It’s been listed on my 101 Things in 1,001 Days list for some time now. But I have finally decided it’s time to follow through on this particular item.
I have decided to register for a JDRF Ride to Cure Diabetes.
I have to admit, I’m a bit scared.
I’m in the worst shape of my life. I’ve gained weight. I’m not very strong. I have lower back problems. I can’t even climb to the top of my 4th floor walk-up without getting a little out of breath.
I don’t even own a bike.
But I am determined that in the next seven months, I’ll be able to turn my life around and bike at minimum 32 miles in the Ride to Cure Diabetes taking place in Killington, Vermont at the end of August. I am considering it a 24th birthday present to myself (my birthday is only a couple of weeks prior to the event). I am a mere five hours south of the Ride location, and Vermont is one of the last states on the East Coast that I haven’t been to.
I am very excited, but there is a lot of work I need to do to get ready. Luckily, I have access to some of the best medical minds, physical fitness pros and biotechnology the diabetes community has to offer. My continuous glucose monitor helps me keep an eye on my fluctuating blood sugars, while my insulin pump allows me to finely tune insulin doses depending onwhat I’m doing and where my blood sugar happens to be at that moment. My doctor is incredibly encouraging and I have a wonderful support system through the diabetes online community.
I will be chronicling my preparation for the ride through new workouts, a better diet, constant calibration of my insulin requirements and my overall mental attitude. Through all of this, I’ll be asking for support in my Ride. My goal is to raise $4,000 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation although the minimum I must raise is $3,000. This is instead of my usual Walk to Cure Diabetes fundraising. I will participate in the Walk to Cure Diabetes, but I won’t be raising money for it.
Thanks for reading and hope you’ll join me on the ride of my lemonade life.
1 response so far ↓
Carolyn // February 3, 2009 at 2:38 am
Good luck getting started. I have never done a Tour de Cure, but having a training team like you do is beneficial in all sports. I’m sure you’ll do great. Good luck!