Daily Total: 41.20 Ride Hours: 00:00

Time BG Carbs Units
---- -- ----- -----

I made the switch to the Deltec Cozmo 1800 insulin pump tonight after dinner. I haven't gotten into and programmed any of the advanced features yet, but I have a training scheduled for Friday to learn about those items.

I do have the CozMonitor blood glucose montior attached to the back of the pump right now. I have checked its accuracy versus my One Touch device, and they are within 1 or 2 points on each test.
Set the pump up with the settings from my Medtronic 712. So far this evening it is working as expected.

There is one issue that I will need some help from Deltec with however. The software (CozManager v2.0) which is one of the things I was really excited about using, doesn't work correctly with Windows Vista. Hopefully, we can get this resolved.

Otherwise I'll keep updating here of how it is going.

Daily Total: 41.35 Ride Hours: 01:33

Time BG Carbs Units
---- -- ----- -----


23:10 132OT 26g 2.1u
21:05 38g 2.5u
20:53 121OT 22g 1.4u
20:22 29g 1.9u
20:13 81OT 17g .5u
17:31 76OT
15:28 12g .8u
13:32 24g 1.6u
13:26 84OT 17g .6u
09:59 119OT
09:54 16g 1.0u
09:07 130OT .4u
07:18 137OT 12g 1.3u
01:29 66OT
01:00 51OT
00:32 47OT
00:06 66OT


I'm up in Reston, VA for an Oracle training class. Yesterday's drive was ROUGH... it took a ton longer than I thought due to the weather. Today the weather was no better, with rain and storms all day. (You might have seen some tornado news on the weather). Luckily, those twisters missed us here...


A terrible nights sleep, which started off pretty rough. I can't explain it at all.


A long day in class... and the sun finally started to come out right at the end of the day.


I brought some bikes with me, so I figured I would get out for a little while at least. I set my basal rate down to a 50% reduction right at 17:30. Took me a little bit to get rolling, but I was out on the Kona at 18:20.


I was able to locate a trail near to on http://www.mtbr.com/, and gave it try. Was a fun ride for sure, and it just was long enough for what I needed.

After the ride I went back to the hotel and got cleaned up. Funny looks from folks as I headed thru the lobby extremely muddy. :)

Got showered and changed, grabbed my fixie, and rolled out to find something to eat.

Had a GREAT Thai dinner at Busara. Yeah, not a great name for a Spanish restaurant so glad to find it was Thai.

Was out the fixie for a couple of hours as the weather was perfect.

Back to hotel and to bed. No changes for the basal rate with the pump at bedtime.

Driving home tomorrow.

Daily Total: 33.40 Ride Hours: 04:38

Time BG Carbs Units
---- -- ----- -----

22:52 102OT
21:55 36g 2.4u
20:56 67OT
18:51 59OT
16:23 33g 2.2u
16:10 27g 1.8u
16:09 157OT
15:19 204OT 2.0u
13:04 77OT
10:00 108OT
08:23 55OT
07:13 66OT

So today started off early and low. I REALLY need to lower the basal rate I use in the late morning hours. Been slowly changing it, but need to bump it some more. Weird thing here was that I took in about 30g of carbs at 07:15 with no bolus, but yet still dropped to 55 right before 08:30.

I was subbing cycle class for K today, as she is still very sick. Class started at 08:30, so I was a little freaked about the 55 at 08:23. Also, I was planning on getting out on the demo Trek Fuel EX9.0 right after class ended.

What I did was drink a regular soda at 08:25. I also deceiced that I should go ahead and lower my basal rate now, so I dropped it to a 50% reduction.

Class was pretty good, and I managed to get in some nice tempo work as I taught.

After class I got changed and headed out for a ride. Got a little held up getting out of the Wellness Center, but managed to be rolling at 10:00. I was stoked to see the 108 at ride start.

I headed over to the local Chapel Hill trail system, and met George and Greg over there. Those guys are doing the Pisgah Challenge Adventure Mountain Bike race next weekend, so today was a just for fun tool around.

Also today I was able to get out and demo a Trek Fuel EX 9.0. (Thanks Travis!). Although it wasn't setup anything like I like (long cockpit, low bar height), I must say that this bike rips! Had a great time riding it, and I am considering it for a replacement for the Intense. The stem was about 30mm too short for me, and that made me feel like I was sitting to upright. At first I thought it was the bike's geometry, but even after droping the travel on the Talas, it felt the same. The suspension works GREAT, and the bike was very impressive.

I bet the carbon one (EX 9.5) would be SMOKIN. :)


During the ride I tried to stay on the food intake schedule of 1 PowerBar Gel every 30 minutes, and 16oz of water per hour. I did fall a little behind as I was struggling on the ride. I was felling pretty tired once we hit the 3 hour mark, so I just fell behind. It showed around 13:00, so I ate a PowerBar to help me to correct.

Was back at the truck a little after 14:00. Tested a little high (hey, that PowerBar worked, eh). Got changed and took the demo bike back to the shop.


Energy Expenditure 3603 kcal
Number of Heart Beats 43167 beats
Minimum Heart Rate 100 bpm
Average Heart Rate 155 bpm
Maximum Heart Rate 188 bpm
Ascent 1043 ft


Was stoked to get out on the home trails today. Weather was perfect, and trails where great!


When I went to bed around 23:00 I set my pump down to a 10% reduction for 6 hours.

Daily Total: 39.00 Ride Hours: 00:00

Time BG Carbs Units
---- -- ----- -----

Just struggling to get through the week. But...

I did open the Deltec Cozmo box. LOTS of stuff in there... 800 test strips, the Cozmo pump, the Deltec BG monitor (that attaches to the pump), computer software, 3 boxes of reservoirs, and 3 of Cleo 90 infusion sets. Sweet.

Can't wait to get started. I have been reading through the manual, and this pump does a TON of advanced functions. Will get into more details soon. Probably won't get hooked up on it until next week.

Daily Total: 39.30 Ride Hours: 00:00

Time BG Carbs Units
---- -- ----- -----


K has been very, very sick and it all kinda came to a head. She is out of work and staying at her mom's so she can get some much needed rest. Therefore I am Mr Mom at home right now. Got a couple of hours of sleep last night, and am pretty beat. I am still trying to recover from my cold/flu/virus whatever... so things are rough rite now at the homestead. For everyone.


I did actually spent some time with J today after work and cleaned the frame of the Fuel. I am able to look at it and not get all annoyed. I am going to try to get the wheels done tomorrow, but I might not have time for that.


Also, I am going to try and demo a Fuel EX 9 sometime this weekend. The Intense is got some frame damage, and the shock needs a rebuild, so I'm not sure if it is worth the total of the cost of repair. Might need to replace it, and other Intense would be crazy expensive right now. Don't think I could swing it.

This is the 5.5 replace unveiled at Sea Otter over the weekend:


Gonna be some big $$$$. Anyone want to buy some plasma? I could probably get a complete EX 8 for the cost of that frame.



New Cozmo pump was to be delivered today, but I couldn't arrange anyone to be there at delivery time. Someone can make it there tomorrow, so late Thursday night I should be playing with it. Maybe have it hooked up for Friday? :)

I'll post some pics of the new devices as soon as I get them.

Daily Total: 41.00 Ride Hours: 00:00

Time BG Carbs Units
---- -- ----- -----

I am still trying to recover from the disaster that was Cohutta. I haven't even touched the Fuel yet to clean it. Don't even want to see it right now.

My cold, or whatever it is, has gotten worse since I have been home. K is VERY sick, and we are struggling to get through this week.

I got the Cohutta race report, results, and gallery up on the site. Share the experience: http://www.type1rider.org/RaceResults/2008/2008Cohutta100/tabid/159/Default.aspx.

New Deltec Cozmo pump is scheduled for delivery tomorrow. Not sure if I can arrange someone to be there to sign for it until Thursday. So, we'll see.

Out.

Daily Total: 44.95 Ride Hours: 00:00

Time BG Carbs Units
---- -- ----- -----

Feeling even worse today about my performance yesterday. Really, really down. Didn't even leave the house today, or clean the bike. Just hung it up as is. Ignoring all phone calls... I can't bring myself to talk to anyone today.

I am so disappointed. I have not yet begun to figure out what I could have done differently. Maybe I should have modified the morning bolus for the high, and..... forget it. I can't talk about it now...

BITTER BITTER BITTER disappointment and a colossal failure from a diabetic athlete point of view.

2008 Cohutta 100 - Result: DNF

Daily Total: 38.60 Race: 04:14

Time  BG  Carbs Units
----  --  ----- -----

22:09 104OT 12g .7u
19:32 97OT 32g 1.1u
18:05 33OT
14:57 54OT
12:51 176OT 30g 3.3u
12:07 192OT 1.6u
11:21 96OT 30g .5u
09:56 46OT
09:21 79OT
08:52 53OT
08:22 42OT
07:47 31OT
06:27 56OT
05:09 17g 1.1u
05:05 154OT 12g .8u
04:05 333OT 4.4u


The 2008 Cohutta 100 took place in Duckton, TN at the Ocoee Whitewater Center which hosted the 1996 Olympics. Cohutta is the first race in the 2008 National Ultra Endurance Race Series (http://www.usmtb100.com) of 8 events. The race is a 100 mile loop through the Cherokee National Forest, of which 97 miles is off-road and 35 miles is single track. The course also features 12,000 feet of climbing. The NUE is a very competive series, and dozens of well known pros and teams where in attendance.

I struggled with whether or not to even attend this race. I had been fighting a very bad cold the week leading up to the event. Between that, and the lost of sleep due to the baby, I was feeling very tapped. All of these issues where causing my blood glucose levels to be very erratic during the week, and I wasn't very confident that it would be in check during the event. Since I had already registered and wasn't going to get a refund, I thought I would go ahead and give it go. In hind sight, I should have not attempted this event under these conditions.

It was a 6 hour drive from Durham, and George and I arrived in perfect weather mid afternoon on Friday. After arriving and meeting up with Marcy, we picked up our race packets. Spent sometime hanging out, and then went to the hotel to check in. After checking in, we headed to dinner in Murphy, NC. I usually try to eat a little more than I normally would to ensure that I don't go low overnight before the event. Trying to cut it too close has led to issues in the past, and I preferred not to be trying to catch up after waking up.

I woke up an hour early running much higher than I would have liked. So at 04:00 I bolused to correct a 333. Took the full recommenced bolus, and had 3 hours to race start time.  At 05:00 George and I got up, and I was at 154. Perfect. I took in 12g of measured carbs and only bolused for the carbs, not the BG of 154. A little later I ate a PowerBar Pria bar which contain 17g of carbs. I bolused for that as well.

On the way to the race course, I lowered my basal rate to 50% of normal at 06:03. It was raining, and had been raining all night. Course would be a wet, muddy mess, and I would need to wrap my pump and test kit in zip lock bags. No problem.

Got parked and setup to go by 06:27, and tested one last time before heading to line up for racers meeting and race start. I was SHOCKED to notice I was at a 56. This is of course a worst case scenario for me for such an event. I consumed a regular soda (very quickly) to dump 50g of carbs into the system. I was feeling very relaxed and not anxious at all. I was only expecting to finish today, so no pressure at all. I put a full bag of jelly beans in my pack, just in case I needed the simple sugar later on. Thank goodness I did this. I then lowered my basal rate to 35% of normal at 06:30. I usually do this as my BG normally drops leading up to race start.

Race began at 7:00 sharp. The group of 250 riders headed out on the paved road up a good grade for 3 miles. Heart rate was all good, and the legs and lungs felt fine. I was near the back, as I was specifically trying to conserve energy as I was sure my BG level wasn't up to par yet.

From the road we dumped into a beautiful single track section, maybe 10 miles long. The trail was muddy and a little slick, but my tire selection was spot on (Kenda Karma rear, Maxxis Ignitor up front). I stayed on the fueling plan of 1 PowerBar Gel every 30 minutes, and 8-10 oz of water per hour.

I continued for 45 or so minutes, and figured I should stop and test to see where I was at that point. At 07:47 my BG had fallen to a fairly dangerous 37. This still makes no sense to me, as I was totally chill with the heart rate, my pump setting was low, and I had consumed the soda and plenty of fuel up to this point. I stopped and opened my bag of jelly beans. I ate a couple of handfuls, and took 5 minutes to compose myself and think.

Slowed my pace a little more, again trying to conserve, and continued to ride on. I was still not feeling myself, so I stopped and tested 30 minutes later. Still very low at a 42. Not good. Not good. Again I took in some jelly beans, and also through in some peanut m&m's for sugar and fat. Continued on at my relaxed pace for another 30 minutes. Again, I could tell I was low as the legs where certainly not firing with any authority. At 08:52, I tested at a 53.

Man, I am in BIG TROUBLE here. Ate some more sugars and tried to continue on.

At this point I had consumed more food than my body could process given my output, and I began to develop some GI distress. I puked a couple of times in the next 30 minutes, and was then really concerned about what type of energy I had on board.

I reached Aid Station 1 at 09:15. I was hoping to reach it in 90 minutes or so, but it was farther out than I though. I chilled there for about 20 minutes and was able to get to a BG of 79. Ok... feeling better, so lets keep on going.

Headed on out to reach Aid Station 2. Picked the pace up a little bit, but still not quite at my target race pace. About 30 minutes or so later, I could feel I was crashing again. Tested at 09:56 at a 46. Consumed more M&M's and jelly beans and just sat on the side of the trail.

At this point I released that my 100 mile race was finished.

Given the BG and performance trent I would not make the cutoff time required by Aid Station 6 (mile 80). If I missed it, I would not be allowed to finish. I certainly didn't exactly know how far Aid Station 2 was, and was concerned about having a MAJOR issue before reaching that point. I figured I was one of the last 100 milers by this point, and there would only be a handful of people behind me at best. Struggling with blood sugar issues in a national forest without knowing where I was or how far I had to go was not a smart idea right now.

I made the VERY, VERY difficult (but certainly wiser) decision to abandon the 100 miler. I truthfully got a little emotional at this point. I was very disappointed. Very disappointed.

I needed to get myself relaxed, and figure the best way to get me back to the start/finish. Basically, I turned around on the course and road back to Aid Station 1. When I reached Aid station 1, I turned the other way to follow the 35 and 65 mile routes. Since aid station 1 was at 18 miles, I figured I only had 17 or less to go if I followed the 35 mile route.

Slowed my pace way down, and pretty much just tooled around in my granny gear. I continued to consume a Gel every 30 minutes, and tried to stay on the hydration plan.

I was still not feeling right, and actually missed a marker for a turn on the 35 miler. This sent me past a rest station on that route TWICE. The folks at the stop noticed me the second time, and stopped me to check with me. I was put on the right course and ate some cookies while there. This was probably around 10:40.

In the final 4 miles I got a flat up front, and just laughed to myself. What a day.

Got back to the start/finish at 11:10. I figured I completed about 45 miles or so during the 4 hour 14 minute ride.

Energy Expenditure 4219 kcal
Number of Heart Beats 38911 beats
Minimum Heart Rate 98 bpm
Average Heart Rate 153 bpm
Maximum Heart Rate 186 bpm
Ascent 5198 ft

Tested at a 96 at 11:21, and decided to put my pump back to a normal basal rate. Ate right away, and took in a very minute bolus for the carb intake. Not sure what to expect in terms of sensitivity and recovery.

George (The HERO!) finished up just after 19:30. I was very excited for him for finishing. Nice work!

We left Duckton shortly after 20:00 and headed for the long drive home.

This event was a disaster for me right out the gate. I am not even sure what I can learn and take away from the series of events with my BG today. Basically I started the race like a old, worn dollar bill which set my blood sugar off erratically. I need to do everything in my power to be sure not to enter an event in that state again. It was a extremely bitter disappointment that will linger with me for a long while. There was just nothing I could to correct my blood glucose today. Nothing.

2008 Cohutta 100 - Result DNF

Daily Total: 38.60 Race: 04:14

Time  BG  Carbs Units
----  --  ----- -----
22:09 104OT 12g .7u
19:32 97OT 32g 1.1u
18:05 33OT
14:57 54OT
12:51 176OT 30g 3.3u
12:07 192OT 1.6u
11:21 96OT 30g .5u
09:56 46OT
09:21 79OT
08:52 53OT
08:22 42OT
07:47 31OT
06:27 56OT
05:09 17g 1.1u
05:05 154OT 12g .8u
04:05 333OT 4.4u

The 2008 Cohutta 100 took place in Duckton, TN at the Ocoee Whitewater Center which hosted the 1996 Olympics. Cohutta is the first race in the 2008 National Ultra Endurance Race Series (http://www.usmtb100.com) of 8 events. The race is a 100 mile loop through the Cherokee National Forest, of which 97 miles is off-road and 35 miles is single track. The course also features 12,000 feet of climbing. The NUE is a very competive series, and dozens of well known pros and teams where in attendance. I struggled with whether or not to even attend this race. I had been fighting a very bad cold the week leading up to the event. Between that, and the lost of sleep due to the baby, I was feeling very tapped. All of these issues where causing my blood glucose levels to be very erratic during the week, and I wasn't very confident that it would be in check during the event. Since I had already registered and wasn't going to get a refund, I thought I would go ahead and give it go. In hind sight, I should have not attempted this event under these conditions. It was a 6 hour drive from Durham, and George and I arrived in perfect weather mid afternoon on Friday. After arriving and meeting up with Marcy, we picked up our race packets. Spent sometime hanging out, and then went to the hotel to check in. After checking in, we headed to dinner in Murphy, NC. I usually try to eat a little more than I normally would to ensure that I don't go low overnight before the event. Trying to cut it too close has led to issues in the past, and I preferred not to be trying to catch up after waking up. I woke up an hour early running much higher than I would have liked. So at 04:00 I bolused to correct a 333. Took the full recommenced bolus, and had 3 hours to race start time.  At 05:00 George and I got up, and I was at 154. Perfect. I took in 12g of measured carbs and only bolused for the carbs, not the BG of 154. A little later I ate a PowerBar Pria bar which contain 17g of carbs. I bolused for that as well. On the way to the race course, I lowered my basal rate to 50% of normal at 06:03. It was raining, and had been raining all night. Course would be a wet, muddy mess, and I would need to wrap my pump and test kit in zip lock bags. No problem. Got parked and setup to go by 06:27, and tested one last time before heading to line up for racers meeting and race start. I was SHOCKED to notice I was at a 56. This is of course a worst case scenario for me for such an event. I consumed a regular soda (very quickly) to dump 50g of carbs into the system. I was feeling very relaxed and not anxious at all. I was only expecting to finish today, so no pressure at all. I put a full bag of jelly beans in my pack, just in case I needed the simple sugar later on. Thank goodness I did this. I then lowered my basal rate to 35% of normal at 06:30. I usually do this as my BG normally drops leading up to race start. Race began at 7:00 sharp. The group of 250 riders headed out on the paved road up a good grade for 3 miles. Heart rate was all good, and the legs and lungs felt fine. I was near the back, as I was specifically trying to conserve energy as I was sure my BG level wasn't up to par yet. From the road we dumped into a beautiful single track section, maybe 10 miles long. The trail was muddy and a little slick, but my tire selection was spot on (Kenda Karma rear, Maxxis Ignitor up front). I stayed on the fueling plan of 1 PowerBar Gel every 30 minutes, and 8-10 oz of water per hour. I continued for 45 or so minutes, and figured I should stop and test to see where I was at that point. At 07:47 my BG had fallen to a fairly dangerous 37. This still makes no sense to me, as I was totally chill with the heart rate, my pump setting was low, and I had consumed the soda and plenty of fuel up to this point. I stopped and opened my bag of jelly beans. I ate a couple of handfuls, and took 5 minutes to compose myself and think. Slowed my pace a little more, again trying to conserve, and continued to ride on. I was still not feeling myself, so I stopped and tested 30 minutes later. Still very low at a 42. Not good. Not good. Again I took in some jelly beans, and also through in some peanut m&m's for sugar and fat. Continued on at my relaxed pace for another 30 minutes. Again, I could tell I was low as the legs where certainly not firing with any authority. At 08:52, I tested at a 53. Man, I am in BIG TROUBLE here. Ate some more sugars and tried to continue on. At this point I had consumed more food than my body could process given my output, and I began to develop some GI distress. I puked a couple of times in the next 30 minutes, and was then really concerned about what type of energy I had on board. I reached Aid Station 1 at 09:15. I was hoping to reach it in 90 minutes or so, but it was farther out than I though. I chilled there for about 20 minutes and was able to get to a BG of 79. Ok... feeling better, so lets keep on going. Headed on out to reach Aid Station 2. Picked the pace up a little bit, but still not quite at my target race pace. About 30 minutes or so later, I could feel I was crashing again. Tested at 09:56 at a 46. Consumed more M&M's and jelly beans and just sat on the side of the trail. At this point I released that my 100 mile race was finished. Given the BG and performance trent I would not make the cutoff time required by Aid Station 6 (mile 80). If I missed it, I would not be allowed to finish. I certainly didn't exactly know how far Aid Station 2 was, and was concerned about having a MAJOR issue before reaching that point. I figured I was one of the last 100 milers by this point, and there would only be a handful of people behind me at best. Struggling with blood sugar issues in a national forest without knowing where I was or how far I had to go was not a smart idea right now. I made the VERY, VERY difficult (but certainly wiser) decision to abandon the 100 miler. I truthfully got a little emotional at this point. I was very disappointed. Very disappointed. I needed to get myself relaxed, and figure the best way to get me back to the start/finish. Basically, I turned around on the course and road back to Aid Station 1. When I reached Aid station 1, I turned the other way to follow the 35 and 65 mile routes. Since aid station 1 was at 18 miles, I figured I only had 17 or less to go if I followed the 35 mile route. Slowed my pace way down, and pretty much just tooled around in my granny gear. I continued to consume a Gel every 30 minutes, and tried to stay on the hydration plan. I was still not feeling right, and actually missed a marker for a turn on the 35 miler. This sent me past a rest station on that route TWICE. The folks at the stop noticed me the second time, and stopped me to check with me. I was put on the right course and ate some cookies while there. This was probably around 10:40. In the final 4 miles I got a flat up front, and just laughed to myself. What a day. Got back to the start/finish at 11:10. I figured I completed about 45 miles or so during the 4 hour 14 minute ride. Energy Expenditure 4219 kcal Number of Heart Beats 38911 beats Minimum Heart Rate 98 bpm Average Heart Rate 153 bpm Maximum Heart Rate 186 bpm Ascent 5198 ft Tested at a 96 at 11:21, and decided to put my pump back to a normal basal rate. Ate right away, and took in a very minute bolus for the carb intake. Not sure what to expect in terms of sensitivity and recovery. George (The HERO!) finished up just after 19:30. I was very excited for him for finishing. Nice work! We left Duckton shortly after 20:00 and headed for the long drive home. This event was a disaster for me right out the gate. I am not even sure what I can learn and take away from the series of events with my BG today. Basically I started the race like a old, worn dollar bill which set my blood sugar off erratically. I need to do everything in my power to be sure not to enter an event in that state again. It was a extremely bitter disappointment that will linger with me for a long while. There was just nothing I could to correct my blood glucose today. Nothing.

(sent via cell phone)

for our 7:00am start time. In Murphy, NC about 30 minutes from race site. Been a long day traveling... Took about 7 hours. I am exhausted and feeling a bit rundown. Hopefully tomorrow will find me feeling better.

This is going to be a demanding course and event for my current state of readiness. Truthfully i am feeling a little uneasy about being so far out. Not terribly worried, just one of those personal comfort things.

Just do what you can do. New baby, sick as a dog. I Just need to ride and enjoy the mountainous view. And that is my race plan. :)

Just one more.....
--
Tony Cervati
tony@type1rider.org
http://www.type1rider.org
Awareness-Education-Support-Encouragement
"Just one more."

Daily Total: 46.75 Ride Hours: 00:00

Time BG Carbs Units
---- -- ----- -----


Been trying to relax and recover as much as possible, but still no relief from this cold. It has moved more into my chest now (oh joy), so at least something is happening. Any big deep breaths force me into a coughing fit.

Not much I can do but hang in there and try to finish at Cohutta. Aim low.


What a messed up way to begin the season, and the NUE series.


Saw this sticker and it made me laugh. Thought y'all get a kick out of it too:

I just need to keep on rollin', and hope I get a little more cleared up by the end of the week. Warmer temp coming tomorrow (high near 80) so maybe that will help.

Daily Total: 42.65 Ride Hours: 00:36

Time BG Carbs Units
---- -- ----- -----

21:53 80OT 32g 1.5u

19:21 61OT
17:19 12g .8u
16:12 154OT 1.1u
14:03 123OT .2u
12:25 111OT 45g 3.0u
09:31 23g 1.5u
09:27 80OT 26g 1.1u
08:03 76OT 24g .9u
06:05 326OT 4.3u

Not exactly sure what was up in the am, but it corrected pretty quickly. As mentioned earlier this week, when I am sick things get a little nutty.

On that subject, I feel worse today than yesterday. I need to just recover, sleep, and kick this cold. Not much I can do about staying home from work, as there is an out of town meeting that a bunch of folk went to, and I am kinda needed in to cover a bit. Man, it would be great to stay in bed all day though.

After work I headed over to teach my Monday night 18:00 class. It was a great class, especially since two friends of mine (one visiting from Texas) came in to take it. I started down the path of trying to sweat the cold out a bit, but quickly began to fall apart. I'm a mess.

Energy Expenditure 399 kcal
Number of Heart Beats 5183 beats
Minimum Heart Rate 102 bpm
Average Heart Rate 142 bpm
Maximum Heart Rate 177 bpm

Afterwards a bunch of us went out to eat with the folks from TX. Had a good time, and was still able to get home and to bed at a decent hour. Before 22:00.

Wanted to get a pick of the Fuel up since it is finally complete and race ready. Man, I LOVE this bike!

Daily Total: 44.35 Ride Hours: 02:39

Time BG Carbs Units
---- -- ----- -----

23:38 76OT
23:00 67OT
21:44 96OT
20:48 30g 2.0u
20:25 27g 1.8u
19:53 22g 1.4u
19:28 24g 1.6u
19:20 214OT 2.2u
18:05 181OT 1.4u
16:39 32g 2.1u
16:30 34g 2.2u
15:20 118OT
13:53 57OT
12:22 115OT
10:34 70OT
08:55 69OT
08:38 70* 63g 3.4u
08:12 40OT

6 days to the Cohutta 100, and what would be the WORST possible thing that could happen to me. Yup, you guessed it... a monster cold. I woke up feeling absolutely TERRIBLE. Sore throat, can't breath through my nose at ALL. Only up side is that today is only Sunday, so maybe I get lucky and am feeling better in a few days.

What is of primary importance is to keep a very close eye on the BG levels while I am sick. I usually get a little bit nuts BG wise when I am fighting a cold or infection. I cannot compound feeling run down and sick with some major bg complications. That would seriously make me consider not going to TN.

My plan was to get out today for about a 5 hour ride on the Intense for some good base level saddle time. Even split between road and some trails that I figure would dry out quicker then some others.

Set my pump down to a 50% reduction at 11:30. Road out strait from my house on the 5.5 at 12:38. Felt lousy, but figured after I got warmed up I would be good to go. After 90 minutes I still felt horrible, and really just wanted to get home and warm and back into bed. So I cut the ride short.



I did see some flux in the BG during the ride, and needed to take a 10 minute break to correct a 57 at 13:53. I took in a PowerBar Gel every 30-35 minutes and tried to stay on the hydration at my usual 20oz per hour or so. Hard to eat and drink when you feel this bad.

Got back home at 15:20 or so. Set the pump back to its normal rate right away and the BG was back on track at a 118.

Energy Expenditure 1726 kcal
Number of Heart Beats 22330 beats
Minimum Heart Rate 98 bpm
Average Heart Rate 140 bpm
Maximum Heart Rate 176 bpm
Ascent 1230 ft

Looking back I probably just should have stayed in bed all day, and did nothing but fire up the XBOX360.

I set my pump down to 10% reduction for six hours when I went to bed. I don't think it is really necessary, but as mentioned earlier I really don't want any lows this week. At all...

K and I celebrated our 6th Wedding Anniversary today by going out to dinner together. It was nice to get out on a "date" again!! Thanks for an amazing 6 years honey!

Daily Total: 36.95 Ride Hours: 02:06

Time BG Carbs Units
---- -- ----- -----

23:10 75OT
17:12 17g 1.1u
14:58 26g 1.7u
14:39 95OT
09:49 70OT
06:47 191OT 1.6u
03:20 49OT

Was feeling very run down today. Was up with my youngest for a good chunk of time last night. Should have stayed home from work, but too much to do.

Weather was amazing, so I wanted to go for a ride. I picked up the Fuel from The Bicycle Chain at lunch, and figured it would be cool to ride it for bit. Weird, as I have been on the rigid SS for so long, I had forgotten how great F/S and gears are. :)

Set my pump down to a 50% reduction at 19:30, and tried to get energized for the ride. Monster Lo-Ball anyone? :) Left the Wellness Center at 20:30 to meet Marcy uptown at 21:00. She had her road bike as her Fuel was being stripped down for repairs. Figured we would do some hill repeat work on pavement.

We where just so beat we hung out for a little bit and just kinda tooled around. Did a few hills, but I just didn't have it in me. Sounds lame, but true.


I set my basal rate back up to only a 65% reduction around 21:40 since the ride was going to be chill. Also, I didn't eat or drink anything while out.


Back to the truck about 22:45 and set the pump back to normal.

Energy Expenditure 786 kcal
Number of Heart Beats 13788 beats
Minimum Heart Rate 71 bpm
Average Heart Rate 109 bpm
Maximum Heart Rate 161 bpm
Ascent 656 ft

I made no mods to my pump when I went to bed.

Daily Total: 37.85 Ride Hours: 03:46

Time BG Carbs Units
---- -- ----- -----

23:46 115OT
23:03 78OT 33g .5u
22:39 78OT
18:14 194OT 1.2u
16:28 12g .8u
15:23 126OT
13:42 27g 1.8u
13:13 70* 47g 2.3s
13:13 51OT
07:07 92OT 26g 1.3u

On the way home from work I picked up J and headed home. We road bikes until near 18:00, when I fixed dinner for the family. I set my pump down to a 50% reduction a little after 18:00.

On the Kona SS and heading out from the Wellness Center around 19:00.

Trails are SLOWLY starting to dry out, so I planned a good loop through and around Chapel Hill that kept me on some of the bigger, longer hills and a bunch of double track. Pretty cool loop.. about twice as long as the one I have been doing for the past couple of weeks through the rain.

Was lucky enough to be joined by Marcy after my first loop. We laughed about be dedicated to riding this stupid loop in the dark for the past couple of weeks. Can't wait for the temps to go up some to dry the trails out quicker.

Anwyay, a little behind on fueling as indicated by my 78 finishing BG level. Only good one PowerBar Gel in per hour. Also, I only had one water bottle in the car, so I needed to hydrate when I got home. No biggie. I CAN'T wait until I don't need to wear a jacket so I can reach my jersey pockets easier. Seriously. You should see me... fanny pack with my "emergency funds" (aka M&Ms) and my light battery cable running out, my pump tubing running from jersey pocket, iPod head phones cable running from under jacket or vest, jersey pockets stuffed with headcover, Gels, camera, etc.... I look very lumpy. :)

Was back off the bike just before 23:00. Set the pump back to normal basal rate right away.

Energy Expenditure 2487 kcal
Number of Heart Beats 31211 beats
Minimum Heart Rate 105 bpm
Average Heart Rate 145 bpm
Maximum Heart Rate 186 bpm
Ascent 2356 ft

Was a great ride. One of the best I have had in weeks. Totally improved my mood and outlook. Like a little light at the end of the tunnel. Must mean something will come along to snuff it out tomorrow. :)

There is a presentation on the the Triangle Pump Users Group meeting tomorrow by Joe Eldridge of Team Type 1. I am debating whether I should go - as the weather is going to be over 80 and sunny and I REALLY need the ride time. But, I would like to meet Joe face to face instead of thru reading blogs. :) I will probably head to the presentation.

Daily Total: 40.55 Ride Hours: 02:32

Time BG Carbs Units
---- -- ----- -----

22:39 39 2.6u

22:14 32 2.1u

22:02 183OT 1.4u

18:52 120OT

17:46 133OT

16:37 67OT

15:02 25 1.6u

14:53 125OT 22 1.7u

13:02 75OT 42 2.1u

10:45 126OT .3u

09:19 76OT 29 1.2u

07:29 42OT

After work was able to go strait over to the Wellness Center to get ready for class. Class was from 18:00-18:45 and was pretty good. Had to use a CD from a friends car (long story), but it all worked out ok.

I forgot to set my pump down for my after class ride, so I didn't lower to a 50% reduction until 18:50. I did take in a couple bites of a PowerBar before I jumped on the bike at 19:30 to be sure to try to cover the difference. It worked out fine.

As has been the case, it was drizzling when I left on the Kona. I almost thought it was snow actually. But that wouldn't be possible would it? :)

Met Marcy at 19:45 at Forest Theater on UNC Campus. We road the Forest Theater loop we developed, and found a GREAT very steep hill loop that we can tack on. Sweet. Even the double track (with truck tire tracks on it actually) Forest Theater path was a little "moist". More water than mud. Drought? I think we can put a fork in that one for a while.

Took in 2 PowerBar Gels and about 12oz of water during the ride.

Was back to the truck a little before 21:30. Set my basal rate back to 100% of normal at this time.

Energy Expenditure 1723 kcal

Number of Heart Beats 19592 beats

Minimum Heart Rate 122 bpm

Average Heart Rate 163 bpm

Maximum Heart Rate 192 bpm

Ascent 1099 ft

My plan is to get as many hours this week as I can. Not going to do anything for my fitness (not much anyway), but will mentally make me feel better about Cohutta. Turns out LOTS of folks are going from the local area, so we should see a bunch of riders we know. Cool.

Also going on this week is that a couple of members of Team Type 1 are going to be speaking in the area on Thursday night. I am going to go to hear them, and, hopefully, get a chance to speak with them afterward. Need the low down on the newly approved Abbott Navigator.

I spoke with Steve McGuinn the local rep from Cozmore about a Deltec Cozmo insulin pump. My MiniMed 712 is out of warranty this month, and I am going to try the Cozmo. Steve spent about 2 hours with me a couple of months ago showing me all the details of the Cozmo. It has some functionality that I would probably find very useful, and the accompanying computer software is killer. Steve also sells the Navigator now, and that is why I am going to ask TT1 about it. More on the new pump later....

On the right hand side of this blog there is a component entitled "My Last BG Levels". After I test my BG with my meter, I txt the result to this part of the blog. This will give more of a window of my current levels and trends. Will also be cool for posting during an event... as long as I have cell service. :)

Wanted to say Yo! to JED in NJ from the Circus here in NC. :)

Just one more.....

Daily Total: 46.75 Ride Hours: 00:00

Time BG Carbs Units
---- -- ----- -----

Rained. All day. Oh yeah, and COLD! I mean not so cold that Nancy wouldn't hit for me saying its cold, but for us it is cold. I think we got over 1.25 inches of rain today. Looks the same for tomorrow.

I have gotten some emails about the Cohutta 100. I found this profile, so I figured I would post it:

I am worried about this event just due to my lack of saddle time to start off 2008. Having the baby took more out of me/us (and still is taking a lot out of me/us) than I thought it was going to. I know I can get through it, but I was hoping not to embarrass myself. This is the first race in the National Ultra Endurance Series, and by the time the other 3 races I'm doing in the series come around (late July/Early August) I should be good to go.

Not being fit right now has given me a lot of things to think about. Mostly, about why I do endurance mountain bike races. Of course I don't expect to compete with the Storms, Hendershots, Marenchins, Eatoughs, Lindners, Tostados, Shalks of the world (ALL of whom are racing in Cohutta by the way). That would be much more than a day dream.

I have boiled down that I race for the sole purpose of proving something and testing myself - both as a cyclist, and a diabetic. Mostly as a diabetic I think. I have yet to meet or hear from any other Type 1 who competes in 100 miler mtb races, or 24 hour solo events... and I like the challenge of managing my diabetes over these distances. Does it always work? Nope. Is it always fun? No by a long shot. But when I am finishing knowing I put in the best performance I could, and that I kept fueled and my BG in check I have achieved a wonderful victory. I don't really measure myself against the other racers... just what I see in my own battle over the race.

That's NOT to say that I don't like to compete like everyone else does as well. Losing sucks. I have been lucky enough to do quite well in some big events. Of course that feels good - it feels GREAT!! Its another great way to measure yourself against other cyclists that don't care (nor should they) if you are a Type 1 diabetic. But seriously, some of the races I am most proud of is when I might only finish in the top 50%, but overcome a HUGE blood glucose issue to actually complete the event. (For example the 24 Hours of Allumuchy in 2006). Basically, I have to manually control what non-diabetic athletes bodies handle automatically - fuel delivery to the cells. Sometimes that challenge is greater than anything the course can through at me.

When I am riding and my BG goes off track forcing me to stop or alter my ride I get quite annoyed. I seriously feel like each and every pedal stroke that I take is a kicking diabetes square in the teeth. Not going to beat me, not going to beat me, not going to beat me, ..... I don't know if that means on the ride or in life in general. Motivated by fear of what diabetes does to the body over time if not taken care of? Maybe. If I am not riding or racing I feel like I am letting the disease win. I suppose this is why I have adopted "Just One More" as my mantra.

Just one more... pedal stroke, climb, minute, burst, interval, lap....

It is also very rewarding to hear from other diabetics who say that I have inspired them to exercise or change their self care habits. Nothing is better than reading one of the 100+ emails I get everyday stating that Type1Rider has helped in one way or another, and they have just purchased a bike to ride to work. To talk to folks on rides and speaking engagements and hear literally hundreds of stories about their battles with diabetes is very moving. It makes me realize how lucky I am, and how I need to do what I can to help.

I am a diabetic and I absolutely love cycling. I can't explain the reason, or make excuses why. I just do. The only place that I feel completely in balance and control is when I am on my bike, and nothing is more rewarding than completing a challenging ride or event with the BG in check. Nothing.

Until next time, Just one more......

Daily Total: 40.00 Ride Hours: 01:38

Time BG Carbs Units
---- -- ----- -----

22:18 36g 2.4u
21:44 107OT 44g 2.8u
19:17 101OT
18:18 51OT
16:12 158OT .9u
14:49 123OT .2u
12:38 44g 2.9u
12:01 99OT
10:35 29g 1.9u
09:06 79OT
05:54 67OT
00:27 85OT

It been raining SO SO mcuh here that I have been trying to take advantage of each and every minute available to get a little ride in. Not a lot of trail riding... wait... I mean no trail riding, just a lot of loops around Chapel Hill on the Kona single speed.

I am starting to really stress about Cohutta coming in 2 weeks. So at about 18:30 I get out and go for a ride. ....so I set my pump to a basal rate of 50% of normal. Finished dinner with the family, got changed, grabbed the bike and headed out. Left the Wellness Center at exactly 19:30. Rain storms where supposed to move in late tonight, but I figured I would be done before they would come in. Cross fingers!

Was on the bike for about 70 minutes when I felt the first rain drop. Then in about 45 seconds, the skies opened up and it MONSOONED!! I was riding up hills that where basically flowing creeks heading in the opposite direction. Soaked to the skin in less than 2 minutes. I was just getting accustomed to the cold when the lightning started. Ok.. time to head for home.

During the ride I stayed on the usual 2 Powerbar Gels per hour. Slightly less water consumption. Only took 16oz on board in total.

Energy Expenditure 1110 kcal
Number of Heart Beats 14121 beats
Minimum Heart Rate 100 bpm
Average Heart Rate 143 bpm
Maximum Heart Rate 180 bpm
Ascent 1132 ft

Back at the car at 21:10 and set my pump back to a normal basal rate rite away.

Looks like rain all weekend as well. The local lakes are up to normal levels, so, um, we can stop with the rain dances now. Seriously. :)

Daily Total: 35.45 Ride Hours: 03:09

Time BG Carbs Units
---- -- ----- -----
23:00 83OT
19:21 96OT
18:22 35g 2.3u
17:14 63OT
13:28 46g 3.0u
12:38 118OT
11:02 155OT .9u
09:20 39g 2.6u
09:15 77OT
07:21 34OT

Not sure what the problem was this morning... just one of those things. Corrected with a Pria Bar which, although only 17g of carbs, worked great!

Very, very busy day in the office today. After work I road bikes with J for a little while, and then had dinner with the family. At 18:33 I set my pump down to a 50% reduction in preparation for a ride an hour later. As it has been raining, and the trails have been, um, "moist", I was just going to ride a little hill repeat loop I made up on UNC Campus. Takes about 25 minutes per loop, but includes one of the bigger road climbs in town. Also, takes me through a trail called Forest Theater. FT is a fairly rocky double-track with some creek crossings. Takes about 10 minutes in the trail, and 15 on the road.

I was dressed and rolling out of the UNC Wellness Center parking lot at exactly 19:30. It wasn't raining and was near 60 when I left on the Kona.

Was supposed to meet Marcy at 20:00 at the Forest Theater Amphitheater, but at 20:05 I rolled out by myself for the first loop. I figured she knew where I was going to be, and she did catch up with me about 30 minutes later.

Was lite on the intake tonight. Only took in 4 PowerBar gels over the course of the ride. Every 50 minutes or so. No water at all (I really need to get some water bottle cages on that Kona eh?). But it was cool.


Super fun ride. Was able to put over 2K feet in over the course of the ride.

Energy Expenditure 1876 kcal
Number of Heart Beats 24215 beats
Minimum Heart Rate 92 bpm
Average Heart Rate 146 bpm
Maximum Heart Rate 184 bpm
Ascent 2204 ft

Was back to the truck right around 22:40 or so. Set my pump back to a normal basal rate and headed home. BG was a sweet 83. Good good ride!!

Saw this the other day: http://29ercrew.com/. Looks like the team has filled out, and they have the site up. I will always wonder what could have been... I keep hoping that another oppurtunity comes up somewhere around the next corner. The only thing I can control however is my riding... and that is what I am going to concentrate on.

Just one more!

I am in the process of migrating my blog over here to Blogger. Basically trying to find a way to get updates to the blog faster, and from anywhere. So starting today, I am now here.

If you are looking for the blog entries from May 2005 until March 2008 just follow this link:

http://www.type1rider.org/Default.aspx?tabid=157

Things have been kinda nuts for me... and I have been busy every waking minute of the day - literally. Trying to squeeze in as much ride time as I can, while maintaining a balance of home and work. Everybody tries to do it, right? I am failing right now though. First big race of the season coming up in 18 days... and I am definitely not ready. Not enough mileage or hours over the past month or so. Funny how mother nature isn't helping with that either. Here in NC we are supposed to be having a drought right? Well it has been raining like mad, and the temps haven't gone up yet either. Come on spring... come on!!

Besides that I am also developing a new online store for Type1Rider. It is mostly done, but I am currently finishing up the testing. Should be deployed late this week, or early next week.

Also, I am close to finishing the info on jersey and bib ordering. A LOT of emails about the subject, which is awesome! So look for a post containing all of that info very soon!

As usual thanks for all the support of Type1Rider.