2021 JDRF One Walk, 2x 50km research runs
In 2021 I was wondering what my next adventure would be.
It was quite late in the year (late October) and I hadn’t completed an event. As I was searching the internet for ultra festivals I got a social media feed from JDRF on the JDRF One Walk - this is where JDRF members are encouraged to exercise and fundraise by walking a total distance of 100km during the month of October. Its a great message and way to support an impactful organisation that helps people living with Type 1 diabetes.
I was a bit late there were two weeks left in October, but I thought ‘why not?’
My curiosity for a challenge which could help me learn about type 1 diabetes and exercise gave me an idea. Why not run two 50km runs, same route, one-week a part to explore the different insulin management outcomes?
Week 1 = 50km on multiple daily injections of insulin, plus Dexcom continuous glucose monitoring
Week 2 = 50km (identical route) on my Tandem T:Slim pump, plus Dexcom continuous glucose monitoring
That is exacly what I did. When I have enough time I’ll write up my research findings properly. For now, my main message is that it was possible, I learned alot, and it wasn’t notably different in performance or time outcomes. Some things were easier and some were harder on both days. Part of having type 1 diabetes is experimental, to find out what works best for you.
DEFINITELY seek your own medical advice before trying something like this, or any experimentation. I have a great relationship with my medical team - my GP, endocrinologist, diabetes educators, the team at AMSL, my local chemist and a bunch of other ultra runners with or without type 1. Checking in and seeking advice from them to identify and manage risks it a big part of my race prep. I share and build safe race strategies for food and medication with them.
I continue to discover more and more about myself, my body and how insulin, exercise and nutrition work together inside me.
The biggest change from week 1 to week 2 was my biggest disappointment . One of the roads and trails I had run down on week 1 was closed for repair on week 2. My own control experiment was disrupted by event outside my control. A bit like what happens every day to anyone living with type 1 diabetes, or not.
Week 1
Week 2
