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The rest of the story...

The doctor's office calls them "Baby A"(left) and "Baby B."(right) Yes, fraternal twins. 

Baby A, we call her Abby for now, is developing normally and has a strong heartbeat.

Baby B, we call him Baker for now, is running about a week behind Abby in development and has a slow heart rate. Prognosis for Baker is grim, but Patty and I aren't giving up on him. There is nothing we can do, but hope and yes pray, that he picks up the pace and gets on with growing. 

They believe this is what is known as "Vanishing Twin Syndrome." It has only been in the last few years that the ultrasound equipment has been able to detect VTS. We have another ultrasound appointment next week to check up on how they are both doing, specifically to see if Baker's heart is still beating. At this stage of development, if he loses his fight, he will most likely be reabsorbed. 

So, please pray for Baker to fight his way back to become a strong healthy baby and for Abby to continue her path to becoming a strong healthy baby as well.

Abby and Baker are in utero names we are using for them. We believe a beating heart deserves the respect of having a name instead of a letter or number. Once born, they will receive their birth names.

Patty and I hesitated in sharing this, but we felt Baker deserved support and recognition in his fight to survive. 

 We had our first ultrasound yesterday! What an exciting experience! 

Our baby is doing well, and is right on track! He/she's little heartbeat is strong and regular. For just a moment, I thought I saw he/she wearing a cycling helmet and shades! 

Patty and I are both very happy and EXCITED as can be! 

So, here is the very first image of our baby: 

 Race Day! 

Today we took the entire organization down to near the race start for a "meet-n-greet" for the local chapter of the American Diabetes Assn. We spend a few hours hanging out visiting with quite a few people, not only from the ADA, but also from local medical practices, and friends who live nearby. 

Starting the race today was myself and Peter Cowley. Pete and I would have to ride the first 28 miles unsupported. The first 13 miles was a "parade" through bike paths out to "the Bridge" where the official timed start of the race begins. The parade rolled along at an easy 16 - 18 mph. 

Once at "The Bridge" we lined up in order of team number for the official start in time trail fashion. It was surreal to line up next to my teammate at the beginning of a 3000 mile race! 3, 2, 1... We were off! Pete sprinted out in front of me, and I grabbed his wheel, as we had discussed prior. At the end of the bridge was a very narrow section of path which prevented side by side riding anyway. 

Pete and I rode hard keeping our speed over 20MPH for most of the way to where the climbs began. Here we slowed a bit for short time, then Pete told me to go on ahead on the climbs. Which I did. Climbing at near sea level was sure different than climbing at elevation here in Colorado. 

I'm happy to say we made pretty good time passing several other teams on the run through the unsupported zone of the race. Just before the last turn on our pull, I spotted a BikeJournal.com jersey on the side of the road and gave a shout out, but kept pushing. Everything is a blur, so I'm sorry, but I do not recall his name or bikejournal handle. 

We made the exchange, and Larry Cleveland (I think it was Larry) was off and hammering down the road. Team Type 2's inaugural entry in Race Across America was underway! 

In the team meeting the night prior the race start, Dave Eldridge, RAAM Master for Team Type1 and Team Type 2,  mentioned the "Glass Elevator" which was a big 2800' descent off the costal range into the desert floor. Dave expressed concern over the danger of this big descent. At the top, Team Type 2 had climbed just over 2700' from sea level. From the top of the "Glass Elevator" we would give back over 2800'  of elevation to the gods of pain by the time we hit the desert floor. 

Of my 4 person squad, I was the only one who had considerable mountain experience on the bike. So, I took the pull on the "Glass Elevator." The descent was steep'ish, but not to bad. It would wind back and forth down the mountain. But again, was not worse than anything I had faced in 3 years of riding in the mountains of Colorado. This would have actually been a fun descent if not for the Gale Force Winds! After the first mile or so, the wind would begin pushing me from fog line to fog line! The wind seemingly came from every direction. Pushing. Buffeting. Swerving. Bike control at 50MPH became unpredictable and unsafe. I slowed to around 30MPH. Still tricky, but manageable for the most part. After slowing a female rider of the 2 person mixed team passed me. As she did she yelled, "I've never been this scared on the bike before!" I had to agree as I swallowed my pride. My manhood. And my competitive attitude telling myself that crashing out to save face would be a selfish move. There were to many people invested in Team Type 2's efforts for me to blow it on day one because my ego wouldn't let a girl pass me on a dangerous descent. Did I mention that my front brake lever was open when I started this descent? The first corner was a bit tricky. 

The roads of the mountain straightened out and I came off the last few miles into the rider exchange at near 60MPH with a howling tailwind! We made the exchange where Peter took back over. Slightly down hill, and that awesome tailwind! For the next several hours, deep into the night, we would hammer through the desert of southern California. We were dedicated to giving Mark Thul's squad a good base to launch their first shift of RAAM09! 

 I stopped in to a local VSP Vision provider after work last night for an eye exam.

Vision Care Specialists, P.C. in Denver gave me great, even friendly service! I felt welcomed and right at home with each person I interacted with! I found this refreshing since my previous exams had been in those "eye care" places located in big discount stores like Walmart and Shopko where the service didn't compare. 

I was very impressed with the technology they had! They had this machine which took a digital photograph of the inside of my eyes! The technician said they could see 200% more of the eye than with a dilated exam! So, I paid the small fee to get this high-tech exam! Now, they will have these images for comparison over the years!

People with diabetes normally must undergo a dilated eye exam. Diabetes is hard on the eyes! In fact, my type 2 diabetes was diagnosed due to a vision issue. If it weren't for an eye doctor, I may have gone undiagnosed for many more years. Get a dilated eye exam people! Your vision is far to valuable to risk! 

We are going back this evening after work to pick out frames! WooHoo! I'll be style'n in new casual frames soon, and even better yet, for the first time in my cycling career I will have Nike prescription cycling shades thanks to VSP Vision's sponsorship of Team Type 1 and Team Type 2! 

Thanks VSP! 

I flew into San Diego early on Thursday. I met up with Daniel Snyder at the Denver airport and hung with him. Daniel is a nutritionist, and really cool guy. He has similar opinions about people with diabetes being encouraged to eat carbohydrates as I do. Generally makes no sense to encourage someone who has carbohydrate metabolism issues to eat carbohydrates. 

After a Starbucks fix, we headed out to the meeting place where our team van would pick us up for the trip up to Carlsbad. There we met up with Debbie Walsh. Everyone was excited to be there, and ready for the race to begin. 

The van showed up with Tom Schuler driving. We loaded my bike, and were literally off to the races. The ride to the hotel has some exciting moments due to traffic, and close calls. Crazy California drivers! 

I don't think the scope of this operation hit me until we pulled into the hotel parking lot. There I saw 4 RVs and several mini-vans. Wow, this is real! 

I set about assembling my bike, then assisting with other tasks as I as able. 

Friday morning was another early day. So much to do. 

I got a call from Patty telling me that she is pregnant!  WooHoo! What great news to start such an EPIC race and a wonderful father's day surprise! 

We had to take all the vehicles, riders, and equipment down to the race start for RAAM safety inspection. Of course we passed with flying colors. 

I met up with Bernie, an online friend from bikejournal.com. Bernie was riding for JDRF's 8 tandem team. Was nice to meet him, and visit a bit about RAAM etc... 

We all headed down to the mandatory RAAM pre-race meeting. All the teams were introduced, and some of the rules were reviewed. 

After the meeting it was back to the hotel. A quick ride to the beach and back. Then a full team meeting with both Team Type 1 and Team Type 2. Dave Eldridge reviewed many many details. I don't know how he was able to keep it all straight! 

Off to bed. Try to sleep. Nerves are high. Tomorrow, RACE START! 

  I fully intended to start recounting my experiences and thoughts of each of my Team Type 2 squad's segments of RAAM on Tuesday past. However, Monday afternoon as Patty and I were dining with several crew members before saying our goodbyes and heading to the airport, we received a call that our 12.5 year old Golden Retriever, Scout, had taken ill in the kennel facility back home in Denver. They  had to rush him to the Animal E. R. for emergent care. This put a bit of a damper on our celebratory mood post RAAM. 

The flight from Baltimore took what seemed like an eternity. We headed directly to the hospital. What we say horrified us both! Open wounds. Lesions. Abrasions. Scout couldn't even walk! What had those people done to him? ! ? 

We took Scout home and have been nursing him back to health. He hadn't been able to get up on his own until just over night last night. He hadn't eaten until this morning either. However, he was laying on a different side this morning when I got up to take him and Elvis out. He went potty and ate for the first time since we got him back home. We are cautiously optimistic that he'll recover from his injuries and infections. We hope quickly. 

With this going on, I have not been in much of a mood to write. Celebrate. Nor reflect on Team Type 2's grand accomplishment. Once the stress of  this latest crisis eases, I plan to write a post for each shift with my reflections. 

 Hey everyone! 

Please follow Team Type 2 in the Race Across America (RAAM) on Twitter! @teamtype2 athletes! @zinrider @projektyle @chaissonjr @runningon @PeterCowleyTT2 @mthul @saulzuckman  

 It has been a busy week of activity with final preparations for RAAM. Some team things, some personal things, and a ton of work things. 

As the race is upon us, I begin to question myself. Have I done all that I could do to prepare? Do I have my glucose control down to a science? Will I be able to do my part on the team? Will our sponsors be happy with our efforts? Will we really make an impact on the Type 2 community? Change lives by our efforts and example? Will it all be worth the months of effort and stressing over it? 

I think self doubt is normal in this situation. Many of us with Type 2 Diabetes have been imprisoned by our self doubt. By our mental attitude that most things are simply way too difficult for us to even try. I have spent 10 years trying to change what I now call my, "Type 2 'Tude." 

As I write this, it forces me to evaluate myself. I find that self evaluation is a must if we are to keep good control of our diabetes and our lives in general. If we don't look back at ourselves, we will then look forward without a compass to guide us in a better, more healthy direction.

Have I done ALL that I could do to prepare? Probably not as much as I would have liked. But then again, I always think I could have done a better job in most things I do. I always fall short in my own mind. This is a good example of the Type 2 T'ude. Nothing I do is ever good enough in my own eyes. 

Do I have my glucose control down to a science? Yes, I feel as though I do. I am still working out the weight control issues now that I eat carbs. With Apidra (from the makers of Lantus) I've been able to actively control my blood glucose. For the race I will be using Apidra in a SoloSTAR pen. The pen is small and very portable. Dosing is super easy as well. I will have my Freestyle Lite glucose meter with me at all times. I never leave home without my Freestyle Lite. What great tools to have with me! 

I do think I will be able to be a major contributor to Team Type 2's RAAM effort. I have been riding and climbing well. It isn't difficult to do on our Orbea Opal team bike. That thing is like a "rocket ship on wheels."  I am proud to wear my Louis Garneau Team Type 2 kit. It represents a group of folks who have put their lives out in the public eye in an effort to help change the lives for millions of people living with Type 2 Diabetes. Those millions are all our family. Those millions are all our team mates. We are all Team Type 2. 

For the rest of my internal questions, I can only wait to see the impact that Team Type 2 will have on the diabetes community. Our title sponsor Lantus has been incredibly supportive of Team Type 2. We will not let them down! 

I think it is important to mention that all of the members of the Team Type 2 RAAM Team hold regular jobs. We have families who have supported us through this process. We have progressive diabetes support teams keeping an eye on our health. We have supportive employers. We have the best sponsor! Lantus has been right there with us! Every training ride. Every revolution of the pedal.

We have a dedicated crew of 18 people who are taking time out of their lives. Most with close connections to diabetes in one form or another. They are the best! Without them, this wouldn't happen! Thanks to each and everyone of you! Together we will change lives!

I'm glad I took time to reflect this morning. It is something that I needed to do in order to refocus on what is important. One important thing for anyone with Type 2 Diabetes is to determine if you have a, "Type 2 T'ude" just as I do. We can't let that "Tude" get in the way of taking care of ourselves. It isn't always easy, but we are worth the effort! 

I hope Team Type 2's effort will help to show you that we can change our "Type 2 T'udes!" We can change our lives through good diabetes control, an active lifestyle, and  a good diabetes support team and technology.

We hope you follow us in the Race Across America. We ride for you. For us. For everyone with Type 2 Diabetes!

 Getting excited to head down to Texas for 2 days of cycling in their Tour de Cure event. Then I'll be spending 2 days visiting with diabetes medical professionals about my story and experiences.