Principle #4, Be Prepared

Before we start on today's principle I just want to mention that I am now signed up with Team Diabetes to run in the 2008 Disney Goofy Challenge in Orlando Florida. This event is a two day event which features a 1/2 Marathon on Saturday then a full marthon sunday. I am doing this with Team Diabetes to raise money and awareness. So please if you have 25 - 50$ or what ever you can affored head to:

https://ocp.diabetes.ca/pledge/cspledge.asp?prId=td&oId=940684&tId=5916

Please help me help the Canadian Diabetes Association Raise money for a cure.

Well today we take a page out of the Boy Scout's Motto, "Be Prepared". This is good advice not just for us Diabetic but for regular runners. Run safe and smart and be prepared to deal with a problem on the road. So lets get to today's principle of running.

1. Carry ID, seems silly to point this out, but how many of us go out running with no ID, I know I do. What happens if you have a problem or accident are lying on the ground. Consider a Medic Alert braclet if you are diabetic, or if not maybe a dog tag type identification. That way they can get in touch with someone if there is a problem

2. Let someone know your route and how long you are going to be. I always let my Girl Friend now how long I am going to be and what route I am taking. If you do collapse at least someone will know where to start looking for you.

3. For us Type II's carry A gel, life savers or even a packet of sugar. One never knows when you are going to bottom out and need a quick Jolt of Sugar.

4. Water, for those long runs carry a fuel belt with water bottles. It also has a puch for those Gel's and other Treats.

5. Carry a cell phone or at least a quarter. If you need a ride, you can call one.

6. Be seen, where bright colours and reflective clothing especially at night.

7. If you listen to music, keep the music down so you can still hear traffic and ambient sound. That way you can hear the car or truck coming when you are thinking of darting across the road.

8. Obey the traffic lights, even if the cars don't, I know that cars often have trouble figuring out what that big 8 sided red sign with the word STOP on it means, so anticipate those drives don't assume he has seen you. Here in Halifax drivers tend to be aggressive with lights and stop sighns. So don't assume red means stop. To them its merely a suggestion.

9. Carry your test strips if you feel yourself going low, test and snack.

10. Have fun, be courtesy to other folks on the road and pavements.

The Diabetic Runner
Harry jacobs