The purpose of this site is to provide inspiration, hope & perspective by profiling amazing people who accomplish incredible athletic feats while dealing with disease, sickness and adverse health conditions. These are the people that "RACE WITH GRATITUDE" and here are their stories. And we can help them raise a little money for the charities they support!

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Running For Fun, And For Therapy...

A friend of a friend referred their friend Jan, to Racing With Gratitude.  Not only is Jan running marathons every year, but she's doing it while having battled cancer (numerous times) along the way and following one of her surgeries, she became a brittle diabetic.  She has a never give up attitude,  she finds "the fun" in running with her training buddies and if she has something on her calendar, she sticks to it!  Later this fall Jan will be hosting a 5k race in support of The Abramson Cancer Center at the University of Pennsylvania directed towards research for Neuroendocrine Cancers.  To learn make a donation or to register for her race please visit her WEBSITE.  To learn more about Jan, read on...

I am so thankful I can run.  Running has given me so much; health benefits, time to meditate, time to enjoy nature and meet so many fun and supportive friends.  I have always been an active person.  When I was younger I ran around playing in the neighborhood, joined the city track team and studied ballet for many years.  The feeling of freedom and sheer joy I get from running or dancing I have never experienced with any other activity.

Run Jan Run!
 
I was diagnosed with Neuroendocrine Cancer in 1999.  I was 37 years old, married and had two very young boys.  This is the same cancer that Steve Jobs was diagnosed with.  A short time after my initial surgery and treatment a friend asked if I would go running with him.  At first, I declined.  Figuring I wasn’t in shape, he would be frustrated running with me because I don’t run fast and I was sure I wouldn’t be able to run very far.  This was a big worry of mine since the friend asking me to run with him was a marathoner.  At the time I wasn’t running with any schedule, group of friends or plans.  Mostly I was just running trying to keep up with my boys.  He finally wore me down with his repeated invitations and shortly after our first few runs I found myself entertaining the idea of running a marathon.  So, for my first marathon I joined a great group, FTM (First Time Marathoners) with the local running club.  Training was fun and all was going well.  I really enjoyed the camaraderie of the group.  About a week before the marathon I had sever pain in my stomach, it only lasted a night or so, but then came back the day before the marathon.  I was so looking forward to my first marathon I dismissed the pain, as if I ignored the pain it would go away.  So, when most people are carb loading, I was not able to keep anything down.  I ran the marathon as scheduled, because if it is on my calendar I don’t cancel.  I finished, but not with the time I was planning on.  I actually had to walk about the last 6 miles.  Of course my running partner informed me I can not count that as running my first marathon because I didn’t run all of it.  So, of course there were to be more marathons in my future. 

After the marathon I followed up on the pain and sure enough the cancer had come back.  The past 10 or so years have been spent receiving multiple treatments to keep the cancer at bay.  The cancer originally started in my stomach and had spread to the liver, spleen, pancreas and several lymph nodes and a couple places in the bone.  Treatment consisted of surgery, chemotherapy and a radiolabled therapy not offered in the U.S.  So, along the way I had what seems like most of my internal organs removed due to tumor, including my pancreas.  The pancreatic surgery probably had the biggest impact on my running.  Following that surgery I am now a brittle diabetic.  Brittle meaning that it is almost impossible to keep my blood sugars in the normal range and I often experience wide swings in my blood sugar levels.

Running has helped me make it through all the treatments and recovery time.  That and the incredible support from my running partner who always had the confidence in me to come back from each treatment.  Running is such an incredible lift emotionally.  Even when I was running so slowly you could barely call it running, the fact that I was out there made me feel strong and confident.  A feeling of being able to take on anything.  The fact that my running partner met me for each scheduled run was just what I needed.  Even though at times I was barely able to get out of bed.  But, if it is on the calendar and someone is scheduling their time to meet you for a run, what can you do but get up and put your running shoes on. 
           
Over the years, I have since completed 13 marathons, several ½ marathons and 10Ks.  Some better than others but all of them fun.  I am still running with my running partner and we have racked up quite a few very amusing running stories.  Sometimes I don’t know what I find more fun; running or relating some of our wacky marathon stories.  I don’t plan on retiring from running.  Running has meant so much to me and I am so grateful that am able to continue to run.  I am so convinced that running has extended my life.  I want to share the fun of running with others. 

In November I am directing my first 5K run/walk to raise awareness for Neuroendocrine Cancer and help support research for this under recognized cancer.  All proceeds from the run will go to The Abramson Cancer Center at the University of Pennsylvania directed towards research for Neuroendocrine Cancers.  Run for the Stripes will be held November 10 at the Philadelphia Zoo.  The date, November 10, is also National Neuroendocrine Awareness Day.  My next marathon is September 29 and I am looking forward to another fantastic run.

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Not Diabetes, It's "Live-A-Betes" ...

This is the story of Ed Tepper from Richmond, VA.  He is an avid cyclist, supports the American Diabetes Association, is a Type 2 diabetic and "takes charge in managing it". 

Ed is out there getting it done hammering out century rides, raising money for charity and not letting anything get in his way.  Not only is his story inspiring, but he also offer some great nutrition tips as well.  If you'd like to make a donation to the American Diabetes Association, please follow Ed's link HERE or below following his story.  READ ON...


Ed Tepper,  Tour de Cure - Hampton Roads
 My journey from What to What you say.  I say I have Live-A-Betes because I'm living life to the fullest and don't let diabetes stop me from doing anything.  Here's my story.  I hope you're inspired by it.

The Diagnosis

It was about five years ago when the nurse at my doctor's office proclaimed me to be a Type 2 Diabetic.  She took a red-hot iron out of the fire and branded the big "D" on my forehead for me to see every time I looked in the mirror.  I should not have been all that surprised.  My parents and siblings had diabetes so it ran in my family.  Many years before, I'm guessing around 35-40 years before, a doctor had me take a glucose tolerance test and told me that "someday" I'll have a problem with my blood sugar.  But no doctor had used the "D" or "Pre-D" word with me until five years ago.  The nurse did an in-office A1C test which showed a reading of 7.4%.  Now I didn't get up to an A1C of 7.4 overnight so I'm a more than a little perplexed and angry that all those doctors didn't warn me for all those years.
Maybe the A1C rise wasn't as gradual as all that.  When I was younger, probably through my forties, I was very active.  I ran a lot and worked myself up to a 1/2 marathon, I played squash and tennis and I rode my bicycle.  Maybe my active lifestyle helped keep my blood sugar under control.  Then somewhere along the way I stopped running, playing squash and tennis and riding my bicycle.
At the time I was diagnosed I had more immediate problems.  My job had evaporated out from underneath me and I was consumed with finding a new one.  Worrying about a chronic disease that could make me go blind, cause a stroke or kidney failure seemed to be less important than finding a new way to put food on the table and pay the mortgage.  At least it was a less urgent problem.
I got lucky and found a new position in a few months but it meant that I'd have to move my family to Richmond, VA.  A few of the guys in my department are avid cyclists and they encouraged me get a bike.  In a younger day I rode a bike a lot with my wife and really enjoyed it so I decided to get a bike and maybe use it to commute to work and get some exercise on the weekend.  I needed to lose a few pounds ... well actually about 60 of them and I knew losing the fat would help with controlling my blood sugar levels.  My friends, however, are not just into riding their bikes.  They are "cyclists" who ride for a purpose, brag about how hard the ride was and then plan a harder one for next week.  They talk about their crashes and the resultant broken body parts and road rashes as their red badges of courage.
I panicked and went to my new doctor to see if I could be inoculated against this disease.  At least he might have a pill I could take to get healthy.  I explained my fears to him.  He thought pensively for a moment and said to me in his best doctor's voice: "Ed, resistance is futile.  And you need to lose 60 pounds."  Oh crap.
Swimming in De-Nile
My journey to take control of my diabetes, to use a cycling metaphor, is certainly more of a 100-mile century than a 10-mile time trial and is probably more like a multi-stage race at that.  One day I'm wearing the yellow jersey but the next I might crash and find myself playing catch the field. After being diagnosed and moving to Richmond I continued to swim in De-Nile, which is not a river in Egypt.  I thought I could do it alone.  Ride my bike, tweak my diet and conquer the big D all by myself.    Over a year or so I lost 20 or so pounds, down to about 185 from 205 and my A1C went down to 6.8.  But that was it and it was not enough.  I made an appointment with an endocrinologist to get advice about medication.  He downloaded the data from my blood glucose monitor and saw my readings.  Then he sat down with me and explained all the options about taking insulin and the different oral meds and he suggested a plan for me.  I followed the plan for a year and my A1C went down to about 6.2.  Tweaking my nutrition and riding my bike helped me lose another 15 pounds or so now down to about 170.
Catching the Cycling Bug
I succumbed to the cycling bug when I saw a pamphlet in a bike shop for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team In Training.  The challenge was to do a century ride (100 miles) the next June.  I told my wife I decided to do it.  She told me to increase my life insurance policy.  I finished the century 9 hours, 2 leg cramps and 1 puking session after I started and I felt like I just won the Tour de France.  I was irrevocably hooked on cycling.
Finding the Team Type 2 – Sanofi Cycling Team
Something was bothering me.  Everything I read about nutrition says that I need carbs to feed my muscles.  Everything I read about diabetes nutrition says I need to limit carbs to control my blood sugar.  The big question I couldn't find a usable answer to was "How do I balance my need for carbs to feed my muscles with my need to limit my carbs for blood sugar control?"  In my search I came across the Facebook page for Team Type 2 Sanofi.  I found the friendly face of Saul Zuckman, a 70 year old Team member.  I messaged Saul asking him for some advice.
The advice I got from him, and eventually all of my Team Type 2 Sanofi teammates, was the most truthful, useful advice I've gotten from anyone about controlling diabetes:  We're all different and we all react to medication, food and exercise according to our own body chemistry.  What's good for one may not be good for another.  Experiment and get to know your body. I'm starting my third year with Team Type 2 Sanofi and in the past two years I've learned a lot about my body, how to eat and how to exercise. My teammates have been a great inspiration and source of knowledge and encouragement.  Check our the website at www.teamtype2.com, like us on Facebook and follow us on twitter.
The Eureka solution finally hit me this year, especially with regard to nutrition.  What I need to do to control my diabetes is what EVERYONE SHOULD BE DOING to stay healthy:  maintain nutritional habits that balance the three macro-nutrients, carbs, protein and fats and keep my blood glucose levels in a tight range. Maintaining an active lifestyle is also critically important -- keep moving.  And of course take your medications as prescribed by your doctor.  My A1C is now 5.9 and my weight is down to 150.  I'm close to goal ... so close.
My New Nutritional Habits
The new nutritional habits that I learned have been the most help in controlling my blood sugar levels.  You'll note that I didn't say anything about a "diet."  To me a "diet" is something one does for a limited amount of time to reduce one's weight and then goes back to their old habits with the result of gaining back all the weight lost PLUS a bunch more.  I've been there and I'll bet many of you have too.  So how do we stop the roller coaster?  It's not easy.  It takes learning about nutrition and how different foods affect your body chemistry.
It's also not being about having diabetes.  It's about eating the right foods at the right times and in the right combinations even if you do not have diabetes.  That's right folks.  Stop beating yourself up about having diabetes.  Having to eat correctly is not a punishment for having diabetes but being diagnosed with it is our wake up call.  It's time to start eating the way we always should have eaten and the way everyone should eat.
I don't treat the sweet tooth like it's my mortal enemy.  I'm addicted to ice cream, the creamier and fattier the better.  But instead of getting the extra-large four scoop cup I used t get, I get a single scoop cup (ok, sometimes a double); and instead of getting it three times a week I've cut down to once a week (ok, sometimes twice a week).  The point is that moderation is the key, not abstinence. It does take a lot a self-control and I sometimes fail to control.  When that happens I put it behind me and double my resolve so it doesn't happen again at least for a good while.
I eat 5 meals a day.  A meal is at least 150 calories and includes carbs, protein and fiber.  Protein and fiber slow the absorption of carbs so you don’t get a sugar high followed by a low sugar crash.  After a sugar crash your body craves more sugar.  So you eat a candy bar which spikes your blood sugar levels which is followed by a sugar crash which triggers the sugar craving so you eat ….  You get the message.  Protein helps keep you feeling full longer.  Eat enough calories during the course of the day.  If you eat too few calories, your body will think you’re starving, literally, and slow down the fat burning process so you can survive.  The result is more stored fat, which is not what you want.
Let’s say for example that your target daily calorie count is 1,500 calories.  For me breakfast might be 400 calories; mid-morning 200; lunch 300; mid-afternoon 200; and dinner 400.  Every day the mix might vary.  If I have a higher or lower calorie lunch for example, I’ll adjust the next meals for the day.  Each day stands on it’s own so if I under or over eat one day I don’t make up for it the next.  Everyone is different so consult with a trusted dietitian to determine what’s right for you.
I eat a protein rich breakfast.  The body goes into starvation mode overnight and will create needed calories from lean muscle protein saving the fat. It’s the body’s way of storing nuts for the winter.  Having protein for breakfast stops this muscle destruction process. And protein keeps you feeling full longer. I might have a Greek yogurt, even the type with fruit on the bottom.  But that’s only about 150 calories.  So I might add PB&J on Wasa bread.  That’s another 150 calories … portion control folks.  I might have a ham and egg sandwich on an English muffin.  No cheese.  A slice of cheese has about 100 calories mostly from fat.
The mid-morning meal is an interesting exercise in logistics.  If I’m in a meeting I might have a protein bar.  Be careful picking a protein bar.  It should have 15 grams or more of protein.  Many bars labeled as protein bars have a pitiful low amount of protein and way too much carbs.  Hummus and PB&J spread on a Wasa bread slice is a favorite if I’m in my office.
Lunch could be a sandwich.  If you can’t get fiber rich thin sliced bread, eat only one slice, or none.  Add veggies on top.  A large salad is another favorite.  Watch out for the dressing.  I dip my fork in the dressing to get some flavor instead of pouring on a few ounces.  Ok … here’s where I violate my protein and fiber rule.  I love oriental food, especially Vietnamese and Thai.  So I might have a seafood pho or Pad Thai or some other dish with lots of rice or noodles.  If you can, get the clear noodles that are made from the mung bean.  It has a much lower glycemic index than egg noodles.   Forget about what your mother said about cleaning off your plate.  There really are starving children in this world but your overeating will not help them.  I will not eat all the rice or noodles but I will eat the protein that’s in the meal with some of the rice or noodles.
The mid-afternoon meal is similar to the mid-morning meal.
Dinner is whatever my wife cooks up.  Fortunately she’s had the same nutritional education I had and cooks up healthy meals.  You know, the type that includes protein and fiber as well as carbs and lots of veggies.
Late evening meals are generally a no-go.  But if I get the munchies I’ll have a pure protein drink or some other type of protein food. Casein protein absorbs into the system slower than whey or soy protein and is the better choice for a pre-bedtime protein drink.  I might have a few nuts instead – nuts are good snack food anytime in the day.  I do try to avoid having carbs after dinner.
Live-A-Betes, Not Diabetes
I now self-diagnose myself as having Live-A-Betes, not diabetes.  I am living life to the fullest and doing everything I want to do.  Having diabetes does not limit me from doing anything.  You can have Live-A-Betes too.  Get more activity into your daily living, eat healthy foods and remember portion control, frequently test your blood sugar levels and follow your doctor’s advice about what medications to take.
Do I ever violate any of these “rules”?  You betcha I do.  But not often and then I go right back to basics.  Most importantly I’m almost never feel hungry and almost never feel over-stuffed.  My blood sugar levels stay within a pretty narrow range.  Still higher than a non-diabetic person but low enough that it likely will not cause serious complications.

Please follow my blog at www.cycling2live.com and “like” my Facebook page www.facebook.com/cycling2live. 

I support the American Diabetes Association and am on the Board of my local chapter.  On October 13, 2012 is the next “Step Out to Stop Diabetes” walk in Richmond.  I’m hoping to raise $5,000 for the cause.  Please help me reach that goal by going to http://main.diabetes.org/goto/EdTepper and contributing what you can.  Ever dollar helps find a cure for this disease that is quickly becoming an epidemic.   Thank you!!!

Monday, August 6, 2012

Welcome to Race(ing) With Gratitude...

We are amateur triathletes who live in Arlington Virginia.  The team we train with is called Team Z.  We are  group of 400+ triathletes who have come together not only to get great coaching, but to be a part of a supportive community that has a passion for pushing the limits and breaking through to places we could not have done by ourselves.

Over the years we have been fortunate to have raced in 100+ races ranging from 5k running races up to 1/2 Ironman (70.3 mile) triathlons and everything in between.  We are always in complete aw when meeting and hearing about athletes who are out there toeing the line that have overcome physical challenges and/or adverse medical or health conditions (amputees, blindness, athletes with MS, Cancer, obesity, etc) and have incredibly inspirational stories to tell.  If anyone knows what it is to "Race With Gratitude" it's these folks.

If that phrase is new to you, here is a quick background to it.  The gentleman who coined the phrase (and no, it wasn't me), is 6x Ironman World Champion & 10x (consecutive) Olympic Distance World Champion, Mark Allen.  Out of respect for Mark and his accomplishments, I asked him if it would be ok to use the phrase.  After a quick back and fourth, here we are!
The man, the legend, Mark Allen.
To "race with gratitude" means different things to different people.  For most of us (in the world of triathlon), in it's most simple terms, it means being thankful for having successfully (and healthfully) worked through a 3-12 month training cycle & having your mind and body respond in a favorable way...stronger, faster and more capable than it was prior to your training.
Ok, so back to the real purpose for this blog.  We have two goals here.  #1 is to provide inspiration and hope for beginner and seasoned athletes that need that little extra push to get out there and get it done.  #2 is profile the athletes that truly know what it means to race with gratitude.  These are the athletes that are training, RACING WITH GRATITUDE! In support of these amazing people, we hope to help them raise a little money too for the charities they support.