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Permalink Reply by Tom T on September 17, 2010 at 7:50am

Where are you inserting the infusion set and how do you secure your pump? Is something catching on the tubing or is the tubing not long enough? I'm not a marathoner, but I typically wear my pump regardless of pace or distance (though I've never gone more than 15 miles). My set is connected on my thigh and I use the waste band for my MM pump with a 23 inch tubing.

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Permalink Reply by Katie www.princessofpavement.com on September 17, 2010 at 9:39am

It's nothing to do with the infusion, which is in my stomach. It's more the weight of the pump itself which I have clipped onto the waste band of my shorts. And because I'm pumping my legs at such a quick speed, the added weight feels like it's pulling down on my shorts, if that makes sense.

On another note, how do you manage with the infusion inserted into your leg? Every time I've tried doing that, I usually rip it out the first time I go to the washroom, or change my clothes, or something to that effect.

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Permalink Reply by Tom T on September 17, 2010 at 11:43am

OK, now I see. No, I never run with just the clip on the wasteband, it just doesn't work. If you have a MM, I use this one:

https://www.medtronicdiabetes.com/store/products/summary/C-ACC-106-P

some people use the pouch on their running belt but I find that this one works very well for me.

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Permalink Reply by jaynadems on September 17, 2010 at 9:51am

Try getting a spibelt http://store.spibelt.com/category-s/2.htm or something similar. It will take the pump off of your shorts but will still allow you to keep it on. And if you email Kim the owner of the company and tell her you want yours to be an insulin spibelt in a different color she will make it for you.

I use one when I run and I think it works great. You do feel it moving a little around, but if you keep the belt tight enough the bounce shouldn't be much at all.

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Permalink Reply by Katie www.princessofpavement.com on September 17, 2010 at 10:12am

I just checked the website and a whole lot of belts showed up, a lot that looked just like regular fuel belts. I'm wondering if there's a specific one you're talking about that I should be looking at?

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Permalink Reply by jaynadems on September 17, 2010 at 10:48am

They have an option for an diabetic belt. They look like fuel belts, the diabetic one has a little opening to snake the tubing out of. I have heard you don't need the diabetic belt option you can just leave the zipper open, but I have the one designed for an insulin pump.

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Permalink Reply by Kelly WPA on September 17, 2010 at 10:10am

I was also going to recommend the Spibelt. They people that own the company actually designed it themselves specifically to have something when running. I don't run anymore but have one for my Dexcom. It is very lightweight and made out of the material they make swimsuits out of so will stretch to the size of your pump. You can also get one for your arm.

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Permalink Reply by laurenc873 on September 17, 2010 at 10:10am

When I run I always take my pump off. I never want to risk it coming loose and smashing on the pavement!!! I havent seen any problems when I disconnect for 45 minutes.

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Permalink Reply by Katie I. on September 17, 2010 at 11:52am

I have frequently worn my pump in the key pocket of a sport tank-top when running, and it holds it well. (Here's an example-- check out the pocket on the back of this top: http://www.swimoutlet.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=13311&...) I preferred that over a belt, although I've run with the spi belt and thought it was comfortable.
I always opted to keep my pump on, just because I would run a little high later if I took it off. But I didn't do speed work all that often-- just long and maintenance runs.

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Permalink Reply by Terry Keelan on September 17, 2010 at 12:09pm

I also recommend the Spibelt - any model. They fit quite snugly without bouncing. To carry both the pump and a meter get the double pouch. If you're doing speed work at a track, you can leave the meter at the side of the track.

Be careful about taking your pump off because it means that two hours later you'll have low or no insulin on board. This could lead to a big spike and possibly DKA. This is the voice of experience talking. Some people can get away with it. Just be careful and watch your BG closely in the next few hours.

What many people do instead is reduce their basal rate to about 50% starting 1 hour before running.

Check out the threads in the Athletic Diabetics or Diabetics Who Run Marathons Group on this topic or get a copy of "The Diabetic Athlete" by Sheri Colberg.

Good luck in the marathon. Where and when? Training with a group or on your own?

Terry

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Permalink Reply by Katie www.princessofpavement.com on September 17, 2010 at 12:22pm

I generally do a temp basal rate as well, but when I'm doing speed intervals, I'm not a fan of weighing myself down. I have had BG spikes after runs, but nothing too, too bad so far. I'm thinking taking the pump off might not be the best option for me, and given that I only have 2 more weeks of intervals (WOOHOO!!!) I can probably keep going as is.

I will check out her book for sure, thanks.

I'm training for the Portland Marathon, and I chose it more for my love of Portland (and my love of shopping in Portland) than anything else :) And yes I have been training with a group; I don't think I could have done it without them!

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