The more I ride, the more I learn. Yesterday, I rode 11 miles in a little under an hour. (Yes, I know at that rate it will take me 8 hours with no stops to finish Death Valley, but baby steps people, baby steps). I learned lot of new things on this ride.
For one, I learned how to avoid lows. Don’t wear an insulin pump. I ran out of insulin as soon as I got home, and I didn’t feel like a site change so I opted for a free ride instead. I didn’t drop. I only ate one applesauce packet on the road which also means I might have actually burned more calories than I ate this ride. Of course, I did spike to 250 an hour after the ride so I guess I’ll keep trying.
Lesson No. 2, those pockets on the backs of cycling jerseys can hold a lot of crap. I fit glucose tabs, a meter, strips, swabs, lancets, two applesauce packets and a granola bar in those puppies. Since I stayed relatively close to home, I didn’t ride with my backpack. But as you can see below, I may not have to anymore. Whoever invented those pockets is my new favorite person.
But you know who is not my new favorite person? The idiot that invented pedals with jagged edges. For real, this is the second time in a month I’ve suffered a severe, pedal-related ankle injury. Not cool, people, not cool. (Also, please take note that “severe” is an example of sarcasm. I will survive the injury without stitches or amputation. Wait, can a diabetic make jokes about amputations?)
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You brought swabs like in alcohol swabs and lancets? Why do you need lancets ๐ Oh and don’t forget your phone, money and a road id bracelet or your drivers license!
Yes, I actually bought alcohol swabs. Only because I get gross and sweaty. And my phone is strapped to my arm. And in the meter ziplock is my license, my insurance card and FSA card — you know, just in case. ๐ And my bracelet that matches Squeakers’ is on my arm.
Victoria, this is absolutely (bloody) amazing! It sounds like you’re right on target with preparing for your ride. I was told by another dia-athlete recently that drinking plenty of water will help keep the BG down during/after an endurance event. Don’t know why, but it came from a marathoner.
Those pedals are tough… especially when you’re slipping off the bike while tired (is there any other time?). Been there, done that. Good luck with the training!
Ahem… Clipless pedals.
And I do love stuffing my pockets on my jerseys, too! Don’t forget to bring a little cash with you, too. (You know, for impulse buys… like floor lamps or lettuce….)
Keep going, you’re almost there!
Way to go! ๐
Sorry you hurt yourself! My son goes mountain biking (off road trails) and some times comes home REALLY beat up! And the only physical scar I have from a childhood injury came from a bike accident. Those things are dangerous! ๐