Type 4 Fun!

There are many parallels between diabetes therapy and race execution.

1. Nutrition – In diabetes therapy nutrition is obviously paramount. A good general rule of thumb that I was taught long ago is that what I need to do is really just as simple as what everybody else should be doing. Moderation is king, but that’s the challenge. Likewise, finishing a race – particularly a marathon or ultramarathon – often hinges on riding a fine line. Not enough calories and you run out of energy or bonk, too much sugar and you get risk getting sick or having other gastrointestinal distress.
2. Technology – It would be difficult to briefly summarize the myriad ways technology has enhanced diabetes therapy and athletic performance. However, one of the important intersections is the ability to collect data. Smart/GPS watches have catapulted the amount of data available to runners into the stratosphere. Likewise, advancements in diabetes management through devices has been absolute game changer for so many.
3. Medication and Supplements – This category would appear to skew more toward therapy than running but believe you me the marketplace for magic pills and shots to take to make you perform better on the track is just as massive as prescription pharmaceuticals. There is inevitable overlap as running performance is frequently tied to metabolic function and diabetes is a metabolic disfunction.

In this three part series of posts, I will explore how I have and continue to navigate these intersections of diabetes management and trying to run really far.