Name – Mikk

Type of Diabetes – Type 1

How long have you had diabetes? – 9 years

What diabetes management tools do you use? – insulin pens

Where do you live? – Estonia (in North of Europe)

Which sport will you be focusing on at CampWILD (Triathlon, Cycling, Run/Walk)? Are you active in any other sports? – Triathlon, but I practice regularly volleyball and beach volleyball.

How do you feel about calling yourself an athlete? Does not matter for me.

Why did you decide to come to CampWILD? – To learn how to unite sport and diabetes in the best way, to have fun, and to practice some sport.

What do you hope most to get out of CampWILD? – New friends with diabetes who love sport, new knowledge how to handle diabetes more effectively and to be in better shape, and also to get some good advice about nutrition.

How did you find out about CampWILD? – from the internet.

Mikk, we are sure glad our SEO is good and that you found TeamWILD and CampWILD and now we get to meet you in person very soon!

GO WILD!

Homemade Energy Bars

~ Dairy-free, Gluten-free, Vegan ~

Recently, I was chosen to attend a Progressive Session put on by Oakley and Shape magazine. Oakley and Shape chose 200 women to attend and was a day full of boot camps, yoga, nutrition, and other fun activities. While attending one of the nutrition lectures, I met a fellow Sports RD who gave me this great energy bar recipe. It is a great allergy-free, special diet friendly recipe that can be used to fuel any WILD training program. Make into balls instead of bars for easy packing and consumption on the bike or during runs.

While I got a few extra samples at the Oakley Day, I wanted to make more. The weather is finally getting nicer and my bike rides are going to move outdoors with increased time in the saddle. These are going to be great fuel to take with me and break up the monotony of sugary energy chews and sports supplements.

Total hands-on time: about 20 minutes

Step 1: Get all your ingredients measured out.

Step 2: Blend the nuts. Make sure to not over-blend so you still have good chunks of nuts in your bars/balls. Place in bowl and add seeds.

Step 3: Blend dried fruit (except prunes) with spices and remaining ingredients, blend until finely ground.

Step 4: Add to bowl with nuts and seeds.

Step 5: Blend prunes 5-6 at a time until mushy and add to bowl with other ingredients.

Step 6: Spray hands with a little cooking spray and mix ingredients by hand until combined.

Step 7: Spray cookie sheet with cooking spray and press mixture into pan.

Step 8: Place in freezer for 30 minutes or until set and cut into squares. Makes 30 pieces. (Can also be rolled into balls and placed on cookie sheet in freezer to set)

Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup each of pecans, almonds, cashews, walnuts (non-salted)
• 1/3 cup pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds
• 1/3 cup (or 10 dried) apricots
• 10 dates (pitted, whole)
• 1/2 tsp ginger (powder)
• 1/2 tsp cloves (powder)
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp ground flax seed
• 1 tsp expresso coffee (finely ground – or any strong coffee)
• 1 tbsp dried coconut shavings (unsweetened)
• 25 prunes (whole)
• 1 cup rice krispies (I used gluten-free brown rice kris pies)

1. In food processor blend pecans, almonds, cashews, and walnuts for 10 quick pulses until almost ground (a few little thicker pieces)
2. In large bowl place ground nuts and add whole (not blended or ground) pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds.
3. In food processor blend dates, apricots, and spices down to coconut until finely ground. Combine in large bowel with other ingredients.
4. In food processor, blend 6-7 prunes at a time until mushy and add to bowl. Do this 2-3 times until they are mushy in bowl to help with sticking to the other ingredients.
5. Add rice kris pies to bowl and combine with my hands (sprayed with a little non-stick spray) to combine until sticky – this gets very sticky! Be sure hands are clean or wear gloves.
6. On a non-stick cookie sheet (sprayed with a little non-stick spray), press bar ingredients into cookie sheet until almost covered.
7. Place in freezer for 30 minutes and then slice with a plastic knife.

I made 30 squares (2 inch X 2 inch) – you can roll into balls if that is easier (plan for 30 balls)

Nutrition per square/ball:

• 83 calories
• 5g fat
• 9g carbs
• 1.4g fiber
• 4.5g sugar
• 2g protein

Daniel, one of TeamWILD’s cycling coaches, lives in Colorado where he cycles and climbs the beautiful mountains. In 2010, he raced with Team Type 1/Team Novo Nordisk’s Race Across America campaign. Currently, he is planning a wedding and looking forward to CampWILD this summer. He took a few minutes to talk about what motivates and inspires him.  

How do you define Athlete? - We are all coming from different backgrounds and ability levels, but there is something that all athletes have in common: the ability to set a goal and work towards accomplishing it. These goals can be written, or just a rough idea of somewhere you want to be or something you want to accomplish, but as long as you are working towards something, you are an athlete.

How do you GO WILD in your life? - Backcountry skiing! Climbing trees! Chasing my dog! Driving without my seatbelt on! (j/k on that last one)

Daniel on the podium at the Boulder Cup

We created a demonstration page for you.

Our philosophy is that you are an athlete first. Then you are a person with diabetes. Athletes need clear, scientific, best-practice coaching in their sport, in nutrition, in exercise physiology. Here at TeamWILD we have all that for you in our programs. Oh yes, we also have information about diabetes. We got your back.

GO WILD and train with TeamWILD!!

The last time Mari was at a multisport event!

I did my last multisport event in October 2009, the half Ironman in Austin, Texas with the TeamWILD women. I took so much time off because I did a marathon and then a few months later found out I had cancer for the second time. I then did a lot of bike events and run events, but no multisport events.

It’s time. I’m cancer free. I’m in a great space. And my passion is multisport. To execute a multisport or any sport event, we highly recommend all of our athletes train to develop their Race Plan. What follows is MY Race Plan for the Duathlon I am doing tomorrow. I did not just write this up out of thin air. The ratios and guidelines listed in this plan are specific to my body, my level of fitness and my experience during training sessions.

I offer it to you as a guide for what you might include in your own Race Plan. Please do NOT use my ratios or nutrition strategies as YOUR strategies!!!! Please DO consider coming to CampWILD or doing one of our TeamWILD eTraining programs and we will help you develop YOUR strategies!

GO WILD

Oakdale Duathlon Race Plan for Mari Ruddy

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Goals: Finish smiling and feeling strong!

 Mantra: THIS is living life!

 Thursday, 2 days before:

• Recharge CGM and put on again.
• Go for a 30 minute easy run
• Keep bg over 70 at all times (to keep glycogen topped off in my liver)
• Make sure I have directions to the Race Venue
• Get clothing ready
• Check bike over
• Put laces in shoes for the run
• Go to sleep by 10 PM

Friday, Day Before:

• Make sure CGM is on and working
• Make sure pump insulin is fresh and working, put on an extra set as back up
• Keep bg over 70 at all times
• Eat clean and healthy, all meals known foods and carb counts
• Have food ready for breakfast for Race Day
• Have clothes and all gear ready and packed
• Check bike, go for easy spin, 30 minutes
• Go for an easy 15 minute run
• Go to sleep by 9 PM

Saturday, May 11, RACE DAY!

5 AM – wake up, test BG, if in normal range, take 100% bolus for breakfast food:

•              3 eggs with spinach scrambled
•             3 corn tortillas = 20 grams carbs
•             1 grapefruit (whole) = 27 grams carbs
•             ½ c soymilk with tea = 5 grams carbs
•             1 tsp honey in tea = 6 grams carb
•             Total carbs for breakfast: 58

• Other tasks: feed Riley, take him on a quick walk
• Get dressed, warm clothes over race clothes, race number, water bottle
• Sitting meditation for 15 minutes focusing on breathing and relaxing
• Prepare recovery shake for after the race
• Put bike, gear bag, cooler in the car.

Water bottles: 2 for bike: one with Skratch Lab (45 g carbs) and one plain water plus 1 for first run, small one for 2^nd run? (will I use the fuel belt again?) Total bottles: 4

6:45 AM Depart for Race Venue. Dance happy music in the car.

7:15 AM Arrive at Race Venue, transition area opens at 7:30 AM

7:30 AM TURN BASAL Rate down to 75% for 3.5 hours

Sign in. Get race number, find transition area, set up transition, go to bathroom, check blood sugar, sunscreen on, mentally review nutrition and hydration strategy. Make sure have testers, glucose tabs in all places.

Gear review: take off bike cleat covers! Make sure bike shoes ready to go

Review race strategy, breathe, smile lots, say hi to people. Keep it light, keep it positive.

Mental strategy – breathe, relax, smile, remind self this is for FUN!!! Talk to a few people, congratulate at least 3 people, mantra: this is fun! I am happy. This is what happy and fun feel like!
Jump around a bit to get and stay warm. Remember being cold is OK!!! Leave base camp cold!!!

Check BG as waiting at race start

• If BG is below 100, eat half banana
• If BG is 100 to 200 – maybe eat banana
• If BG is 200 to 250 – no action

• If BG is above 250 – mini bolus, NO MORE THAN 1 unit!!! Really check in about this

9 AM – Race starts! RUN 3 miles. Avg. 12 to 13 minute miles. Take it easy. Okay if at the back of the pack. Total time 40 minutes.

At end of run, as moving, test BG:

• If BG below 90, eat a few glucose tabs
• If BG between 90 and 200 – wait until on the bike and then start with Skratch Lab, drink entire bottle (45 grams carbs)
• If BG over 200, drink more water, notice if trending up or down, if up, consider very mini bolus

At end of bike, look at CGM and consider eating gu packet, especially if under 130.

9:40 AM T1 – change out of run shoes, take off fuel belt, put on helmet, put on bike shoes

9:43 AM Bike Out – 14 mile bike.

Do bike in just over 1 hour. Really ride with focus, with power. This is so FUN!!! My favorite part!

10:50 AM Bike In, Transition 2

Dismount, Helmet off, switch shoes, put on fuel belt as moving towards Run Out. Test BG as walking to Run out.

10:53 AM Run Out – 2.5 mile run

• If BG below 90, eat a few glucose tabs
• If BG between 90 and 200 – consider eating gu that is in the run belt pocket
• If BG over 200, drink more water, notice if trending up or down, if up, consider very mini bolus AND stop temp basal rate

Mental strategy – the first ¼ mile run will hurt, keep moving. Breathe into it. Focus on the body and sending my legs love and strength. It will and it always does shift and ease up.

Consider pushing at this point, especially last mile!!! See if I can do a 10 minute mile pace for the last mile!!!!

SMILE!!! First multisport race since October 2009 is in the bag!!!!

Race should be done for me by 11:15 AM!!! Celebrate!!! I did it!!!!

Pack up my gear. Snap a few photos!!!

Finish/Recovery Food: Almond milk with protein powder!!! YUM!!!

Get a yummy healthy post race recovery meal. Watch BG’s for the rest of the day.

Warm shower, Celebration Lunch with the family! Go to bed early!!!

Happy Birthday to Marcey Robinson, MS, RD, CSSD, CDE, BC-ADM

I want to share a letter I wrote recently to nominate Marcey for Diabetes Educator of the Year. In my book she’s a winner through and through.

Dear Award Selection Committee,

I am honored to write this letter of recommendation for Diabetes Educator of the Year. The woman for whom I am writing this letter ranks in my personal  top 3 educators out of the more than 500 educators from all education arenas with whom I have worked in my career.

I have had diabetes for 32 years, survived breast cancer twice, I have exercise-induced asthma, and there are three main reasons I continue to chose this woman to be my personal diabetes educator for the past 8 years.

Reason #1: Her expertise

This Diabetes Educator of the Year is one of the most qualified out there. The initials after her name are many and the reason she has all those certifications and credentials is because of her profound love of information and science. She loves to learn and she loves to share her knowledge with her patients and colleagues. She is a resource to everyone she knows.

I happen to be an athlete and I came to it later in life, more than 15 years after my diabetes diagnosis, and she was able to work closely with me from her very deep diabetes, exercise physiology, nutrition, and behavior transformation background to help me make some dramatic shifts in my diabetes management and self care. She was a key to my successful participation in and completion of a half Ironman triathlon and a marathon, for starters.

Reason #2: Her ability to “thin-slice”

There is never enough time to get the diabetes education one needs or wants in an office visit. Yet, with this woman, because of her deep background in diabetes and related fields, in record time she is able to read my data, read where I am with my diabetes /nutrition/exercise, and guide me with just the right advice, insight or better yet, question, to get me to focus on the highest leverage point for improvement.

She has done this over and over and over again during the years I have worked with her. Of particular note is how she helped me before, during and after my unilateral mastectomy surgery.  I went into surgery with a blood sugar of 186, it stayed between 100 to 150 during the almost three hour surgery (I wore a CGM) and for the post surgery 24 hours it stayed between 120 and 200. I had an incredible recovery. We nailed the insulin strategy to match the stress on my body. It was brilliant.

Reason #3: Her ability to listen & collaborate with her patients

Marcey Robinson has a wealth of knowledge and she could just sit and educate from a metaphorical podium, but that is not remotely how she approaches education. She employs what I call “deep listening.” She is able to hear patterns in what her patients, in this case, me, say and then guide from wherever I am at that moment.

When I go to see her, I arrive anticipating the visit and I leave empowered to focus and take a specific, do-able action that will immediately improve my health, my athletic performance as an athlete with diabetes and even my relationship with the daily challenge that is diabetes. I know she respects me for who I am and what I bring to the table as someone living with the challenging chronic condition of diabetes. She sees herself as a resource and a collaborator alongside those of us with diabetes.

This woman is one of the most outstanding diabetes educators in the world. I hope you select her to win this award. She stands leagues above the many others in her field because of the combination of her knowledge background and her ability to teach and help her patients learn about their own diabetes. In addition, she is viewed by literally hundreds of medical professionals as a sought after expert in diabetes, exercise, weight-loss and sports/diabetes nutrition.

Marcey Robinson is one of the most humble, gracious women I’ve ever met, and I am so honored to have the opportunity to sing her praises and highlight her tremendous abilities to you. You will have made a powerful selection in choosing this woman to be your Diabetes Educator of the Year.

Happy Birthday Marcey!

I’m excited for all the athletes coming to CampWILD this summer who will get to meet you and work with you in person!

Meet another amazing camper, Mary. In fact, sign up for CampWILD and meet Mary live and in person in June in Boulder, Colorado.

GO WILD Mary!

Name – Mary

Type of Diabetes – 1

How long have you had diabetes? – 36 years

What diabetes management tools do you use? –CGM and pump

Where do you live? – In upstate New York.

Mary (on the left)

Which sport will you be focusing on at CampWILD (Triathlon, Cycling, Run/Walk)? Are you active in any other sports? – I will be doing the run/walk part of Camp.

How do you feel about calling yourself an athlete? - I feel like I was an athlete in my youth, am getting fit again now and working on endurance and strength, and will maybe feel good about calling myself an athlete again when I spend more dedicated time being active.

Why did you decide to come to CampWILD? – I would really like to start increasing the amount of outdoor activity I get, and add to the intensity of it, but I get tired and frustrated with the lows (hypoglycemia) that can come with it. Coming to camp will help me learn more about exercise physiology while in a “live” environment. I’m also psyched to come to camp because I know how supportive and inspiring it can feel to be surrounded by other people living with diabetes.

What do you hope most to get out of CampWILD? – I hope to gain more confidence in the types of activities I can participate in, after recovering from recent surgery, and to learn more about building and modifying my own training program to meet my needs and interests while managing my insulin regimen.

How did you find out about CampWILD? – I think I read about it in an article in a newsletter from TCOYD. I looked up the TeamWILD website and signed up for email alerts.

Mary, we are excited to meet you and GO WILD!!

If so, listen in to the Google+ Hangout with Diabetes & Nutrition Coaches Marcey Robinson, MS, RD, CSSD, CDE, BC-ADM, and Jennifer Smith, RD, LD, CDE as they share what they teach and how it makes a difference for athletes with diabetes.

Toward the end of the video hangout, Marcey gives Mari some advice for her upcoming duathlon. You too might find it insightful advice for your races!

Name – Jenny

Type of Diabetes – Type 1

How long have you had diabetes? – Since I was 2 years old (47 years)

What diabetes management tools do you use? -insulin injections, glucose testing

Where do you live? – New Zealand

Which sport will you be focusing on at CampWILD (Triathlon, Cycling, Run/Walk)?  - Triathlon

How do you feel about calling yourself an athlete? – Fine

Why did you decide to come to CampWILD? – To have an adventure to celebrate turning 50 this year! Was going to go and watch Ironman Hawaii but heard about camp and thought that would be great! Have struggled in the past with the longer distant events and kind of gave up (so I’m not that fit at the moment)

What do you hope most to get out of CampWILD? – To get my passion for triathlon back; sick of diabetes getting in the way of my training and racing (camp hopefully will sort that!!) and to hang around with people just like me – cant wait!

How did you find out about CampWILD? – Facebook or Diabetes Daily