Daily Total: 37.36 Ride Hours: 05:07

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Up early, and set my basal rate on the Cozmo down to a 55% reduction in preparation for a good couple of hours in the saddle starting at 08:30.  

Plan for the day was to put in about 6 hours or so on the road bike.  I'll let that sink in.  :)  I don't get out on the Madone all that often, mostly due to timing.  I need to start incorporating into my training more, so I figured I would just go ahead and ride it today.

First 1.5 hours where by myself just riding the local Chapel Hill hill repeat loop.  Blood glucose was a solid 116 at ride start.

After 90 minutes I rolled back around to Wilson Park to catch up with a small group. BG was right at 93 at this point, so I took in a couple of extra carbs. K was in this group, along with some Wellness Center staff.

Back from that group at 12:15, with the BG running a 119. Pretty much perfect. Refilled the water bottles, and headed out for the last couple of hours.

Temps got pretty high right after I left the group, approaching near 100 with high humidity.  Since it was hot I cut the ride short by 40 minutes or so. 

There is always something happening on the beautiful UNC Chapel Hill campus.  On Saturdays, a familiar site is weddings.  LOTS of places to take nice photos.  On the way back to the Wellness Center, I saw a new bride heading over to the Old Well for photos.  

I set my basal rate back to normal when I was about 15 minutes away from the end of ride. Made it back to the truck at 13:32 with the blood glucose at 95. Staying on the 2 PowerBar Gels and 16oz of water per hour worked perfect once again. NICE!!

Energy Expenditure 3510 kcal
Number of Heart Beats 42788 beats
Minimum Heart Rate 98 bpm
Average Heart Rate 152 bpm
Maximum Heart Rate 188 bpm
Ascent 2656 ft

I did set my pump down to the normal 20% reduction for 6hrs post ride setting.

Daily Total: 48.13 Ride Hours: 01:31

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First chance I had to get back on the bike after this past weekends race.  I did teach on Monday, but was off the bike a bunch "monitoring" some folks with special conditions.    They all did great btw!! 

I had the oppurtunity tonight to put in a good long ride, as I was able to get started a little earlier than normal.  That WAS the plan anyway. 

Didn't actually roll out on the Fuel until near 19:30 and was planning to meet some folks at 20:30.   Got the the trail and was making my way towards the meeting spot when I see a cable dangling over my shoulder.  I couldn't figure out what it was, so I stop and take a look:

The cable on the top is what it is SUPPOSED to look like. The one on the bottom was what was dangling in front of my face.  The connetor from the lamp on the right just pulled out.  

End result.... no lights.  Crap.

Stayted in the trail as long as I could, and then headed for home.

I was a little annoyed, as ride time is hard to schedule and come by.

Daily Total: 29.83 Race Hours: 08:56


Competed in the 7th Annual Cowbell Challenge 12 Hour mountain race today!




Full race report and galleries here:
http://www.type1rider.org/RaceResultsEvents/2008/2008CowbellChallenge/tabid/174/Default.aspx

Took the day off today to pack and get things all setup for tomorrow mornings trip to Fisher Farm in Davidson, NC for the 12 Hour Cowbell Challenge.

Since four of us are traveling together, I needed to make adjustments to the racks on the car and make sure all of the kids things where out. We will be packed into that car tomorrow, so no available extra space.

Weather looks bad.. really bad. Calling for rain starting tonight and throughout the day tomorrow. Rain and storms don't really affect me much, but I would much rather ride in blue skies. :)

The amount that goes into the preparation for a 12 or 24 hour endurance race is a amazing. Premake and label all the food, calculate and prepare the hydration, pack the spare wheels, tubes, chains, shoes, helmet, clothes, and all the other small parts, as well as the stand and the tools. Also the lights and light charging systems.

And of course the duct tape. Always bring duct tape!!

Probably won't need 90% of it (well, besides the food and hydration of course), but it is always better to be prepared right?

During the afternoon, I met with Anna from the ADA to talk about the 2009 Tour de Cure. Crazy huh? It JUST ended!! No time to wait, gotta get the ball rolling for the next one.

On the way back work had an issue, and I needed to burn some time working on that. I didn't take a lot of time, but it added a little anxiety to a day that I wished to be totally chill.

Felt a little rushed getting everything done before I headed to bed, but all in all I feel organized (75% of the battle) and ready for whatever tomorrow throws at me. I am registered for the Pro/Open class and know I will get smoked. But hey, it is about blood glucose control and riding at a good rate and pace until the end.

I am very confident that aspect of the race will go well.

As I mention when I am speaking to groups about diabetes, I try to look at all situations presented by this disease and put a positive spin or ascertain an advantage out of them. For example, although I do have to go to the endocrinologist every 3 months for blood work I will end up being healthier than most as I will be able to catch things quicker.

When you deal with a disease such as diabetes, attitude makes all the difference. Although difficult at times, it is so imperative to stay in a positive and productive state of mind for long term treatment success. I try to live my entire life that way, each and every day, in every situation I am in whether related to diabetes or not.

I found this short video which really demonstrates this concept. Take the three minutes and watch this:

It Turned Everything Upside Down

Simply Brilliant.

Daily Total: 46.68 Ride Hours: 01:34

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Little higher food intake today and tomorrow in preparation for Saturday's 12 hour event. Just needed a little 90 minute ride today as well. Nothing taxing.

I did take the Kona however as you KNOW I would have the luck to break like a handlebar or something on the Fuel if I road it. :)

Saw this sign I have never seen before heading up into Chapel Hill tonight.

I know its blurry, but it reads "Pedestrians Make Way For Bikes". Wouldn't it be cool if they ALL said that? Man, I love this college town. :)

BG's where ok during the ride. Little low, but I didn't feel like I was working very hard, so I didn't eat much.

Energy Expenditure 999 kcal
Number of Heart Beats 13075 beats
Minimum Heart Rate 99 bpm
Average Heart Rate 138 bpm
Maximum Heart Rate 177 bpm
Ascent 689 ft

Also, check out the later entries in the report. I couldn't make up my mind on what type of basal rate to apply given the laid back pace and short length of the ride. When I looked it over, it made me laugh! Confusion!

Settled with none actually, and it worked out fine.

Pretty ready for Cowbell I guess. Fitness is 70%, but I really psyched about the blood glucose control aspects. Looking forward to it again!! :)

Daily Total: 37.80 Ride Hours: 03:27

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Work is really, really not slowing down this week. I have Friday off so I can relax a little and get packed to go to Cowbell. But man.... I am working late at night and early in the morning to try to find time to get everything done. Also, I am having a harder time sleeping the past couple of days. Probably not enough unwind time with the constraints on the schedule. Man, I sound like a whiner huh? :)

Taught another FULL class today after work. Class was from 18:00-18:45 as usual, and I actually remembered to lower my basal rate to 45% of normal at 18:18 for the after class ride.

Unfortunately, I did't leave on the Kona until near 19:45, so you will notice in the report where I modify the basal rate to 60% of normal for a while to correct it. Then I set it back at a 50% rate for the output I was riding at.

Worked perfectly, as I was running a 92 when I got back to the Wellness Center at 22:45. Made me laugh out loud. It is a completely awesome feeling when you have the knowledge, practice, and tools to nail it blood glucose wise!

Energy Expenditure 1870 kcal
Number of Heart Beats 26547 beats
Minimum Heart Rate 72 bpm
Average Heart Rate 130 bpm
Maximum Heart Rate 169 bpm
Ascent 1112 ft

My bedtime post ride basal rate won't show in the detail report, as I did some work when I got home and didn't get to bed until after midnight. Normal 80% for 6 hours though.

Daily Total: 40.11 Ride Hours: 02:47

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Put in a good ride on the Kona today. Didn't get started until late (18:36), but had a great time.

Set my basal rate to 45% of normal and was 76 at 18:00. I consumed 40g of simple carbs so I could be at a better level by the time I left the Wellness Center at 18:35.

Just rolled to the local CHHS trail system for just short of 3 hours. I was very light on the hydration and the fueling. Probably only got a PowerBar Gel in every 45 minutes or so. Worked out ok, although I was a little low (61) when I got back to the truck at 21:25. As the Co-Pilot derived pump data shows, I set my basal rate back to normal when I was about 10 minutes from the end.

Energy Expenditure 1485 kcal
Number of Heart Beats 21272 beats
Minimum Heart Rate 78 bpm
Average Heart Rate 127 bpm
Maximum Heart Rate 178 bpm
Ascent 1066 ft

Also, I dropped my basal rate to the now usual (I have a basal pattern set in the Cozmo) 20% reduction for 6 hours when I went to bed at 23:20.

Less then a week until the ringing of the bell at the 12 hour Cowbell Challenge. I am looking forward to it, as it should be a fantastic event. More on that later....

Just ONE more!! :)

Daily Total: 37.19 Ride Hours: 03:55

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What a picture perfect day today was!  Perfect temps, clear blue sky.

Just amazing day to go for a ride.Set the basal rate down to a 55% reduction, and set my target BG to 150 on the pump at 11:21 in preperation for a early afternoon ride.

A little before noon I was running a bit high (207) so I did take a bolus to correct. 

By 12:15 I was on the Trek and rolling out of the Wellness Center.  I got behind in my fueling during the first hour, and, combined with the pre-ride bolus, my BG dropped to 48 by 13:20.

To correct this, I took in a bag of M&Ms (as you know my favorite recovery food), and went ahead and lowered my basal rate by another 10% to a 65% reduction.  Waited a couple of minutes, and then rolled on my way.  BG recovered quickly, and was fine for the rest of the ride.

We ride through this old Orange County (The Old OC?) Bus Depot on the way to the local trail system.  I call it Area 51.  There is a very small airport right next to it, and at night there is a rotating light that illumintes this place every 30 seconds.  Just a neat place to meet for a ride.

Even though I rolled by myself, I had a great ride.  Stayed on the normal fueling rate of 2 PowerBar Gels and 20oz of water per hour.  Took in 2 eCaps at about the half way mark.  I am feeling much better, rested, and recovered.  

12 Hour Cowbell Challenge is only 1 week away.

Energy Expenditure 2902 kcal 
Number of Heart Beats 35522 beats 
Minimum Heart Rate 111 bpm 
Average Heart Rate 151 bpm 
Maximum Heart Rate 182 bpm 
Ascent 1804 ft

Got back to the Wellness Center at 15:56 and set my basal rate back to normal.  Tested and the BG was a 119.  Perfect.

I set my basal rate to an 80% reduction for 6 hours when I went to bed.

Daily Total: 44.40 Ride Hours: 02:38

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Today was the first day back in the saddle after the Tour de Cure weekend.  Wanted to try to ride earlier, but just didn't have time.  Work has been super busy, and we had a family birthday party earlier this week.  

Got a call that my new rear wheel for my Kona 29er rigid SS is complete.  I had a Stan's Arch laced to a Paul's SS disc hub.  Should be awesome.  No time to get it today, but hopefully tomorrow night?

To prepare for the usual Thursday night ride, I lowered my basal rate to 45% of normal a little before 18:00.  I parked at the Wellness Center, got changed, and rolled out on the Kona at 18:51.

Deal was to meet some folks at 19:45, so I was able to hit some hill repeats before making it to the local trail system.  Met up with a couple of people at that time (ALL 29ers) and it started as a decently fun ride.

My light system is acting up however.  If the connector is not kept ina certain spot, the light cuts out.  One of the reasons for being forced to head for home a little earlier than I wanted to.  Will need to get that looked at before the Cowbell Challenge 12 hr next weekend.

Legs still feel kinda tired.  It was over 102 each day for the TdC, but I am surprised that I am still feeling it.  Hydration seems ok.  Of course, getting out earlier this week would have been better, but I'm not sore.  Just no pop.

Although I kept on my usual hydration and fueling schedule (2 PowerBar Gels and 20oz of water per hour) as the ride progressed, I just kept feeling worse and worse.  

Between the light not working and how crappy I felt, I pulled the plug and headed for home. 

When I got back to the truck at 21:30ish, I noticed that my jersey was all wet right around the location of my infusion set.  When I looked closer, I noticed that I had placed a hard plastic part of my Ergon pack right over the piece of pump tubing where the tube meets the connector to the infusion set.  Over the course of the ride (must have been pretty quick) the pack rubbing and landing on that spot damaged the connector somewhat.  When that happened it caused a disconnect from the infusion set.  So no insulin going in for over 2.5 hours.

This was totally on me for being stupid.  I felt it when I put the pack on, but just didn't pay much attention.  Now I paid the price.  BG was a 409 when I got back to the Wellness Center.  Awesome, eh?

So... I spent the rest of the night working on getting that lower and trying to eat something.

Energy Expenditure 1756 kcal 
Number of Heart Beats 22578 beats 
Minimum Heart Rate 93 bpm 
Average Heart Rate 142 bpm 
Maximum Heart Rate 182 bpm 
Ascent 1102 ft

When I got home and replaced the tubing (and the infusion set as I wanted to be sure I got everything) I did bolus (a ton) and set my basal rate to 150% of normal to try and correct as quickly as possible.

It worked ok.

Man, I forgot how TERRIBLE you feel when you are running that high.  I can't even explain it.  Seriously, that bad.

No modification to the basal rate at bed time due to the higher BG values I was reading earlier in the evening.

Daily Total: 37.46 Ride Hours: 06:04

Time BG Carbs Units
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Today was the second day of the 2008 ADA Eastern NC Tour de Cure.

Check out the event report and pump/BG related data on the 2008 TdC Event Page.

Daily Total: 38.11 Ride Hours: 06:10

Time BG Carbs Units
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Today was day 1 of the 2008 American Diabetes Association's Eastern NC Tour de Cure. For the third year I co-chaired the event, and fielded a Type1Rider TdC Team.

Check out the event report and pump/BG related data on the 2008 TdC Event Page.

Also, take a look at J riding in his first Tour de Cure! He had a BLAST!!

Daily Total: 39.87 Ride Hours: 02:39

Time BG Carbs Units
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Set the pump down to 45% of normal at 18:00. Didn't get out started on Top Fuel until nearly 19:20, so my blood glucose crept up a little. I did a lite bolus for the 164 at 19:22. The I rolled out of the Wellness Center.

BG was great on the ride with a reading of 99 at the half way point. I stayed on the 40g of carbs per hour intake, but did fall a little behind on the hydration. When it reached 21:00, I was starting to feel a little beat again. Work has been crazy, so I think it is taking it out of me this week. Instead of push it (given what was coming this weekend), I just slowed the pace way down.

Way down.

This was better, and I got back to the truck at 22:23. By now the slower pace had taken its toll, and I was a bit about 200 at a 204. I set the basal rate back to normal, and bolused for the high. Good to go.

Energy Expenditure 1059 kcal
Number of Heart Beats 23392 beats
Minimum Heart Rate 91 bpm
Average Heart Rate 144 bpm
Maximum Heart Rate 187 bpm
Ascent 1543 ft

Once again, no change to the basal rate when I hit the hay.

Daily Total: 39.82 Ride Hours: 00:00

The American Diabetes Association's Eastern North Carolina Tour de Cure is the coming Saturday and Sunday. As most of you know I am serving as co-chair for the event for the third year in a row. With close to 350 riders signed up, there are LOTS of last minute details to get sorted out.


I am also the captain of the Type1Rider Tour de Cure Team. This is a pretty high visibilty team, and it has grown to have a special place at the TdC. It is always amazing to have people come up and tell you about their or a loved ones battle with diabetes. It is a very moving, and I learn so much from the others at the event. I can't wait.


There is one thing I can WAIT for however. Check out the long weekend forecast:

This will make it very interesting eh? :)

Daily Total: 32.04 Ride Hours: 03:07

Time BG Carbs Units
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After an INSANE day in the office (a trend that is due to continue all week for sure) I headed over to teach my cycle class. Had a great time with the usual crew from 18:00 to 18:45.

Right after class started I lowered my basal rate on my pump to a 55% reduction in preparation for an after class ride. I had a great full class, and then hustled to get out on the Top Fuel asap!

BG was slightly on the low side just before the ride. Downed some regular soda and rolled out around 19:30.

The ride was awesome, although I was feeling pretty tired. Consumed 2 PowerBar Gels per hour, and close to 20oz of water. Met Marcy and a friend of hers from work for a little bit. I was just gased, so I packed it in early.

Energy Expenditure 1957 kcal
Number of Heart Beats 25897 beats
Minimum Heart Rate 99 bpm
Average Heart Rate 141 bpm
Maximum Heart Rate 178 bpm
Ascent 1001 ft

Got back to the Wellness Center a couple of minutes before 22:00, and set the pump back to its normal basal rate. Blood glucose was a picture perfect 101. NICE!

Headed home and grabbed a later dinner, did some work, and got to bed as soon as I could. BG was a 112 when I called it a day.

I made no basal changes when I went to bed.

Daily Total: 39.64 Ride Hours: 03:57

Time BG Carbs Units
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Set my basal rate to a 55% reduction at 10:00 in preperation for a ride about an hour later. Got a little postponed, and actually didn't roll out of the Wellness Center until near noon. It all worked out great, as I left on the Top Fuel 69er towards the local trail system.

Stayed on all usual patterns for a training ride. 2 PowerBar Gels and 16oz of water per hour. My pace was up and down - near race for bursts, then very slow and chill. This kinda messed me up a little tiny bit... I ended the ride a little after 15:00 and was running a tad high.

Energy Expenditure 2445 kcal
Number of Heart Beats 26566 beats
Minimum Heart Rate 92 bpm
Average Heart Rate 148 bpm
Maximum Heart Rate 184 bpm
Ascent 1526 ft

Slight basal reduction when I went to bed - dropped to 90% of normal for 5.5hrs.