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!
