March. The distance will be 1300m swim and 5km run. Hopefully I will have recovered enough to have a good one to complete the season.

click here to see my results

New Zealand Team - ITU World Long Distance Triathlon

2011-03-09T21:51:00.004+13:00

Today I was selected to represent NZ in the ITU World Long Distance Triathlon Champs. I will race in the female 30-35yr category. The course consists of a 4km swim, 120km cycle and 30km run. The race is located in Henderson, just minutes away from the Las Vegas strip.

Definitely there to race but there may be a bit of partying too...when in Rome.

Race website

Challenge of the Month #1

2011-03-08T22:14:00.004+13:00

The Challenge: To test my BG level at least 4 times a day for a whole week.

Start Dates: Tuesday 1 March and runs until Thursday 31 March.

Specific Details: I will use the same BG meter and record the results on my Excel spreadsheet. I will make sure that I test before breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and bed. I will also need to test pre/post exercise too.

Why? I have been looking closely at my BG readings of the last 6 weeks and have noticed some patterns that I would like to change. Having more data will allow me to see more clearly if my basal rates are correct, if my bolus rates are correct and it might even help me to lower my HbA1c test result. I will publish the results at the end of the weeks challenge and make some recommendations for myself.

Good luck to me!

Written by John Whiting from Triathlon NZ

2011-03-08T21:52:00.000+13:00

http://www.triathlon.org.nz/news?id=142

Watching history go down at Ironman NZ

2011-03-08 11:38:32

Tri NZ Communications Manager John Whiting was in Taupo to experience his first ever Ironman New Zealand.

My first time watching Ironman New Zealand in Taupo was an experience I’ll never forget for so many reasons.

Out of bed at 5:30am I thought I had it bad, until I thought of all the competitors and event officials who had already been up for hours!

Walking down to the swim start I quickly realised I’d underestimated how heavy the rain was coming down and that I was going to get very wet. Once I made it to the Yacht Club I had the chance to watch on as elites and age groupers said their goodbyes to family and friends then prepared themselves for a long day.

Trying to update facebook and twitter from my iPhone became the first challenge, doing my best to keep it out of the pelting rain!

At 6:45am the gun went off for the elites to start their swim. Still under darkness, I was able to see them duck off into the water thanks to spotlights before they disappeared for the 3.8km swim.

It was great to catch the age group start, seeing many individuals that I have caught up with over the phone and written human interest stories about like Aaron Fleming,Jacky James, Hayden Goldsack, Heidi-Jane James, Henry Tohu and IronMaori winner Kevin Nicholson.

Up to transition to watch competitors out of the water, it was interesting to see the differing body language on show. Some fresh faced and determined, other panting heavily, others already looking in a great deal of pain.

But out they all went on their bikes to tackle the 180km cycle on soaked and slippery roads. I’m no cyclist but I can only imagine the water made things a lot harder and more dangerous.
For me it was a quick transition up to my motel to put on some dry clothes, then back down to the centre of town to see the cyclists complete their first lap and then just before lunch watch the first of the elites move on to the marathon distance run.

Watching from behind the barriers you can feel the pain these men and women are in as they rely on willpower and mental toughness to keep their legs going while their bodies are screaming NO!

I feel very privileged to have been standing right on the finish line when Cameron Brown came in to win his 10th Ironman NZ title.

When you think about how tough the IMNZ race is, to have dominated the event over an entire decade like Cam has done is pretty special. It’s hard to compare the feat to another sport but it certainly must be up there with the most impressive winning streaks of all time.

Terenzo Bozzone put in an awesome effort to cross the line second, but Cam was just a monster and nothing was going to stop him taking the record 10th win.

The women’s elite race was also pretty inspirational with Sam Warriner holding on to take her debut ironman victory just months after heart surgery. To come back from adversity so quickly was truly something impressive to witness!

Some bad luck for Jo Lawn and Aussie Miranda Carfrae though who both suffered punctures on the bike. The sport can be very cruel sometimes.

After a bite to eat I was back down at the finish line in the pouring rain to take up a spot and watch everyone come in until the midnight cut off time.

Exhausted, soaking and in pain – the sense of relief and achievement was incredible to see as competitors made it over the line.

Absolutely spent, some wobbled and fell to the ground but they all got back up, heads held high with a finisher medal around their necks.

It was amazing to see a big crowd stick around until the bitter end despite the awful conditions and welcome in the finishers with the last one crossing the line at 11:59pm to a standing ovation.

The scenes I witnessed at Ironman New Zealand were emotional and inspiring, and while I have no ambitions to compete in one myself at this stage I’ll definitely be back next year to cheer on all these gutsy competitors again!

Thanks everyone,

John

Ironman NZ Photos

2011-03-06T20:50:00.005+13:00

Ironman NZ 2011

2011-03-06T19:18:00.004+13:00

Well my dad said it best when he posted this on my Facebook Wall...

To recap – Insulin Pump broke on Friday, sent Mark on emergency dash for replacement in Hamilton, couldn’t wear the pump on the swim, sugars were so low before the race – had to pinch a handful of sugar from the yacht club, reattached the pump in transition before the bike, had a hypo on the ride, recovered, and finished under 12 HOURS. What other athlete has to cope with so much!! You are my hero. (Carl Humphries)

To be honest I hadn’t even thought about it like that but I guess I did have to deal with a fair bit of extra shit the day before and on race day. Before I get into all of that I will give you the stats.

This is my third Ironman.

3.8km Swim - 1.11.52hours

180km Cycle - 6.06.46hours

42.2km Run – 4.27.55hours

A few minutes in transition doing my hair…NOT

Total Time – 11.59.49hours

Now for the BG readings…

Before the start I had an awful time trying to get my BG levels above 4mmol-L (testing pre-race 3.4mmol, 3.4mmol, 4.2mmol, 3.6mmol, 5.2mmol). When I tested 3.6mmol it was roughly 15minutes before start time. I never expected that I would actually run out of gels even with the spare ones my husband always carries (for this very reason). Up until this point I'd consumed 3 gels but I ran up to just about everyone I knew in the crowd but understandable no-one had any sugar on them. Fleur suggested that I went to the coffee cart up the road. In a frenzy I ran into the private function at the boat club and asked the volunteer if they had any sugar. Very obligingly, she came back with 6 packets of sugar which I downed in one and retested. With a reading of 5.2mmol I decided that I was happy to get in the water and start the race. I kissed my husband and ran to the start.

Transition One – After swimming for 1.11hour I tested 6.1mmol (this was great considering I swam without my pump and reattached it in the tent).

For the bike I reduced my basal rate for 7hours to 60%. I also wore a CGMS and monitored my sugars as I rode. I noticed for most of the ride it sat around 11mmol and I gave myself a bolus of 1unit at 40km. However around 165 – 170km my sugars unexpectedly dropped and I started to feel like there was nothing in my legs. I consumed I gel and then grabbed a bottle of coke from the next aid station. It took me a while to come right but we finished with a downhill section so I didn’t have work as hard.

Transition Two – After racing for 7.25hours I tested 8.4mmol-L.

For the run I reduced my basal rate for 5hours to 50% and this worked nicely.

My final test for the day was 9.4mmol.

The most pleasing thing about the day, apart from going under 12hours again and totally enjoying myself (until the last 17km of the run) was my ability to formulate a new plan in transition for each leg of the race. My original plan involved wearing the pump for the whole race…but I was unable to swim with it this time. My last two Ironman races were also with another type of pump and the settings aren’t the same so that meant it was going to have to be different anyway. It all worked to plan!

This brings me to what happened the day before the race...as usual my IM buddies and I were doing one last brick (swim-800m/bike-10km/run-4km) before the big race. I thought I would just test out PIP (pink insulin pump) under my wetsuit in my new 2XU tri-short with special back pocket, only to find out that it leaked. The battery compartment wasn't completely sealed and water got into the pump. My first reaction was to drive to the pharmacy and get syringes (just in-case). I made up some syringes and put them in my bike and run transition bags. While I did this my lovely husband rung Insulin Pumps NZ and organised a replacement pump...he then drove half way to Hamilton to meet Justin (who drove half way to Taupo) to collect it. So from 9 - 4.30pm I had to monitor my BG levels very carefully and have insulin by syringes however this meant that there was no basal insulin in my system for this time which upset my pre-race carbo loading and BG control. Also in this time I had to get my bike/helmet and two transition bags to the transition tent with no car (cause it was with Mark) before 4pm. I managed to get my bike mechanic friend Mike Peach to fix a wobbly bottle cage and then I rode off with two large bags, 5km down the road. Thankfully, I got there with 30minutes to spare before transition closed. My other problem was that I was running out of insulin. I had overpacked supplies but on Thursday I had another unexpected occlusion and had to refill my pump as a result. My good friend Dr Andy came to the rescue and wrote me a prescription at the nearest pharmacy. I only cried once on Friday but I'm so grateful for all of my friends and family members who helped me through this day.

I have 26 weeks until my next Ironman. This is going to mean lots of hard training through windy, wet, wintry Wellington weather. Alliteration aside, I will have to work on my running as this is now a weakness. I’d like to solve the mystery of the low BG’s on the start line and my last goal would be to achieve a time close to 11.30hours. While I wish I could be good enough to qualify for the World Ironman Champs in Kona-Hawaii, I will have to settle for now with a very respectable time and pretty good BG’s control.