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The checklist and other "cositas"
Packing! This is one of the things that it is truly easier said than done. Regardless of where you’re going, for how long, if the weather is cold or warm… or you’re going by yourself or with friends or family, packing is that one step right before your trip. In this case, I am also referring to a checklist recommended in the book Camino del Norte. Here the author right a very well defined list of items that he recommends the pilgrims to bring. It goes from different kinds of clothes, medicines, and tools.
I started by choosing my tools. So I selected a multi tool that has players knife and the screwdrivers all integrated in one item. This tool reminds me of the book 127 hours from Aaron Ralston. I hope I won’t need to perform the same thing he did with that tool. I also had a flashlight, and a raincoat that was not part of my checklist.
One consideration is that I am running a 5K in Boston, a marathon in London, and then I am going to walk 550 miles. In short, this means that I need at least three sets of shoes. The first one is the running shoes for the races. This shoes are especial because they have a carbon plate in the soul to support my running. Then the second pair of shoes are the hiking shoes
How do WE Fight?
MOVE! One of the best ways to prevent, and treat, diabetes is by exercising. Any endocrinologist will agree with this. Any M.D. for that matter! And by exercising, I mean MOVING! You do not need to beat Usain Bolt in the 100 meters, run one marathon every week (or every month, or every year). NO. You just need to move. Try this:
- 20 mins daily walks
- 10 mins running, light pace
- 30 min biking, and yes! A stationary bike counts
- Climb 20 steps every two to three hours
- Walk around your house or office for 5 minutes every hour
And, if you really want to get it up next level; then try meditation! Meditate for 3 to 10 minutes daily and it will make a great difference in your life.
The WHY of this WAY
When my son was diagnosed, we had to learn a lot of new things. I remember having two manuals given by the doctor, I also bought three books, to learn about the disease, the diet, and the life with diabetes. Back then, it was like drinking water from the hose of a firetruck! We managed to learn, step by step, and we improved every year. A few weeks later, during a rendezvous with some friends, a mom asked us how we found out about his diabetes. That was the first time we helped someone to learn more about diabetes. Her son had the same symptoms and was diagnosed with Type 1 the following day.
Recently, I had the chance to share with a colleague this story. He mentioned experiencing some of the symptoms lately and was a little concerned. I advised him to go to an endocrinologist. He was diagnosed on the day of his appointment. In this case, the doctor mentioned that the appointment could have saved him from a trip to the ER.
This is WHY! Because most people do not know what it is, or how to handle it. The reason is simple; we don’t want people who are diagnosed with diabetes to go through a drinking-from-the-hose phase, as we did! We want to raise awareness, and for all of us to be mindful about it. I know firsthand, that going through all that information is overwhelming, let alone being the one diagnosed with it. And if you are an adult, it will be more difficult to change habits and diet.
The Quest
It has to be a challenge, it has to make me think once or twice a day: “Why am I doing this?” Why? Because we want to share what we know, help others be aware, and be prepared. Because everything is easier when somebody guides you and helps you. There are different ways to manage your diabetes, and we do not mean to set any official guidelines, for that, the doctors work with the American Diabetes Association and then you take what works for you.
And this is a challenge to express, in my way, how one can overcome difficulties. I will walk an average of 42.2 km daily, one full marathon a day! I need to do this to know my boundaries and to exceed them, to grow. And at the same time helping people to learn more about diabetes. As I grew older, I learnt that paying forward is the best way to live. You help anyone who needs a hand, without expecting anything back, not even a simple “thank you”, go out and help. It will come back shaped in happiness and love.
The fundraiser serves two purposes: covering a few expenses, like shoes, a raincoat, other clothes, some hostels (under 20€ each), and water. This should not exceed 2,000€. The intention is to go underneath 1,500€ so that the rest of the $10,000 goes directly to the ADA, matched by my employer. Please consider donating, everything from $1 up counts and helps us in our quest.
In the end, once this quest is completed, I would like to be able to achieve a personal dream, I will not reveal it, until it is sealed. But it has been in my mind for so long. Stay tuned!
The links
These are the links that helped me find information about the different options.
This adventure is not just about me; it’s about making a difference. I invite you to join me in the fight against diabetes by contributing to the fundraising campaign. Every donation, no matter how small, brings us closer to a world without the challenges posed by diabetes. Over 80% of all the funds will be donated to the ADA (American Diabetes Association), for some of the funds will be used to pay some of the expenses incurred along the way. AND for every dollar donated to the ADA, my employer will MATCH IT!
Stay tuned for more updates as I embark on this life-changing journey. Your support means the world to me, and together, we can make strides towards a healthier and happier future. Buen Camino!
Register for an amazing experience while riding your bike through the amazing scenery of Asheboro, NC. Coming soon, this May 18th. For more information contact us or visit the Official Webpage of the event.
