Marathon training

[Theplantpoweredmum]

Hi, I’m training for the London Marathon which is just weeks away. 1 week ago I was diagnosed with LADA and started insulin. I’m still getting used to it all and it’s all a big shock. I’d been incorrectly diagnosed as type 2. Since starting insulin I’ve managed 2 short runs and yesterday my sugars crashed going from 9.6 to 4.1 in half an hour. I had a carby lunch and snack prior to going too. I always carry energy gels with me but can anyone advise on long distance running? Im meant to run my longest run to date tomorrow and I don’t know how I’ll do it - am planning to take lots of gels with me, check levels regularly (I don’t have a libre yet am getting it Monday) have a carby breakfast and not take my bolus? I’m so worried, any advice would be most welcome!!!! Thanks

 

[Lucyr]

I can’t give any running advice but I’ve seen people reccomend this website http://www.runsweet.com/

 

[Carlos]

Hi, I’m training for the London Marathon which is just weeks away. 1 week ago I was diagnosed with LADA and started insulin. I’m still getting used to it all and it’s all a big shock. I’d been incorrectly diagnosed as type 2. Since starting insulin I’ve managed 2 short runs and yesterday my sugars crashed going from 9.6 to 4.1 in half an hour. I had a carby lunch and snack prior to going too. I always carry energy gels with me but can anyone advise on long distance running? Im meant to run my longest run to date tomorrow and I don’t know how I’ll do it - am planning to take lots of gels with me, check levels regularly (I don’t have a libre yet am getting it Monday) have a carby breakfast and not take my bolus? I’m so worried, any advice would be most welcome!!!! Thanks

Most important is don't overthink it. What you suggest about a carby breakfast makes sense. Regarding fueling during the run, gels are good for a quick boost, but you probably want something with more substance too. Cereal bars, flapjacks and bananas are popular with cyclists.

In my case, if I am going for a long ride, I reduce my morning bolus by a third, have a breakfast with double the carbs I would normally have and then have about 15 to 20 grams of carbs in the form of cereal bar every 20 miles or so. I also carry dextrose tablets for the case when my levels drop too quickly. I have a libre, so checking levels is easy, but before I would carry the tester and test during the ride. Of course, it is a lot easier carrying stuff on the bike than when running.

TL;DR. You seem to be thinking along the right lines, and you most likely will be fine.

 

[Theplantpoweredmum]

Thank you this is really helpful

 

[Theplantpoweredmum]

I can’t give any running advice but I’ve seen people reccomend this website http://www.runsweet.com/

Thank you I’ve had a look it’s very helpful

 

[Theplantpoweredmum]

Most important is don't overthink it. What you suggest about a carby breakfast makes sense. Regarding fueling during the run, gels are good for a quick boost, but you probably want something with more substance too. Cereal bars, flapjacks and bananas are popular with cyclists.

In my case, if I am going for a long ride, I reduce my morning bolus by a third, have a breakfast with double the carbs I would normally have and then have about 15 to 20 grams of carbs in the form of cereal bar every 20 miles or so. I also carry dextrose tablets for the case when my levels drop too quickly. I have a libre, so checking levels is easy, but before I would carry the tester and test during the ride. Of course, it is a lot easier carrying stuff on the bike than when running.

TL;DR. You seem to be thinking along the right lines, and you most likely will be fine.

Thank you this is very helpful. Heading out shortly, I’ve got some banana bread as well as gels! Really hope I can do it!

 

[Inka]

Welcome @Theplantpoweredmum 🙂 Your story about misdiagnosis is very familiar. It happens far too often. I hope you’re feeling better now you’ve got the correct diagnosis and treatment.

Diabetes U.K. has marathon information and plans here:

https://www.diabetes.org.uk/get_involved/fundraising-events/marathon-training-plans

EXTOD also has some resources, eg:

https://extod.org/downloads/Exercise-and-Diabetes-7.11.19-1.pdf

.

 

[helli]

When I exercise, I try to avoid having too much fast acting insulin on board (IOB) as our body becomes more efficient at using insulin during exercise which causes the plummet.
For shorter activities, this means I avoid exercise for about 3 hours after my last bolus. This approach is not possible for something longer like a marathon. Therefore, the approach is more about taking less insulin with your last meal. How much less is, unfortunately, individual so requires some trial and error.
The other thing to consider is that exercise will use up your glucose reserves. As a result, your liver has less glucose to drop out during the next 24 to 48 hours so the risk of hypo continues for a day or two. I was advised to manage this by reducing my basal insulin after exercise. However, this depends upon your basal. As Tresiba is very long acting, and changes can take 3 or 4 days to take effect. Therefore, it is not appropriate if your basal needs vary (e.g. through exercise or monthly hormones).

 

[Carlos]

How did it go @Theplantpoweredmum?

 

[Theplantpoweredmum]

How did it go @Theplantpoweredmum?

Thanks for asking! I did it!!!!! 29km! Checked sugars every 20 mins. Had a few gels and some banana bread. I had porridge and banana for breakfast and skipped the bolus. Didn’t drop below 7.4. Was slightly high when I set out but would rather that than be too low! So pleased it feels like the marathon is actually possible now. Thanks for your help!

 

[Carlos]

Thanks for asking! I did it!!!!! 29km! Checked sugars every 20 mins. Had a few gels and some banana bread. I had porridge and banana for breakfast and skipped the bolus. Didn’t drop below 7.4. Was slightly high when I set out but would rather that than be too low! So pleased it feels like the marathon is actually possible now. Thanks for your help!

Great to hear. Once you have the Libre it will be a lot easier, and you'll get a lot more confident as well.

Just keep an eye on your levels for the next couple of days, as said above, you may need to reduce your basal a bit until your liver stores fill back up.

 

[Spathiphyllum]

Thanks for asking! I did it!!!!! 29km! Checked sugars every 20 mins. Had a few gels and some banana bread. I had porridge and banana for breakfast and skipped the bolus. Didn’t drop below 7.4. Was slightly high when I set out but would rather that than be too low! So pleased it feels like the marathon is actually possible now. Thanks for your help!

Now that you've got your Libre, download this: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7702152/

This may also be helpful: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9679002/ It's about endurance swimming for people with T1D, but has lots of references to techniques and tips for marathon runners with T1D.

All best wishes!

 

[Maria DUK]

Thanks for asking! I did it!!!!! 29km! Checked sugars every 20 mins. Had a few gels and some banana bread. I had porridge and banana for breakfast and skipped the bolus. Didn’t drop below 7.4. Was slightly high when I set out but would rather that than be too low! So pleased it feels like the marathon is actually possible now. Thanks for your help!

This is amazing, well done!