[Diabetes-talk] Triathlon

Thu Aug 4 19:27:28 UTC 2016

Tom,

No problem.

I used to swim and run competively in my teens and early twenties. I was
sighted then. When I lost my sight at 22, I didn't stop exercising. I go to
the gym or powerwalk/jog around the neighborhood or use my elliptical at
home. For me, I've not noticed a major difference in doing activity as a
blind person than from when I was sighted. The physical movement is exactly
the same. We are doing all the same movements as a sighted person, we just
may use a different tool or method to accomplish it safely.

For running, I just use my cane when on my own. I jog or run while caning. I
prefer a running/walking trail or track when doing this because usually they
are wider and smoother than a sidewalk or the street. When running with my
partner, we use a tether to attach us. Our coach for our triathlon team
created these poles for us to use. She holds onto the front, and I'm in the
back, so I am basically following behind her. The poles have enough distance
between us so we do not run into one another. Most blind runners use a
bungee tether that connects at the waist or hip or upper thigh.

Again, when swimming on my own, not a problem. I go to the Y where there are
roped off lanes. So it's easy to stay in your lane because you have ropes on
either side. Swim is my forte. I'm a pretty good swimmer. For the triathlon,
during practice, we just swam in our own lanes, but during the tri itself,
we swam in a lake, so we were tethered together. Again, the tether allows
you to keep orientation without running into your partner.

For biking, we used a tandem bike. Our bike is an actual tandem racing bike.

This was my first triathlon in 20 years, so it took a lot of training and
conditioning. I exercise about 40 minutes a day 4 to 5 times a week at
least, but tri training is intense. It took some getting back into the
practice, especially for running. My body just wasn't used to that type of
activity. I found out I was pregnant the last two weeks of training, so it
may things a little difficult. I'm having a hormonal thing that affects my
breathing right now. I went from doing fine to struggling to breathe during
certain activities, especially swim. And on top of that, morning sickness,
which for me is all day sickness, LOL! But I made it through. I didn't do as
well as I would have liked, but in my age bracket, which is 30 to 40, I was
the 14th female to cross the finish line, which isn't too bad. I think there
was a total of 30 women in my age bracket. About 200 people total competed.
I plan to do it again next year.

If you need clarifications, please, ask. Also, the Sports and Rec division
has a listserve, so anyone interested in more, or has questions about other
activities, that's a great resource.

Bridgit

-----Original Message-----
From: Diabetes-Talk [mailto:diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of
Tom Ley via Diabetes-Talk
Sent: Thursday, August 04, 2016 1:57 PM
To: diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org
Cc: TALey at ups.com
Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] Triathlon

Hi Bridgit, 

Many on this list may be interested about the techniques you use to
accomplish the triathlon - running, biking, swimming, when you are blind. 

Physical activity is great for everyone, and even more so for people with
diabetes. Often, vision loss results in people being less active, but it
doesn't have to be that way. So, if you don't mind, tell us how you run,
bike, and swim without hurting yourself, or others (smile). 

Tom

-----Original Message-----
From: Diabetes-Talk [mailto:diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of
Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter via Diabetes-Talk
Sent: Thursday, August 04, 2016 1:59 PM
To: 'Diabetes Talk for the Blind' <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter <bkpollpeter at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] Diabetic pump questions

The pump is intended to deliver insulin only, so if not insulin dependent,
you don't need a pump. Yes, you can detach the pump, but only for short
periods of time. Without it on, you are not receiving insulin and would get
high sugars. The pumps are not super noticeable, especially if you stick
with neutral colors like black. I like color, so mine is pink, and I have a
purple skin and a pink leopard skin for it, grin. But you can attach it to
your waist band or pocket, or some users wear it inside their clothes. No
activities are off limits. I just did a triathlon, which is a pretty intense
activity. As long as you're adhering to a proper diet and testing regularly,
nothing is off limits. You fill the cartridges with insulin that are loaded
into the pump. Some blind diabetics fill their own. I do in a pinch, but I
prefer to have someone sighted fill mine, so I ask family or friends.

Bridgit

-----Original Message-----
From: Diabetes-Talk [mailto:diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of
Walter Mitchell via Diabetes-Talk
Sent: Thursday, August 04, 2016 11:16 AM
To: Diabetes-Talk at nfbnet.org
Cc: Walter Mitchell <walterl.mitch2 at gmail.com>
Subject: [Diabetes-talk] Diabetic pump questions

Hello all,

I have been a diabetic for several years, but have received more information
the brief time that I have been accessing  this mail list than I have the
entire time that I have been a diabetic.

If there is a document and/or diabetic pump for dummies pamphelet, LOL, some
where, please let me know.

My questions:

1.       Is it possible to remove the pump at times for convenience and re
attach at my leisure? I am a business owner and attend seminars and
conferences as well galas where I encounter potential clients and customers.
I already have a hard sale by being blind, I really don't want to look like
the million dollar man with this device in plain view, so at times I would
probably take it off when I deem appropriate.

2.       I am a type 2 diabetic and am not insulin dependant. Will the pumps
work with the other medications such as those that come in a pin? I can't
think of any of the names of any of the products at this time, senior
moment, LOL.

3.       What types of activities would I have to refrain from?

4.       How do the pump get refilled with medicine? Is  this something that
I do or will I need to go to my doctor?

This  is just a few questions that I have, please forgive me if these
questions have been asked and answered before. Please feel free to contact
me off line, if you would like, at the contact information below. Don't
hesitate to utilize the toll free number, L2T is my company.

Blind love is the answer, presently , and for our future!

Much Love,

Walter Mitchell

Member, NFB Ohio, Cincinnati chapter

(513) 582-8606 Mobil

(800) 340-8211 ext. 101  L2T Products and Services Toll free

Walterl.mitch2 at gmail.com Email

Follow the NFB of Ohio on:

Face Book, https://m.facebook.com/ohiosblind

Cincinnati Chapter:
https://m.facebook.com/NationalFederationoftheBlindofCincinnati/.

Twitter @ohnfb, 

YouTube channel NFB OHIO

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