Wednesday 2 January 2013

Animas 'Sports day' event. Do it.

Last year I had the pleasure of attending the Animas Sports Day event held at Loughborough University, to blog on behalf of Shoot Up or Put Up, who were busy doing other less exercisey things.  Bonus.  The event is for those over 18 and sporting (no pun intended) a pain in the backside disease called Type 1 Diabetes. 

Exercise can be one of the most challenging elements of type 1 diabetes.  For some, it makes their blood sugars skyrocket, while others are left plummeting to the depths of a nasty hypo before even having left the gym.    We all know exercise is fantastic for everyone, everywhere.  You have to have lived under a rock to think otherwise. But the challenge is especially great for people with diabetes.  On top of all the benefits like improved blood sugar control, increased insulin sensitivity and circulation benefits, it is also an excellent way to keep your weight in check, something I have struggled with for years.  But managing blood sugars during exercise is no simple task, which is where Animas come in.

Well guess what, even though you may feel the blood sugars you have during exercise are totally random, they aren't.  Not even close.  There is science behind all of it and this weekend tells you all about that, without needing your own Degree in Physiology and Endocrinology.  This weekend gave me the footing I needed to grab diabetes by the horns (yes, it is cow-shaped) and give it a right good seeing to.

Oh, and the weekend is freakin' fun.

As someone who has managed to overcome many of my exercise (and weight) demons by taking part in this weekend, I urge you to go.  And I don't just mean those who love their sport and are already super-svelte and exercising regularly; this weekend would also benefit those who struggle with weight, managing blood sugars and are lacking in confidence about where the heck to start.  In fact in my opinion, we are the ones who need the biggest 'leg up'.

The time has come to register, so contact sportsday@its.jnj.com for more details and to reserve your space.  If all goes to plan, I will even be there myself talking about the challenges of weight loss and diabetes which, thanks to this weekend, are now a lot less challenging.

The best news is that newcomers are also being treated with priority which is great news as the spaces are normally filled by those who have come to learn what a superb weekend it is.  So take them up on it! If you are free on the 10th, 11th and 12th of May 2013, come and join in! 

If you fancy seeing how last year's event went, check it out below:



AP (off for a speed jog, because I can)


5 comments:

  1. Just registered for more info etc. Looks amazing! If I can get the time off work, I'm there. If I can't get the time off, is there the chance to just go for Sat/Sun?
    Thank you for sharing
    Clare

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    1. Hi Clare,

      It was really excellent last year. The leading specialist who trained with Sir Redgrave during the Olympics was leading and delivering the info for us, and there were some real 'lightbulb moments'.

      I am afraid I am not one of the organisers so I am not sure about the chance of just doing day trips. Last time the major talk was done on the Friday night, so that we could make the changes we needed to make on Saturday morning before we headed off to activities. If you missed that it may impact how much information you can take away with you.

      However, I got in an argument with my car on the M25 last time, and 'catching up' with the missed information was harder, but not impossible as I did get there Friday evening.

      I would have thought a half day's leave would be sufficient though, and Lucy from Animas would be more than happy to answer any questions. She's really great.

      Good luck and I really hope to to meet you there.

      AP

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  2. Really great blog Anna, look forward to spending some time browsing some of your previous entries. James www.howfast.org

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    1. Hi James,

      Thank you. I look forward to searching your blog too. Looks and sounds intriguing.

      Thanks

      Anna

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  3. Hi Anna

    Do you know what time the event started and finished last year? I know you're not one of the organisers but I can't get this info out of them and I need to book time off work and train tickets. If you can remember roughly the times that would be really helpful.

    Thanks

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