Training tips
How to get more out of exercise and fit diabetes into life
My approach
Learn from difficulties
Things get in the way of your daily routine. The hustle of life can get you down and distract you from your goals and your childhood dreams. Medical conditions, financial stress, pressure at work, endless chores, all make things more difficult, but most of us, especially kids, have in-built resilience to overcome them, which in time becomes a strength.
Set a path for success
When your mojo fails strategies get you back on track. It wasn’t until I turned 40 and looked back on my life that the penny dropped. It was my passion for sport and adventure that had been my strategy. It had made me happy and kept me healthy, socially connected and mentally safe.
Accept that its harder
With diabetes anything is possible, it’s just harder. I’ve had injuries, anxiety and crappy stuff that sets me back. There is no time off from type 1. It is relentless. When negative messages abound, and people you don’t know tell you what you can’t do, stand up and be courageous. Use the skills from managing difficult things day after day, for years on end, to defy naysayers and take on what life throws at you. And, never give up on your dreams.
Three keys
Looking back on my teenage and young adult years three things unlocked my potential.
One - Inspiration
I learned what is possible from Gary Mabbutt MBE. He played football for Tottenham Hotspur and England with type 1 diabetes.
Two - Good advice
My first doctor encouraged me to put exercise and an outdoors lifestyle above everything else, and explained complications were far less likely in fit people.
Three - Belief
My father was a school teacher and a wizard on the sports field. He showed me that anything is possible and to pursue my dreams.
Tips on training your body and brain for life, sport, exercise and adventure.
Training tips
How I approached diagnosis
Diagnosis throws up mixed feelings and this looks back on what I felt at the time.
3 min read
Using blood glucose tests
Use finger pricks or continuous monitoring to improve outcomes.
2 min read
How I deal with ‘forever’
Insights on coping with the extra difficulties of life with a chronic condition.
20 min podcast
Why I set goals
Listen to how Duncan uses goals in this interview with Donna Campisi.
40min podcast
How to plan and prepare
Harness the problem solving skills that living with type 1 develops every day.
2 min read + video
Where I find inspiration
Find things around you to draw strength and inspiration.
5 min read
Eating the elephant
How small things can inspire great achievements when you feel low.
2 min read
How to race safe
Why the direction and level of my blood glucose is so important.
3 min read
How I exercise with type 1
My strategies to stay safe when training everyday, or competing in extreme conditions.
5 min read
How I fit it all in
There’s a lot to do and diabetes can be hard. Read some ways to help make time to fit it all in.
3 min read
Team work trumps everything
Living with type 1 diabetes over 35 years hasn’t make life easier, but has taught me that life, like running, is a team sport.
Some of the shortcuts I found by trial and error made things easier, and some of the people, books, podcasts and inspiring stories I bumped into along the way were key.
My fitter for having it approach is based on experience and a mix of information, tips and support I’ve found along the way. These links are to some of the people and resources that (still) inspire or help me.
fitterforresearchingit
fitterforinspiringit
fitterforcapturingit
IMPORTANT my tips worked for me and are based on my practical experience. Everyone with type 1 diabetes is different, we each have different needs and reactions to food, exercise and medication. There are common themes and trends, but before you change anything you do, seek expert advice and consult and discuss your approach with your medical team. It is what I do.