NorCal Strongman Championships

This past weekend was my fundraising event that I named "Deadlifts for Diabetes" run through the JDRF. I used the NorCal Strongman Championships to pull my deadlift. I ended up receiving a bit over $1,200 in donations. I am pleased with the amount raised, but I think I can do more in the future. I am very thankful for those that donated. I can't express how much I appreciate your generosity. 

The competition was 4 events. The events were a max axle clean and press, farmers walk/zercher carry medley, max 18" deadlift and a 60 second stone series. Some of these movements I haven't had much practice in. I figured why not just go for it.

Here are my results thanks to Kalle Beck for the programming and coaching! He has been giving me feedback and cues the last few weeks leading up to the comp. 

www.startingstrongman.com

Axle clean and press- 273#

Farmers 225#/zercher carry 375#- 24 seconds

18" deadlift- 675#

Stone series 220-350#- 4 for 5

Overall, I am very pleased with how I did. I took 2nd place out of 12 others in my weight class. Everyone was very nice and helpful. I would like to especially thank my family and friends that made the trip to watch me. This was more than just sport for me, this was a start of my fundraising and involvement for type 1 diabetes awareness.

The morning of the competition was very difficult on the diabetes front. My infusion set was not delivering insulin. Two hours before the comp I went up to 480. It was the first time that I thought that I was going to have to go to the hospital. Luckily, everything went to normal before the competition began. I probably tested my blood sugar 30 times. I changed infusion sets, used a syringe and tried to stay hydrated. I actually flushed out 8 pounds if fluid in the morning. It was safe to say that I felt horrible. Once I was steadied, my levels were between 136-225 with a few peaks close to 300. I knew I had to fight through the day no matter what. The last thing I wanted was for my disease to stop me from participating in my own event to raise funds. 

As I was deadlifting, I thought of how this type 1 thing can't hold me back. My goal was to prove that being type 1 shouldn't hold people back from accomplishments. If anything this disease makes me more focused, responsible and aware.  

My biggest worry on Saturday was that diabetes was going to literally kill me. Through the support of my friends and family WE BROKE DIABETES!