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.
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.