Sustainable changes

 I have spent this past week of near isolation to get a handle on some things in my life which I needed to get  a handle on. 2008 was a year of adjusting to huge stress. The new job has proven to be good, but extremely high stress. Not to mention a bit time consuming. So, my activity level in 2008 saw huge reductions. I didn't even ride a century in 2008. The drop in my activity level allowed my weight to creep up over 200lbs again. That weight gain combined with the lowered activity level allowed my Ha1C to climb again and allowed all my numbers to slip. My insulin production is still in the normal range.

I had my annual appointment to get my blood work-up done the week before Christmas. I'm glad to say my numbers were not as bad as I feared they would be. My Ha1C was 6.4%. Much higher than I had been running. This is one of those things which I needed to get a handle on. Getting back to my previous activity level will bring this number back in check in short order when combined with good food choices.

There was also an issue with kidney function which has crept into the picture due to the diabetes. I am now on medication to treat this. My doctor has assured me that this condition will also improve as my activity level gets back to where it should be.

So, this past week I have used my isolation to make sustainable changes. Changes to how and when I eat. Changes to when and how often I test my blood sugar. Changes to my exercise routine. (as if I really had a routine in 2008) Perhaps most importantly,  I have made changes to my internal dialog. Changes in how I view myself  which I must reinforce with actions. I often say, "Talk is cheap" or "Words without deeds are hollow."  This is especially true when it comes to inner dialog than in any other. I have committed myself to spinning on the trainer on days when I am unable to ride outside. As much as I dislike the gym, I will be going to they gym on a regular basis as well for strength and core work.

I am already seeing positive results from the changes I made this past week. My fasting (waking) glucose has dropped dramatically. It is nearing the 100mg/dl threshold. I am looking forward to the training plan from our Team Type 2 trainers so I can sustain the inner dialog with a plan to move forward with the racing season, and the ultimate race of the year, Race Across America (RAAM). 

Today I will be calling the travel agency to book my flight to training camp for Team Type 1 and Team Type 2. I never in my lifetime would have imagined that I would be part of anything athletic. Especially part of a race team. Me. The former 340 pound couch pilot. The former 2 pack  day cigarette smoker. Has been given an incredible opportunity to be part of something so incredible. Something so significant. I am a very lucky guy!

Moving to Colorado has been one of the best things I have ever done for my health.