The Perfect Pushup - 22nd day of the Athlete’s Christmas Countdown
Back in July I started the 100 pushup challenge. I made it through week 2 before I fell off the wagon. Well actually, I crashed my bike which translated into landing on my right shoulder blade which led to me falling off the 100 pushup wagon. So technically speaking, I didn’t exactly just fall off the wagon.
Needless to say, I didn’t ever quite get back on the wagon. When I fall off it’s usually a good fall and I take my merry time about getting back on. I’ve not returned to the 100 pushup challenge but from time to time I do take a moment to do some pushups and I’m proud to announce that I can do 32 in a row if I set my mind to it (most the time I don’t). What can I say…it’s a third of the way to 100. I’m getting closer.
Beyond my general weakness that prevents me from doing 100 pushups on the fly, there’s the problem of the pain in my wrists. If I put my hands flat on the ground and do pushups my wrists hurt in a bad way when I get done (I attribute this to my horrible posture when I’m sitting at any computer, my wrists are a case of carpal tunnel laying in wait). So, I do my pushups on my fists, that usually eliminates the pain.
But, I saw something cool and because I’m like a kid still and the cool stuff gets put on my Christmas list, on this 22nd day left of shopping before Christmas I present to you the perfect pushup. No, I’m fairly sure that my pushups are far from perfect, I’m talking about spinning discs with handles.
Ooooh, look at those muscles….sorry, got distracted…
From friends who have used the perfect pushup they say that they can feel muscles that they don’t normally feel when doing regular pushups. And the website says that the rotating handles allow your arms to rotate naturally and that unique feature helps reduce joint strain. I translate that to mean no more pushups on my fists and no more achy wrists.
I’m tellin ya, cool new toy. It’s on my list.
For the unknown family member that drew my name for Christmas, I know you watch late night tv. Pretty much everyone in the family has bought something from those 2am commercials. miracle blade knifes, time life music collections, any of this ringing a bell? Chances are you’ve seen the commercial for the perfect pushup. Pick up the phone and make the call. Alternatively, you can do that thing mom told me you couldn’t do and order it online at PerfectPushup.com
Sometimes, we just need to laugh
Last night mom came in to talk to me and I don’t remember what started it but she said something that led me to say “mom, i’ve not taken proper care of my diabetes in months”. And that of course led to her saying “Courtney, please take care of yourself, I can’t lose you. You can’t afford another trip to the hospital. And what about your kidneys and liver? And do you really want to go blind or get your legs amputated. When did this start, was it when you started going to the bar with the guys? And why aren’t you taking care of your diabetes?”
She always lays the heavy loaded questions down on me. “No mom, it started before I started going to the bar with the guys. It’s annoying and I’m tired of having to carry my stuff around. I’m just tired of it. I took care of it for a year and a half. It’s just hard to take care of it all the time and I don’t want to take care of it all the time. I don’t expect you to understand.”
She actually said that she understood…the annoying part…how it’s always there and I always have to have my stuff with me. The conversation moved on to other things and as she got up to leave I saw her nostrils (cause she was sitting on the bed and I was on the lovesac) and I asked her if she remembered the last time she nailed me for not taking care of my diabetes.
The last time she nailed me she sat on me. And on that particular day, as she was sitting on me I noticed that her nostrils weren’t the same size, and it sent me into a fit of giggles. When I thought of it last night I couldn’t help but giggle. And of course that sent mom into the bathroom to see if I was right. She thinks I’m not but I think I am. We stood there in front of the mirror and mom wiggled her nose (like the witch lady in bewitched) and I flared my nostrils and we were laughing so hard that dad had to come see what was going on.
The laughter and giggling went on for a good half hour. At the end of it all I said “okay mom, I’ll take care of my diabetes”. Laughter makes everything better. At least for me it does.
Adidas Response Long Sleeve Half-Zip Tee: 23rd day of the Athlete’s Christmas Countdown
When I ran the Bolder Boulder back in May, I left with several souvenir items, one that actually ended up in my hand for the majority of the 10k run. I do hate having to wear layers and carry the layers I peel off, but I am glad that I didn’t give into my thoughts of “ditch this shirt” with this one. This particular top happens to be my most favorite long sleeve running top.
When I bought my shirt I only bought one because who needs more than one certain type of a running shirt…I should’ve given it a little more thought because, hello, I need more than one. I’m not in the business of wearing stinky clothes to go running in even if I’m just going to stink them up some more and I’m also not in the business of doing laundry every day in the name of one shirt. Yes, there are times when I am environmentally friendly.
And thus, on this 23rd day of remaining Christmas shopping, I present to you, the Adidas Response Long Sleeve Half-Zip Tee. A.K.A. Courtney’s most favoritest long sleeve running top.
It’s made with their climalite fabric which really means nothing to me other than the fact that it keeps me dry AND! very important and, it doesn’t hold in the stench after washing it as some moisture wicking shirts have been known to do.
Plus, for me, it’s enough shirt to keep me warm when I’m running in the cold weather, well, what I consider cold. Some people up north, (ahem, Nancy) would consider the 30-40F range a walk in the park but for us peeps that were raised in the southern part of the US it’s cold.
For the unknown family member that drew my name for Christmas, I know you’re out there. I wear a size medium and I’d like it in navy blue with the rave yellow stripes. You can buy it on Adidas.com.
Counting down the days till…
MY FIRST MARATHON!!! I know, it’s December and we have several things to count down towards, Christmas, New Years, etc…well there may be no etcetera but at this point, I think I’m more excited about my marathon than I am Christmas…It could very much have everything to do with the fact that my marathon is at Disney World…I mean, who wouldn’t be excited about running 26.2 miles if it were at Disney World…that just screams EXCITEMENT!!!
Well for me it does…
In 40 days I’ll be at Disney World running through the parks. Not the normal running around from ride to ride as one would expect when they hear “running through the parks” but actual running through the parks. I start at Epcot and end at Epcot and I get to run through Cinderella’s Castle and I get to run with a herd of people through Animal Kingdom. I’m SO VERY MUCH EXCITED!!!
I can’t explain my excitement…it’s a marathon, most people think I’m crazy for running it…well, maybe I can explain a bit of my excitement:
There is much excitement to be had considering there was a time a few months ago when I was told to take this marathon off my list of events. And I was told to do so by someone whom if I were smart I’d have listened to. Instead, I’ve got myself to a point where I can walk with a little bit of run scattered here and there and so far I can walk-run 17 miles and not be in pain when I finish. I’m feeling good about it and of course am very excited for January 11th to get here.
Did I mention it’s at Disney World?
What’s great about it is it’s my first marathon ever, so whatever time I finish it in will be a PR which really translates into me taking the time out to stop and take some pictures with whatever Disney Characters are out there on the course. I just have to make sure I’m at the finish before 7 hrs because I don’t want a DNF (did not finish) and for them to pull me off the course.
40 days and counting…I’m almost like a kid waiting for Santa to come down the chimney…
Injinji Sexy Toe Socks: 24th day of the Athlete’s Christmas Countdown
Last year when we drew names for Christmas we got a list to go with it. This year when we drew names, there were no lists. NO! LISTS!!! What’s stupid about this is that people are asking other people to do some recon work to find out what their people want for Christmas. In fact, today mom asked if I had a list because the person that pulled my name called and asked her if she had a list for me.
Well DUH! I have a list. And thus we begin my Christmas Countdown for the Athlete (based wholly on my opinions, wants and desires of course).
On this 24th shopping day before Christmas, I present to you my most favorite running socks: sexy toe socks!
Now, before I got these socks, I didn’t care for toe socks. There were something out of an age of time that I had nothing to do with. When I finally did decide to get a pair, I thought, black or white, that’s it, nothing with stripes, no argyle, no other colors, that sucks.
Regardless, I bought a pair of black ones because that’s what matched my running pants and I was very excited to have them, especially when after running I didn’t have blisters. They became my most favorite socks. SEXY. TOE. SOCKS.
Except now, they’re even sexier! They come in stripes!
There are 3 different colors of stripes, my favorite of course are the blue ones as shown above.
The pros to these socks is that (from what I’ve heard and experienced) blisters between the toes are non-existent. The blisters I used to get on the balls of my feet are also non-existent. They wick away sweat (which of course means, at least for me, less blisters).
The cons, it takes a little bit longer to put the socks on because each toe has to go into it’s own slot. It also takes a little bit longer to pull them off if you don’t want them turned inside out.
Personally, the pros out-weigh the cons and I’ve gone as far as to make them my daily wear socks as well because of the wicking properties they have my feet feel less sweaty.
Injinji socks can be bought online at my favorite in person store: REI.
Team Type 1 Expands
When I started cycling in 2007 the first thing I did was google for diabetic cyclists. Team Type 1 entered my radar at that point. The thought of one day joining them for the Race Across America (RAAM) got shoved into the back of my brain.
Back in August when I went to the Colorado Tour de Cure I listened to Joe Eldridge and Matt Vogel talk about Team Type 1 and what 2009 held for them. One of their expansions was a triathlon team.
I’m very excited that my friend Laura is one of the Team Type 1 Triathletes. She’s going to do well on Team Type 1.
Thoughts from black friday
Black friday isn’t something I do. I don’t look for the deals, I don’t research which stores are opening when, I don’t pre-locate where all the items I want are, and I’m definitely not up early. Nope, black friday isn’t my thing, it exists for peeps like Markus and his mom and the millions of other people who I consider crazy enough to make up the insane crowds that make leaving the house on black friday miserable.
That being said, I ventured out of my house yesterday. But not until 4 in the afternoon, and I knew where I was going and what I wanted and I was aware that I’d probably not get a deal because it was 4 in the afternoon and not 4 in the morning.
I went to LoveSac, I wanted a Navy Blue GamerSac. And I got just that. I parked at the mall, weaved in and out of internal mall traffic, (which gave me a thought. If the walking spaces of the mall were one way only and the the cross overs were for just that, crossing over to the other side, traffic would move much smoother, because as it is people don’t respect walking on the right side. They walk on every which side and it makes things miserable because if you know where you’re going and what you want you have to weave in and out of human traffic and those stupid slow people and don’t get me started on the families with strollers and kids that insist on all walking side by side.) to find the store I wanted to find.
I went in to the busy store, sat down on a lovesac in front of their TV for a few moments, got up and made my way back to my car. I then drove my car to the nearest department store near LoveSac parked and made my way back in. That was the smartest move I’ve ever made because it was much less crowded when I arrived again.
The sales lady was just finishing up with some peeps and I asked her if she wanted to make a sale. It was the easiest sale she made all day she said because I knew what I wanted. There weren’t any deals on what I wanted and I was prepared to spend the $200, and I told her it was ok that there were no deals and after a moment of thought she said “if you walk out with it now I’ll give you 15% off the total price.” I said “sold”.
That was the least stressful black friday shopping I’ve ever done. I got what I wanted and I got it for cheaper than I had anticipated. The dealing with the human traffic in the mall part was enough to elevate my blood pressure and blood sugar. But it was all worth it, I’ve got a comfy spot now to play video games and there’s room for the dog as well.
Thoughts from Turkey Day
disclaimer: I’m a lotta bit behind on blogging, bear with me
- I was supposed to run the 10k Hobbler Gobbler, but since I was sick all week I didn’t. Made me think of how I lame I am because Erika will go out and run 20 miles with a runny nose and a massive headache.
- My room got cleaned, all my summer clothes are back in my armoire and all my winter clothes are in the hamper. I’m in trouble the next time I do laundry.
- I’m tired of sitting at the kids table and as a result, next year, I’m bringing a strapping young man with me to my family dinner. Then they can’t sit me at the kids table because I’ll have a partner and I’m the oldest of the kids with partners so the younger ones can return to the kids table. (If this backfires I’ll be sad, I’m tired of sitting at the kids table.)
- I found a reason to be thankful for my diabetes: no one touches my home-made sugar-free pumpkin pie that my uncle makes just for me. I get the whole thing all to myself. Finally, a benefit to having diabetes; I’m guaranteed a slice of pumpkin pie on thanksgiving.
- I missed my turkey day movie, which usually I can’t wait to escape for because it gets me out of the house. But this year, as I was playing cards with all the old peeps (parents, grandma, aunt, and uncle), I was actually enjoying it.
- I thought I ate healthy. I had carrots, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, cucumber, brocolli, peas, cream corn, mashed sweet potatoes (ALL KINDS OF VEGGIES!!!), turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, a roll…and then I’m told it wasn’t healthy, it was fattening…stupid butter.
- I watched The Christmas Card (a hallmark movie) with my parents when everyone left and fell in love with Nevada City. It’s so beautiful and green and yes I realize it’s grey and cloudy, but I love it none-the-less.
The Diabetes Training Camp Cruise Ship
Disclaimer: this was a dream.
There’s a bike race track that goes around the ship all oval like, it’s wide enough for 5 cyclists. There’s several olympic size pools. There’s a rock climbing wall. There’s a wave to surf on. I’m in heaven.
We’re walking around the deck chatting, a good friend and I. I lean over the edge of the ship and see that there are people swimming in the ocean and that they’re shooting out of the side of the ship doing cannon balls and whatnot. I get all bright eyed and bushitailed and turn to my friend and before I can even say anything, I get told that I can’t do that until we talk, a serious talk. The look on her face is foreboding.
We walk indoors and sit down on a couch in the parlor. I won’t even look at her because I have this feeling that I’m in trouble. And then it comes “you’re being reckless. you don’t even think about what you’re doing anymore, you just go do it without thinking of the consequences. you’re going to almost kill yourself again if you don’t succeed in killing yourself this time because of your stupidity.” At that, I look at her. I can’t say anything because she’s right, so i squint my eyes together, get up, and head towards where peeps are putting wetsuits on.
Celeste the swim coach is there telling them that swimming in the ocean is very different from the pool. There are waves, big waves, and so not only do you have to compete with the peeps, but you’re competing with the waves too. I’m listening to this as I put on a wetsuit. It fits perfectly everywhere except for the legs which are too long. So, being the smart person I am, I grab some scissors and some wetsuit glue sealant stuff and I make the legs the proper size. As I finish the right leg, the second one, Celeste comes over and tells me that since I just customized the suit to fit me that I have to swim 100 extra laps in the pool. I look up at her, raise my eyebrow, get up and head towards the tube that shoots us down into the ocean. She’s hot on my tail yelling at me about how I’m not getting out of those laps.
I shoot out of the ship, do several somersaults in the air and hit the water, which for the ocean, was suprisingly warm. Celeste lands within a couple yards of me and I start swimming for my life except compared to her, I’m like a shark fighting with it’s food when I swim, she’s like an eel that moves with no trace. There’s no competition, she had me before I started. In no time she’s got me over at the ladder and again tells me I owe 100 laps. I roll my eyes and start doing the math. 50m x 100 laps = 5000m 1600m=1mile (cause i’m too lazy to use 1609) 1600…3200…4800…I look down, I HAVE TO SWIM 3 MILES???
When I heard the word “cure”
I’ve been sitting on a thought for a few days now. It’s difficult to not sit on a thought when someone says “cure” and meaningful human results within a year.
Actually, I had several thoughts.
The first thing that came to my mind is, these are cancer drugs, and I have thought for a long long long time that if I ever got cancer I wouldn’t do anything about it because the drugs they put me on would kill me long before the cancer did. That’s my thought on cancer and it’s “cures”. But now, there’s the thought of cancer drugs that would kill me before cancer would, curing diabetes.
Ever since I got diabetes, I’ve hoped for a cure. I’ve believed that there will be a cure in my lifetime. It is the hope for a cure for diabetes that drives me. It is the hope for a cure for diabetes that gives me reason to live. It is the thought that one day I won’t have this disease anymore that keeps me going.
By the same token, I have to be cautious of the word cure. The word cure makes me happy and giddy but thus far I don’t have a cure, I just have hopes of a cure. I hear things, things like “possible cure” and then it dies…and it’s a while before I think about it, and when I do think about I discover that it didn’t make it to human trials or it died in human trials. That word cure, it’s a dangerous word.
But then I thought of something bigger.
Say this possible cure, is a cure, the cure. Say, that regardless of the massive risks one of these drugs has, I get cured. That’s good, I’m cured. I’ll be happier than one can imagine, I’ll be rejoicing. But what about all the peeps in 3rd world countries with Type 1 diabetes. Will they have access to the cure? They don’t even have access to the normal stuff we diabetics need to survive, like insulin, will a cure just become another novelty item they can’t afford?
And then I started wondering about why they started testing cancer drugs in mice as a cure for diabetes. But I haven’t done anything with that thought. Although, it does seem strange to me that cancer drugs that block receptors of a tyrosine kinase which is not known to be involved in diabetes can possibly cure diabetes. It doesn’t make any sense. It doesn’t compute. It’s like someone just woke up one morning and said, “hey! let’s try this.”
This is something that I’ll be researching, because I’m very curious now. Most cures I just kind of wave off and say when it happens it happens, but this time, I want to know why. I want to know what led them down this path. I want to know what made them think to try a cancer drug on a diabetic mouse.