Long Distance Running

[Ryan.C]

I need some advice. I just got a job that requires me to go through a basic-training style of academy. I have to be able to run/march five miles without breaks, food, or water. Does anyone out there have any experience in this kind of workout as a diabetic? I'm obviously concerned about going hypoglycemic, so how many carbs would I need to eat before I did something like this?

[tanyatype1]

When do you start? If you have time, I'd start practising at home first and see what it does to your bloodsugar. Don't forget that other factors will affect you BS too, like the heat. When I run on my treadmill, I'd just make sure that my BS was about 7 mmol/l when I started. Could you bring a Gatorade of something with you? Stores that sell sports accessories sell things that wrap around your waist that can hold drinks ect. Also, always keep glucose tablets in a closed pocket so that they're there if you need them. Good luck!

[Scratch]

Hi Ryan.

I've been preparing myself to run a half-marathon which is 13.1 miles so I've been getting some practice at this. You don't say when you need to be able to do this by, but the best way to work on this is to gradually work your way up to that distance by working out 3 times a week with at least one day of rest and recovery in between workouts.

Test your blood sugar before the workout, and test it when you're done so you can start charting the effects. I'd suggest that to start out that you simply run at a pace where you could easily talk out loud to yourself, or what's called a conversational pace. If you need to slow up into a walk, do so, and make your first goal to gradually get to where you can run that easy pace for 30 minutes without any walk breaks.

Good luck. It can be done, and it's great to make exercise a consistent part of your life.