I’ve ridden excuse train long enough this month. I’m tired. been working hard. We painted the house. It’s hot. It’s humid. It’s early.

But with August rolling the calendar around and time to start thinking I should gear up for another training season, I headed out today, the morning after a day of soaking monsoon rains, with the air heavy with moist hotness. I just went slow, tuned into a technical podcast on the mp3 player, and ran slow fro Chaparral Park west to the canal, turning south rather than my usual north, and going down to Camelback Road and back.

One step at a time.

But wow, am I drained. Even with a cool shower I was dripping and spent a good 45 minutes just filling with liquids.

One run at a tine,

Did you know... "Jerry Mathers, actor of ""Leave It To Beaver"" fame is/was diabetic" (from Diabetes Health Magazine)
See more diabetic facts...

Over the past few years (I’ve only been there for two), the local Team Diabetes has successfully increased each year the number of runners and amounts raised for the American Diabetes Association through the activities that lead up to the January Rock and Roll Marathon. The success is due to an outstanding group of local volunteers (my busy work schedule this Spring caused me to miss every meeting, I swear I planned to help!!).

So if you are a runner, and want to be part of an amazing group, consider joining us for this year’s training. Msot everyone nows a family member, friend, colleague who’s life has been touched, affected by diabetes (which unfortunately too has been on a growth curve in the US). Or if you are someone who has never run before (that was me 2 years ago), this is the best way to take on and succeed a challenge in something you likely thought you could not do0 run your first half (or full) marathon. Get off the couch!

Over the next few weeks,Team D is holding a number of informational meetings around Phoenix where you can meet us and get more info.. and sign up for all the fun. Coming up are meetings:

• Tuesday, July 17th @ Chandler Sunset Library 12:00 pm (4930 W. Ray Road Chandler, Chandler, AZ)
• Thursday, July 26th @ Phoenix Public Library Juniper Branch 6:30 pm (1825 W. Union Hills Drive, East of 19th Ave., Phoenix, AZ)
• Wednesday, August 1st @ SCC Room SS123 6:30 pm (9000 E. Chaparral Road, Scottsdale, AZ)
• Thursday, August 2nd @ West Valley Hospital 6:30 pm (Second Floor Classroom, 13677 W. McDowell Road, Goodyear, AZ)
• Tuesday, August 7th @ Rio Salado College Conference Center 6:30 pm (2323 West 14th Street, Tempe, AZ)
• Thursday, August 9th @ Native Health 6th Floor Conference Room 6:30 pm (4520 N. Central Avenue, Suite 620, Phoenix, AZ)
• Wednesday, August 15th @ SCC Turquoise Room 6:00pm (9000 E. Chaparral Road, Scottsdale, AZ)

I am hoping to be there for the August 1 and August 7 sessions, hopefully I can arm twist some old colleagues from Maricopa to show up. August 15th is also the kick off meeting for everyone at Team D, and training starts the following Saturday.

I’ve not run much lately, though the last few ones have been very encouraging following the shin splint aching episodes last year. I’m trying to mull over my plans for this year- Fall picks up another busy travel time for work with trips to Boston and Dallas in September, a 3 week packed trip to Australia in October, and a week in New Orleans in November.

But tell everyone and anyone about the upcoming meetings. Find some inspiration in someone you know you has been affected by diabetes, or take this on as a personal challenge. You will not find a more supporting, fun, and fabulous experience than training with Team D. Why train alone? how dull….