This is another post in my series of Powering Through the Extraordinary (first post here), where I’ve decided to add running into my exercise arsenal.
I’ve been sticking with a training program that I found through Runtastic (one of the exercise apps available for the iPhone), and so far things have been going well. I haven’t started enjoying running, but I’m not hating it either. And I feel great about myself once I’m finished, which is a pretty big deal.
Training days in June
Running stats for June
I’ve also been playing basketball regularly, and I’m feeling better on the court because of the running. In fact, there have been a few days where I play basketball in the afternoon, then run in the evening. It might sound crazy, but if I’m stiff and sore from basketball, a good run will loosen me up and ease the pain. The more I move, the easier it is to keep moving.
Learning a new exercise with diabetes is tricky. Back in April I had a scary low while running. It was scary because I couldn’t tell if I was low or just tired from running. New exercises are just that — new! Things feel weird and different.
But I’m starting to understand the difference. When I’m tired from the exercise itself, I can usually find a way to push through it and keep going. When I’m tired because I’m getting low, there’s just nothing I can do to keep going.
I’m learning that knowing when to power through is an important skill when exercising with diabetes.
**Disclosure: By participating in this program Accu-Chek will provide an Accu-Check Nano meter and test strips for a month, and P&G/Duracell will provide a heart rate monitor to aid in my training. I have agreed to post a few times talking about my experiences through the end of June.
Proud of you Scott! Trying something new is always a little scary but good for you for keeping up with it 🙂
Nice, SKJ! I find that doing sprints (which is more anaerobic, therefore burns less glucose) is a great way to build endurance if you don’t want to fuss with your BG. And DEFINITELy great for your bball game!
Thanks for the continued inspiration. Love your determination. (Um, and glad you caught that 55 eventually! 😉 )
xoxoxox
Way to go with the running!
There’s a feeling I get when I’m running and just know that I’m low. It’s like a moment of clarity amidst the confusion and (dare I say) panic of hypoglycemia. Being low (for me) feels a lot like being tired except that I can feel myself having the muscles to power through but not having any of the coordination or ability to do it. That’s usually about the time that I stop running, and then all of my non-running hypo symptoms kick in. I’m sure I look like warmed over death when I’m (slowly) walking along and stuffing my face with glucose tablets.
Keep up the great effort!
Yay, look at you go!!!!! Personally, I have a really hard time telling between a “just really tired” and a “holy crud I’m low” when I’m exercising. I tend to be fairly hypo-unaware anyway and while exercising I just really can’t tell. I won’t lie – it’s scary!! I don’t know what my point is – now I’m just babbling through this comment – but I guess my main point is YOU ARE MY HERO and also I need to start running again because I don’t think I’ve run since I got busy with DBlog Week.
I’m the same way with my running (and other exercise) and low BGs. Exercise is the only time I’m hypounaware (perfect timing, huh?) and I’ve slowly learned the difference between a low tired and a tired-tired. Being on a CGM certainly helps, but since I’ve done my share of treadmill running that allows me to carry my meter instead of just glucose tabs, I’ve been able to discern differences in symptoms. Not easy, and sometimes I’m still wrong, but knowing your body is important. I’m glad you’re running too, maybe we will have a DOC run at the next conference! 🙂
Scott, I am 73 now, and have bad knees that need to be replaced. A year ago I was able to do very brisk walks, but I do slow walks now. After me knee replacements are done maybe I can do so much more. I workout at a gym three days per week, but I pick the machines carefully to avoid hurting my knees.
I admire your running, basketball, and biking activities. Powering through seems to work for you. I hope it will continue to do so for many years to come.
Nice job, Scott!! I’m starting to walk more since our meeting last Saturday. Hearing about other people exercising is motivating!
Great job, Scott! Proud of you 🙂
And I was wondering when you’d switched to the Nano. That’s the one I’m currently using, too (because of insurance reasons)
As part of this promotion, Roche sent me the Nano meter and some strips. It’s a nice little unit. Like you, insurance will probably dictate whether I keep using it or not once I’m done.
Way to go Scott! I admire you for going through with this. Combining sports with diabetes, is never easy. You cannot focus completely on the sports factor, since lows and highs may be hitting you in the face. Thumbs up!
Hi Scott. Thanks for the post. I’m wondering about the Runtastic, the running app. I notice there’s a free version and a paid version. Which are you using, and how do you find it? Regards, David
Hi David,
Thanks for reading. I’m using the pro version, but am having second thoughts about it. I can’t cope well with talking me through a training session while being inside on a treadmill.
As far as where to find it, I just got the free version in the app store and upgraded through the app.