Technology Review

I received my new Garmin 405 via UPS Next Day Air on Thursday.  I have used the Garmin 305 for over a year now, and other than the bulkiness, I really like it.  The 405 is going to take a little time to get used to, and I think I'm really going to like it.  First, I'll give you the positives: The most obvious improvement is the size of the watch, you no longer look like you have a microwave oven strapped to your wrist.  Second, the touch bezel makes it much easier to navigate through the menus, which is VERY nice.  Because of the touch bezel, it makes it much easier to go from screen to screen, all you have to do is touch the bezel and it will jump to the next screen.  On each screen you can view up to 3 different "statistics", and you can set up 4 of these screens.   Another major improvement is the start /stop and lap / reset functions are now like a stop watch.  On the previous model I often hit the wrong button and didn't record all of m run.  

The only real negative I have with the watch will probably come with using it.  It's the sensitivity of the bezel.  As much as I stated that I like the bezel, it can also cause some problems.  You may be deep into one menu, then you accidentally touch the bezel and it takes you out of that menu and into another.  The only other complaint I have is the software is not Mac compatible yet, though Garmin is working on it.  I have trouble settling on specific screens, so if anyone has any recommendations for good things to watch while you're running, I'd love to hear.  

On the Diabetes front, I just received the good news that my sensors for my CGMS will now be covered by my insurance. If you haven't pushed you Doctor to write you a letter of medical necessity, I would recommend it.  I have been paying for these out of pocket for a year and half, it's not till I called Medtronic to see what they could do, they called my Doc, and within a few weeks they gave me the good news.  

Busy, Busy, Busy

I have been neglecting my blog, mostly because I've been pretty busy with work and travels, but also because I don't feel like I have anything interesting to say.  Then I thought, that's crazy, and I looked up the definition of a blog which states: A website in which an individual or group of individuals produces an ongoing narrative.  So I think, I don't have a blog if it's not ongoing, here I go! 

CONGRATULATIONS to Steve Runner at Phidippidations on completing the Boston Marathon, I know that someday soon Steve will break the 4 hour mark. I myself am striving to Qualify for the Boston Marathon.  If you haven't listened to his podcast, do yourself a favor and download an episode, he is EXCELLENT, and it's really like running with someone else.  

Now, on to me, If anyone out there has any recommendations how I can improve my tempo runs, I'm begging you, PLEASE HELP.  I ran my first marathon, the Marine Corps Marathon in 3:40:07, and I have to get to a 3:10:59, in order to qualify. I feel pretty confident I can get to a 3:30, possibly even a 3:25 this year in Chicago.  Mostly because I now have a Marathon under my belt, but also because the course is a little easier, and I feel I'm in better shape.  I do have a little over 5 months till the marathon, and I feel like there is plenty of time to improve.  

I also would be remiss if I didn't throw a big shout out to Jamie over at Diabetic Runner, I absolutely love his blog.  His creativity is awesome, and his content is second to none.  A fellow Diabetic Runner who truly embraces his Diabetes and doesn't let it stop him from doing ANYTHING!  If you haven't joined his Diabetic Runner 1000 or 500, do so NOW.

While I'm rambling, I want to see if anyone can tell me the etiquette when it comes to putting a link to someone else's blog on your "blog roll"? Steve Runner mentioned a blog called Got Lactate and I found it very interesting.  I just thought I'd pass this on, but I wanted to know from fellow bloggers if I should ask the Lactate Man if it's ok to link to his Blog?  

Balancing Carbs and Boluses(pre, during, and post), with Running

Jamie over at Diabetic Runner touched recently on bolusing post run.  Tonight, I ran 9 miles.  Before my run I tested my BS and it read 105, so as I always do before a run, I ate a Protein Bar with 31g Carbs.  At about mile mile 5, my CGMS read 94 so I ate 3 Cliff Shot Bloks.  From this point on my CGMS showed readings between 94 and 130, and when I got home I checked my BS and it read 127.  At this point I bolused 2 Units, and then ate dinner which was about 40g Carbs. This is a tricky scenario, that can sometimes be a tough juggling act.  I do think it's important to eat something that is low in fat as high fat foods can cause more problems (for me).