CAMPER BLOGS...Ironman or "Yardman"?

First real day at camp has been a whirlwind. First, as a practicing emergency medicine physician I did not know exactly what to expect. I wanted to work hard physically but was nervous about spending a week intensely focused on Diabetes, Exercise, and living with this disease. I was wary of spending time with far more “accomplished” diabetics than I. I am surrounded by uplifting and exceptionally gifted fellow diabetics who immediately create a sense of camaraderie and community. I am also surrounded by unbelievably dedicated camp staff team that makes everything look seamless and provide opportunity for real life application of the lecture topics if you have done an Ironman or “Yardman“ (my term for riding your bike to the mailbox, running across the yard and jumping in the pool race)

Today we had run coaching with Yoli. Yoli is a Peruvian spitfire that could inspire a goat to believe he was a antelope. She coached like tomorrow you will be lining up at Kona. (Follow me here, I’m living the dream)

Swimming was with Celeste, hailing from the beautiful mountains of New Hampshire, giving us insight on the Total Immersion method and filming our stroke to ensure “Total Humility”

Carrie the mentalist keeps attention paid to our athletic spiritual being, and helps us get to know one another.

Double lecture by Chuck the Exercise Physiologist from Missoula Montana was outstanding and relevant date about how we are not so different than our “Non-D” athletic counterparts. Professionally I say great job and awesome speaker.

Nancy E. rocks and has no idea how much this kind of thing is appreciated and big Matt C. is a favor to my profession for his dedication and perseverance to help the 42 of us who have come to this thing.

Grant the Bike Doctor of the Bass Guitar family got me a new setup on my bike, has established the code of conduct for the community bathroom, keeps everyone’s wheels spinning. Many thanks to a genuine article of a human.

I may have left out a few folks but there is a line for this computer so, let me end with this: I am already trying to figure out how to come to the next one.

Finishing is Winning
JJL

from the laptop of Dr. Matt...

Another Diabetes Training Camp is underway! The entire DTC team is psyched to be back in action at the University of Oregon. We are privileged to have about 45 campers from 25 different states (including our second camper from Alaska!) It does not take long to appreciate how lucky we are that people come to us looking for something a little bit different. And for me to realize how fortunate I am to have the team that we do.

Some of the most common questions we hear heading into a camp: Will I be able to keep up? Will I hold anyone back? Am I fit enough? Well, these campers have put their worries behind and have hit the ground running - no matter the goal. S ome campers are interested in kick- starting a fitness routine, and some of them want to learn how to run a mile without stopping. At the other end of the spectrum we have some folks that are aspiring to cross the Ironman finish line this fall, with a broad spectrum in between.

It is not the specific goal that makes each and every person here remarkable; rather, it is the desire to set the goal and willingness to challenge themselves and their diabetes head-on that makes each camper extraordinary. Each camper has already recognized that they are ready for camp, that they can do this, and, that they are holding no one back! It's a remarkable sight.

With that recognition in place the troops are already out the doors for their afternoon workout. they went on their way inspired by another one of Carrie Cheadle's fantastic workshops. Our very own mental skills specialist has started to deliver the goods on the psychology of sport and exercise. Carrie sent them out the door armed with strategies to "feed the athlete" with healthy and empowering self-talk, as opposed to "feeding the monster" with the self-deprecating language that we all fall prey to. It is certainly not a stretch to say that the campers are already putting it into action as the coaches currently work with them on their bikes, in the pool, and over at the weight room. It's an inspiring sight to see.

No doubt about it. Camp is back in action. I can't think of anyplace I'd rather be right now. f ever we needed some inspiration for the future growth of DTC, we have just found it in these 45 remarkable individuals. An amazing group, indeed.

Stay well,

Dr. Matt

Matthew Corcoran, MD and CDE
Founder and Director of Diabetes Training Camp
www.diabetestrainingcamp.com