I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with running half/or full marathons? Lately ive been doing a lot of long runs (8-10 miles), and im just curious about what you do about your blood sugar. Im hoping to do a half marathon soon and eventually a full marathon.
I haven't ran a full or half, but I do run lots. Right now I just eat a lot before I go out, and bring my glucometer and some sugar with me. I usually just run with it in my hand, which is a pain in the butt. I bought a really nice running fanny pack but it won't stay down when I run! It rides up so far and bounces around so I gave up on it. My next new idea is to use a Camel Bak because they are really small and light and put a water/juice mix in the bladder, and put my glucometer in the backpack part. That way I don't have to eat so much before I go (stomach aches and being sluggish from the spike isn't really ideal..). Anyways if you find anything that works let me know!
Not me. However if you do a Yahoo search on diabetic running marathon it brings back a lot of stuff. I know people do it. I have no desire to try it though. Once I ran a 15K and crashed. I stumbled the last couple of miles. Then I saw the finish line and started running. If I slowed down or tried to stop I knew I'd fall. I made and collapsed at the finish line and was hauled into the medical tent for an IV and then taken to the hospital in an ambulance. I though I was OK before and ate etc. However this was in a time before home blood testers (1983). There aren't many things in life that I have said diabetes will prevent me from doing, but this is one of them. I kindof set myself a 5 or 6 mile limit and have been OK since.
However now with blood testes etc. it should be possible I guess. You gotta want it really bad. All the training and stuff is one thing that every marathoner has to do, but with the diabetes stuff thrown on top, makes it's worse. Carrying testers and snacks etc.
If you want it bad enough, go for it, I'd say.
I have run about 7 half marathons (no fulls, though I trained for one!), and I have enjoyed every single one! I hate to say it is a matter of trial and error, but it really is. I am a type 1 who uses an insulin pump to maintain my blood sugar. On race days, I usually pull back on insulin for an hour or so prior to the race. I bring plenty of quick-acting sugars with me for the run, and then re-enter my normal basals post race. I have never gone low during a race; I think adrenaline has something to do with keeping the level up. It can certainly be tricky to manage your blood sugar in the hours immediately following the race. My blood sugar tends to spike for an hour or so, then run fairly low for the next two or so days. This is of course dependent upon the individual, but I have heard other similar stories.
Good luck with your training!
Hey Guys,
Here's a link to a young woman named Anna who mostly focuses in track-length running, but she has Type 1 diabetes and has broken several track records (she's fast!).
You could send her a message on here too with more specific questions: Anna - Type 1 Diabetic and Track Star Record Breaker
Ginger
And hey, here's another cool article on different types of cardio exercise! More than just running!