Race Cancellation

I received this notice yesterday afternoon from the K-100 organizers, which I thought was considerate and heartfelt.  Obviously I am disappointed, but am more concerned about my friends and family in Southern Alberta. The photos and video footage being released are devastating to say the least. 

"Hi All,

It is with very heavy hearts and much compassion for all of the folks affected by the devastation in Southern Alberta that I must announce, in conjunction with emergency services personel, the cancellation of K-100. Highway 40 is closed due to mudslides and flooding between the Highwood Pass and highway 1 with no hope of re-opening before the weekend. Whilst we did give some thought to a modified event (out and back) from Longview that is not an option. All of the roads to Longview are now closed because of the flooding and Longview is now under a state of emergency. Even if that wasn’t the case, it simply would not be safe to send people running on a road that is in such jeopardy. I certainly wish this wasn’t the case and thank you all for your support of the event. We will be back next year.

Those of you who are in the area, please stay safe. To those of you outside of the affected area, I know you understand our devastation."

Pre-Race Jitters

This coming Saturday I will be running my first race since being diagnosed Type 1 diabetic.  I am part of a team of ten runners running the Kananaskis 100 mile relay.  I am running leg two which is 16.5km on a slight incline.  I am ridiculously nervous.  I feel a bit of pressure as I am part of a team and don't want to let anyone down.  I used to run races a lot and am a bit nervous about how I will do.  I know I can do the distance, but also know I am nowhere near as fast as I used to be.  My PB for this distance is just shy of 1 hr 18 mins.  I will be happy to finish this one in 1 hr 30/40 minutes.  I have come to terms with the fact I am not as fast as I once was and I know that is a work in progress and will reach that level again.  Some pre-race nerves are a good thing and I believe often result in one pushing oneself a bit harder.  These nerves however are different and I know why...

DIABETES!  I am experiencing ridiculous fears about going low in the race and not recovering.  I have visions of running along and then falling into the bushes (seriously).  I keep reminding myself that I have experienced lows when running before and have always managed to treat and continue on my merry way.  Maybe the fact that this is a race and people are counting on me has added to my anxiety.  I have my plan for diabetes management set but keep doubting myself.  Just like any run that is over 10km I will set my basal rate back 50% an hour before I start.  I will start with a blood sugar around 9.0mmol and plan to take in about 30g of carbs during the run.  Ryan will be in a support vehicle so he will have all the extras I need for any emergency and I will stop to check my BS's halfway through.  I know I just need to relax, follow my plan and deal with any challenges if they come. 

I am hoping once I get my first race under my belt I can relax a bit and start to plan more races.  Any tips from you experienced diabetic runners out there for race day?

May 2013 Training Wrap Up

May turned out to be a pretty steady and consistent month for me training wise.  I got some good runs in and ran my longest run (16km) for the first time in about 6 months.  Ryan started a new job recently and they participate in the Kananaskis 100 mile relay.  They needed someone extra and so I am in :)  My leg is 16.5km on an uphill course.  I am excited/nervous to do my first race in nearly two years. I know I can do the distance, I am more concerned about my diabetes management.  We went camping for May long weekend and I squeaked a run in then which was lovely and something I plan to do during camping trips this summer.  I am working on it and will save my findings/training in that regard for another post.

Now for the numbers:

Hours of training = 39.8 hours

Spin x 19 = 232 km's

Run x 13 = 145.6 km's

Swim x 3 = 8,000m

Weights/tabata/core= 9 hours 45 minutes

Rest days =5

Very happy with my running improvements and am loving being outside.  Also super duper exciting news! I will be spending more time riding outside now...on my new bike :)  She does not have a name yet but I shall keep you posted.  Looking forward to registering for some Tris!