J-P Runs Dublin

"The marathon can humble you."

2007-02-06T12:54:00.000-05:00

That's a quote from Bill Rodgers, the great American distance runner from the seventies. I saw it on a T-shirt in one of his running stores in Boston a couple of years ago. This is from a man that won the Boston Marathon and New York Marathon four times each between 1975 and 1979.
I'm sorry it's taken me so long to post a race report from the Dublin Marathon. To be honest, I was frustrated and disappointed with my result and didn't want to think about it too much. I finished in 4:17, which was over 30 minutes slower than my goal of 3:46.
With this post, I hope to close the chapter on the Dublin Marathon and work toward improving my time and setting a personal best. There was a quote from Herbert Hainer, the CEO of the adidas Group in one of our corporate newsletters. He says:
"Sport, which is our love and business, teaches us that greatness must be earned. World-class athletes will tell you that success is not achieved through easy victories, but rather through failure and frustration – only, of course, if you learn and change."
I had done the training and preparation including all the little things in the days leading up to the race. My 1:49 at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Half-Marathon a month before the race gave me confidence going into Dublin.
The first half of the race I felt great and my split at the 13.1 mile halfway point was 1:53, which was within two minutes of where I wanted to be. Michelle had met me at mile 11 and I tested my blood sugar at that point. My reading was 8.0 mmol/L, which is high enough that I felt I wasn't risking a hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) reaction, but not so high that it would make me dehydrated and affect my performance. Michelle gave me a kiss and a bottle of Gatorade and six glucose tablets to take with me for the second half of the race.
If you take a look at my splits, you’ll see that I started to run out of gas around mile 15. Between miles 17 and 24 I was walking/jogging most of the time. My lungs were fine and I didn’t have any pain in my legs I just felt like I didn’t have any energy in me.

At the time, I didn’t know if I was low of if my blood sugar was high. It was about an hour since I tested at mile 11 and I had drunk about half a bottle of Gatorade (about 16 g of carbohydrates) plus about 30 g of carb’s from the glucose tablets. I couldn’t be sure because foolishly I hadn’t brought a blood glucose meter with me.
Looking back, I realize that I must have been low. I was incredibly hungry and just wanted to eat and eat and eat until I was sick. Other diabetics will understand this feeling--it’s common for me when I am experiencing a low blood sugar. Someone was handing out Hallowe’en-size Mars bars around mile 20 and I grabbed and ate as many of them as I could. Since the marathon, I’ve had experiences where my blood sugar has dropped dramatically during exercise. Recently, in less than half an hour on an exercise bike, my blood sugar dropped from 7.3 mmol/L to 2.9 mmol/L and I had to stop and take a PowerGel. I experienced the same feeling of running out of gas, which is what prompted me to check my blood sugar.
It was humbling being passed by so many people in the second half of the race but I was happy when I finished. I definitely learned a lot from my first marathon experience as a diabetic and I will use that experience in future training and races.

My next challenge will be the BMO Vancouver Marathon on May 6th. I have a comp entry thanks to the good people at adidas and I have enough air miles to cover my flight. I’m looking forward to catching up with my friends on the west coast.
In addition to my training for Vancouver, I’ve been taking spinning classes and Pilates. I’m hoping to buy a bike at the Toronto Bike Show in March and then try my hand at a few triathlons this summer.
I haven’t talked about it in this post but with your support, we raised about $7,500 for the Canadian Diabetes Association and I’m grateful to everyone that supported me.

Dublin Marathon Results

2006-11-07T06:28:00.000-05:00

I have to apologize to everyone who's been checking the website hoping to see a race report. Michelle and I just got back from Europe yesterday and I haven't had an opportunity to post anything.
We had a great time, met some great people and I finished the race in 4:17:33. I promise to have a full race report posted some time soon.

One Week To Go

2006-10-23T09:30:00.000-04:00

Only one more week until my marathon in Dublin, Ireland. I did my final long run yesterday, which was only eight miles. I'm on my taper now and until race day I won't run any distance longer than four miles so that my body has a chance to rest for the big day.
I would like to share a story that has inspired me and motivated me during my training. A few weeks ago, I attended a conference on Exercise and Sports Performance in Type 1 Diabetes, hosted by the TRIDEC Diabetes Education Centre. Dr. Michael Riddell and Dr. Bruce Perkins, who both have Type 1 Diabetes and are both active in various sports, gave excellent presentations. One of the athletes that Dr. Riddell mentioned in his presentation was Jay Hewitt. When I got home from the conference I checked out his webiste and learned his remarkable story.
Jay Hewitt is a Type 1 Diabetic who competes for the U.S. National Team for Long Course Triathlon. He's completed several Ironman distance triathlons with a personal best of 9 hours, 47 mintes. For those of you not familiar with the Ironman, it's a 2.4 mile open-water swim, followed by a 112 mile bike ride, followed by a full 26.2 mile marathon run. It is arguably the most gruelling one-day sporting event and its very nature makes it difficult for someone with diabetes to complete, let alone excel.
On his website, Jay has a video with clips taken from some of his races as well as from his motivational speeches. In his speech, Jay says some things that I believe but I haven't been able to articulate about overcoming a challenge, turning a negative into a positive and making it your motivation. Speaking about completing the Ironman as a diabetic he says, "It's an opportunity that others don't have because they haven't overcome what you've had to overcome."
On his website, Jay writes further, "To me diabetes is an opportunity, not an obstacle. An opportunity to discover how strong you are, to prove that you have the discipline and determination to achieve your goals no matter what the obstacles, and set an example for others."
The Ironman provides many inspirational and motivational stories like Jay's and I encourage you to check out his website at www.jayhewitt.com. Jay's story is remarkable but he's just like two million Canadians living with the day-to-day challenges of diabetes.
Jay ran his first marathon in 2000 in Kona, Hawaii with the American Diabetes Association's Team Diabetes in a time of 4:15:19.
I've been quietly considering trying the Ironman after the Dublin Marathon, perhaps as soon as 2008. I'm not a very strong swimmer and I don't own a bike but these are small obstacles that I can overcome.
Fundraising Update: I've had a few last minute donations and the total now stands at $7,265. Thank you for all of your donations! There's still time to make a donation before the race and you can do so by following these instructions.

Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Half-Marathon Results

2006-09-27T19:19:00.000-04:00

On Sunday I ran the Toronto Waterfront Half-Marathon. This was to make up for missing the Montreal Half-Marathon two weeks earlier. Going into the race I was a bit nervous because I had missed some training time while I was resting a sore left calf. I wanted to get in a good run and prove to myself that I could to run a better time than the 1:57 that I had in Ottawa this May.
The course is pretty flat but the wind was blowing in my face as I ran along Lakeshore on the way out. I told myself that that just meant it would be blowing at my back on my way home. I ended up finishing in 1:49:29 and didn't have any of the nutrition problems that I had in Ottawa. I was happy with the result and it gives me some confidence with just over a month till the Dublin Marathon.
Exactly one month from today, I'll be climbing aboard my first trans-atlantic flight and meeting close to 200 Canadians running for the same cause as I am. I'm very excited about this, about representing Canada, representing diabetics all over the world and about enjoying a pint of Guinness after the race. Thank you for all of the support that you've given me over the past year whether through words of encouragement or through your donations. You've helped take this from an idea I had been thinking about in the back of my mind for years to something that's actually going to happen.
Fundraising Update: Donations continue to roll in and the total now stands at $7,140. Thank you so much for all of your donations! There's still time to make a donation and you can do so by following these instructions.

$7,040! Thank you!

2006-09-17T15:21:00.000-04:00

I'd like to thank everyone who came to our Benefit Concert and Silent Auction on Friday. The event was a huge success, bringing the total dollars raised for the Canadian Diabetes Association to over $7,000. Thank you for all of your support!
I have now met my fundraising commitments and can focus on my training and preparation for the race. However, if you'd still like to make a donation, instructions on how to do so are available here.
I'd like to thank Cheap Suits for "bringing the rock" and special thanks go out to Aaron Bilyea at Molson Canada for his help in securing the venue and organizing the event.
I can't forget the silent auction donors, whose donations helped us raise money for the cause--Molson Canada, Reebok Canada, adidas Canada, NFL Canada, Toronto Raptors, Dublin Marathon, The Hockey Company and Umbro Canada. Thank you for your generosity.
Some of you may be wondering how I did at the Montreal Half-Marathon. Unfortunately, due to a family commitment, I had to rush back to Toronto on Sunday morning and couldn't run the half. I will be running the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Half-Marathon instead on Sunday September 24th. Look for me in my Team Diabetes singlet.

Benefit Concert Reminder

2006-09-15T07:08:00.000-04:00

This is just a quick reminder for everyone living in Toronto that I'll be hosting a Benefit Concert and Silent Auction tonight at B-Side at Fez Batik featuring Cheap Suits. Cover is $10 with all proceeds supporting the Canadian Diabetes Association. More details are available by clicking here.

The entrance to B-Side is located on Richmond Street, just east of the Fez Batik patio. I hope to see everyone there tonight.

Fundraising Update - $5,805 to date, $395 to go

2006-08-29T16:23:00.000-04:00

I'd like to send a huge thank you out to all of you that have made donations. It's been truly inspiring to see people contributing to this cause that means so much to me. The total dollars raised now stands at $5,805. With only $395 left to go, I'm confident that we'll make it to my goal of $6,200. With the concert at Fez Batik, I'm sure we'll be well over that goal.
As a special thank you, I will send out a free Rbk Team Diabetes Baseball Cap to the next five donors that make a donation online. If you have been considering making a donation or have been putting it off, now is the time to do it.
Instructions on how to make a donation are available by clicking here.

Silent Auction and Benefit Concert Announced

2006-08-29T08:44:00.000-04:00

I'm pleased to announce the details of a Silent Auction and Benefit Concert to raise funds for Team Diabetes Canada and the Canadian Diabetes Association.
This unforgettable night will take place Friday September 15th at B-Side, on the second floor of Fez Batik in Toronto. Fez Batik is located at 129 Peter Street, at the corner of Peter and Richmond Street West.
Special guests, The Cheap Suits will be performing their catchy blend of pop, punk, ska and soul including hits off their latest CD, "One Giant Leap." The evening will also include a silent auction featuring autographed sports memorabilia, gift certificates and other one-of-a-kind items.
All proceeds from the night will go the Canadian Diabetes Association and will help the CDA in their mission to promote the health of Canadians through diabetes research, education, service and advocacy.
Doors will open at 8:00 and the cover is $10, which will also enter you in a raffle for fantastic door prizes.
If you'd like more information or you'd like to provide an item for the silent auction, please email me at jprunsdublin@hotmail.com.
Thanks and I'm looking forward to seeing everyone on the 15th.

Nissan Foundation 5K At The Docks Results

2006-08-03T17:46:00.000-04:00

I know it's taken me a while to post the results from the Nissan Foundation 5K. It was a hot night with the temperature hitting 27° at the 7:00 pm start time. I was hoping for a better time but I finished with a chip time of 22:41, which isn't too bad, I suppose. It's an improvement over my time at the Achilles Track Club St. Patrick's Day Run, where I ran 23 minutes flat. I think that my tempo runs are helping me to pace myself a bit better but I still can improve my time and will probably try one more 5K race before the Dublin Marathon.
The big story of the race was Ed Whitlock, a 75-year-old runner who ran a world-record time of 18:45. Whitlock has been featured in Runner's World as a "Runner's World Hero of the Year." He's the only runner over 70 in the world to run a sub-3 hour marathon, which is an amazing accomplishment at any age. He'll be running in this year's Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon on September 24th and will attempt to be the first 75-year-old to finish under three hours.
Fundraising update: Thanks to a few donations over the past two weeks, I'm now up to $4,985 raised so far for the Canadian Diabetes Association. I'm in the process of planning a Silent Auction and Benefit Concert for mid-September so stay tuned for more details. If you'd like to make a donation to my campaign, you can do so by following these instructions. If you're an individual or small-business owner that may be able to contribute an item for the silent auction, please email me at jprunsdublin@hotmail.com. Thank you for your support!

Team D is On The Air

2006-07-14T11:39:00.000-04:00

Baby, if you've ever wondered, wondered whatever became of me...
The Fan 590 radio is now airing public service announcements supporting my Team Diabetes campaign. You can listen to the PSA by clicking on this link or, if you're in Toronto, you can keep your radio locked to 590 on the AM dial. Thanks again to Mike, Ian and Nelson at The Fan for making this happen.
In other news, I was finally able to upload a PDF file of my fundrasing brochure to this website. When I started this campaign, I printed some of these and distributed them through my doctor's office and to friends and family. This lead to a few donations from people I had never met before but the pamphlets were expensive to produce and I felt that the money could be better spent by donating it directly to the CDA. I realize that some people prefer a brochure over the website so I've made the brochure available for download. If you know someone that may not be comfortable with online donations or using the internet, but is interested in supporting this cause, please feel free to download this file and print and distribute copies.
I won't bore you with the details of my training but so far everything is on track and I'm running injury-free and feeling good. On Sunday I had a strong 20 km run through some hilly roads in cottage country followed by a jump in the lake.
Tonight I'll be running the Nissan Foundation 5K at The Docks. Watch for me in my Team Diabetes singlet. I will post results and photos after the race.
Donations have been coming in at a steady rate The total raised for the Canadian Diabetes Association now stands at $4,735 with $1,465 to go to reach my goal. Instructions on how to make a donation are available here. Thank you again everyone for all of your support!

Morrison Taken Third in NBA Draft

2006-06-30T19:19:00.000-04:00

I know that this blog is supposed to be dedicated to my running and my fundraising for Team Diabetes but I couldn't let this week go by without mentioning Wednesday's NBA Draft.
As someone with diabetes who plays and coaches basketball, Wednesday night was an exciting night for me.
I'm a Toronto Raptors fan and make it to about a half a dozen games a season. Through my job at Reebok, I've also had the chance to meet some of the players and coaching staff at the Raptors and play at their practice facility. The past few years, though, there hasn't been much to cheer about at the Air Canada Centre.
Going into Wednesday's draft, the Raptors held the first overall pick and, of course, there was speculation as to who the new GM, Brian Colangelo would select or if he would trade the pick for a veteran player.
One of the top prospects going into the draft was the NCAA's leading scorer (averaging over 28 points per game) from Gonzaga University, Adam Morrison. Morrison was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 14. Morrison has been very open to the media about discussing his diabetes but has never let his condition hold him back and has refused to be a "victim". In 2003 he told Sports Illustrated, "I’ve never said, ‘I have diabetes, so I can’t bust my ass on this play.'"
When that SI article hit newstands, Gonzaga's Athletic Department was flooded with phone calls and emails from parents of children with diabetes. Morrison became a role model for thousands of people with diabetes by proving that diabetes does not have to hold you back from your dreams.
The Raptors ended up taking an Italian big man named Andrea Bargnani but until the moment David Stern announced Bargnani's name, I held out hope that the Raptors would take Morrison.
Morrison ended up being selected third overall by the Charlotte Bobcats, a team that needs someone who can score baskets.
Morrison is not the only diabetic playing professional sports at the major league level. Pitcher Jason Johnson of the Boston Red Sox has Type 1 Diabetes and wears an insulin infusion pump when he plays. The NHL's Nick Boynton has Type 1 Diabetes and was recently traded to the Phoenix Coyotes where the defenseman will play for coach Wayne Gretzky. Morrison, Johnson and Boynton have all used their high profiles to raise awareness and funds for various diabetes foundations.
Congratulations on making it to the League, Adam. I'm ordering my Charlotte jersey as soon they're available and you'll have a fan here when the Bobcats come to Toronto.

Fundraising Update - $4,535 to date, $1,665 to go

2006-06-26T16:19:00.000-04:00

What an amazing two weeks it's been! Since I started this website just under two weeks ago, I've been overwhelmed by the support that I've received--both in the e-mails that I've received and the money raised.
In only 11 days, the total dollars raised for the Canadian Diabetes Association has increased by over 33%! That leaves just over $1600 to raise before the September 22nd deadline. Thank you! I've received donations from co-workers, friends, family, family of friends and others that I've never even met before but that believe in the cause and the work that the Canadian Diabetes Association is doing.
Several others have stepped up and helped out in other ways too. Lynn Levac at the Laurentian University School of Sports Administration sent an email to all Laurentian SPAD alumni that brought in several donations from prominent SPAD grads.
The Fan 590, Toronto's Sports Radio Station has offered to air PSA's with a link to my website at no charge. Those of you in Toronto can tune into 590 AM to hear the spots in the next couple of weeks. Thank you Mike, Ian and Nelson for your support!
My brother-in-law, Glenn Austin of Rusty Steel Designs, has designed a brochure for my fundraising. I'm working on getting the PDF file up on my website so that anyone can download it and print it off to distribute to friends and family. If anyone has any ideas on how to do this, please drop me an email. In the meantime, I can email you a copy if you're interested.
And finally, Darren Weldrick of Marathon Dynamics has donated a customized training plan and is providing me with coaching support throughout my training.
Thank you to everyone who has helped out. You're truly making a difference. Stay tuned to this website as I should have some more exciting news coming up soon.
Bye for now. I'm off on an 11-mile run tonight.

Shop Online at Running Room

2006-06-14T22:04:00.000-04:00

I have partnered with The Running Room, Canada's leading running specialty retailer to help raise money for the Canadian Diabetes Association.
You can help support the Canadian Diabetes Association by purchasing your running gear online at the Running Room.
I will receive a commission on all sales that were directed through this website. Of course, I will donate all commissions to the Canadian Diabetes Association.
Check out their online store, which features some great deals on Reebok shoes including the Road Plus II and Ultra II. You can access the site by clicking on the Running Room logo above or on the link at the right side of this page.
Send me an email if you're having trouble getting on to the site.

Fundraising Update - $3,395 to date, $2,805 to go

2006-06-14T13:16:00.000-04:00

Welcome to my brand new website and thank you for your interest in my goal of running the Dublin Marathon for Team Diabetes Canada.
Before I go any further, I would like to thank all of my donors so far. Your support has been fantastic and has truly inspired me. Through your donations I am over half-way toward my fundraising goal of $6,200. Thank you so much!
For anyone that has ever run a marathon, though, you'll know that the second half is always harder than the first. For many runners, the real half-way point of a marathon is at about mile 20, when you only have six miles to go but are already in considerable pain.
I'm over half-way in my fundraising but I can't slow down. In a road race there are cutoff times that you must hit in order to finish the race. Similarly, Team Diabetes has fundraising deadlines that I have to hit to make sure I stay on track, so if you've been thinking about it and haven't already done so, please consider sponsoring me.
It's easy to do. You can make a secure donation online on the Team Diabetes website. Of course, you can always email me with any questions you have (or words of encouragement.)

"May the road rise up to meet you, May the wind be always at your back..."

2006-06-14T11:30:00.000-04:00

Diabetes is a serious disease with devastating complications that affects over two million Canadians.
On October 30, 2006 I will be running the Dublin Marathon to raise money for the Canadian Diabetes Association as part of Team Diabetes Canada.

You can help this cause by making a donation to the Canadian Diabetes Association.

You can make a secure donation online at www.teamdiabetes.ca. Click on "Pledge a Participant" and follow the instructions. Under Participant's Name, enter Jean-Paul Pineau and under Event, select Dublin Marathon, October 2006.
You can mail a cheque or money order payable to the Canadian Diabetes Association to:

"J-P Runs Dublin"

c/o Jean-Paul Pineau

311-50 Cambridge Avenue

Toronto, Ontario

M4K 2L3

Please do not hesitate to email me at jprunsdublin@hotmail.com if you have any questions or would like to support the Canadian Diabetes Association. Donations of $15 or more will automatically receive a tax receipt. Thank you, J-P

My Story

2006-06-14T11:27:00.000-04:00

On December 23, 2004 I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, a serious disease that also affects other members of my family including my dad and my brother.
I must carefully manage my blood sugar levels through exercise, diet, and medication. I take four insulin injections each day and test my blood sugar by pricking my finger six to eight times a day. Diabetes has become a huge part of my life, but it does not control my life. The decisions that I, and over two million Canadians with diabetes, make today will affect our health in the future. I have to know that the choices I make are paving the road for my health in the future.
With this in mind, I decided to join Team Diabetes Canada and raise awareness and funds for the Canadian Diabetes Association.
I’ve committed to raising over $6,000 and running the Dublin Marathon on October 30, 2006. All proceeds benefit the Canadian Diabetes Association’s programs focusing on research, education, service and advocacy.
Since I committed to running the Dublin Marathon, I have run half-marathons in Montreal and Ottawa in my Team Diabetes singlet. On both occasions, I was overwhelmed by the support I received from people along the course. I have been encouraged and inspired by the stories that others have shared with me when I tell them my goal.
I can manage the training required to run the 26 miles but I’m counting on your support to help with my fundraising goal. I hope that you will consider supporting me by making a donation.

What is Diabetes?

2006-06-14T11:15:00.000-04:00

Diabetes is a serious illness that occurs as a result of problems with the production and supply of insulin in the body.
Most of the food we eat is turned into glucose, a form of sugar. We use glucose as a source of energy for our muscles and other tissues. Our bodies transport glucose in our blood. In order for our muscles and other tissues to absorb glucose from our blood, we need a hormone called insulin. Without insulin, our bodies cannot obtain the necessary energy from our food.
Insulin is produced by a gland called the pancreas. When a person has diabetes, either their pancreas does not produce the insulin they need (Type 1), or their body cannot use its own insulin effectively (Type 2).
As a result, people with diabetes cannot use enough of the glucose in the food they eat. This leads to the amount of glucose in the blood increasing. This high level of glucose or "high blood sugar" is called hyperglycaemia. High levels of glucose in the blood can lead to medical complications including cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, blindness and nerve damage.
At present, there is no cure for diabetes.