Type 3

While I would never wish diabetes on my worst enemy, there are things far worse in the world that my family could be dealing with on a daily basis.  It's interesting to me how many times people ask me if I'm not having kids right now because of the risk that my child with be a Type 1 diabetic like my husband.  Um... nope - not having kids because I'm kind of selfish with my time and I can't imagine the sleepless nights that come with having a child.  Diabetes doesn't worry me at all.  In fact, if I do have a child and they have Type 1,  they would be a freaking rock star.  They would know so much about their bodies, their nutrition, what they can do when they push themselves to the limits, etc.   

I've written about it before (here's the post in case you missed it), how diabetes changed our lives.  For the better really.  I mean, Tom and I weren't really what you would consider unhealthy prior to his diagnosis.  We ate well.  We were running marathons.  We didn't smoke.  We barely drank.  But since Tom's diagnosis, we are much more aware of what's going on in our bodies.  Tom's become passionate about telling his story and about his amazing teammates, and me, well I will tell anyone and everyone about him and his team, Team Type 1.  We really have changed our lives because of the disease.

And I say we because diabetes isn't just a disease that Tom has.  I have it too.

Right, how can that be when my pancreas delivers insulin just fine and my blood sugar levels are naturally between 80 and 120 at all times?

Just like with most marriages, what's his is mine and what's mine is his.

No, I might not have to prick my finger 10 times a day, or inject myself with insulin 5 times a day, but I'm living with the disease too.

I'm a type 3 diabetic.

I know the ins and outs of the disease better than most.  I know what a hypoglycemic state looks like just as well as a hyperglycemic state.  I know how to change pen needles, how to prime insulin pens, how to adjust the depth of a lancet.  I can tell you what one beep, two beeps, three beeps or four all indicate on a continuous glucose monitor (I'm especially good with deciphering the beeps at 2:30 in the morning).  I can tell when Tom needs some sugar, or some insulin, or a little butt kicking on a run (all three have the same warning signs... but I'm good like that).

Last weekend I raced a 5k here in Suwanee (and PRed... woot woot), but after the race a really great lady named Dawn came up to me.  Totally random... she had gotten two bottles of water and wanted to give me one.  We started talking.  She was from Colorado, was visiting family, used to live around here, yada yada.  She asked what brought us to Atlanta.  I usually don't say Team Type 1 because although I wish everyone knew who they were, I don't know how many people actually know of them.  So I said, "my husband works for a pro cycling team based out of Atlanta".  Here eyes lit up.  "Team Type 1?".  I look at her a little bewildered and said yes.  Turns out that her two and a half year old son Sawyer is a Type 1.  He was diagnosed at 19 months.  We spent the next hour sharing stories - what drugs our boys are one, what meters they use, what CGM's they are on.  It was like I had known her my whole life.  This "horrible" disease was our common ground...and that we both are living with the disease too.

So Dawn, if you are reading this, remember... you have Type 3.  Your husband has Type 3.  Your six year old has Type 3.  I have Type 3. We all get it.  Maybe not 100% of what Tom and Sawyer go through on a daily basis, but I'd say probably 98.5% of it. :)

To learn more about Team Type 1, or to follow the amazing accomplishments of all the Type 1 athletes, go to www.TeamType1.org, follow them on twitter at @teamtype1 or like them on facebook at  http://www.facebook.com/TeamType1Page.

The unexpected guest

** This week marks the 8th "anniversary" of Tom's diagnosis with Type 1 Diabetes.  I wrote a little letter to our unexpected guest.**

Dear Type 1 Diabetes, 

Some days I just want to tell you to “Suck It”. 

You entered our lives eight years ago.  We don’t know why… we didn’t invite you.  Heck, you were a stranger to us at the time and I was always taught to never let strangers into my house.  I remember Tom saying he couldn’t see things, and that he was going to the bathroom all day long, but you didn’t even cross my mind.  At the Urgent Care, they told us that his blood sugar was 300, but that was as high as their meter went.  And blood sugar, what’s that?  At the ER, they were even more vague, although the blood sugar thing was even higher.  They hooked him up with IV’s, ran some tests and gave us some papers telling us that your cousin was visiting because of Tom's age… Type 2 diabetes.

I went home and cried, but only after stopping for lunch and not knowing what to order – how could you control us in just the first few minutes of us knowing you?

The next day we went to a different hospital, saw a family friend who was an endocrinologist, and he was the one that introduced us and said that we’d be living with you forever.

You were the unexpected guest we never invited and couldn’t send home.

I was mad.  Tom was mad.  We were both scared.  We weren’t even married, yet our happy household went from three (Buddy was around then) to four.  We didn’t have room for you. But we had no choice.

Since you’d be staying with us forever, I wanted to do a background check on you.  What were you going to take from us?  What were you going to ask of us?  How would you living with us change our lives? Commonly you live with young kids (you are cruel I tell you).  Sometimes you live with grownups.  Sometimes you choose your new home when you have already visited people that live there.  In our case, it was a totally random visit.

Thanks.

There were many months where I wanted you to pack up and leave.  You might have been primarily hanging out with Tom, but you were affecting all of us.  You caused Tom to get hooked on drugs that calmed you down.  You ruined many workouts.  You gave us many sleepless nights.  You left us wondering, “why did you choose us to come visit?”.

But you know what, now that you have been with us eight years, you aren’t that bad. 

Yes, there are still days when I wish you would leave and think that you have overstayed your welcome.  Those three a.m. wake-ups to Tom’s continuous glucose meter beeping, telling me that his blood sugar levels are plummeting as I look at him drenched in sweat are no fun – it’s like you are partying when we want to sleep.  When we are out on a run and he starts arguing with me for no reason, telling me he wants to give up, only to find that he’s low… or high…  That’s your fault too.  I find test strips in the weirdest places (hello… Tom doesn’t even test his blood in my closet), glucose tabs in every pocket of my purse.  Our life has definitely changed because of you.

But in good ways too.  You have helped Tom see that he has a voice and that people want to listen to it.  He has learned not to hide you, but to introduce you to others so that they get to see what it’s like to live with you. You have introduced both of us to some amazing people of all ages that are living with you as well.  We all share the fact that you were invited into any of our lives, but we are all too welcoming and will take care of you forever.  You were the biggest reference used to help him get on Team Type 1, and he’s gone from an athlete, to a director and now a manager within the organization. You have encouraged Tom to run across the United States with the Team Type 1 running team, bike across it twice with the Team Type 1 Elite team (setting the world record which still stands), toe the line of 5 Ironman distance races, P.R. at every distance of every race he’s entered since having you in his life, and continue to strive for excellence.  You’ve taught him to not settle, but also that you are a guest and that he’s in control.

And you’ve taught me a lot to.  Patience is the first thing that comes to mind.  Yeah, you have definitely taught me a lot about that.  And unconditional love.  When you moved in, I could have moved out. But I think you helped convince Tom to propose to me a month after you moved in and that I was worth keeping around, so thank you.  I actually like company and I wanted to work to make sure that you weren’t too much of a burden on the one person I loved more than life itself.  You have taught me that even if I don’t always like you, and I want to tell you to leave us alone, that you aren’t going away.  You can be tamed.  We set the boundaries for our guests. 

I am not at the point where I will say that I’m glad you’re here, but I will say, you aren’t nearly as bad as I thought you’d be.

With (dare I say it?) love,

Your host mom

Hold up

What?  You can't believe your eyes?  Colleen's blogging?  Did hell freeze over?  Are pigs flying?

Yikes, it's been a while.  I must say, I've taken a little social media break.  No blogging, no blog reading, very little twitter and facebook.  I just don't have the time right now and quite honestly, it stresses me out a little thinking that I'm "behind" on social media.  I'm going to admit something and I hope it doesn't offend any of you...

I marked all blogs in my google reader as "read".

I'm sorry.  It was well past 450 unread blogs and it literally was stressing me out.  I love all of you and enjoy reading your blogs, but time just hasn't allowed me and I felt like I was sinking into a black hole. 

What did people do before blogs?

So I'm starting fresh.  I'm hoping I didn't miss anything too terribly much.  If I did, I'm so sorry.  I just had to prioritize a little and unfortunately that meant putting you, my favorite bloggers, on the back burner for a bit.  But it doesn't mean I don't love you!  I do... I promise!

So what's been new with me?

Fundraiser went AWESOME.  I think we raised about $63,000 this year for Women's Health at the local hospital.  I'm really proud of the event and where it's come in the last three years.  It's such a great cause and I feel so honored to have been a part of it for the last three years.  We've gotten people talking about it... anticipating the next year and that's very rewarding!  Everything came together exactly how we hoped!

This past weekend I was in Chicago with my second favorite team (Trakkers has my heart, don't worry!!!).  The Team Type 1 running team was doing the Chicago Marathon.  Although this was my "A" race of the season and I was hoping to go sub-4:00, that was put on hold for a later date.  I did manage to run half of it (I had a bib, so I started the race and then just walked off the course at mile 13.1).  That's a hard thing to do (both physically because at the half marker they have a fence on both sides of the course for a while so I couldn't get off the course and mentally because everyone else is still running and I'm adding a big fat DNF to my record willingly).  But it was either that or run alone along the lake that morning.  Much more fun to be in the environment and holy smokes was the environment crazy awesome.  I'm slowly getting back to running and feeling good.  My speed and endurance isn't there (although it never was really there, but humor me), but I'm working on it!!  In any event, I loved loved loved every minute with the TT1 guys.  They are such an amazing group of athletes, so inspiring people to be around, and freaking hysterical.  We laughed... a lot... and let me tell you... they kicked some serious butt at the race.  There were a few struggles along the way, but they stuck together as a team.  I love these guys and can't wait to see many of them in just a few weeks at the end of Run Across America in NYC.  Here they all are outside Maggiano's - the perfect prerace meal!

So I can't make any promises that I will be blogging more, and more involved in social media in the coming days.  Things are NUTSO in the Kingery house... more to come on that really soon. 

But I'll try my hardest.

I love you all still. And I just wanted you to know that I haven't forgotten about all of you.

Proud wife

We had an amazing weekend in Cedar Point.  I laughed, I cried, I screamed like a wild woman.  It was awesome!  I will post pictures and whatnot when I can.  But, I have some important things coming up... like and MRI this afternoon on my back (hoping to get some answers!!!) and then I'M GOING TO VEGAS BABY!!!  Heading out for a little R&R and some Interbike.  So, I promise to post tons of pictures from both, as well as try to catch up with blogs as soon as I get home.

But I leave you with this... yeah, I'm a proud wife!

Team Type 1 Announces Ten Athletes with Type 1 Diabetes Will Embark on 3,000 Mile Cross Country Run From Oceanside, CA to New York City

Athletes will run 24 hours per day in relay format to finish on World Diabetes Day, November 14, 2011

ATLANTA -- 

Team Type 1, a global sports organization dedicated to radically changing the lives of people around the world with diabetes, today announced ten runners from its world class athletic program will undertake an ambitious 3,000 mile run across America. Powered by global healthcare leader SANOFI, supporting partner of the organization’s racing teams totaling more than 100 athletes, the run is an initiative devoted to spreading the message of better health through proper diabetes management, increasing awareness of the growing diabetes crisis in the U.S. and promoting prevention through exercise. It is the first-ever such effort by a team of runners with diabetes.

The trek will begin on Friday, October 28, 2011 in Oceanside, CA and will continue in a relay style from coast-to-coast. Running 24-hours per day, through varying weather and terrain. The team’s goal is to complete the journey in New York City around World Diabetes Day on November 14, 2011.

In 2005, Team Type 1 took on the Race Across America (RAAM), and has since won the event dubbed “The World’s Toughest Bicycle Race,” four times with a team of type 1 cyclists. Team Type 1 holds the record for the fastest trans-continental crossing in just five days, nine hours and three minutes.

“Since the inception of Team Type 1, our athletes with diabetes have been shattering the limits of what is possible,” said CEO & Founder Phil Southerland. “We’re so proud of our athletes for dreaming big and taking on the run of a lifetime in an effort to inspire others living with this disease. We are also promoting exercise as a measure to prevent Type 2 diabetes and better manage Type 1 diabetes. We can’t wait to watch them cross the finish in NYC. Our organization, fans and friends around the globe will be cheering
them on.”

Led by Tom Kingery, a four-time Ironman competitor and Director of the Team Type 1-SANOFI Running & Triathlon teams, the 10-man roster includes athletes whose accomplishments span top finishes in the Ironman World Championships, the New York City Marathon, the Boston Marathon, multiple ultra-marathon events and an NCAA Final Four Soccer Champion.

The full Team Type 1 roster includes the following:
Tom Kingery, Delaware, OH
Casey Boren, Boise, ID
Brian Foster, East Amherst, NY
Tom Grossman, Midland, MI
Ryan Jones, Morrisville, PA
Jon Obst, Kennesaw, GA
Matt Patrick, Larchmont, NY
Kevin Powell, Verona, NJ
Ben Semeyn, Rockford, MI
Eric Tozer, Los Angeles, CA

“We are thrilled to have an unparalleled team of endurance athletes for our first ever run across the country,” said Team Director Tom Kingery. “These accomplished runners are not only amazing athletes but they are great people and role models in the diabetes community. They carry with them a powerful message of empowerment that instills hope and inspiration in those struggling to live a positive and healthy life with diabetes. We are very excited for this challenge and the opportunity to spread the message of hope from California to New York City.”

The running team will be backed by several partners including SANOFI, VSP Vision Care, Newton Running Footwear, ShareCare, Hammer Nutrition, RoadID and the American Diabetes Association NYC Chapter. All will play a major role in ensuring that the Team Type 1 runners receive proper care during the 15-day haul.

To learn more about Team Type 1 and the Run Across America Team, visit www.teamtype1.org and connect on Facebook or Twitter. The Team Type 1 runners also plan to hold a meet & greet event during the Chicago Marathon on October 8^th and 9^th, details will be available at www.teamtype1.org in the coming weeks.

You asked... I answered

I loved these questions and hopefully you'll have fun learning a little more about me.  Sorry it's so long... grab a drink and enjoy!!!

Jason asked (and of course Jeff wanted to know as well):  OK, so what happens if you are 103 miles into an IM and you have to poop? Do you push to the finish because it's only 9 miles longer and maybe 27-30 minutes to go? Or do you find that porto as quickly as possible? – I would definitely stop to go to the bathroom. You don’t need the extra weight on the bike! Plus, if you wait, you might end up sharting yourself which I’ve seen happen to others and that’s not cool… not cool at all.

Lauren and Anne Marie asked: How did Tom propose? On our one year anniversary of dating, we had taken a trip about an hour and a half south of Delaware to Hocking Hills.  We rented a cabin in the woods and planned on hiking for a day.  That morning, we got up, put shorts on (Tom had cargo shorts on) and he kept patting his pocket saying “got my keys”.  Weird… I never asked.  We got onto a trail and he kept looking around for a perfect place for lunch.  Finally he wandered off the trail because he thought he heard a waterfall.  We got there and he said that was the perfect place to eat.  He got really close to the waterfall and asked me to get the camera.  I turned my back to get it out of the bag and when I turned around, he was on his knee with the ring out.  After he asked and I sobbed and said “without a doubt”, we finished our hike and then back at the cabin, he had a dozen red roses, a bottle of Champagne and a wedding planning book for me that the cabin owner had put out.  We didn’t have any cell service so I couldn’t call anyone until the next day!

Jaime asked: Most embarrassing moment. Doesn't have to be tri related. :-) – It’s funny because off the top of my head I can’t think of any one instance.  When I was a kid, I remember being totally mortified when I called my second grade teacher mom in front of my class.

Kevin asked - I'm sure you probably covered this in a previous post somewhere, but how did you get started in this crazy sport? – I started running to help with the weight loss when I graduated college and started on weight watchers. Working out meant that I got extra weight watchers points each day. :)  I had signed up for a half marathon, with the goal of running and walking it.  Then I met Tom.  He was a runner already and I wanted to impress him.  I ran the whole half (big doings back then).  After a month of dating, he convinced me to run the Chicago Marathon with him.  We did that in October of 2003.  For the next few years, that’s all we did… one race each year.  I started getting really burned out, so my in-laws bought me a bike and I taught myself to swim.  In 2006, I did my first tri and haven’t looked back since.

Kristen (my sister!) asked - What is your favorite thing to do when you are not swimming, biking, or running? – I love to walk the dogs, shop, cook, hang out with friends and family, stalk everyone on blogger, facebook and twitter, nap and I’m a total reality tv show junkie – the trashier the tv, the happier I am.  Nothing wrong with the Real Housewives, 16 and Pregnant, the Bachelorette, Big Brother, Keeping Up With The Kardashians and all of the other train wrecks.  Makes me feel better about my life some days…

Alisa asked three: what made you decide to sign up for your first IM? – I had watched my husband train for IMFL in 2007 and did a lot of training with him that year in preparation for my first half Ironman.  I decided I would make the jump in 2008 if he crossed the finish line without needing medical help and wanting to do it again.  He crossed with a huge smile, I cried an amazing amount of tears, and then next morning we signed out lives away to WTC.
Do you and Tom want kids (Allison wanted to know this as well)? – Possibly… depends on the day. :)  While I think that Tom and I will be great parents, the thought of all that responsibility really freaks me out.  Like, a lot.  I’m worried that I will do something wrong and screw up their life forever and I will have no one to blame but myself. I’m kidding… kind of.  Seriously though – yes, some day I see us having one child.  I can’t tell you when that will be. I have a lot of freedom, being a business owner and triathlete.  My life would do a 180 and I guess I’ll be ready when it happens, but not just yet!
Do have or have you ever considered hiring a coach? If so, what are the pluses and minuses in your opinion? - Yes, I have considered hiring a coach.  But honestly, the money has always stopped me.  Tom and I have a great thing going.  We follow a structured plan that throws a little of everything at us and we keep each other accountable.  We've seen improvements each year and I enjoy it.  If I ever want to take my training to the next level, I'll probably re-evaluate the coach thing. :)  I think there are definitely pluses and minuses - for me, I think it would be great for someone with a lot of knowledge to give me specific workouts to hit my goals, as well as the accountability.  I worry at times that I wouldn't have the flexibility that I have now though and part of me has held back because of this.  I hear about people who's coaches won't let them race or train with other people and that's just not how I roll.  If I ever got a coach, we'd have to sit and talk a lot about what I would want from them! :)

Jennifer asked two: What are a couple things on your bucket list? (does not have to be sports/endurance related) – I want to travel back to Europe with Tom.  I studied abroad when I was in college at the University of Maastricht, the Netherlands.  I want to show him the place that shaped a lot of my life.  I want to see a stage (or three weeks worth) of the Tour de France.  I want to sail with Tom to the French Polynesia again because my 2 weeks on a 41 foot catamaran through Tahiti and Bora Bora were amazing, but missing my best friend!.
If you could do ANY race ANY where in the world regardless of cost/logistics/etc. what would it be?  - Hum… this is a tough one!  I’d love to do Ironman New Zealand.  I’ve heard that New Zealand is amazing and what better way to see part of it than by swimming, biking and running the land! :)  The Big Sur Marathon would also be pretty cool

Big Daddy Diesel asked these:
How did you and Tom become such studs on the bike?- T.I.T.S and Intervals. Lots of both.  And always riding with someone faster than you.  I ride with Tom.  He rides with the boys on Tuesday nights.  We both get pushed to go faster.  I like to bike fast in races because I like to chick boys.  There… I said it. :)
If you couldn’t do sbr, what activities would you think you would end up doing as a hobby? – We would never be inactive.  I’d probably buy a kayak.  I don’t know if I like to kayak as I’ve only been once, but we have a lot of water around us and that sounds fun.    I could probably get into hiking too, but honestly there isn’t much to hike here in Ohio.
Do penguins have knees? – No.  That’s why they waddle.

Kovas asked: I'd like to hear about Team Type 1 and the run across the states! Maybe a guest post and then you don't even need to do the work. :) – I told Tom that you’d like to learn more about this and I’ll definitely have him do a guest post.  In the meantime, Team Type 1 is a group of professional and amateur cyclists, triathletes and runners, men and women, living and racing with diabetes.  They travel all over the country spreading the message that Type 1 diabetes doesn’t have to be a limiter.  Their mission is “We strive to instill hope and inspiration for people around the world affected by diabetes. With appropriate diet, exercise, treatment and technology, we believe anyone with diabetes can achieve their dreams”.  They have a pro men’s team (not all of them are diabetics) based in Europe, but you see them in races like the Tour of California, Tour de Suisse, and Tour de Beauce, racing with the big names.  Their goal is to get a diabetic rider in the Tour de France in the next few years.  The team started when they formed an 8 man team for the Race Across America.  They raced RAAM 5 years, won 3 years, set the world record for the fastest average speed (23.41mph) and fastest time  (5 days, 9 hours and 5 minutes) and these weren’t the pro guys.  My hubby did the race two years (when they set the WR!!!) and after talking to the founder, decided to dabble in something new.  So Tom formed a running team, found 10 guys who thought it would be fun to run from California to New York City and will start the trek in October.  They are hoping to finish in 15 days and will finish the race in NYC on World Diabetes Day.  All 10 runners are type 1 diabetics and will be managing their disease as they run the 2800 miles in a relay fashion, 24/7.  If you’d like the check out their website, it’s www.teamtype1.org (the web guy that designed the site is a pretty cool hubby guy too!)

MattyO always has great questions: I asked a bunch of questions at dinner earlier this spring... let's see... ... ...
Is training and working with your spouse difficult? Do you ever feel its TOO MUCH time together? (My honest answer is I love it... curious though) – I love it.  You can’t be kind of ho hum about working and training with your spouse.  You either love it or like most people we hear from, absolutely couldn’t do it.  Now I’m not saying that there aren’t times when I just need some “me” time without the hubs, but it works for us 99.9% of the time!  It was an adjustment (I quit my job to work with him one week before our wedding).  We have separate duties/jobs though, and two desks, so there are many days that we sit down and don’t really say much to each other until our work is done.  As for training…we’ve always trained together. We have our separate goals and Tom probably pushed me a bit more than I push him, but it works.  We do everything as a team – we fight the hard days together and we celebrate the victories together.
I like Jason's question... – I figured you would…
Where do you see yourself right now had you not gotten into triathlons? – I would have been injured.  For sure.  And burned out of running.  :)  I’m just not a person who absolutely gets lost in a run.  It’s a mental battle many days and triathlon helps to mix things up for me. 

Why do you still live in Ohio (I know Miss Zippy and Jeff both want to know this too)? I don’t know.  I like it during May, June, and October.  But, I can take my business anywhere that there is a post office so we often find ourselves wondering why we put up with the other nine months that we dispise.  I guess I’m too much of a family person and haven’t found the courage to move away from my family.  Although I know that they would visit and would only be a call away, I just haven’t been able to accept the distance yet. Maybe someday soon…
Do you ever feel pressured to perform well in events because Tom is a speedy McSpeederson? (not saying you AREN'T Ms. Speedy, since he is a machine does that affects your competitive drive). -  I have one goal this year and it’s to beat him in just one discipline of a tri… transitions don’t count.  I’m getting closer in the swimming, but since he only swims on race day and I swim 2-3 times a week and he’s still beating me, the future looks gloomy.  No pressure though… I know he’s a stud and I would never want him to lose confidence in his abilities if his wife beat him.  He doesn’t get chicked all that often…

Marci asked: Being the bookworm I am I have to ask... What is your most favorite book you've ever read? -  I have to admit that I didn’t get the English teacher genes that my sister inherited.  I  think one of the best books I ever read was The Last Lecture.  Just such a good story.  I will admit, I love me some Chick-Lit books though – like reality tv… the trashier the better.  I really like Jane Green’s books.  And Meg Cabot. Nothing real intellectually stimulating there… but good reads!

Robyn asked: Since it's 95 degrees here... What's your favorite winter workout? – We are gym rats in the winter.  I love doing spin classes and have often thought about getting my certification to be an instructor.  We usually do bricks in the winter… run on the track a few fast miles, hop on the spin bike for an hour and then run another mile or two.  Great two hours that keep us ready to compete when the season starts!

Molly asked: I always have food on the brain....so what would your last meal be?!?!? – Mmmmmmm food… I knew I loved you for a reason Molly.  My last meal… well, it would definitely involve Mac and Cheese.  I think I’d probably want to start with an appetizer of spinach and artichoke dip (with chips, not bread to dip).  For the main course, I’d want mac and cheese, a cheeseburger and a side of crispy salty fries.  For dessert… a sugar cookie cake with icing, all to myself. I would drink diet coke.  Note… veggies wouldn’t be involved in the last meal.  At all.

Allison asked: I was actually going to send you a message about this. Just starting running, as you know, and yesterday I had my first day with really lead-filled legs. Seriously just couldn't get moving after our walk (supposed to run 10 min., walk 3 min., run 10 min.). How do you get through this? Any tricks? – First off, I’m loving that you are running and yes, I’ve been through many many runs with the deadlegs.  Actually, most runs start that way! :)  Not what you wanted to hear is it?  Someone once told me that the first three miles are the hardest and that most people don’t get past that point because they don’t have the patience.  I agree.  For me, it takes about three miles to really get in a groove (some days it’s faster than that… some days longer)  If I really have dead legs, I just tell myself, make it 10 more minutes.  If I still feel like crap, maybe my body is trying to tell me that I need to rest.  I would say 98% of the time, I’m totally fine to keep plowing through after 10 minutes.  There really isn’t a trick, but hopefully you know that you aren’t alone!!!!  Remember… you are getting stronger every step you take!

Chris had some good ones (and I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to write these answers):
What is the meaning of life? – Hell if I know what the meaning of life is, but I live by the motto of “he with the most toys wins”.  You learn that in Kindergarten.  That’s why I can’t let go of my bikes…
What is the secret to being happy? – Cheese and diet coke and iced sugar cookies
What is the secret to a good relationship? – My mom reads this blog so I’ll say honesty and open communication.
Can I steal this idea for my blog? - Of course!
If the answer to #4 is yes, can you tell your other readers that only I can do it? – No one can steal this idea unless Chris gives you permission to do so. :)

Richelle asked: How did you and Tom meet? – Match.com.  Seriously… he’s the best $24.99 I’ve ever spent!  My friend and I joined as a joke because it was fun to come home from the bars, call each other and compare the nutjobs that would write to us, trying to woo us with their cheesy lines.  My friend was “matched” with Tom (the site would tell us who were good picks for us).  She totally wouldn’t have been his type, but forwarded it on to me with a note saying “seriously… this guy is perfect for you”.  I emailed him, he wrote back, we ended up having some common friends, I waited 3 weeks to give him my phone number (because he could have been a psycho), but on the night of our first “blind” date, I knew that I’d marry him someday.

Wes asked: how many licks does it take to get to the center of a tootsie roll tootsie pop? – The commercial says 4.  It usually takes me more, but I don’t like the candy getting stuck in my teeth when you bit into it.  By the way, only the chocolate ones are good. :)

Rebecca asked: When are you coming to Italy ?! – I would fly there tomorrow if I won the lottery.  I’ll keep playing!  Maybe we can do the 70.3 with you there next year (wouldn’t that be awesome!!!)

Lindsay asked: what was your first race?! EVER! – I think I ran the Race for the Cure, but I don’t remember.  I know my first race that I trained for was the Indy 500 Festival Half Marathon.  I was planning on walking/running it, but then ran the whole thing to impress Tom. J  I finished in 2:12:18.

Thanks for playing! :)

Oh why not

Why not post another random blog day with lots of bullets??? :)  You know you love them

• Today is my fabulous mom's birthday.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOMMA!  As far as mom's go, I hit the jackpot with mine... not only has she been a fabulous mom, she's a great friend and for a girl, that's an amazing thing to share with your mom.  I'm very fortunate to live nearby, talk to her once, twice, multiple times a day, laugh with her, cry with her, and share life with her.  Hope the anniversary of your 29th birthday was a good one (and look at what a great daughter I am... didn't even type what anniversary it is!)
• My sister, who also happens to be one of my very best friends (I'm a lucky girl) and her husband are starting a very exciting journey in their lives.  They are starting the process of adoption.  I don't talk about my family's personal stuff much on my blog, but if you can do me a favor and just keep them in your thoughts, I'd be forever grateful.  It's going to be a long process, with lots of i's to dot and t's to cross.  And their success in being matched with a birth mother will be very much in their own hands.  If you know of ANYONE who might be looking for an adoptive parent for their child or someone else's, please let me know.  They are going to be amazing parents (and I'm a little biased when I think I'll rock at being an Aunt!)
• My twin from another mother and I were texting the other day and she totally cracked me up.  I was telling her that I needed to find the motivation to get out for my 11 mile run.  Her response was "Just think of it as a date with your husband and you iPod.  Time to perfect you ability to memorize and repeat lyrics".  Great advice.  But her follow up was even better "I like to break out in song and dance while running.  Makes me feel like I'm part of a musical staring ME!!!".  Oh my gosh... this is why I love you!
• I made it through that run, albeit without an iPod, but I can't confirm or deny that I didn't sing to myself at some point throughout the run.
• My Ironman Cycle post (found here) seems to have hit the right chord with a lot of people at just the right time.  I hope that it helps some of you.  I know that I'll go back and re-read a lot of my own advice as my journey continues.
• Tom and I (okay, maybe it's just me, but whatever) are obsessed with the Race Across America.  Last year at this time, I was propping my eyelids open in Annapolis, waiting to Team Type 1 to come in.  It was an exciting time, and although they didn't break their own record, it was exciting seeing the guys come across the finish line in first again.  Although they don't have a team in the race this year, I've been stalking the results to see if any of the 8-man teams would be able to break the record.  It's going to be close... but I think TT1 will keep it. Awesome... especially knowing the tail winds that these guys might have had propelling them through, oh, I don't know, the WHOLE state of Kansas.  Tell me that diabetics can't do something...
• Speaking of diabetics, did I tell you the guys are running across the country? Just because they can?  10 guys from Team Type 1 will be starting the trek in October.  I can't wait to tell you more about it.  15 days of running, starting in California, ending in NYC on World Diabetes Day.  It's not a death sentence in our family... it's opportunity!
• I'm racing again this weekend.  So excited... a local Olympic.  And I'm racing naked again.  What do I have to lose?
• And then we're heading to the casino.  We might have a gambling problem (although to my defense, I spend like $50 all night playing penny slots and am giddy like a school girl).  Oh... and we booked a trip to Vegas in September.  Post REV3 Full / Interbike.  Loving it!

Happy weekend everyone! I'm off to stalk check on the RAAM results.

My naked race report

So I did it.  I raced naked.  It was joyous and liberating and I'll probably do it again.  I loved every one's comments about it and have a lot to say about it if you are interested.  More than anything, I loved not knowing how fast I was going.  I wore my watch (cause it's a habit), but didn't start it and didn't know what time we started (the waves were all late anyway).  My bike computer (which I thought I would still use) read "0" all day - something wasn't working.  And it was awesome!  I went by feel alone.  I pushed harder than I think I usually do.   And you know what???

I freaking PRed by a lot!

Here's the race report... I'll try to keep it short, but I do have pictures so YAY!

Overall Stats:
Swim (.5 miles) - 14:24
T1 - 1:21
Bike (17 miles) - 48:08 (21.2mph)
T2 - 1:04
Run (3.1 miles) - 24:07 (7:47's)
Overall time - 1:29:01
2nd out of 31 in Age Group
68 out of 500 Overall


So Saturday, I totally just chilled. Tom signed up for his first ever bike race so I was his cheering squad.  It was a 9 mile, 3 loop course and he was entered as a Cat 5.  Poor guy was so nervous.  He did great, until he got a flat with 3 miles to the finish.  Dang it.  But he's addicted so he'll be out there again.  I counted a lot of bikes, and 3 horse and buggy's.  We weren't in Delaware, anymore. :) See the buggy in the back???

This morning I woke up ready to race.  I love that feeling.  Stomach was a little sloshy, but nothing unusual.  The race site is only 15 minutes from our house, at most, so we didn't have to leave super early.  I love local races.  Got to the race site, got everything checked in, and met my parents who were unbelievable in coming out to see us race at an ungodly time on a Sunday morning.  I'm so blessed to have them both.  Plus, my mom played photographer for the day so we were able to get pictures!  Always a plus! (Thanks mom...)

Around 7, we started to put on our wetsuits.  Does this ever get easier?  Seriously, this is not an easy feet.  Thankfully the TRISLIDE works wonders and the baby, for the most part, slide right up.  I love my Hurricane 5 from TYR.  I feel like a poser in it since I'm so stinking slow, but looking good is half the battle, right?

The swim was fine.  I positioned myself waaaaaay outside because the water is deeper and because there was no one there.  I swam with all of the 30-34 year olds (guys and girls) and only groped one girl's butt so all in all, a successful swim.  14:24, I'll take that - I haven't been working on the swim too much so I can't expect anything amazing here.

T1 was nice and zippy, but the run to the mount line was loooooong.

The bike was awesome.  Without a computer, I just went by feel and I felt great.  I was passing a crapton of people and only counted three people who passed me - they were from the wave after me and were smoking.  Tom was one of them, but I was proud that it took probably 16.25 miles for him to catch me... it's usually way faster than that.  I did find myself looking at my computer a lot.  Like I said, it always read "0" so I didn't get any data from it.  Bad habits are hard to break I guess!  But I just felt like my Kestrel was floating... the fit is so perfect and it's a fast bike! Tom and I made it into transition together which was fun.  I ended up averaging 21.2mph which was awesome.  Tom thought that the course was a little long so it might have been faster.  Who knows, who cares!  I was the 5th fastest woman on the bike out of 172.  And I was the 47th fastest overall out of 500.  That's pretty cool!

T2 I just did my thing and ran out with Tom.  He said "let's run this together". Ha... well, it was good to start together.

The run was a familiar course, and although it's a simple 3.1 miles, the course is kind of wacky as it's part on a gravel path (which happened to be super muddy and filled with puddles) and then part on a grass trail over a dam.  It's really hard to pass people up there though so I honestly had no clue what I was running.  Tom had taken off about .5 mile into the run and that was fine.  I needed to go by feel.  I passed a few people and found a groove.  It was great not constantly looking to see my pace.  I thought I was sluggish, but looking at the results, I finally put a run together, averaging 7:47's for the 5k!

I got to the finish line, super happy with things.  My dad had started his watch when my wave went off and told me he thought that I was somewhere around 1:29.  I had two goals for this race which I hadn't told anyone.  For one, I wanted to run sub-8's.  And the other... to finish under 1:30.  Last year on this course, I did a 1:33:59!

I checked the standings after everyone was finish.  I finished in 1:29:01 and came in 2nd out of 31 girls.  That amazed me.  I couldn't wipe the smile off my face!

It was fantastic seeing so many of our friends there.  Jim, Tracy and Zach Aust were there and kicked major butt (as always) coming in 1st, 1st and 2nd in their age groups (Oh... and Jim was 5th overall, Zach in 9th and Tracy in 19th and the 2nd female!!!)  They are my adopted family and we love them so much!  Tom had an amazing race, especially after hearing him tell me that he had nothing in his legs from the bike race the day before.  He finished in 1:23, 7th out of 50 in his AG, and 27th overall.  Oh... and he had the 9th fastest bike of the day out of 500!  Scary to think what he could have done without racing the day before.  We also got to see Dave and Meredith too which was fun.  Dave raced and although I know he said he didn't hit his goals, he looked strong on the course!  It's so fun seeing friends out there! Here's a picture with us and team Austome! :)

ULTRAFIT-USA did a great job with the race.  We love the Wendy's International Tri.  Great competition, surrounded by a bunch of people we know, on our home turf.  Doesn't get better than that!

So the question is this - I have an Olympic in two weeks.  Virtually the same course.  Should I run naked again??? :)

Sunday recap

It's been a busy week.  This was the first "hard" week of training - ie, 12+ hours and I felt it by the end of today.  It feels good to be back into the swing of a program though. I'm enjoying pushing myself and being spent by the time my workouts are done.  And not once did I sit and think to myself "why did I sign up for another Ironman". Always a good week when that happens.  I'm happy that I had my EFS Grape drink to get me through my workouts and then my First Endurance Cappuccino Ultragen for my recovery.  Seriously, if you are looking for a great tasting product that is easy on the belly, check out First Endurance.  Yes, they are a sponsor of my team, but I am a believer in their products.  I've only been using them for a month or two and I am really happy. Oh, and check out my testimonial about Recovery Pump on their newish website!  HA... love it!  Okay, enough product raving! :)

So my totals for last week looked like this:

Swim - 5100 meters

Bike - 76.4 miles

Run - 27.6 miles

I'm happy with that.  I feel like I'm getting stronger - it's a slow process and I have to be patient.  I have a half marathon in two weeks which will be a good test for me. I'm not looking to PR, but I'm hoping to feel confident going into it!

Tom ran the New Jersey Ultra marathon this past weekend with the Team Type 1 Running Team.  Mad props to these guys.  You all know that they are all type 1 diabetics, yada, yada, yada.  But, one of the guys came in 2nd in the marathon with a 2:55, one of them came in 1st in the 100k in 8:55 and one of them came in 4th in the 100 miler in 17:28.  The team had a great debut - I can't wait to see what they all do the rest of the season! By the way, check out the team's new website (here).  I may be a little biased since I'm married to him, but I think the web guy did a great job with the new site! :)

Team Trakkers totally rocked this weekend too.  Tons of teammates racing and training all over the place - 70.3's in exotic locations, the new 5150 series, half marathons, 10 milers, 100+mile bikes, 4050m swims.  So motivating! Congrats to everyone.  I can't believe that it's only 56 days until my first tri with these guys.  Not only is it a huge eek because it's my first tri of the season, but also because it's a half Ironman.  In May.  What was I thinking???

I keep an eye on my followers and I've been stuck on 143 for a while.  If you read my blog and I don't know about it (through you being a follower or commenting), come out of the woodwork. I'd love to know!  So many people say "I saw your picture on your blog", but they never comment or aren't followers. I want to know that you are out there!  

And I'll leave you with a quote that I saw on twitter today that totally made me laugh:

"Every time you fart as you're walking through first class getting on a plane, Jesus high-fives your grandmother."

 

A little horn tootin'

I tend to talk a lot about how great Team Trakkers is (because, well, we are...) but this post is going to toot someone else's horn.  Don't worry... it's deserved. 

First, as many of you know, my husband Tom is a Type 1 diabetic (I'm sorry... a person with diabetes).  Anyhoo... to spare you all the history which I'm sure I've posted a time or two, here's a brief recap:

• He was diagnosed at age 28 - no family history
• At the time he was training for his 8th or 9th marathon and just getting into tri's
• SOOOO many people were quick to tell him that he couldn't work out anymore because of his diagnosis (doctors included)
• He decided to do an Ironman
• And has since completed 4
• He learned quickly that Type 1 Diabetes isn't a death sentence at all!
• He is also a member of Team Type 1 - which consists of 100 athletes who live and race with diabetes... you know, because they can't do things. 
• The team consists of a pro team (you might have heard of them racing in races with the likes of ... oh ... all the big name teams (Lance included)), a development team, an elite team, a women's team, a triathlon team and just this year, a running team
• The elite team has won a little race called Race Across America 4 times and currently have the world record for fastest time (5 days, 9 hours and 5 minutes) and speed across the country for an eight man team (my hubby raced two of those years, including the record year - toot toot)
• Not only are they competitive in their chosen sport, they spent a combined 700 days last year speaking to diabetics, doctors and medical professionals on behalf of their diabetes related sponsors.
• These athletes are for real and all amazing people with amazing stories.

So that's the first horn toot.  Team Type 1 is amazing and if you get a chance to ever meet or race with any of them, they will knock your socks off!

Tom's the manager for the triathlon and run team.  The run team is new this year and made up of 15 amazing runners (their average marathon time is like a 3:06.  One of them came in 4th at the Atlanta marathon.  A few of them have won or placed at multiple ultras and when they talk about the races they usually skim over miles 20-60 which always amazes me).  Anyway since they have these great runners, Tom and the team founder decided, "why not challenge them a little and have them run across the country instead of sending the bikers out this year".  Who in their right mind would volunteer for this?

Well, starting in October, they have 10 Type 1 diabetic runners who will start a relay trek from Oceanside California and end approximately 3,000 miles later in NYC on World Diabetes Day.  They think it'll take around 15 days (people... that's averaging 8:15's or something crazy like that and averaging like 20 miles a day).  This isn't a formal race.  They are simply running to raise awareness for Type 1 diabetes and promote the thing that they all believe...

Diabetes doesn't have to be a limiter and that you can do anything you want with the disease.

So that's my second horn toot.

Since Tom's working on the logistics, we were beyond thrilled when Megan at BuildASign contacted us to see if we wanted to make something free of charge at their website.  We jumped at the opportunity and I have to thank Megan from the bottom of my heart.  She and the whole gang at BuildASign are A.M.A.Z.I.N.G!  We decided to make 24x24 car magnets for Team Type 1 to use on their trek across the country.  Megan graciously threw in two 12x12 car magnets for them to use as well.  They arrived on Friday and turned out incredible. 

So thank you Megan and BuildASign!  And if any of you need any personalized products made, you can't go wrong with these guys!  Quality products and great people to work with! That's my third horn toot.

And don't worry Team Trakkers, Team Type 1 is great, but they ain't got nothing on us! :)  Oh... and they are racing the REV3 series so their might be a little show down between us.  They will bring their A game for sure, but we aren't a team to mess with. 

Nothing like husband and wife gunning for each other!

Another Random's Update

Just 'cause I'm feeling super random today...

• Thank you all for your encouraging words on my last post about being self coached. And I appreciate the suggestion to move my rest day to Monday. During my race training schedule, I'm the laziest person in the world on Mondays. For now unfortunately, I think I'm going to need the break after the two days of intervals. I'll probably adjust things as I go.
• Speaking of training... I am meeting the hubby on our trainers in T-minus 40 minutes for our first bike interval workout of the year. I think he's going to take pleasure in my torture. I don't' know why. What doesn't kill me makes me stronger - right? Right?
• Beth wrote a blog about optimal race weight the other day. It's from the Racing Weight Book that is sitting next to my bed I'm reading. According to the little formula that Mr. Fitzgerald lays out, to be at my optimal racing weight, I have to lose 18 pounds. Um... well... okay. Maybe I'll shoot for my "almost optimal racing weight". In any event, Beth and I are going to do this together - aren't we girl?
• Speaking of weight... I gained some weight over the holiday. I usually get uber depressed about this. This time, I just sucked it up, put on my big girl panties (literally) and am taking care of things. It's amazing what eating well again can do for your mind and body (although, I'm missing my cookies. There... I admitted it) I feel good.
• And speaking of food - we went to Panera today. YUM. I love their Asian Chicken Salad. It's sooooooo good. And I get to meet Meredith tomorrow for lunch at Noodles and Company. Remember... the crack mac and cheese dealer that I love. :) Yeah, don't think I'll be doing the mac and cheese, but you just never know.
• I ordered my Kestrel today. Another inanimate object to fall in love with! :) I'm so excited... she's going to be a beaut!
• Oh, I also ordered my new Avia's. I went back and forth with whether or not I should get the Bolts which are the racing flat or the Lite III which are the cushion. I decided to not be all crazy and stuff and got the Lite III's. I think it was a smart choice. For now.
• Being on Trakkers is like Christmas. I like Christmas. Our sponsors are amazing!
• REV3 and Team Type 1 have partnered up for this year. Super exciting for both parties if you ask me. Here's the article if you are interested. And yes, I have a vested interest in both parties, but whatever - it's still exciting. :)
• So Team Type 1 is running across the country this year. Running people... 3000+ miles. There are 10 guys, all Type 1 diabetics. They will start in California and end in New York on World Diabetes Day. My hubby is managing the "race" per say (it's not an official race - he is forming the route and everything) and the guys. It's going to be awesome. These guys are amazing. I'm hoping to be there at the start, and at the end. Probably along the way a little too.
• Did you watch the Bachelor the other night? Yeah, we didn't either (ha... yeah we did). I always make a prediction of who the desperate man or woman will pick. I have a good track record going on. I chose the girl that got the first impression rose. I was *this* close to picking the girl who slapped him when she got out of the car or the girl with the fangs. No. Not really. But he did keep them both didn't he?

What's random in your life now?

Where to next

Gosh, I couldn't be more lucky to have such amazing people in my life. All of you bloggy friends have really helped me tremendously in getting through the disappointment of not finishing the Ironman. You're words of encouragement were all so sweet and supportive - I'm really lucky and thank you all.

So, what's next? (because let's be honest, I'm not one to throw in the towel and mope around all day because of a stupid DNF).

I'm feeling good. Training is coming back faster than ever and I still have the desire which is something I was hoping wouldn't leave. Yesterday we went out for a run. 5.4 miles. The first mile was a 8:55 pace. Then we got talking about something that's bothering me, I got all worked up, and I ended up averaging 8:14's for the run - and I felt like that pace was casual. Nice... And the day before we went for a 30 mile bike ride. Fought the wind for 15 miles (I'm talking leaning into the wind to stay up kind of blowing) and averaged almost 19 for the ride. Felt great. I've done a 10 mile run which was strong, and some smaller workouts here and there.

I'm putting a half Ironman on my schedule in two weeks - the Deer Creek Fall Challenge. I know that I'll be ready by then and I'm excited to go a little longer. Kind of my redemption for the 17 miles I missed in Louisville! :) It's a local half and I've done it three time. The first year, I finished in 6:55 - it was 93 degrees, my first half and I thought I was going to die. The second year, I finished in 6:50 - a hurricane literally came through Ohio ( I can't even make this up) and at one point, myself and two other races were on the ground in a three point stance (one hand and two feet touching), crawling across a dam on the run course because the winds were gusting at 60mph. Last year I finished in 6:01. I know I'm better than that and hopefully that shows this year. If nothing else, it'll get the dust moving.

We signed up for the Columbus Marathon in October too. I wasn't going to run it even though I knew that Tom really wanted to, but really, it's just a few extra runs. Tom's convinced we can break 4 hours - I'd like to PR (which would be a 4:20 or better). I'm just excited to run in the fall. There's nothing like lining up next to other runners - me in capris, long sleeves and gloves, and many of them in short shorts and sports bras turning blue from the cool crisp air. :)

And then we're doing the half at Beach2Battleship. It's a team race for Team Type 1 and I'm super excited. I haven't heard a ton about the race so it'll be fun!

So that's what's next... that'll get me through this year and then I can start looking at next year! Baby steps...

Ahhh...

I feel like I'm finally getting to a place where I can breath again. Things have just been so busy in the Kingery house. Race Across America is over. Team Type 1 did amazing! They were first overall again this year with a finish time of 5 days 10 hours and 48 minutes. It was definitely an experience for Tom that hopefully he can put in his memory bank and just support from now on versus participate in! :) While I know he enjoys the challenge, he's not a bike racer and it really takes a toll on him. I know he played an important role in this year's team and that he kind of enjoyed himself (it's hard when you are throwing up for the first full day), but it's done! :) Here are some of the pictures from the finish line... it was 4:30am when they got in and we did get to see an amazing sunrise over the marina! :)

Then we got to have an amazing vacation in Annapolis. If you haven't been, it's the greatest little town. We got to see a little of Baltimore too on Sunday before our flights. Tom was navigating as I was driving and brought me to Charm City Cakes. :) I love Ace of Cakes so it was cool. I'm sure they get a gazillion tourists out there taking the same picture that I took, but whatever! :) I wish I could have met Duff...

So we're home now, but only for a few days. Tom leaves on Friday for Orlando. He has back to back conferences there for TT1. I'm going to go on Saturday and just hang out for a few days. The hotel has a lazy river (woohoo) and we're hoping to hit up a theme park on Tuesday. And we signed up for a 5k on Sunday through the conference so that should be fun!!!

I feel like I've been totally slacking in the training department. My motivation has been zilch with everything going on. That's typical this time of year I guess... it's the busiest time with the most miles due. Prioritizing and balancing life (friends, family, work, training, cleaning) starts to get difficult and I find myself struggling with it a lot. I feel like some of the people who should be the most important in my life show their true colors this time of year - and by that I mean not being 100% supportive and understanding. If there's ever a time I feel selfish (which I do and probably am), now is that time. Do you ever feel this way with your training??? It's hard to do what you love and get slack for it. I guess I have to make myself happy before I can make others happy...

Ohhh... good exciting news. I received my 288 Marathon Bar samples the other day in the mail. They are AWESOME! I'm going to do a give away with some of them in the coming days so stay tuned. If you haven't had them, they are awesome. I was given 144 of the crunchy honey & toasted almond energy bars and 144 of the chocolatey nut burst protein bars. YUMMO! I'll let you know the chances to win some of them... you'll be hooked!