Diabetes Blog Week: Day Four - Accomplishments Big and Small

We don’t always realize it, but each one of us had come a long way since diabetes first came into our life. It doesn’t matter if it’s been 5 weeks, 5 years or 50 years, you’ve done something outstanding diabetes-wise. So today let’s share the greatest accomplishment you've made in terms of dealing with your (or your loved one’s) diabetes. No accomplishment is too big or too small - think about self-acceptance, something you’ve mastered (pump / exercise / diet / etc.), making a tough care decision (finding a new endo or support group / choosing to use or not use a technology / etc.).

Diabetes kicks my ass most days - not with crazy blood sugars but like an over-eager coach. 

Get up! Keep running! Push to the top of the hill! Don't give up, you only have 50m left to swim!!

Before diabetes, my exercise routine was half-hearted and sporadic. Step class at the Y was about as crazy as it got. Sometimes I even lifted some weights. 

Then I was diagnosed and the fear of long-term complications set in. Once I moved past the crippling fear, I found myself in the motivational fear zone and I decided that I wanted to be as healthy as I could so that diabetes would have a tough time catching me. 

I started small and it wasn't easy but I kept pushing and working at getting healthy and strong and fit. 

Ten years later, I am not the woman I was and I am pretty proud of the woman I have become. So, I'm going to take advantage of today's blog topic and brag a wee bit. 

Thanks to diabetes I have: 

Run

Boxing day ten-miler - twice

Twin Cities ten miler

St. Catharines Run for the Grapes half marathon - three times (2008, 2009, 2010)

Ottawa half marathon (2009)

Cleveland Rock and Roll Hall of Fame half marathon (2010)

Grimbsy half marathon (2011)

Niagara Falls Women's half marathon (2012)

Niagara Falls half marathon (2012)

Tel Aviv half marathon (2013)

Around the Bay (10k relay (2009), 15k relay (2010) and the whole 30k run (2011))

Completed three duathlons (Welland - twice (2010, 2011) and Grimsby (2011)

Completed three triathlons (Welland, Grimsby and Guelph - all in 2012)

I think the look on my face here say it all. Diabetes gives me the determination I need to meet just about any challenge head on. 

I think my greatest diabetes accomplishment is learning how to use diabetes as a motivator rather than an excuse.