It certainly was a VERY HECTIC November! The celebration of World Diabetes Day on November 14th, and the 30 days of Diabetes Awareness Month kept us ALL hoping.  Everyday gave us the wonderful opportunity to actively advocate for Diabetes causes.  Some of the major highlights are:

Over at The Blue Heel Society we successfully participated in the 30 Day, 30 Posts National Health Blog Post challenge.

In response to being named one of the International Diabetes Federation World Diabetes Day Heroes, I wrote and published a blog post over at Insulet's Suite D site about us All Being Diabetes Heroes.  If you have a moment take a look at it here:

http://suited.myomnipod.com/manage-diabetes/we-are-all-diabetes-heroes/

The book by Dr. Beverly Adler, My Sweet Life: Successful Men With Diabetes, that I was so grateful to be asked to contributed a chapter to was published.  

A team of 10 of us raced under the Blue Heel Society banner at an event called Rebel Race in Haverhill, MA.  It was a 5k with 23 obstacles ranging from fire to barbed wire to 25 foot vertical walls.  The event made a donation to a diabetes charity in the name of team.  While there all of the team members met and spoke to a ton of people about diabetes. We will certainly be doing this, and other similar races, again!  Look for a blog entry on Suite D shortly! 

I was fortunate enough to be nominated for the 2012 WEGO Health Activist Hero Award.  To be nominated and supported by members of the Diabetes Online Community is very humbling.  I am SO grateful.  Thank you!

In the middle of the month, I was asked to participate on a WEGO Roundtable discussion about Diabetes.  It involved a few of us on a call-in basis, and a very active Twitter, radio, and online interactive audience. A summary of the discussion can be found here: http://blog.wegohealth.com/2012/11/14/roundtable-recap-diabetes-awareness-month/.

The Blue Heel Society launched its IRL (In Real Life) Luminary Campaign.  The campaign provides free tools, aptly collected in The Shoebox, to people interested in leading advocacy campaigns in their local areas around the globe.  The response has been overwhelming, and The Luminaries have already scheduled events starting now. 

Along the same lines, The Blue Heel Society was also nominated by our friends in the DOC for the 2012 WEGO Health Best Ensemble Cast Award.  All us involved with BHS where simply blown away by this honor.  

From the bottom of our collective hearts, Thank You ALL for being a part of the most globally successful Diabetes Awareness Month ever!!

It is the hard work everyone of you do, the stories and experiences that each share, and the non-judgmental support and encouragement that we give each other that makes the DOC family so incredible.

Thank you.

Keep Choppin' everyone!!  

(Me with a few new T1 friends and their families, showing off our pumps)

I am finally getting a few minutes to sit and write about the amazing weekend I had, which included traveling to Albany, NY to give a presentation at Glendaal Elementary school to be fed via video to the school district at large.

The talk was initiated by Lisa DeFelippo, and then spearheaded by the nurse at the school Betsy Williams (who is a pump wearing Type 1 btw).

After a VERY early flight from home, I was picked up at Albany International around 10:30.  Lisa and I headed over to grab lunch, and take it to school so I would have the opportunity to "hang out" in the teacher's lounge and discuss diabetes related issues with the staff there.

The presentation began at 14:00, and was to be followed by a JDRF Walk out on the school grounds.  Ms.  Cheryl Trefzger from the JDRF was there as well to assist with the event.

On the way to the school, we dropped in to see the District Superintendent.  It was nice to get some time to introduce myself to her, and to discuss diabetes school topics with her.  I appreciated this opportunity, and tried to convey the need for diabetes awareness to be spread throughout the district among teachers, staff, and students alike.

While in the teacher's lounge, a number of staff members did come by to say hi.  Lots of good questions about diabetes where asked, and good, very frank, discussions ensued.  Sometimes it is hard to hard hear facts about diabetes, but rumors and mis-information need to be dispelled.   I basically tried to impress on the staff, specifically those with Type 1 students, the need for them to understand the dangers and traits of diabetes.

It's not OCD.   It's not ADHD.  It's not Celiac.  It's not defined by the NJCLD.

It's diabetes, and, if handled incorrectly, can cause VERY serious medical emergencies.

Just before the assembly was to begin, I was honored to have the chance to meet, and speak with, a high school athlete who also has Type 1.  He and his mom came by so we could talk.  I was very impressed with this person.  He plays football, lacrosse, and competes in fencing while maintaining near perfect grades, all while dealing with diabetes.  It was a pleasure to here him tell how he wears his pump during events, that he too was diagnosed at age 8, and how he mentors (whenever he can) the other Type 1s who attend his little brother's elementary school.

Much different than I was back in day.... we won't say how many years. (Ok, so about 29 years ago. Oy.) LOL!

The 300 or so students where assembled at 14:00, and the video feed was established.

I had such a good time talking to the group (and those assembled remotely) about diabetes, challenges, working hard, and staying focused and positive.  I told them about my adventure on Tour Divide last year, about my insulin pump, and what diabetes was and how people got it.

To repeat: You cannot catch it from someone.  :)

These kids where SMART, and asked some very amazing and thoughtful questions.  "How did you feel after not being able to finish your race?". "Is insulin cold?". "How do you fill your pump?". "Just how big was the bear?".  LOL!!

Great stuff!!

The walk was a success, and the weather held out perfectly.  I got to answer a few hundred more questions while out walking, and enjoyed the whole event!

After the end of the walk the Nichter's, a family of 5 with 1 Type 1 in the family came over to Glendaal from a school the received the video feed.  We where able to talk about the all to well known struggles being the parent of a CWD, new treatments, how technology has changed since my diagnosis, and just plain old living with Diabetes.

They are a super nice family, and it was my great pleasure to have the chance to see them.

Mr. Nichter rides bike (he has a Trek BTW, natch) and has a TdC Team for the Syracuse TdC coming up on June 3rd.  As a part of the fund raising process they organized a Flash Mob that occurred last week.  If you would like to help the Nichter's on their TdC, check out their team page.

I always have a wonderful time at events such as this, and I always walk away learning a ton from the folks in the local diabetes community.  It is such an amazing honor to be allowed to sit down with these kind families and listen to their stories about diabetes.

They are all stories of success and inspiration.

Friday's event was no different.

Thank you all very much!!!

Training Hours: Ride: 03:05 Run: 00:00 Other: 00:00

Insulin Delivery Summary:
Daily Total: 25.10 units
Bolus (42%) 10.45u
Basal: (58%) 14.65u

I was up early this morning, so I was able to take the long route into work.  Nothing finer than riding in with a very slight dry chill in the air.  Shadows long from the sun being so low behind you.

My favorite time of day to ride.  Just after dawn.

I mean, when I can get my hands on an espresso. Or Monster Java.  Either or.  :)

I had a great ride in, and, at lunch, I hustled back home to grab my car as I am picking my little guys up from school today.

Nice to be able to get a touch over 3hrs in before lunch.  :)

Tomorrow is an EARLY day (at the airport at 04:30 or something nutty like that) as I am heading to NY state to  speak to some children in the Albany School District about facing challenges and diabetes related topics.

I was kindly invited to come participate by my friend Kevin.  He is a young person with Type 1 who attends school in the district.  One great kid with a terrific and very involved family.

Diane and I had the honor of meeting his parents, Lisa and Keith, along with his siblings a while back.  (Keith: I am looking forward to hearing about your bicycle frame welding!!)  :)

I am very much looking forward to this event, and am honored to be invited to come up and talk.

Thank you!!

Following the structured program, we will have a small "Meet & Greet" with some of the CWD & Parents, as part of the District's “Kids Helping Kids” Program.

Following my program there, I will join those participating in the local JDRF Walk. PLEASE visit the link attached and show your support!

I hope to be able to share some pics (and possibly a TwitCast) from the event as it happens.  So look for those updates here tomorrow.

I also received some VERY outstanding news today, but that is just a little ways off from being made public.

Thank you for all of your continued support and encouragement, and KEEP CHOPPIN'!!!

Was in MA today to participate in the JDRF Boston Walk.   The Boston event is at an amazing venue along the Charles River.  We headed over early in the AM on the T.

One of the coolest features of Boston Public transportation is the new Hubway.   They have placed these bike stations all over the city, and they are available for use by anyone.

I cannot tell you how fantastic it was to see SO many individuals, of all ages, using this method of transport.  A very reliable and affordable method for getting around the dense city.

Another thing that stood out along the river is the boating clubs that are based there.  There where public sailboat races happening, and crewing is very popular.  There is a place right on the river you can rent boats to sail or crew.

The crowd of teams of walkers where already amassing as we arrived at the venue.  Although there where so many folks there, you really got a sense that everyone was bonded together.  A family of distant relatives all excited to see each other and share experiences.  You could truly feel the camaraderie and understanding of everyone in attendance.

It was very special.  It truly was.  I was amazed.

Another wonderful thing about these events is the ability to get caught up with Facebook friends, both new and old.  Seeing some folks in person for the first time, and sharing some fun with some know for a while.  I had a great time hanging out with The Diabetes Dude and his family for a large part of the festivities.

If you ever get a chance to attend one of these diabetes family events, I would strongly encourage you to do so.  It allows everyone a chance to see, to really see, that we are not alone and that we are indeed all in this together.

Thanks Boston!!
 

Training Hours: Ride: 02:04 Run: 00:00 Other: 01:01

Insulin Delivery Summary:
Daily Total: 37.10units
Bolus: 19.65u
Basal: 17.45u

Back home this morning after a busy pair of days traveling, during which I had the wonderful opportunity to meet some amazing folks affected by diabetes.  It is SO nice to meet folks that I have communicated with for a long time via Facebook or other.

It's truly amazing the bonds that you develop with others, who, like you, battle this disease day in and day out.

I would like to thank Lisa and her amazing family, and Beverly for being so kind and gracious to spent some time with  me.  It was completely my pleasure and honor to meet you both, and your amazing families (special thank to Kevin for showing me the "way in" to see "THE cool stuff"):

After my adventure.... when I got home today, I had sometime to get a ride and some TRX training in before dinner.  I have been slowly ramping my training back up for the first time since the fall at Tour Divide.  Physically I am good to go - but mentally I have not been quite 100% ready to go.  It is slowly coming back, and the joy of working out is returning.  I just need to be patient, and just accept what my soul can give me.


As the weeks go on, I have seen my training hours dramatically increasing.  So I am back in the swing.  Just need to get a little more organized, and a little more sharp.  Just Keep Choppin'. :)


I set my temp basal to a 60% reduction at 13:45 and headed over to O2 for about an hour of strength work.


Once done there, I was swung the legs over the Superfly and rolled out to the Chapel Hill North trail system.  Had the place to myself, which, truthfully, was a little weird...


BGs where 97 before the TRX session, 98 before my ride, 92 during, and 115 after.


When I finished up a little after 18:00 I bolused 2.95u for the typical post ride BG spike prevention.


Tomorrow being the holiday, I am hoping to get a longer amount of riding in, and then back to the grind.  :)


Thanks once again to everyone for allowing us to pay a visit.  So nice to meet everyone and spend some quality time together.  Thank you.  :) 

Wow.  I looked at my last blog post date, and I can't believe is has been 18 days.  Well actually in some ways I can, but in others it seems SO yesterday...  I do apologize for the delay.  My mind, and my life, have been in a bit of struggle for the last little bit.  LOTS of post Tour Divide stuff to work through, and tons of personal changes happening.  Truthfully, it leaves me a bit tired and just wanting to rest some days.

ALL of you have been SO incredibly helpful and supportive following my Tour Divide fall and "swim".  I have been slowly working on it, and I WILL get back to each of you.  Thank you all again so much.

I feel like I have turned a corner, and am beginning to feel normal about riding, training, and racing again.  Lots to talk about there, and maybe some announcements too, but......

I have been wanting to write to talk about my visit with Noah The Diabetes Dude on July 4th!

Noah and his parents, Tim and  Tracy, and his family where gracious enough to stop in for a little while on their way to the Children with Diabetes conference in Orlando, FL.

Little did I know that they had a special gift for me.

I was late (yes, you who know me can chuckle now) getting to the coffee shop on the out skirts of Raleigh were we had agreed to meet.  Luckily for me the Brokmeier family is a VERY understanding group.  :)


I have always admired the work Noah has done, and how his grassroots organization has really blossomed into a recognizable force in the diabetes community.  EVERYONE knows about the Blue Flamingo.  It was a real treat for me to get a chance to sit down with them and talk about our organizations, what it was like to be in school with Type 1, share our views on the direction of research, and our individual goals for the future.

Afterwards it was like I had known them since I was diagnosed all those many years ago.  Like a part of the family.

As it was getting time for them to get back on the road to reach another destination, Noah and the Brokmeier's presented me with two items that changed the course of the Type1Rider Organization, and my life forever.

The first was a Blue Flamingo of my very own, named Determination. I was very moved by this gesture, and will be taking my blue friend with me everywhere I go to help spread the word about diabetes.

I cannot even begin to adequately explain the second gift.

Luckily for me, you all know about it already as each of your where instrumental in making it so unbelievably special.

It defies description, and melted me straight away.

It is the most valuable item I have ever held in my hands.

I don't even know where to start to thank each and everyone of you who contributed to the book.

A sweeter more meaning full gift has never been given, and I will treasure this forever.

A life changer.

A mind changer.

A major turning point in the history of Type1Rider, and my life.

I cannot express my gratefulness and my gratitude towards Noah, Tim and Tracy, and all of you for making such a huge impact in my life and my healing.

Thank you.


Before they left Noah and I did a TwitCast together.  I really enjoyed that, and it made a great memory for me.






We said our goodbyes, and, as they drove away, I KNEW that I had made a life long friendship and that we WOULD be working together in some capacity some day.

Not lost that our visit occurred on independence day.

Thanks Noah.

Image via Wikipedia

Had a good trip to Charlotte today to participate in the JDRF Charlotte Chapter Family Fun Day event at the Time Warner Cable Arena.  I had spoken to the staff at this chapter about helping out at a few of their events, and they were gracious enough to invite me down to speak at this one.

My original plan was to try to get some riding in in the Charlotte area before the event, but their weather, like ours, had all the local trails closed.  I was able to get to the arena fairly early and meet some of the tremendous staff and volunteers they have there.  It was so inspiring and invigorating to hear their stories, and experience just how dedicated the JDRF staff is here.  (Hi Lynne!)

The program started at 15:00, and I went ahead and set my "Nervous" temp basal rate of 60% a little before 14:00.  My BGs where spot on all day, but I didn't think I would get a chance to eat lunch between arriving and speaking.  PLUS, when I am nervous my BGs do trend downwards.  So better safe then sorry.  :)

I was to speak for 10-15 minutes at the new parents and first time Walk Event meeting, and then quickly go upstairs to the venue's Kid's Zone to speak with the children.  I was amazed to learn that 600 people RSVP'd for this event.  WOW! (Hence the afore mentioned temp basal - LOL).

Even with the staggering number of attendees, the event went off without a hitch.  Laura Maciag, the Director of the Charlotte chapter, and Sally Langan deserve a HUGE congratulations for doing such a fantastic job on this affair!! Thank you so much for letting me be a part of it!!!

It was a special allowance to start be having the opportunity to be talking with the individuals that have minimum experience with Type 1 or with the JDRF Walk program.  I actually was able to stay within my time limit (can you believe it??), and, I hope, still be able to get my message across.

Once done I rushed upstairs to the arena's Kid Zone to speak with the children and parents in attendance.  I grabbed this shot before the program started, and the scene was intimidating.  :)   The people to the left and the right of the this view were as densely populated.

All the younger folks sat in a circle, and I spoke with them from the middle.  I saw some faces I recognized from the mountain bike clinics, which made me very happy!

I would be amiss not mention how great this group was.  The asked AMAZING questions, and almost 100% of them said all their friends knew they were Type 1.  They all also played at least one sport, and all had spare supplied and fast acting carbs with them.

I was just blown away.  A tribute to the education and outreach programs available down in this area.  Impressive.

After finishing up, it was time for the attendees to go watch the Checker's play a hockey game.   I quickly set my basal rate back to normal.

During this time I signed some autographs (such an unexpected flattering pleasure - thank you so much for affording me the time) and was able to answer some 1 on 1 questions for 30 or 40  minutes.

I left the arena and road over to Brixx Pizza to meet two Tour Divide veterans for a bit.  My friend Cricket and Stephen Huddle met with me to talk training, equipment, and share some TD tails.  It was SO great to see Cricket and for these guys to take time to meet me while I was in town.  (It just so happened Stephen was in town for work, so I got lucky).

Left town and headed for home just after 19:30.

I felt VERY blessed to be able to attend and participate in this event.  It is so amazing to meet these young T1s and hear what they say.

I learn something every single time.  These kids ROCK!!!

Trying to emerge from a whirlwind weekend of travel and meetings.  What do they say? It's not the years, it's the mileage.  That sounds right.  :)

I drove to Washington, DC on Thursday after work and arrived at my hotel near the Pentagon in the early evening.  I checked in, and managed to squeeze the car (bike racks and all) into the parking deck.  When I say squeeze, I mean SQUEEZE.  Maybe 1/32" to spare.  I had quite the crowd of porters and valets watching as I drove in.  The concrete wasn't too scary, but all the low hanging water pipes had my attention as I traveled down two levels to find a spot.

A little before 21:00 my freind Pete came by and we headed out to grab something to eat.  Pete is more like a brother to me, and a family member to the rest of my relatives.  Funny how it can be years since we last saw each other, but things generally remain the same. It's pretty cool.

Got back to my hotel late, and tried to get some sleep.  By far one of the worst 3 nights sleep I have ever had.  Nothing particular, but I just could not fall asleep.  Managed to nap for about 2 hours (maybe) but was up and rolling before 6am (which, if you know me, never, ever, never, ever happens).

Walked about two blocks and grabbed an espresso, went back to the hotel to pack and checkout, and then grabbed some items and rolled out in 40 degree temps on the fixie.  (I almost hit my head on the roof and the pipes of the parking deck on the way out).  I thought the bike and the Metro gave me the best options for city travel, so the car stayed in the deck all day.

In between communting to scheduled meetings, I managed to grab about 2 hours worth of cycling.  I really enjoy cycling as a great way to explore cities as being in the saddle provides a great opurtunity to sample the local flavor.

I had a good meeting with the American Diabetes Association at their Alexandria office.  It was cool to be there as I have heard so much about it from Dr. Buse and while working with the local ADA chapter over the years.

And, yes, I DID ride my bike down there.  Might have been the first person to walk the halls of the ADA wearing a Chrome Bag and a helmet. What else would you expect? (Rhetorical question Nancy E.)  :)

I left DC later on that afternoon, and headed straight up to Red Bank NJ for the next phase of the weekend.

As a side note, the EZ-Pass my mom lent me to save "time" goinf through the tolls in MD, DE, and NJ didn't work.  So, although it cut down on my wait time in toll traffic, I am should be expecting $100s of dollars of running the toll fines to be mailed my way soon.  Funny.  Not funny 'HA HA', but funny.

I have a good and productive time in NJ meeting with Melissa Ballan.  Melissa has an 8 y.o. would was diagnosed with Type 1 last year, and, after many conversations over the months on FB and the phone, we deceided to work together on some upcoming projects.  More on those specific details later, but we did spent a ton of time working discussing details.

Left NJ on Saturday afternoon and, safe for one stop in MD for gas, drove straight throught to home.

Of course all this travel left me under the weather and exhausted today.  I have a busy week, and am really, really excited about getting back into structured training sometime next week.  Man, I am really starting to miss the bike after the 3 weeks of not riding it everyday.  :)

I drove to Charlotte, NC yesterday and was fortunate enough meet some very caring, dedicated, and fantastic people, while also having a great visit with my friend Cricket Butler.  It was a fantastic morning!!

On the way home I took a little time to pay a visit to my MUCH missed "T2" Marcee at her new (well, it HAS been what? 8 months or more already? Wow.) gig at The Right Gear in Kannapolis.  It was so great to see her, if only for a short time.  Chapel Hill isn't the same with out M!

While there I was lucky enough to meet owner Jim O'Brien.  I want to personally thank Jim for taking time out of his day to show me around the unbelievable items he has in the shop, and to share some of his cycling related stories.

The Right Gear is unreal!  It is a must visit for anyone who loves cycling, both past and present.  I only shot a few photos, but the history Jim has hanging in the shop is unbelievable!  There are so many items of historic proportions lined up right behind the new for sale bike racks.  I was simply blown away.

I literally could have spent all day there just staring and drooling over stuff.

Again, thanks Jim.  See you again in a few weeks Marcee??

Had to hustle home, as it is just me and the boys this weekend.

Yeah, I heard that laugh of both humor and worry. I am really looking forward to hanging with the boys and doing "men" stuff.  We might even stay up to 8:30pm one night.  oh boy!  ;)

Time has been REALLY flying the past couple of days, with TONS and TONS of "things" going on.

First and foremost I am happy to say I am feeling much better since switching to a new antibiotic last week.  The actual wounds are almost gone, and my BGs are really close to normal so I know the infection is almost gone.  It is still a little black and blue, and, it sounds weird, but when I jar it I can feel some discomfort deep inside my arm somewhere.  The swelling is completely gone, and I have full range of motion and feeling in my hand and fingers.  So I say this event is behind me now.

I got back on the bike this past Saturday for the first real ride I have had in over a week.  I felt very recovered so I was able to really get on it for over 3hrs on the Superfly.  Felt great, but I was feeling it on Sunday for sure.  :)

Sunday was awesome as my good friend Cricket Butler came up from Charlotte.  I know some of you know Cricket via the organization she runs called Team Up For Type 1.  She is very quick on the mountain bike as well, finishing 2nd in the Trans Rockies 2010 and was the 1st woman finisher in this years Tour Divide. (Yeah, that is an impressive resume for sure).

It had been a while (in fact ever) that we got a chance to talk to face to face at a non race event.  I was very fortunate that she volunteered to drive up for a visit.

I am attending a JDRF Mountain Bike Skills Clinic in Charlotte which was setup via her organization.  It was fantastic last year, and I am looking forward to getting down there again this September 25th.

My oldest started kindergarten last Thursday, so that has been a HUGE transition.  Much more for me and less so for him.  It has been great so far, and he seems to be liking it.  We are still working out all the logistics with drop off and pick-up and training and working, etc....  Gotta get that ironed out soon, as not having a set schedule is making me a little edgy.  :)

With all of this stuff I haven't gotten on my bike since Saturday.  I hope to have a chance to ride tomorrow before the hurricane Earl hits.  I am sure that will bring big rain, but hopefully cooler temps, to the region.  

But truthfully, I am really just happy chilling right now.  It has been a long and difficult race season for sure.  So much so that my friend George Scott and the guys at Trek Raleigh have renamed Murphy's Law, Cervati's Law.  

Hopefully they will still want to ride with me... I am not sure the blast area of a meteor strike, but I will advise them to stay well clear of that.

I was fortunate enough to be able to attend the American Diabetes Association North Carolina Tour de Cure Kickoff event this evening. I always enjoy saying a few words at this event, as it is full of folks dedicated to raising money to find a cure for diabetes.

As is what is basically turning into an annual event, my website url got butchered (it's not type1diabetes.org), but I got a good laugh out of it. :)

Even though the weather was calling for snow, the party was very well attended. I met a lot of really cool people touched in one way or another by this disease.

Thanks to everyone who volunteered time and give away swag, particularly Trek Bicycles of Raleigh. I will get some pics up if I can contact the photographer who was documenting the festivies.

Sometimes life opens a big can of whoop on you. Everyday this week has felt that way. Just one thing after another. It's giving me a lot to think about.

After a busy, busy day in the office I was able to head directly over to the UNC Wellness Center so I go for a ride. I lowered my basal rate to a 60% reduction at 16:40 and headed out on the Superfly Single Speed at 17:20.

At 17:30 I needed to dial in to a conference call for the ADA Tour de Cure planning commitee. I continued to ride while on the phone. Wasn't too bad for the most part. This call lasted 50 minutes and really didn't accomplish all that much. We did approve the pretty much already deceided idea of moving the Tour de Cure to Memorial Day weekend. Hopefully this will work, as the Tour is taking a big step by moving to a two day event in Pinehirst. We'll see.

After that I was able to and put the rest of my mountain bike ride in. Back to the Wellness Center by 19:30, and I parked the bike and rolled out on my fixed gear for 60 minutes.

I set my pump back to a normal basal rate at 20:00.

I think the best when on the bike, and I think I sorted through some stuff. It's funny how possesed I am by bikes. I feel more in balance while in the saddle then anywhere else.

Time for bed. Out!!




-- Post From My iPhone

Had an appointment today at lunch, and this was the view out the window of the offices there. The Durham Bull Athletic Park. They also have a huge glass vase of collected home run balls that have landed on their deck. This is pretty cool:



And, by coincedence, I found this thread on MTBR. That's just about exactly what happened to my X-0 shifter at the race on Saturday. Funny this gets posted now. :)

sram x0 shifter rear 9spd skipping