I'm 35 years old, a type 1 diabetic since August 2004, and I'm training for the UK Ironman, to be hold on the 2nd August this year. Currently I'm training for about 13/14hrs a week and I've just got my most recent blood tests back (some of the details listed below). I'm hoping to use this as a training log to keep me motivated but also to try to understand what effects endurance training has on a diabetic body. I'll try to offer my knowledge, understanding and psychological perspective on a illness/disease/condition (?) that, though I have under control, is an ever-persistent shadow that basically pisses me off every day.

I'm about 6' 2" and weigh about 72kg / around 160lbs

HbA1C (three month blood glucose level) = 6.3

Cholesterol = 3.8

Low red blood count and heamoglobin but all else well within good and healthy parameters. However, I think I'm only low because I'm eating far too few calories for the training I'm doing. I'm getting through about 3,000kCal a day, which I find hard enough to get down without having to stuff more food down (and, oddly, I love eating too).

I'll add to the blog as often as I can with my diet, training plans and, probably at some point, the time in the season when I fall off my bike and land in a nettle bush - it has happened more than once!