Hi all. I am a T1 41 year old diabetic who has decided to train for and finish a 1/2 marathon in October 2012. I have never been a runner and I am aware that this goal might be too lofty but I am going to try.
I know that I will need to have carbs, testing & pump supplies, and water. Do you use a belt with the pouches? a back pack?
I need enough room for all my supplies. What have you found to carry everything?
Thanks for any info.
Kathleen
SpiBelt and PakBara are two that I have used when training and racing (no room for carrying water though). I assume there will be carbs and water on the course - but it never hurts to have your own - especially when training - I have used the Amphipod (belt/pouch/bottles) as well. Rather than pump supplies I have carried a syringe and humalog (in many respects less is better for me).
As for training - you have plenty of time to prepare - and you've taken an important first step by sharing your goal with others. Good luck - and as you train remember to never let fear, doubt, or othre obstacles stand in your way - go for it and don't stop till you make it happen!
Thanks IMVic. I have looked into Amphipod and will check out the other 2. Thank you for the encouragement. I am going to train and finish this race!
Hi Kathleen,
I admire your desire to run a 1/2 marathon, 10ks have been my best yet. At the Air Force Marathon event I found a belt that I LOVE from hippierunner.com It allows me to carry gels (just for insurance), my One Touch Ultra Meter & strips, & Blackberry easily & is easy to clip an Ipod on too. Previously I had used belts with pockets & a place to carry Gatorade...this becomes a bit tiresome over a longer run. I do not carry water or Gatorade anymore as it is usually provided every couple of miles. Hope this helps & keep up the good work :) Cindy
Thanks Cindy,
I took a look at hippierunner.com and saw some belts that I like. I was hoping for a belt that gave me a place for a water bottle though. I know I will be needing it. I may still order one - they are a good price. Tomorrow I am going on a short run with a runners club and I will need a belt asap. My husband and I are going to go to the sports stores tonight and see if there is anything I could use in the short term. I would even go for a small back pack for my pump & testing supplies, carbs, glucose tabs, and a place for water. Who knows. Thanks for the advice.
Within weeks of my LADA Type 1 diagnosis I signed up for a local 1/2 and it was the best thing for me. On your shorter training runs you may not need to bring water so I just used to throw a couple of gels in pockets. I always tested right before and after. Longer runs I have different set-ups for water. Regular water bottle fanny pack, belt with multiple bottles, backpack hydration- probably will try the hand held next. Just go with what works for you. Great idea I saw once was a fanny pack set-up for two water bottles, but they had modified one of the water bottles to carry all of the testing, ID, etc, etc, etc. Pretty cool. If you go to local shop bring your equipment with you to see if it all fits before you buy. Good luck with the run!
fyi-Hal Higdon site has a ton of great training plans.