Using a log book

This morning, as planned, I got in 3 easy miles (9:00 ppm). Thank goodness the wind was not a factor; the forecasters originally had predicted wind chill levels in the single digits. Instead, I was able to run virtually wind-free in 29 degree temps. Blood sugar was low upon waking: 51. I treated it with 5 Dex-4 tablets, water, a small glass of OJ, and waited 30 minutes before running. I dropped my basal rate to 50% for 30 minutes, and my blood sugar was 107 post-run.

One of the most effective tools I have found for running progress, injury and diabetes management is recording ALL of your runs in a log book. I use two sources. The company Nathan makes a great, compact spiral-bound log book which is undated and lasts 365 days. I have used these in each of the past 3 years and it really helps motivate me to get in all of my runs and monitor my progress. It reads like a runner's diary, and it is a big help when I need to learn from past experience about what works and what does not in making sense of my running and its impact on my diabetes management.

Another useful tool is an on-line log book. I use a free website at http://www.buckeyeoutdoors.com/cgi-bin/training/traininglog?guest=runrobrun
Feel free to see my progress at this website. I am also a lucky member of the "Running from the Reaper" online team. We are admirably lead by Nigel from Staffordshire in the United Kingdom. Nigel also produces a great podcast, "Running From The Reaper", available at iTunes (also for free!). Enjoy.