D T1D Unit

Closing thoughts from two Achilles International- Denver Chapter Athletes; Type One Diabetics: Kerry Kuck (Blind Runner 30+years) & Chewey Lam (Guide / Me)

Me: "Make no mistake we were far from perfection but were as close to perfection as a Unit could be!" I'm hoping that the 2018 Rock 'n' Roll Denver wasn't Kerry's last Half Marathon but if it was; I'm so glad & thrilled to have been able to be a part of it!"  

Kerry: "This is Crosby's 2nd Rock 'N' Roll half medal, his 9th race of this year guiding me, and about 30 successful races guiding me in his working career. We represent true hope for the totally blind, especially for those suffering from type 1 diabetes and its many complications, like I was 35 years ago. For me, this is not about diabetes, running, or running with a guide dog. (OK, maybe a little about running with a guide dog.) It is about giving real hope to those who are almost hopeless, like I was 30 and 35 years ago, or 4 guide dogs ago." --I didn't push Crosby today  (I hugged Kerry crossing the Finish Line Crosby in tow);.........

Journey to 26.2 (Part 1)

Many strides, kilometres, thoughts pass in the initial starting stages of a 26.2. What is a 26.2? For those not familiar with running jargon; 26.2 is short for Marathon. Roughly 26.2 Miles, 42.2 Kilometres. 1 Year Ago; The 2017 Colfax Marathon was my 26.2 debut. I had no time to think of what to expect or pre-26.2 jitters as I was constantly in running / life mode.  For most runners; participants; this is not new. Add on the layers of being a Type 1 Diabetic & numerous other conditions anemia, hemophilia, vertigo & my time was in a literal vacuum. I had no time to think about it; I’m constantly preparing the body for conditions.

So this is where the journey to 26.2 begins;.........

24k of Type 1 Endurance

Stride after stride I felt stronger & quicker; glancing at my Dexcom monitor strapped on my upper left arm: blood sugar 67 & falling double arrows.  Arms swinging like a pendulum; I took a big swig of water & glanced at my other vitals on my watch: pulse 110 / 39.01 minutes / 4.3 miles into a 5 mile race. On the outside, I was calm, powerful & a running Diabadass passing runners in the final stretch. Inside, my sugars were depleted, pulse quickening, & dry mouth; (Hypoglycemia) for me! I realized I needed to finish this race fast or.................