tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82035926950134740982024-03-20T04:53:49.248-04:00Pedal Pumper. Cyclist. Diabetic.Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07154810728796745227noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203592695013474098.post-65826361182702222092012-07-24T12:22:00.002-04:002012-07-24T12:24:31.150-04:00Me... Post? Nah.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I have taken a long hiatus! It felt good and I needed it. It was a long spring at work and I am settling into summer nicely. You can see by the graph when Hockey and Basketball season ended (I work in an arena):<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(3 months off to weekly riding)<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">I have been to my doctor, I have a new one that I'll post about later, lost some weight, been eatimg mostly Paleo, and have been riding as much as I can. <a href="http://app.strava.com/athletes/497301">Here</a> is a link to my page which has all but a handful of rides. I'll have more to come soon, but... I'm back. At least until my job starts kicking my ass again this fall!</span></div>
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</div>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07154810728796745227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203592695013474098.post-51986045491016873902011-12-05T22:22:00.001-05:002011-12-06T00:35:03.401-05:00Advocate. What is it?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Update. Well, I am lacking in the blog post/advocate area.<br />
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Life has been stressful.... Work, money, health, family, work. I want to say lately, or in the last couple months, but that would be lying. Ups and downs are all a part of life, deal with it right? This is not a bitch blog where I always complain about life, or diabetes, or poor me. I don't want to start doing that here today either. So I'll explain it another way.<br />
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Outlets. We all need one. Or two. Writing blogs and advocating Diabetes is something I want to make more of a priority. Advocating Diabetes is a cause that I believe in, and a cause that I believe in educating others on. Even though I am diabetic, and it is a priority, it is still hard to find the time. I am not one to post just because I feel like I have to, and as a consequence, I am not getting as many reads or page views as I would like. So here is a different take on advocating. The definition of advocating is variable in my opinion, and it is not constrained to social media or any other means, but rather about making a small connection. Even if it is one, two, or three at a time.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I4hWzDNWdGA/Tt2lDtcb-kI/AAAAAAAAIVc/z8D6jvVIAGQ/s1600/spcx_andy4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I4hWzDNWdGA/Tt2lDtcb-kI/AAAAAAAAIVc/z8D6jvVIAGQ/s1600/spcx_andy4.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(BRC Shedd Park CX Race. Lowell, MA)</td></tr>
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My outlet lately has been racing my Cyclocross bike on the weekends when possible. I have done 10 races this season so far. I always have the best intentions of writing after a weekend of racing. I want to write and inform people about my blood glucose levels (BG's), nutrition, on the bike basal rates and all of that. I'm not always proud of my race, my BG's, my diet, or my attitude. The race I did on Sunday I was proud of, but not because of the results. The fact is I got my ass handed to me. But, the best advocation I have done all year happened unexpectedly at the start line Sunday when I made a small connection.<br />
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Usually near the start of a race I will check BG's and intake carbs as necessary. We were all lined up and waiting for the whistle, and nervously I was checking the front of my MiniMed pump which I always wear on my upper left arm, and it displays the results of my CGM (Continuous Glucose Monitor, it displays an approximation of my BG). It read 82. I was a bit worried (82 is a tad low for a Type 1 race start) even though I consumed a Hammer Gel a few minutes prior. I also knew that my liver would spit out some carbs and bring my BG up after some anaerobic throttling of my cardiovascular system. Not knowing the guy next to me was watching, he said "is that an iPod?" I told him I was type 1 and it was an insulin pump. When I looked up there were about 5 guys and some spectators watching me.<br />
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I don't know what any of those people were thinking, but at that point I was advocating Diabetes more than any blog, tweet, or status update I ever wrote could. At the end of the race, still breathing hard and sweating, I was checking my CGM again for my approximate BG. Another racer came up alongside me and said "Great job! My girlfriend is Type 1 and races in the Cat 3 Women's race".<br />
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I hope she checked her BG or CGM at the starting line of her race and had the same connection on 5 additional people. It was a great result.<br />
<br /></div>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07154810728796745227noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203592695013474098.post-14171357322034086032011-09-24T21:22:00.001-04:002011-09-24T21:34:00.511-04:00CX Racing tomorrow!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It's been a while since I have posted, no excuses, but I will start writing more frequently now that Fall is upon us... As well as cyclocross season!<br />
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I'm at my lightest wieght in 5 years and ready to ride Suckerbrooke Cross tomorrow am... Then off to church.<br />
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My Sunday steed:<br />
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Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07154810728796745227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203592695013474098.post-78991695247116283052011-07-18T22:55:00.004-04:002011-07-19T09:32:10.409-04:00Update<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(8 days post crash)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>It has been 8 days since my <a href="http://pedalpumper.blogspot.com/2011/07/crashed-yeti-at-fomba.html">crash</a> at FOMBA. My leg is still very sore to the touch, but I managed to ride today for the first time since. Although it is sore, I feel like the muscle is mostly healed and the swelling is 90% gone. The worst part is when I hit a bump (the pot holes here are EPIC, as are the drivers) my leg jiggles a we bit... that seems to bother a 14 inch bruise quite a bit. Maybe not too healthy to ride yet, but I really needed to be on my bike.<br />
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I got chased down by a messenger while into a head wind, but he never passed me. He stayed a couple car lengths behind and when he turned at the rotary I saw he had at least a 47x16 gear. I ride a 42x17 and probably need to bump that up al la James White style, but he didn't try to pass all the way from Boston (TD Garden) to the Route (pronounced root) 16/99 rotary in Everett. I should bump that gear up, but right now there is only <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0NmA-C-ZDsQ/TY4AqHNcHmI/AAAAAAAAHck/UTnGI91JNXk/s1600/IMAG0087.jpg">1 bike I am worried about</a>.<br />
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I sent my Yeti back on Wednesday and they received it on Thursday. I have not heard back yet about the state of the warranty decision. I hope that I can get my bike back soon as there are some major events planned for kids with Diabetes and MTB'ing that I need my bike for. There is also talk of a 24 hour ride at Great Glen in New Hampshire, 2 person Type 1 team.<br />
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Diet and Diabetes update: So I learned something form a person who has only had diabetes for about 6 weeks, and I decided to keep an open mind and give it a shot. My newly acquired, newly diagnosed T1 friend Cody from Colorado started the Paleo Diet and has since not needed to take insulin. I do not expect these results with this diet and it is not my goal, but great for him! I need to drop some weight that was acquired from bad eating habits and 18 hours work days, and if my D #'s get better doings so, I'll give it a shot.<br />
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I have been on the diet for 2 weeks and 1 day. I have lost 14 pounds, all while eating Veggies, fruit, meats, and a few other things that were available to early humans. All that weight loss is great, and I am eating plenty of healthy foods doing it. I feel great, I'm not hungry, and I have plenty of energy. But the best part is my D #'s. Take a look...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(The only real questionable area is at noon. Basal change will fix that)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The green area is a good blood glucose range for me. It is 70 at the bottom, and 140 at the top. The black dotted line is my 7 day average. The dotted line for me has never been in the green 100% of a 7 day period in my life, and I consider myself to be a responsible diabetic. I have had a few issues with high BG's, and I am learning about how and when my liver emits glucose during hard exercise. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">This is a learning process and I have had to cheat a couple times when I have had low BG's and eat glucose tablets (no processed food allowed on the Paleo Diet), but I am not willing to compromise my life to stay 100% to the diet. For now I cant argue with the numbers or the way I feel so I am going to stick with it! I'll report again with more data...</div>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07154810728796745227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203592695013474098.post-35903468935932050182011-07-12T16:43:00.000-04:002011-07-12T16:43:57.563-04:00Crashed the Yeti at FOMBASo life has been pretty busy as of late. I have been riding a fair amount since the Bruin's won the Stanley Cup and my work schedule has lightened up. I have started a new diet that I will get more in depth in after a little more time goes but, but so far am impressed. It's not really so much of a diet as it a 'Hey You, eat healthy'! More to come....<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I was riding at one of my favorite New England trail areas, FOMBA (Lake Massabesic) this past weekend. I was to ride all the trails finishing with Fireline, and then turn around and do Fireline again backwards. I was about 1/4 of the way through Long Trail and I heard a loud bang, it was kind of like the same sound as when you are cruising down a rocky trail and a BFR hits your rim/crank/downtube. But it wasn't any of those! By tire immediately locked up and I began skidding out of control. I went over the bars and landed side thigh first on another BFR, and my bike went ass over tea kettle hitting yet another BFR right on the seat stay/drop out junction. The stays are made of carbon fiber and the crash resulted in a bulged and splintered carbon seat stay. The loud bang I heard was the drop out cracking.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lyghIk9K3g8/ThywAztZNhI/AAAAAAAAIGs/CAamrKySmEM/s1600/DSC_0427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lyghIk9K3g8/ThywAztZNhI/AAAAAAAAIGs/CAamrKySmEM/s400/DSC_0427.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I talked to my dealer back in Colorado and got an RA # from Yeti. I FedEx overnighted (is that a word?) it today and hope to hear good news soon. I am very hopeful that Yeti will replace the frame as I have many events coming up including a MTB skills camp for type 1 diabetic kids in the Boston area. This will be difficult without my bike. Yeti has a great reputation and I have nothing bad to say about the bike itself, I just cant afford to be without a bike right now.... will keep you posted!</div>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07154810728796745227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203592695013474098.post-66296607980503443482011-05-20T11:19:00.010-04:002011-05-24T16:21:34.958-04:00Type1Rider Trailer<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Tony Cervati has Type 1 Diabetes and is racing his bike in the Tour Divide to show everyone that people with diabetes have no limitations. Tour Divide is a 2,845 mile mountain bike race from Banff, Canada to Antelope Wells, NM (Mexico/US border) along the great divide. This race climbs a total of over 200,000 ft from start to finish, and takes an average of 3-4 weeks. The race must be done unsupported. All racers must utilize the same facilities that are available to everyone on the route, and no racers can pre-arrange any sort of stop for anything, including supplies. This will be an epic feat for him and for diabetes.<br />
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Please help Tony and TapRoot Films create the film. Go to the Kick Starter page below and show your support. Please share this information in all your social media outlets, blogs, email and websites so that this film can happen. I know every single person who reads this is in someway affected by diabetes<br />
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Tony: <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/type1rider">@type1rider</a> on Twitter<br />
TapRootFilms: <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/taprootfilms">@taprootfilms</a> on Twitter<br />
Kick Starter site: <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/taprootfilms/type-1-rider-the-film">http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/taprootfilms/type-1-rider-the-film</a><br />
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Please check out the trailer for the film that will help Tony help all of those who are affected with diabetes.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="410px" src="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/taprootfilms/type-1-rider-the-film/widget/video.html" width="480px"></iframe></div></div>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07154810728796745227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203592695013474098.post-37418269350658892192011-05-15T22:54:00.000-04:002011-05-15T22:54:06.257-04:00Quick ride post<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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Rode Willowdale again today..... in the pouring rain. But I had a great ride and even met up with Dave and Jean from the <a href="http://x-blog-x-team-x.blogspot.com/">team</a>, and rode with them for a while. I had a tough time with BG's today and was chasing low's all day. I think it has to do with yesterdays lingering effects of working until almost 2am and then motivating for a ride when my body just didn't want to. I never got below 90mg/dl on my ride, but was constantly eating. Life in the D! Had fun, got muddy, a little over 10 miles single-track, and stayed upright! Good Day!<br />
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</div></div><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/85945555'></iframe>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07154810728796745227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203592695013474098.post-83068113798060759762011-05-12T11:02:00.000-04:002011-05-13T16:30:34.183-04:00First dry Willowdale Ride!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yeti Big Top 29er + Singletrack = :-)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Got out for a quick lap at Willowdale State Forrest. A little drizzle in the air, but I'll call it dry as my <a href="http://pedalpumper.blogspot.com/2011/04/this-weeks-riding.html#more">last ride out there</a> was pouring and 40°F. Trails were in very good shape this time around, and the ride was great.<br />
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I started the day with a couple pieces of <a href="http://www.arnoldbread.com/Products/Description.aspx?sSku=7341001374#">Double Protein</a> toast with strawberry jelly. I added my 40g carbs and BG of 98 into the Bolus Wizard of my <a href="http://www.minimed.com/index.html">MiniMed pump</a> and it delivered a bolus of 4.9U. I went for an easy 1hr hike with dogs, and when I returned home to get ready for my ride I was low at 65. My CGM warned me of the approaching low, but I was out of glucose tablets in the car. You may think this is deplorable, but it happens, and I fixed the issue the same day and replenished. Set a temp basal of 55% a little after 2pm for a 3:30pm start time.<br />
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The start of the ride was chilly but I warmed up pretty quickly. I am convinced that the cold weather has an impact on insulin sensitivity. I can't back it with any medical resource at this time, but I feel like low BG's are more apt to happen in colder weather. I digress. My only complaint on my ride was a little lower back pain. I'm not sure if I am getting used to wearing a <a href="http://www.ospreypacks.com/detail.php?productID=228&colorCode=536&tab=description">hydration pack</a> or if riding a single-speed could be the culprit, but those are the only things that have changed recently.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
I did a little research on my <a href="http://connect.garmin.com/explore?owner=andynook">Garmin Connect site</a>, comparing all the rides I have done at Willowdale. It seems that I had my fastest lap time ever on this ride. Even faster than my race from last year! My avg speed was up 2.8 mph and my avg heart rate was down almost 20bpm. This is a good sign as I wasn't really time trialing at all. I hope I can ride as much this summer as I did last summer to keep getting faster. Below are my ride details and Daily Log from my <a href="http://pedalpumper.blogspot.com/p/diabetes-education.html">CGM</a>.</div><br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="548" src="http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/84881551" width="465"></iframe></div><a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/55278851/2011-05-10" style="-x-system-font: none; display: block; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px auto; text-decoration: underline;" title="View 2011-05-10 on Scribd">2011-05-10</a> <object data="http://d1.scribdassets.com/ScribdViewer.swf" height="600" id="doc_19102" name="doc_19102" style="outline: none;" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="100%"> <param name="movie" value="http://d1.scribdassets.com/ScribdViewer.swf"><param name="wmode" value="opaque"><param name="bgcolor" value="#ffffff"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><param name="FlashVars" value="document_id=55278851&access_key=key-15k565275n0sn0ajrq4o&page=1&viewMode=list"><embed id="doc_19102" name="doc_19102" src="http://d1.scribdassets.com/ScribdViewer.swf?document_id=55278851&access_key=key-15k565275n0sn0ajrq4o&page=1&viewMode=list" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="600" width="100%" wmode="opaque" bgcolor="#ffffff"></embed> </object></div>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07154810728796745227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203592695013474098.post-41904671071364993992011-05-07T11:43:00.000-04:002011-05-07T11:43:08.227-04:00Help from the DOC!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I wanted to write a blog post asking for everyone to help out a member of the DOC (diabetes online community). <a href="http://type1rider.blogspot.com/">Tony Cervati</a> is a Type 1 diabetic who is riding the <a href="http://tourdivide.org/">Tour Divide</a> mountain bike race. This race starts in Banff, Canada and goes to Mexico along the Great Divide. That's right over 2,800 miles and it is mostly off road on trails in the wilderness. Oh yeah, and it is self supported! That means there is no team car or help along the way. In comparison the Tour de France is about 2200 miles and is all on roads. This will be an epic challenge!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.taprootfilms.com/">Taprootfilms</a> is trying to capture the race and <a href="http://www.type1riderthefilm.com/">create a film</a> about Tony's experience. I think this film will be a great way for other diabetics to see how diabetes does not have to be a limiting factor in our lives, and that we can attempt anything.<br />
<br />
Please read through the links I have oprovided, and go to <a href="http://type1riderthefilm.com/">type1riderthefilm.com</a> and learn about Tony's story and why this film is important. If anything, please link to these sites/stories in your own blog posts, Facebook, and Twitter so that others can be exposed to the great things these people are trying to do.<br />
<br />
Good luck Tony and Taprootfilms, we will be following you the best we can during your race!</div>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07154810728796745227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203592695013474098.post-41353704974578700682011-04-07T16:17:00.002-04:002011-04-07T16:20:14.452-04:00I don't care....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ao0IBT_lruk/TZ3SIuFklkI/AAAAAAAAHeQ/aYUOOsYq3FY/s1600/rd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ao0IBT_lruk/TZ3SIuFklkI/AAAAAAAAHeQ/aYUOOsYq3FY/s400/rd.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(To be clear, Diabetes is not reversible. At all. Ever.)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>This upcoming article in 'Readers Digest' has come up this week in some diabetes blogs that I read. It states that you can reverse diabetes, which is a false statement. A lot of people are very frustrated and feel that this is somewhat of an outrage. I can't disagree with how they feel. My words would be that this is irresponsible of 'Readers Digest', and I think it would behoove them to title it 'Reverse Complications of Diabetes' or something similar.<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>People misunderstand diabetes and how it is brought about, and articles like this are trying to be helpful. I would encourage 'Readers Digest' to spend a little more money on their editors to prevent potential dis-information, especially on titles of articles and publications. I am betting that this article has some suggestions along the lines of healthy eating, exercise and some general tips on healthy living the would definitely not hurt a person with diabetes.<br />
<br />
25.8 million people in the U.S. have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, unless you are one of them or you are a heath care professional working around diabetes, you probably don't take the time to know the disease like those of us who have it. In fact there are many people with diabetes that don't know, or care to know the intricacies of the disease. It is claimed that 7 million people out of the 25.8 million don't even know they have the disease. Those people are probably not the most informed or educated either. 'Readers Digest' may be failing at informing people about our disease, at least in the title of this publication.<br />
<div><br />
<a name='more'></a></div><div>My stance is - I don't care. I have never been a 'Ra-Ra' cheerleader, or 'poor me' type of guy when it comes to my diabetes. I am VERY open about having diabetes, and have never hidden it nor have I ever felt embarrassed about it. I always talk to people about it when they ask, or if I find they have it or have a loved one who has it. I know that no matter how much I wish it would happen, people are not going to understand what it is like to have diabetes unless they do have it and attack it everyday like I do.</div><div><br />
</div><div>I blog not because I want people to know what it is like to have diabetes, but to help teach people that diabetes is not a limiting factor. The only way diabetes is a limiting factor is if you think it is. I can honestly say I have never missed out on anything in life because of my diabetes. I went to every camp and school event, I played sports, <a href="http://pedalpumper.blogspot.com/2010/08/vt-30-6-hour-mtb-race.html">I race my bike</a>, and always did all the things my friends were doing. I was a river guide in the Grand Canyon and have guided over fifty 8-14 day trips through the canyon where I was no where near civilization. I have traveled the country, even alone sometimes, and have gone to foreign countries without letting diabetes stop me.</div><div><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BO86_Wge41Q/TZ4TN0mG7bI/AAAAAAAAHeU/oomB-wv04xE/s1600/SLIDE_0413f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BO86_Wge41Q/TZ4TN0mG7bI/AAAAAAAAHeU/oomB-wv04xE/s320/SLIDE_0413f.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Grand Canyon, entering Hermit Rapid. Mile 95)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div>This is not to say that I didn't have hang-ups along the way, but the key is to be prepared and organized with your diabetes. Take the time to really understand the disease, and the technology you have to mange the disease with. I was on a river trip on the Salt River in Arizona a couple years ago with some great friends. As soon as we got on the water, and there was no turning back, my insulin pump locked up and was unresponsive to anything. I tried for a couple hours, but got nothing. I still had 5 days to go until the end and had no choice but to continue on. No cell phone coverage at all, and we did not have a satellite phone. I was screwed right? No, I was organized and prepared so I grabbed my spare syringes (which I have with me at all times), and emergency bottle of Lantus insulin, and along with my glucometer and Novolog insulin I was able to manage diabetes the way I did before I had a pump. I was drinking beer and rowing my boat without a hick-up and had a great trip. I had everything I needed in case shit went bad, and when it did - I was organized and knew I would be OK.</div><div><br />
</div><div><div style="text-align: left;">Fight diabetes with proper knowledge and the right tools. Fight diabetes with confidence and don't be scared of it. Know that there is nothing that you, or your loved ones, are limited to if they are diabetic.</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">So, I don't care. I don't care if the neighbor down the street reads this 'Readers Digest' article and is mis-informed. Bottom line is, if you are diabetic and using readers digest to manage it, then there are bigger problems that need attention. You are responsible for your own knowledge. If you are the parent or guardian of a child with diabetes, you are responsible for their knowledge. Teach them and give them confidence and organizational skills so that they can live limitless.</div></div></div>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07154810728796745227noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203592695013474098.post-90712361411496565782011-04-06T20:28:00.018-04:002011-04-06T21:37:13.153-04:00This weeks riding....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I think I have turned the motivational corner, and have started getting into more of a regular exercise schedule. The weather has NOT cooperated. It has been raining, cold and windy. My job does not allow any sort of normal schedule for eating, sleeping or exercise so I just have to suck it up and get it done. Some days (rarely) I will work 8am-5pm, some game days I might do a 11am-11pm, and weekends may be a double header. It has yet to fail that my day off is gloomy, windy, snowy, cold and rainy. Even though all this can, and will, deteriorate motivation to get out and exercise I have to suck it up and get out.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UOeitPc_Jig/TZ0Eqj4BmhI/AAAAAAAAHd4/uklpQyDDSnk/s1600/IMAG0122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UOeitPc_Jig/TZ0Eqj4BmhI/AAAAAAAAHd4/uklpQyDDSnk/s320/IMAG0122.jpg" width="320" /></a>I have started regularly commuting to work. It is only 5 miles each way but I'll take it. <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/o_MM5TwcOJFRjfZtb3mMrQ?feat=directlink">I ride a single-speed cyclocross bike</a> with a 42x17 gearing and that can be tough in spots. I can get some intervals in if I choose, and it is really great how the wind knows when I am riding and changes direction to give me a harder workout. In the past year I have invested in some <a href="http://www.showerspass.com/">good rain gear</a> (actually, great), a good <a href="http://www.ospreypacks.com/Packs/ViperSeriesHydrationSpecificMensMountainBikingHiking/Viper10NEW/">commuter pack</a>, and most recently <a href="http://www.niterider.com/prod_minewt350.shtml">a light</a> that seems to be brighter than most cars on the road. Commuting is a lot easier to motivate for when you have the correct tools. I have also created a work 'tote thing' that has lit a weeks worth of work cloths. Now i don't need to carry all that crap with me, and since my wife works at the same place I do, I just put the dirty 'tote thingy' in the car at the end of the week. Lesson: Beat 'motivation killers' with organization!<br />
<br />
So this week I have gotten 50 miles commuting, each in the wind, rain and cold. I topped it off on Monday, my day off, with about 2 hours of single track at Willowdale in the pouring rain at about 40°F. I was a little hesitant when I arrived at the trail, but I climbed out of the 4Runner and pushed on. I was glad I did! I get some sort of strange satisfaction out of using my gear in inclement or extreme conditions. Rain jacket was perfect, not a single drop got through, same with the pack as everything was dry. Bike ran flawlessly, although it is also set up as a single-speed so there isn't much to go wrong. <a href="http://connect.garmin.com/activity/77368850">My ride</a> was about 12 miles, but I forgot to press start on my GPS so it didn't register the little warm-up loop I did, or the first part of the 10 mile loop. By the end I was getting a little cold in the hands and feet, but I was really glad I got out.<br />
<br />
The 'D' numbers:<br />
I set a temp basal rate of 55% 1 hour before ride start. Started my ride with a BG of 161mg/dl. During the ride I took in a cliff mini (25g carb), 6-8 oz of Endurox R4 drink mix (18g carb?) and a GU (20g carb). I finished with a BG of 88 mg/dl. I took 1.85 units after my ride to prevent the post ride BG spike. I set an overnight (8 hour) temp basal at 8pm of 85% and had no low BG's overnight and woke up the next day at 111 mg/dl.</div>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07154810728796745227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203592695013474098.post-80031293545026716952011-03-28T11:36:00.000-04:002011-03-28T11:36:07.840-04:00Diabetic Safety<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: center;">***This post is important to everyone, but especially people with Diabetes***</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ItDBq93L0EA/TY4RXOu7l8I/AAAAAAAAHdQ/1YzJ-aD5ZpI/s1600/IMAG0091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ItDBq93L0EA/TY4RXOu7l8I/AAAAAAAAHdQ/1YzJ-aD5ZpI/s200/IMAG0091.jpg" width="200" /></a>Get an identification accessory. My wife would be so proud that I used the term accessory with out her encouragement! Back in the day people had no choice but to wear those big clunky medical ID bracelets or necklaces. Today there are many choices. I am in no way affiliated with this company but will give them a plug anyway. I use a <a href="https://www.roadid.com/Common/LearnMore.aspx?PID=37">Road ID Elite</a>. You can have it say whatever you want, and they have many colors, styles and other <a href="https://www.roadid.com/Common/Products.aspx">products</a> besides bracelets.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
<a name='more'></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-b6k1ScMDOUk/TY4VXAN7xjI/AAAAAAAAHdY/-np4R9cweVA/s1600/IMAG0096-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-b6k1ScMDOUk/TY4VXAN7xjI/AAAAAAAAHdY/-np4R9cweVA/s200/IMAG0096-1.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
I chose to have the interactive version which has an minimal annual fee. It is comfortable it stays on even during hard and bumpy mountain bike rides, and it doesn't smell after being exposed to sweat. The interactive version has a serial number and pin on the back that will allow responders to call or get online to get your emergency contact info. When a responder calls the number an automated system reads to them all the items that you have input to your profile. You can add address and other contact info, emergency contacts, physician info, insurance info, medical information and history, medication types and dosages, along with a notes section.<br />
<br />
If the responder wants to view the online profile they will go to MyRoadID.com and see your profile<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QZEHFM8DyF8/TY5CCJMQ_LI/AAAAAAAAHd0/IfFqK9ORRIU/s1600/demo_screen2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QZEHFM8DyF8/TY5CCJMQ_LI/AAAAAAAAHd0/IfFqK9ORRIU/s1600/demo_screen2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
</div><br />
This is not just for athletes or people with diabetes or other diseases. If I had kids, they would be wearing them. My dogs wear a similar product. Everyone should wear it. So why not you? I wear it because I am almost always surrounded by people who have no idea I am diabetic. I wear it because 75% of the time that I am on my bike or hiking, I am by myself. This gives me some piece of mind, and it is smart. </div>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07154810728796745227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203592695013474098.post-63974975453776416612011-03-26T11:40:00.007-04:002011-03-26T11:54:00.677-04:00First MTB ride of the year<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0NmA-C-ZDsQ/TY4AqHNcHmI/AAAAAAAAHck/UTnGI91JNXk/s1600/IMAG0087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0NmA-C-ZDsQ/TY4AqHNcHmI/AAAAAAAAHck/UTnGI91JNXk/s320/IMAG0087.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My new Rig - Yeti Big Top 29er</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I can't believe how fast the snow melted. At one point this winter, and I am not joking, you could not see a UPS truck drive down the street the snow banks were so high. Stop sings were covered. But I managed to find dry trails last weekend and got out for a 1.5 hour ride.<br />
<br />
There was a very Fall like feel outside with temps in the mid 40's, lots of dry leaves on the trails, and a few wet spots to avoid. I even saw some deer crossing the trail in front of me at one point, which is an unexpected bonus considering <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=42.481298,-71.232795&num=1&t=h&sll=42.427742,-71.11792&sspn=0.063282,0.09112&hl=en&ie=UTF8&ll=42.481335,-71.232766&spn=0.001539,0.001861&z=19">where I was riding</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>As <a href="http://pedalpumper.blogspot.com/2011/03/can-i-have-2-pumpcgms.html">previously written</a>, I have struggled a bit with where to put all my <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Zt8R0Xd4rgY7W01qznM7yQ?feat=directlink">'D-Crap'</a>, and it is also true while riding. Not to mention the Dexcom CGM is not water resistant, and I still have not found a good way to mount it to my handlebar or arm for easy access during rides. It's not a big deal to keep it in my pocket, but to stop that often to see my trends is a pain. I also have been having a few issues with the Omnipod Pod itself on rides. It jiggles with all the chatter bumps and trail terrain and it actually hurts. I have used <a href="http://www.google.com/images?hl=en&biw=1075&bih=907&tbs=isch%3A1&sa=1&q=coban+wrap&aq=f&aqi=g2&aql=&oq=">Coban</a> to try to settle the Pod if it is placed near my triceps, but that isn't a great solution. I'll keep working on it until the Minimed transmitter gets approved.<br />
<br />
All in all it was a <a href="http://connect.garmin.com/activity/74323181">great ride</a>. I stopped a lot to tinker on saddle position, brake lever angle, and the likes, but I also had a good work out. I have not hit a heart rate of 190 in a while, did it a few times on this ride! I think riding single speed is going to be a great challenge for me this year.</div>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07154810728796745227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203592695013474098.post-11405650713499772592011-03-18T20:44:00.008-04:002011-03-18T20:57:56.408-04:00Can I have 2 Pump/CGM's?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-aRlOH-w3Jvs/TYP-0-7vvII/AAAAAAAAHb8/sju8rWSa8sI/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-aRlOH-w3Jvs/TYP-0-7vvII/AAAAAAAAHb8/sju8rWSa8sI/s200/images.jpg" width="200" /></a>I was on a Minimed pump/CGM system for the past 7 years. Most recently the Real Time Revel system. I stopped using Minimed because of a <a href="http://pedalpumper.blogspot.com/2010/11/doctor-report-and-new-tools.html#more">customer service issue that I thought was unacceptable</a>.<br />
<br />
I have been doing a little research trying to figure out when OmniPod and Dexcom are going to integrate. Basically this integration would mean that the CGM data would be available on the Omnipod PDM and I would only need to carry 1 device. I am also trying to decide if I want to switch back to my Minimed Real Time Revel pump/cgm. I came upon<a href="http://www.diatribe.us/issues/29/new-now-next.php?utm_content=boothka%40comcast.net&utm_source=VerticalResponse&utm_medium=Email&utm_term=%20Click%20here%20to%20continue&utm_campaign=diaTribe%20Issue%2029%20-%20Research%20and%20Product%20News%20for%20People%20With%20Diabetescontent"> this article</a> (2nd entry) in my research and it sounds like there is going to be a long delay in getting the integrations done.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>After using the Dexcom/Omnipod for the past 6 months I have come to a few realizations that are making me want to go back to the Medtronic Minimed system (reluctantly). Mainly, I have had several instances where I wanted to eat, but didn't have my PDM with me. Some examples would be going out to hike with the dogs, then do some grocery shopping and errands. This could take 4 or 5 hours, and I still don't always remember to bring the PDM even after 6 months. Without the PDM I can't bolus for what I eat, so I can't eat. Second, when I do remember to bring my PDM I now feel inundated with all the crap I have to carry, especially at work. At work I would have PDM, CGM, Work blackberry, wallet, multi-tool and flashlight! That is too much! Third, neither Dexcom nor Omnipod are weather proof and I am on my bike or hiking in rainy, snowy or muddy conditions a lot. As much as I hate to say it, the Medtronic Minimed system solves all of these, but it does tether me to my pump/CGM with it's tubing.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-HY21JCZnT8s/TYP7Cvv7tHI/AAAAAAAAHb4/-ElZFJpFWfQ/s1600/IMAG0086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-HY21JCZnT8s/TYP7Cvv7tHI/AAAAAAAAHb4/-ElZFJpFWfQ/s320/IMAG0086.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(This all goes on my belt plus a little id badge holder...)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I have made a call to Minimed to see about getting a new transmitter. I have all the other parts, in fact the pump is brand new (warranty replacement). So if it gets approved I will have 2 working pumps and CGM's that I could alternate between. I suppose this would make me a little spoiled, but I also don't think there is anything wrong with trying out other systems to find which one works best. I figure I can utilize them both. When I am biking or at work I can use the tubed and water resistant Minimed, and when I am say, road-tripping to Montana, I can use the Omnipod/Dexcom and not have to dig in my pocket for my pump.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07154810728796745227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203592695013474098.post-74015171807726718082011-02-23T15:52:00.001-05:002011-02-23T15:52:31.551-05:00No hitter?<p><a href='http://lh6.ggpht.com/_b1zuqZ5V2CE/TWVzi0HdPuI/AAAAAAAAHa8/MxeiGrVHHKQ/IMAG0048.jpg'><img src='http://lh6.ggpht.com/_b1zuqZ5V2CE/TWVzi0HdPuI/AAAAAAAAHa8/MxeiGrVHHKQ/s400/IMAG0048.jpg' /></a></p>Depends when I start counting, but I got a no hitter going..... <div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.7</div>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07154810728796745227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203592695013474098.post-62120191526045246032011-01-28T22:43:00.003-05:002011-01-28T22:51:50.723-05:00It's in!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_b1zuqZ5V2CE/TUOM4H015EI/AAAAAAAAHaU/h3Jkwhr_RO4/IMAG0014.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="320" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_b1zuqZ5V2CE/TUOM4H015EI/AAAAAAAAHaU/h3Jkwhr_RO4/s320/IMAG0014.jpg" width="191" /></a><br />
Got a new project in the mail today... Thank you <a href="http://totallywiredcyclery.com/">Totally Wired Cyclery</a>! Will post pictures when I'm done building it. Too bad there is about a 3 foot snow pack right now :-(<br />
<div style="clear: both; font-size: xx-small; text-align: center;">Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.6</div></div>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07154810728796745227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203592695013474098.post-50044149090740536672011-01-28T11:56:00.001-05:002011-01-28T11:59:30.264-05:00Strippers in my phone!?!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I have a HTC Droid Incredible phone. I got it in August and have not had a single problem with it, until Tuesday night. I was about to brush my teeth when it beeped, so I pushed the button to light up the screen and saw the 'Your Battery is dead, shutting down phone' message. I set it down and began to brush em'.. I never leave the watter running, but this day I did, and when I turned to say something to my wife I bumped it into the sink! I scrambled to get the phone dried off and battery out, all while my wife in the other room is wondering why I was cussing right after I said her name.<br />
<br />
I got the phone dried off, it really didn't even get wet, and powered up the next day. The software was running funky so I did a factory reset after backing up contacts and such. After I re imported my contacts I decided to go through and clean them up, you know how sometimes you out a random number in your phone, but you really don't need it long term... So I'm going through and I get to 'Daisy' and its not ringing a bell. It's a local number. Thinking nothing I hit Delete. I move on and get to Mercedes, again a local number, and I have NO CLUE who she is! Now I start to wonder what would happen if my wife had seen my phone... I deleted the entry, and moved on. Patiently going through the rest I come to Pebbles! OK, WTF is going on! Local number again.... and I finally realize what is going on and nearly choked as I laughed uncontrollably.... at work!<br />
<br />
I take my dogs hiking most days at an area that has lots of trails and a designated 'Dog Park' area for them to socialize. Occasionally I come across a sign for a missing dog, or an owner who is looking for their dog, and I put their phone number in my phone with the dogs name. These 3 entries were all missing dogs from earlier in the summer! I am not sure why my mind went with strippers/call girls on the sight of these entries, but we got a pretty good laugh out of it!</div>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07154810728796745227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203592695013474098.post-85214045309715111012011-01-21T16:53:00.003-05:002011-01-21T22:43:51.258-05:00Pretty good day!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_b1zuqZ5V2CE/TToAWGnZRRI/AAAAAAAAHaA/zYXYQcRZGrg/IMAG0144.jpg"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_b1zuqZ5V2CE/TToAWGnZRRI/AAAAAAAAHaA/zYXYQcRZGrg/s400/IMAG0144.jpg" /></a><br />
A little high after lunch, but so far so good!<br />
<div style="clear: both; font-size: xx-small; text-align: center;">Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.5</div></div>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07154810728796745227noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203592695013474098.post-34803006568516002962011-01-13T22:36:00.001-05:002011-01-21T22:44:36.221-05:00Snowstorm = No biking<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Too much snow in the latest storm to be out on the bike so I have teaken the dogs hiking the last couple days. We had fresh tracks at the park today on most of the trails. A pretty good New England 'Bluebird' day!<br />
<br />
<iframe class="youtube-player" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/OEJlWOmCjQs" title="YouTube video player" type="text/html" width="480"></iframe></div>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07154810728796745227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203592695013474098.post-74255841592242478662011-01-11T21:07:00.003-05:002011-01-21T22:45:07.091-05:00Back in the saddle again<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b1zuqZ5V2CE/TSztJJY7rcI/AAAAAAAAHZY/cuQyvx6uz28/s1600/IMAG0130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b1zuqZ5V2CE/TSztJJY7rcI/AAAAAAAAHZY/cuQyvx6uz28/s200/IMAG0130.jpg" width="118" /></a>It's time to shed these pounds after a couple months of hibernating. I have been hiking on most days off, but nothing I would consider training. I have done a little training for Oktoberfest, but that's another post for another day! This weeks is full of work. Games are scheduled every night for the TD Garden including a double header for Saturday. The good thing about working game days is that I typically don't have to be in until about 1pm and this will allow for some am exercise. Factor in 2 dogs and my options are limited! Factor in 24 degrees.... and I wish I could take my dogs to the beautiful gym inside my apartment complex and put them on the tread mill!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b1zuqZ5V2CE/TSztCC_iYRI/AAAAAAAAHZE/Bvz9nFeoKa4/s1600/IMAG0129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="119" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b1zuqZ5V2CE/TSztCC_iYRI/AAAAAAAAHZE/Bvz9nFeoKa4/s200/IMAG0129.jpg" width="200" /></a>This week I am trying to get out everyday and include the dogs in MY training instead of making my exercise be hiking... again. So I piled the dogs and my Cyclocross bike in the car and headed to the <a href="http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Medford,+Massachusetts+02155&ll=42.455128,-71.1077&spn=0.012412,0.009506&t=h&z=16">Fells</a>, with a lot of layers! I figured I had time for about an hour ride and that would suffice both the dogs and I. There are quite a bit of dirt roads at the Fells and the water department keeps them clear. There are a few hills I could work out on and make an OK work-out of it. When we got out there most of the roads were packed in and frozen foot traffic, so pretty bumpy!<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b1zuqZ5V2CE/TSztGwvx3pI/AAAAAAAAHZM/0r32PePZph4/s1600/IMAG0126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b1zuqZ5V2CE/TSztGwvx3pI/AAAAAAAAHZM/0r32PePZph4/s200/IMAG0126.jpg" width="119" /></a>I woke up with a BG or 119 (spot on) and set a temp basal of 55% of regular basal about 1 hr before my ride. I ate a Cliff Crunch (27 carbs) and did not bolus for it. This set me up perfect for a 180 BG at ride start. I like to start exercise about 160 normally, but in the winter I like it to be 180. When I am outside in the cold my blood glucose seems to drop quicker than normal.<br />
<br />
I rode for about 1 hour and let the dogs play in the open field with some other pups while I rode circles to cool down for about 10-15 minutes. Finished with a 147 BG, headed home, showered and went to work. I was low 3 times later in the day and quickly realized that I did not set a post ride temp basal. One of the joys of being busy, however it also meant I got to eat M&M's.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b1zuqZ5V2CE/TS0HBqZmQ2I/AAAAAAAAHZg/X7TFF9wTZpo/s1600/Capture_2011-01-11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="129" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b1zuqZ5V2CE/TS0HBqZmQ2I/AAAAAAAAHZg/X7TFF9wTZpo/s320/Capture_2011-01-11.JPG" width="320" /></a>Today, I didn't really have time to repeat the ride from yesterday. It was effective for the dogs but the car wasn't available today so instead I went for a run. I HATE running. It is an awful activity. But the dogs needed it, so I agreed (with myself) to go for a quick run with them and then ride my bike to work. Got the Dogs ready and prepared for about 1.5 mile (24 degrees) run..... the first run in 2 or 3 years. Take a look at the heart rate chart. Pegged! Granted this was a short run and the dogs were pulling quite a bit, but a 173 bpm over a mile and a half is really high! I hate running. I digress. I got home and showered and dressed to ride into work. It is only like a 5 mile ride in to work so I tried to make the best of it and did some short intervals. I love biking. My body was meant to ride not run!<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b1zuqZ5V2CE/R-aLNgLCVmI/AAAAAAAAEgY/p7wvgVBQJEU/s1600/P3170114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b1zuqZ5V2CE/R-aLNgLCVmI/AAAAAAAAEgY/p7wvgVBQJEU/s320/P3170114.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
Today was pretty much the same story with blood sugars except I didn't get the lows post exercise. I remembered to set a temp basal of 85% for 4 hours once I got to work and that did the trick. A rather large snowstorm is in the forecast for tonight so as long as the roads are navigable I will hike with the dogs tomorrow, but I will up the tempo. I love the dogs and wouldn't trade them for the world, but it does take a lot of extra time and some compromises. I would rather stay in and use the gym, but they need to get exercise too!</div>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07154810728796745227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203592695013474098.post-17251419384903373712011-01-06T20:13:00.003-05:002011-01-21T22:45:53.926-05:00I'm still here..... barely!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">So after a long 5 weeks with no posting I figured it was about 4 weeks past due! I have failed at blogging......<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_b1zuqZ5V2CE/TSZg23kd51I/AAAAAAAAHYE/E1YOejrmKp0/s1600/fail2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_b1zuqZ5V2CE/TSZg23kd51I/AAAAAAAAHYE/E1YOejrmKp0/s320/fail2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Within a day of my last post I was running a temperature anywhere from 97-101, had most of the minor flu-like symptoms, and felt terrible! Like most people with diabetes, the common cold makes managing my diabetes very difficult. My basal rates can get thrown out the window. My insulin to carb ratio's can get flushed, and my insulin correction sensitivities need Midol!<br />
<br />
After a few days of high temps and nausea it migrated into the a head cold that would not budge. For about 4 weeks I have been a mucus coughing/spitting machine, feeling less than stellar. I missed all 5 remaining cyclocross races (although 3 would have been missed due to work schedule changes anyway). So the only exercise I have gotten has come from hikes with the dogs since the Shedd Park race. This has been somewhat self inflicted with the Holidays and all.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>On top of the Holiday relaxation and extra pounds (8 lbs, yikes) I have been working a lot, six days a week! I am feeling more energetic and since my wife is now over the illness I passed onto her, the household is back to a somewhat normal state. Since being ill, I didn't really feel like posting, especially since my numbers have been so crappy. I have since realized that if this blog is to be of any motivational value to anyone out there with diabetes that I SHOULD post those numbers and what I am doing to combat them. From now on, I post, even if it is not pretty!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_b1zuqZ5V2CE/TSZohJgaA4I/AAAAAAAAHYM/2z3NgXxFnqo/s1600/yeti.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_b1zuqZ5V2CE/TSZohJgaA4I/AAAAAAAAHYM/2z3NgXxFnqo/s400/yeti.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Some light training and hopefully commuting will commence in the next week to prepare for the upcoming MTB season. I do feel that I am considerably better shape now than this time last year, and plan to build on that. My new bike has arrived at the factory and is just waiting on a fork before it gets sent to the <a href="http://totallywiredcyclery.com/">shop</a>. I will write more on this soon, but here's a teaser. Yeti - Big Top 29er!</div>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07154810728796745227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203592695013474098.post-1610968501210474742010-11-21T17:47:00.011-05:002011-01-21T22:46:25.188-05:00Shedd Park Cyclocross Report<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: right;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_b1zuqZ5V2CE/TOmg6c8_wzI/AAAAAAAAHXM/29GgNHYpi-w/s1600/IMG_7546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_b1zuqZ5V2CE/TOmg6c8_wzI/AAAAAAAAHXM/29GgNHYpi-w/s320/IMG_7546.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo by someone in the J. White clan, maybe<br />
Jamie he was done well before me!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>So the guys on <a href="http://x-blog-x-team-x.blogspot.com/">the team</a> decided that for this weeks race we should all ride in the same category so we could represent! Jamie, Glen, David, Rob and I all lined up in our black Racer-X jerseys and shivered until the race promoter blew the whistle. High temps for the day were scheduled for 39 degrees, but it was more like 34 when we started at 9:45am! It was chilly but managed to bundle up enough to stay warm until I got in a couple mile pre-ride and a warm up lap on the course.<br />
<br />
This was my first race in a while (about a month) and my first on the new Omnipod insulin pump, and Dexcom CGM (continuous glucose monitor). I had in stalled my pod last night on my <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkV0spmlMwXhJXiforxECNUI3eIbhQ8WFdMK4F7ngkzCv2XMCBfmwjjgmBrqqbAoE82mD9UqAZrVq0_oMNVQCOtjDBEYSY_bVNHvIUGITRBxjQiR8ElhQUsJkemO4jjLRSsZ8VRaj-06JM/s1600/DSC_0001.jpg">left under arm</a> <br />
<a name='more'></a>where there is some fatty tissue. It was AWESOME to leave the PDM (personal Diabetes Manager, its a hand held control unit for the pod) in the car, and ride tubless! Most of the mountain bikers are saying, "huh, like dude... why would you not ride tubeless dude? Whoa...", but I am talking about the tubing that existed on my last insulin pump system. The pod that is now on my arm contains the insulin and electronics, and the PDM controls it. The pod will remmeber all my <a href="http://pedalpumper.blogspot.com/p/diabetes-education.html">basal rates</a> and other settings even if it is not near the PDM. This was great, the only thing I need to do different is to put some <a href="http://www.qualitymedicalsupplies.com/page/QMS/CTGY/WC-WR">Coban</a> tape around my pod and arm. It was shaking around quite a bit on the bumpy sections and was uncomfortable. All was good with my new CGM, results very accurate!<br />
<br />
I hadn't been on the bike in while but NEEDED to do this race, and need to do as many more as I can this season. I have been working a lot, and not exercising nearly enough, and the races help motivate me. I can't say I had a great race as far as results, but I had very good blood sugar control.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b1zuqZ5V2CE/TOmcq_AfoqI/AAAAAAAAHXA/7MSjlOo-DXk/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b1zuqZ5V2CE/TOmcq_AfoqI/AAAAAAAAHXA/7MSjlOo-DXk/s320/Capture.JPG" width="320" /></a>I woke up with a 160 mg/dl, ate a Cliff Crunch and <a href="http://pedalpumper.blogspot.com/p/diabetes-education.html">bolused</a> in full for it. An hour and a half before my race start I set a temp basal of 55% for 2 hours. If my calculations were correct, this would have my pod switch to my normal basal rate with about 10-15 minutes worth of racing remaining. A cyclocross race is typically 40 or 45 minutes for my age/category. Race start 9:45am, race end 10:30am(ish). At 9:30am, after doing about 20 minutes of warm up I noticed the trend arrow on my CGM pointing downward which means my blood sugar is dropping at a rate of 2mg/dl per minute. Even though my blood sugar is hovering around 200mg/dl (a little high, 160 race start is perfect for me) I didn't want to start a cyclocross race with dropping sugar, so I ate another Cliff Mini (22 grams carb). It looks to have worked out perfect... as far as blood sugar anyway! Never got low even post race, and I never did a post race bolus to prevent the typical blood sugar spike that happens due to the reduced basal rate at the very end of the race. This is why I programmed my pod to start giving me my normal (not reduced) basal rate with about 15 minutes left to race. It seems to have worked for today, but it was a bit of a gamble and I will need more testing. Good thing there are 2 races next weekend!<br />
<br />
The Cat 1-4 race was very fast compared to the Cat 4 races i have done before. But then again I had to race against people like Jamie and Glenn (both who lapped me) as well as other super fit freaks! It was fun, but I think I will stick with the Cat 4 category in the future.</div>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07154810728796745227noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203592695013474098.post-11453031116431844552010-11-12T10:07:00.006-05:002011-01-21T22:47:04.815-05:00My new tools...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_b1zuqZ5V2CE/TN1YSNtfj_I/AAAAAAAAHW0/lijTESI994Q/IMAG0097.jpg" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="191" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_b1zuqZ5V2CE/TN1YSNtfj_I/AAAAAAAAHW0/lijTESI994Q/s320/IMAG0097.jpg" width="320" /></a>Here is my new insulin pump PDM, and CGM (continuous glucose monitor). The PDM, on the left, has a built in Freestyle glucose meter that I check my blood sugar with. The CGM is on the left and shows current blood sugar, trend arrows, and a 1-24 hour graph tracking my blood sugar. I only need to carry the PDM when I am going to bolus insulin. Bolus insulin is insulin given to correct a high blood sugar or to cover crabs eaten. The PDM sends the basal programs to the pod, and the pod will remember it on its own. Basal insulin is the small about per hour of <br />
<a name='more'></a>insulin that is needed to keep blood sugar in check 24 hours a day. My basal rate changes anywhere from .75 to 1.05 units per hour. </div><br />
The only downside I have noticed is that since I don't need to carry the PDM at all times, I sometimes don't have it on me when I want to eat. So far the worst that has happened is I had to walk back to my office and grab it. Sometime during a game at the Garden I may be up on level 9 wanting to eat and have to go to level 2 to my desk, and withh all the people can take 20 minutes to 1/2 hour. It is a little bit of a pain to carry both devices, test strips, lancing device (finger pricker), as well as my Leatherman and flashlight while at work. Well worth it though, and as soon as the 2 companies merge I will be able to see the data from the CGM on the PDM and will only need to carry that..... and all my dorky IT tools!<br />
<div style="clear: both; font-size: xx-small; text-align: center;">Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.5</div></div>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07154810728796745227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203592695013474098.post-65548237018736347082010-11-09T23:28:00.016-05:002011-01-21T22:47:41.605-05:00Doctor report and new tools!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I have been working a lot and have not had a ton of time to keep up on the blog, or ride for that matter! But alas, I have much to tell! Mostly on the agenda is a report about my appointment at the Joslin Diabetes Center with my new CDE (Certified Diabetes Educator). Oh, and also I made a major change in my CGM (continuous glucose monitor) and Insulin pump..... as in I got new ones!<br />
<div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_b1zuqZ5V2CE/TNoTN2ypr7I/AAAAAAAAHVg/amAcb6acOrQ/s1600/IMG_2930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_b1zuqZ5V2CE/TNoTN2ypr7I/AAAAAAAAHVg/amAcb6acOrQ/s320/IMG_2930.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
<a name='more'></a>I guess I have a race report too.... from 3 weeks ago! Here is a run down. I got a new frame in the mail thanks to Jamie for a tip on a great deal for a KHS CX200. Jamie built it up with all his spare parts (thanks dude!), and I raced it the next day at the Minuteman Road Club cyclocross race in Lancaster, MA. The bike rode flawlessly, however it has been determined that my MTB roots led me to believe that lower tire pressure would handle better on the slick grass. The KHS worked great until lap 2 and somehow the tire rolled off the rim after getting rubbed by another rider and, or, some bumpy corners and the wrong weight distribution peeled it right off. I enjoyed photography and heckling my teammates for the remainder of the day!</div><div><br />
</div><div>So here's the stuff! I saw the new CDE at the Joslin Dibetes Center on Wednesday last week. It was a much better experience this go around. I didn't have a lot of data for her to look at but we chatted about what my goals were and how/if she could help. It was clear that she was more able to assist in helping me achieve some of my exercise goals, and also suggested seeing the exercise physiologist they have on staff next time. We got all my prescriptions up to date and faxed, and talked about the data I should bring next time so we could get more in depth with my insulin pump and CGM settings. So why didn't I have any data to bring in?</div><div><br />
</div><div>When I go to the CDE or Endocrinologist I bring in <a href="http://pedalpumper.blogspot.com/p/daily-logs.html">reports</a> so we can see any potential trends for high or low blood sugars that might be able to be corrected with some setting on my insulin pump. I didn't have any this time. Here is the short reason. I was on a Medtronic Minimed CGM. I called to order some supplies and was asking about my warranty periods. They told me the warranty was due on my CGM 2 years ago, and that they only guarantee its results for 6 months! Mine was 2 1/2 years old and if you go back and read my blogs you can see how unhappy I was with its results over that last summer! I thought I was doing something wrong and blamed it on everything from the humidity to bad glucose monitors! They had never told me about the inaccuracies after 6 months, nor had they bothered to tell me it was out of warranty when I called each month to order new sensors. This along with other issues forced me to look elsewhere.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkV0spmlMwXhJXiforxECNUI3eIbhQ8WFdMK4F7ngkzCv2XMCBfmwjjgmBrqqbAoE82mD9UqAZrVq0_oMNVQCOtjDBEYSY_bVNHvIUGITRBxjQiR8ElhQUsJkemO4jjLRSsZ8VRaj-06JM/s1600/DSC_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkV0spmlMwXhJXiforxECNUI3eIbhQ8WFdMK4F7ngkzCv2XMCBfmwjjgmBrqqbAoE82mD9UqAZrVq0_oMNVQCOtjDBEYSY_bVNHvIUGITRBxjQiR8ElhQUsJkemO4jjLRSsZ8VRaj-06JM/s320/DSC_0001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>After much research I found two new companies. Omipod (Insulet Corp.) is out of Boston and they make my new insulin pump. Dexcom out of California makes my new CGM. I'll say right off the bat that this is a disadvantage compared to the Minimed Real Time Revel system. I now have to carry two devices instead of one! However, they are merging in the very near future and this will be resolved. Also, technically I don't have to carry both all the time. So the main advantage for me going to this system is that there is no tubing! With the Minimed system you are tethered to a 23-43 inch long tubing that dispenses insulin to the infusion set 24 hours a day. With my new Omnipod there is a 'Pod' (pictured above attached to my under arm) that holds some electrical parts and a 200 unit supply of insulin. The pod gets changed out every 3 days and is controlled by a 'PDM' (personal diabetes manager) that is kinda like a cell phone or a Palm type of device. The PDM also has a built in glucose meter, so I don't need to carry one anymore. The PDM only needs to be near me while I am correcting a high blood sugar or eating food that I need to take insulin for (bolus). The pod remembers my basal patterns and can run those programs with its on board memory and pump. So far I am really happy with the pump and pod. It may sound funny, but it is really empowering not to be attached to the cord from the old pump and getting tangled in it everyday!</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b1zuqZ5V2CE/TNoTM20tfMI/AAAAAAAAHVc/oNxo00DdWCU/s1600/DSC_0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b1zuqZ5V2CE/TNoTM20tfMI/AAAAAAAAHVc/oNxo00DdWCU/s320/DSC_0003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>My new CGM is from Dexcom. It is a little smaller than the Minimed CGM, but the main benefit is that you can wear it for 7 days as opposed to 3 days. It also has a hand held device like a cell phone where I can read the current blood sugar and see other trends and details about my current blood sugar. This will be integrated to the Omnipod PDM in the near future so I will only need the one device to see everything going on. So far (9days) the Dexcom is very accurate. I would say it is more accurate than the Minimed ever was, and I am really happy with my new system. I am excited to see the new PDM that will talk to my CGM, and will struggle carrying the 2 devices in the meantime, but I think it will be worth the wait! Not having the tubing is going to help with my bike riding and racing, I won't get tangled in the night, and.... I never could find a good place to put my old pump when I was naked! Now I can just set the PDM on my nightstand and forget about it!<br />
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Hopefully a new race report will come Sunday evening after the Plymouth, MA cross race this weekend!</div></div>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07154810728796745227noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203592695013474098.post-1746647207009201902010-10-25T22:27:00.002-04:002011-01-21T22:48:36.649-05:00Catch up!.....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Not the kind I like to put on most foods...<br />
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So it has been a couple weeks since I have written a post, and in a way I am glad! Lets just say it has been a while since I last worked. 16 months to be exact. I have now been back to work for 4 weeks, and it feels great! I have a paycheck, adults to talk to, problems to solve, and time to manage!<br />
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But, WTF...... my riding has taken a back seat to this shit show? I have been spoiled with riding time in the recent past! With over 60 hours of work each week, I am hoping that a slow down will happen with my job, and also the field of racers in my cyclocross category!<br />
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I am going through a lot right now that I would like to write about, but cannot find the time. I have a had a CX (cyclocross) race to update about, I have the all important DR. (CDE/exercise physiologist) appointment on 11/3/2010 to update about, and I am also changing my insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor to a different brand. This last part is HUGE, but unfortunately is also a long story....... More to come later this week!<br />
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Btw..... my CX race was cut short due to a flat tire! It was the first race I had to DNF all year so I guess I am lucky! Write more soon!</div>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07154810728796745227noreply@blogger.com0