IronWILD Wisconsin Race Report

September 9th, 2011 was Ironman Wisconsin. I signed up for this race almost a year ago, after just having finished Kona. The highlight and motivation to do this race was the opportunity to work with some fantastic people in the Diabetic community. This was the inaugural race for the Ironman team of Team WILD. I started my training in January of 2011, working with Mark Allen Online. Over the summer I had the opportunity to meet Cliff Schreb of Tri Star Athletes. Cliff is a fellow T1, Ironman athlete and coach. About 2 months out from race day I decided to switch my coaches and work with Cliff. I was excited to have a coach who gets all of “it.”
Race day arrived and here is how it played out. I met some of my goals, exceeded a few and didn’t meet others.
I woke up at 4:00 AM, ate my breakfast at 4:30 and took my pre race bolus. AM BG was decent 147. I had planned on eating 2 instant oatmeals, a banana, and a bagel with peanut butter. Didn’t eat all of the bagel (remember this for a later). I walked over to the race start, ran into some Team WILD spouses, dropped my special needs bags and headed down to add drinks to my bike and body marking. So far so good. Met up with some more WILD women and hung out on the deck of the terrace. About 6:15 checked my BG and I was 54- oops. Remember that bagel I didn’t eat- my insulin did. So, I had a Cliff bar, gel and a glucose tab.
At this point I started getting my wet suit on and getting ready for the swim start. Great AM weather and the water was smooth as glass. Dropped all my stuff at the bag check, checked my BG again- 94. I dropped my pump, glucose tabs, and a BG meter at the eyeglass table at the swim start/finish. I’m good to go- my AM bolus had peaked and I had enough carbs on board for my swim. I shoved 2 gels in my wet suit just in case. The swim has been a mental issue for me lately- I seem to have some kind of wimpy fit about 10 minutes into my swim and then it takes me a while to get into the grove. By wimpy fit I turn the swim into anything but a freestyle stroke and wonder why I’m so far away from shore. Today I got in the water at 6:40 and swam out towards the water ski jump on the start line. My plan was to swim back and forth a few times and the get in place to start. I was thinking that would give me a 200 or so warm up and then I’d be good. Did my warm up swimming, and I actually had my mini fit/breast stroking BEFORE the race! How’s that for a good day.
In the swim I tend to be a bit of a chicken and start further back than I should. I do that and avoid being in the thick of things but then end up with no one to draft off of. My plan for this race was to start to the right of the group- between the ski jump and the shore. Today I decided to put my big girl pants on and get out there. I went to the left of the jump, more centered in the group and just behind that first line of folks at the start. I finished the first loop of the swim in 35 minutes. Total for the swim was 1:18- PR for me.
Heading to T1 I forgot my pump on the table at the swim exit so I had to double back. Jogged/speed walked up the helix, checked my BG- 74, not bad. Connected my pump and turned on my basal pattern for the bike. Got to T1, finished stripping my suit and got all my bike stuff on. T1 was 13 minutes- oops. I was shooting for 10 minutes here. But- I didn’t sit down! Not too sure what happened but apparently my going back for the pump cost me a few minutes.
Headed out on my bike. I was supposed to take an injection bolus in T1 based on my BG. Since my BG Was a little lower than I wanted I grabbed the correct syringe and decided to wait until I was on the bike and able to start taking in my carbs at 20 minutes to bolus. I made this decision because I didn’t want to get my insulin ahead of my carbs. I’m glad I made that call because my GI was miserable. I couldn’t get comfortable and I couldn’t pedal. AND I couldn’t eat. About 35 minutes into the ride I started sipping my drink so I gave myself my bolus- stuck myself while pedaling, that’s a first for me. It took me an hour to get to the first aid station, I thought I was going to die (melodramatic but I was miserable). At this point I was able to start eating and getting my legs going but was further back than I wanted to be.
Wisconsin is a technical course and not what I am used to riding. It is a nice course, just a lot of work! First loop was ok, started to pick it up and was thinking the 2nd loop would be better. Nope. GI issues struck again. Another stop and then I was able to get going again. I was super bummed about my deteriorating bike after such a nice swim. BG was great on the bike, 106-147. I finished the bike in 7:38, 30 minutes over my “worst case” scenario in my mind. Checked my BG a the end of the bike and it was 106. Nice!
Came into T2, and gave my bike to the “valet” and headed in to get my running shoes. T2 was 6 minutes! I didn’t sit down! Headed out on the run and saw the family at the run start. I also started a different pattern on my pump for the run. Total transition time was 19 minutes and I had allotted 20- guess I achieved that goal.
I was feeling pretty good on this run. I had been mentally telling myself on the bike to be careful- I try to make up time on the bike and then I’m really hurting on the run. My goal for this was to run the run- not walk it. First 13 miles went well, took in my gel every hour and drank water at the aid stations. Towards the end of the 1st loop my GI started to act up again and I was still super frustrated with my less than stellar bike. Saw the family at the turn around and that was great. I think they were just as ready as I was for me to be done. Headed out on the 2nd loop and took a moment at the first aid station to get my GI back in line. I was so over the GI issues at this point. The problem with stopping even for a second is that your legs are not cooperative with the idea of going again. This was the beginning of the end of the run for me. I struggled the rest of the way with the run/walk combo. I did finish the run in 5:55, still an Ironman run PR but yuck. BG was great on the run- 106 to 116. There was a 217 in there at about mile 20 and that can be attributed to a chocolate chip cookie and a gel at the same time.
It was a good race. I have a much better race in me. I’ve been very happy with how my training has progressed the last few weeks and the speed I am starting to develop. My endurance base is solid so now I just need it all to come together. My BG was great up to the race, during and after. Hindsight is always 20/20 and I have new goals and areas to focus on for the next few months. I was happy with my swim, disappointed with my bike and more disappointed with my run. I did have a rocking T2 though which was nice.
The course in WI is tough- the bike is technical and I definitely underestimated it. The run is mentally tough but also beautiful. The crowd support is amazing. I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to race with the WILD women, many of whom I hadn’t met until a few days before the race. They are a powerful group of women. The months leading up to this race were good and bad training and Diabetes wise. I have a more refined approach to managing my Diabetes and my training and I am definitely more focused on my goals and outcomes.

Rematch 2011

Besides not blogging and being a slacker I have been a bit busy since April.

This year has been a bit of a re-match for me and the Boulder tri series. Last year I registered for the tri series thinking it would be my debut and finale of triathlon. A sprint, Olympic and 70.3 race. Then there was that lottery entry on a whim and Diabetes diagnosis that changed it all.

So, with last year completed in a whirl wind tour I registered for the tri series (and lottery) again. Yesterday I completed the tri series and overall it seems that insulin does in fact make me faster. My sprint race was the exact same time- so we'll call that a wash. My Boulder Peak was faster this year by 16 minutes and I managed to shave 25 minutes off my 70.3 race yesterday.

Since I am doing Ironman Wisconsin in September this 70.3 race has been important to me for a few reasons. Re-match of course, training evaluation, and it's a great run through for a full IM race. I've made some significant changes in the last few weeks to my training so I was anxious and excited to see it pay off. Pre-race I set a lofty goal of shaving 1 hour 2 minutes off last years time- I was gunning for a 6 hour finish.

I did manage to take time off of my swim, bike and run. I of course added some time to T1 and T2 but my love of compression socks was so worth it for T2. My blood sugars were awesome and other than burning too many matches on the 2nd leg of the bike I had a good race overall. My swim was the usual mess it i in open water, 46:45, T1 4:57, Bike 3:12:47, T2 5:05, Run 2:28:22. Total time 6:37:58. Better than last years 7:02:22. Ironically I am going to the doctor two days after this race- last year it was to be diagnosed with Type 1. Hopefully this year it will be to tell my I have a rocking a1C (last year at diagnosis it was almost 14).

For those that have an interest in the BG info here it is:

Time BG
5:15 AM 111
5:30 AM
6:32 AM 81
7:15 AM 93
7:20 AM 74
8:31 AM 61
9:02 AM 136
10:10 AM 107
11:09 AM 127
12:13 PM 96
1:06 PM 89
1:27 PM 100
1:57 PM 126
2:24 PM 98

My lowest point was post swim with a 61 and my highest point was during the bike at 127. Not too shabby. I took in 60g/hour on the bike and 30g/hr on the run. I made a game day decision during the bike to bail on my fuel belt for the run. I am so tired of feeling like a sherpa all the time with all the stuff I have to carry. For the run I instead shoved my glucose tablets in my shirt, 3 gels, my meter and accessories and took off. I skipped the Gatorade at the aid stations and instead went with water and ice. Have I mentioned my love of cold sponges on the run?? My legs were tired to say the least but my run was better. Not my best half marathon but getting better.

No photos so far but this year was overall better than last year. Now I am just counting down until IM Moo and hopefully some solid training and of course my new found friend insulin will produce another PR, this time at the IM distance!

Triathlon, Diabetes and Kids

As some of you may know, I was recently selected to represent Insulindependence in the Rocky Mountain Region as a Triabetes Captain in 2011-2012. Over the course of the next year, I will be helping Insulindependence expand its impact in my area by spearheading programming opportunities for the local diabetes community. Triabetes is Club of Insulindependence (iD), a 501c3 nonprofit organization that enables successful diabetes management through peer-supported fitness and recreation programs. iD is addressing issues associated with diabetes and the helping improve the quality of life for thousands of individuals by through its unique and life-changing experiential diabetes education programs. The mission of Insulindependence is to inspire people with diabetes to set personal fitness goals; educate them on adaptive management strategies through hands-on experience; and equipping them to explore their individual capacities. In August of this past year I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. At the time I was training for the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii. I was 8 weeks out from my race at the time of diagnosis. During those first few weeks of learning about Diabetes I connected with this wonderful organization, Insulindependence. What they do for the Diabetes community is amazing. I am asking for your help to further their cause - both in donations and in passing this message along to people you may know. I have learned in the last 8 months that so many people are told what they can’t do and how Diabetes is going to limit their lives. I live everyday knowing about all of the things you CAN do with Diabetes. I finished my first Ironman in Kona and have several other triathlon events this year. Part of my support crew for my Ironman race came from members of Insulindependence and the 2010-2011 Triabetes Captains. Here is a link to some of the amazing Captains www.giveitashotfilms.com and the documentary on my journey http://www.giveitashotfilms.com/encore/. Over 24 million Americans suffer from diabetes (representing roughly 8% of the population), and it is estimated that one in ten health care dollars is spent on diabetes-related care (CDC, 2008). I have been living with Type 1 diabetes for 8 months, and as most of you are aware, I have choose to control my diabetes through active living and exercise. As part of my journey over the next year, I will be attending Insulindependence University (iDU), a volunteer leadership training program hosted by Insulindependence for Captains like myself. iDU will prepare me to mentor a type 1 child, lead local fitness events for the diabetes community, and understand more about living successfully as an athlete with diabetes. One of my commitments to Insulindependence this year is to come up with financial resources that will cover the cost of my attendance at iDU. I hope you’ll consider helping me reach my personal fundraising goal of $4,000 by making a tax-deductible gift to my campaign. You can choose to be an Ultraman with a $320 donation, Ironman with $140.60, Half-Ironman with $70.30 or a Marathoner with a $26.20 donation! To make a donation to my campaign, please visit the Triabetes website http://triabetes.org/index.php/athletes/alex-osias , where you’ll find a lint to the "Incoming Captains" under the “Captains” tab on the main page. You may also send a check to: Insulindependence 7770 Regents Rd #113390 San Diego, CA 92122 Please remember to see if your company will match your gift! And feel free to share this information with your friends, family and co-workers. Thank you for your consideration, time and support. With our help, Insulindependence will continue to revolutionize diabetes management in the United States.

We did it!

On October 9th, 2010 I heard "Alexandra Osias, you are an Ironman!". It took me 15:53 to finish but I finished. Upright and not the medical tent. I nailed the swim, practically took a nap in T1, added an hour to my bike, snoozed inT2, and practically doubled my marathon goal. But, I finished. Racing in Kona has got to be the most amazing experience. My blood sugar was good, there were some high moments but overall it was good. No lows which is a good thing for me.

Here is what I wrote for the Mark Allen Online Newsletter about my journey and race. My journey to the 2010 Ironman World Championship began approximately 6 months before the race when I received and email announcing the lottery win. I had never done a triathlon on my own in my life and had only run 1 marathon. Originally my plan was to complete the Boulder tri series and have the Boulder 70.3 be my big race. That email in April changed it all. Now the Boulder tri series was all training and the 70.3 was a long training session that would seal the deal for my lottery spot in Kona. I was using Mark Allen Online to train for the Boulder 70.3 race so after making a few calls and talking to some other coaches I knew I was going to work with them for Kona. It was the easiest decision to make in my journey.

The work began and I did my first triathlon in June. Not bad, wet suit swimming was miserable for me and I didn’t like the cold but Kona is warm and not a wet suit race. As my training progressed I was struggling with staying in my heart rate zones and Coach Vargas (Coach Kona in our house) was asking me about my recovery and non-training behavior. I was doing what I needed to be doing so we just chalked it up to fitness improvements and it would get better. In July I did the Boulder Peak and had the longest transitions ever recorded because I was late to the race. Newbie lesson learned there.

As my training continued I was really starting to notice my run pace decline and I was tired, not just worn out but exhausted. I was chalking everything up to Ironman training, you read about fatigue, weight loss, eating everything that you can. All these things I assumed were part of training. Not to mention my heart rate “issue” was indicative of not drinking enough water. I focused on having solid training sessions, eating healthy balanced meals, sleeping and drinking water. Still, my sessions and recovery weren’t 100%. In the middle of July I spoke to my doctor and we talked about some different things that could be going on, ultimately deciding to do some blood work after the August 70.3.

On August 8th I woke up with the beginning of a head cold, but knew I had to race to keep my Kona spot. The race went okay. I finished the swim with my average pace, my bike was so much better than my usual. I really focused on my nutrition during the bike, taking in my gels and drink as planned every 15 minutes. I started the run feeling awesome, I was ahead of my race plan and going to do great. As the run progressed I started going slower and slower and finally just walking. My legs felt like bricks and I was running in a mental fog. I figured my cold was getting the best of me and all I needed to do was finish the race. I did finish and I thought that I was experiencing the dreaded bonk. I was white as a ghost and barely able to stand. I’ve never felt like that in my life.

That Monday after the race I called the doctor and by Tuesday afternoon I felt like I had donated a pint of blood to the tests. I told him that Google had diagnosed me with Type 2 Diabetes, after laughing about the idea of me as an adult in my 30’s in the best shape of my life being diagnosed with Diabetes we focused on some other ideas. Wednesday August 11th my doctor called me at 7:30 AM. That’s never a good sign and began the conversation with I’d like you to come in. He told me I had Diabetes. I scheduled an appointment for that afternoon. The initial diagnosis was Type 2 Diabetes as I was an adult. I learned later that afternoon that there is a percentage of adults who have adult onset Type 1 and that was me. I am insulin dependent and will be for the rest of my life. I have to give myself multiple insulin injections daily. There isn’t a cure right now and even with excellent diet and exercise I will always be insulin dependent and need injections.

My doctor is an athlete and understood the importance of my opportunity to race in Hawaii. We agreed that I would keep training and he would find me an endocrinologist who would support me. That evening I was referred to the University of Colorado Endocrinology Center. I met a phenomenal diabetes educator there who works with a team of women triathletes who are type 1. Between CU, the Barbra Davis Center and the Triabetes Team, I was able to get a crash course in Type 1 Diabetes management. Coach Kona didn’t skip a beat and within two weeks of diagnosis I was seeing significant training improvement. I credit Coach Kona with helping me have an earlier than most diagnosis, according to my doctors I was days away from a hospital visit because I had such high blood sugar levels. Luis asked the right questions and made me look for the answers, not something I would have known to do on my own.

Training post diagnosis was a bit different now, and nutrition took on a whole new meaning. I had to incorporate eating halfway through my swim and pricking my finger on the bike and run into my sessions. I had eight weeks from diagnosis until race day and I was on a mission to prove that even the ‘Betes weren’t going to stop me. I arrived in Kona feeling better than I had felt in weeks. I was ready to finish my first Ironman race.

I finished the race in 15 hours and 53 minutes. It was not my planned finish time but I didn’t have any significant diabetes issues, felt good at the end of the race, and I was an Ironman.

During the race there were a few moments of high blood sugar but not enough to have to stop racing and there were no lows. The highs make me sluggish and my performance declines but the lows are very difficult to overcome during physical activity and are potentially life threatening.

I am fortunate in that I am surrounded by people who say I can do amazing things like Ironman races. For many years diabetics were told not to do anything more than walk. Now, with Coach Kona and my ‘Betes peeps I am going to take on IM Wisconsin and IM Florida in 2011 and maybe one day again Kona. I heard from many Type 1 athletes and triathletes that Diabetes made them better athletes. At first I thought they were just trying to find the best in a less than desirable situation but now I know they are correct. I am more aware of my nutrition and how everything I do in life effects my blood sugar and how that effects my ability to do anything from daily life to Ironman training.

The 'Betes

In August when I was diagnosed with Type 1 'Betes I was fortunate enough to be hooked up with group of triatheltes. Some of them have been living with Diabetes since childhood, and some were adult onset like myself. But all of them are awesome folks with a ton of insight and support. Not to mention a few Ironmen and Ironladies in the group to shed some insight into that journey as well www.triabetes.org

I'm fortunate enough that two folks from the group are going to be coming to Kona, Hawaii to lend some support and encouragement on the day of the race. Pretty cool. The Triabetes team is a part of a larger organization that looks to find the best resources and support for active people with Diabetes- from kids to adults www.insulindependence.org/about

16 Days...

I swear it was just yesterday I was standing in the kitchen with my jaw on the floor reading an email from WTC saying I had won a lottery spot. Now, I am finalizing bike shipping/packing plans, making sure I have enough bike tubes to get through the race, organizing enough BG meters to keep a small army in check and getting ready to write down my race plan in detail.

Tegan is now officially ready to go to Hawaii- she has added Hawaii, Kona, and Maui to her vocabulary. Although we won't be going to Maui that is where Tegan believes Lilo and Stitch live and unfortunately they have returned home recently.

I was able to get a 112 mile training ride in a few weeks ago and it was good to get the distance done in a more realistic setting. Still bummed the CU Ride the Buffalo was cancelled due to the 4 mile fires in Boulder.

I think the whole family is starting to get excited for various reasons, some members are starting to get nervous. But, the foundation has been laid and the work is done and being finished up so here's to a strong finish- upright and not in the medical tent!

30 Days!

Seems like just yesterday I was getting ready to begin my 20 week training plan, not looking at my upcoming taper. It's not too soon but sooner than later. Training these last few weeks has been great and awful sometimes in the same day. When the blood glucose is in the zone it seems like the stars are aligned perfectly and it's all dialed in. When they are off I think I'd rather go back to bed.



I did the Deer Creek Century ride August 29th, it was a good ride. 100 miles and 12,751 feet of vertical gain. They were billing it as the hardest century ride in the US. Not sure I have the need to confirm or deny that but it was a tough ride. I manged to finish it in 10 hours and 15 miuntes, with blood sugars in the 110 range for the day! Not too shabby on either end. I figure if I can manage this kind of ride then the infamous Kona winds shouldn't be too bad (famous last words). I must say that riding a tri bike for a climbing ride definately made for some intersting comments. Ride what you race! Would love to take the DCC on again next year on a properly geared road bike!