The "Take Him With You" Podcast interviewed me about my Journey

Over three years ago, I connected with an online community at "Treks in SciFi" -- a web site, forum, and podcast devoted to science fiction and fantasy lovers. And with me being a huge Star Trek and Star Wars fan, it was a natural fit; and I have met some fantastic friends there.

Among those new friends were Rick and Amy Moyer from Washington (state). They are great people. And they have their own podcast called "Take Him With You" which offers spiritual encouragement, focusing less on the secular 'church' and more on developing a personal relationship with Christ.

The podcast covers lots of different topics that affect the lives of everyday folks. They approached me a little while ago, asking if I would share my 'weight loss' journey with their listeners as a way of encouraging and inspiring others to perhaps start their own journey towards healthier living.

I was excited (and nervous) about doing a podcast with them again (my last podcast with Rick was for Treks in SciFi where we covered the TV series "The Six Million Dollar Man" and "The Bionic Woman"). It was a lot of fun to talk with them about how I got started on my journey, how I started exercising and running, and how I stay motivated to keep moving forward.

If you would like to listen to the podcast, you can download it via iTunes or listen to it online by clicking here. It is my hope that something in my words will encourage and inspire you to continue or begin your path towards a healthier 2012!

Good news today! Diabetes Managed!

On Saturday, I went to see my doctor for my regular 3-month check-up and bloodwork for my diabetes.  He said that everything looks really good!  I found out he is a runner and was going to run the Chicago Marathon the next day.  So we discussed how my running was going, if I was doing enough stretching before and after my runs, etc.  He definitely suggested that after my warm-up walk/jog, I should stop and do some stretching before I begin my actual 'run'.  Combining that with my usual post-run stretching and foam rolling should help me prevent injury (something I am very interested in avoiding).

My weight is continuing to drop, which has been one of my main goals since May 2010.  I am certain that being overweight (obese, actually) was a major contributing factor to my diabetes, and a major drag upon my overall health.  With over 110.2 pounds shed thus far, the doctor is overjoyed.  My next goal is to lose 20 more before the end of 2011 and to lose a total of 160 pounds by the end of April 2012 (when I plan on running the Illinois Half Marathon).

He and I discussed my medication and whether stopping the Metformin is a possibility now that I have demonstrated continuing success as managing my blood glucose levels over the past 6 months.  He said I could stop the meds but that on Monday, when the results of my bloodwork are in, he would 'confirm' that decision if the results came back as we both expected.

Well, the results are IN!  And, NO MORE MEDS will be required for me!!!!  My HbA1c came back at 5.8% which is a non-diabetic level.  My test results for this have been between 5.5 and 5.8 since April -- even as my meds have been slowly reduced over this period -- so he is very pleased with that.

While I could say "I am no longer a diabetic", that would not be entirely honest.  Diabetes will always be something I need to keep under control, so that I never have to experience any of its damaging and potentially life-threatening complications.  So my job is to continue exercising and eating healthy (and appropriately portioned) meals in order to successfully manage my diabetes and weight.  In other words, to stay a 'lean, mean, running machine'.

I will slightly adjust a line from Harry Potter and say "Diabetes Managed!"