Have you ever watched the Tour de France and seen the lone cyclist biking desperately to catch up with the rest of the pack? Well, thanks to Connected in Motion I know that s/he is looking to enter into the amazing phenomenon known as the Slipstream, which Chloe has spoken about numerous times.
This past year I have felt like that lone cyclist; pedaling just behind the pack but finding myself unable to break into it for a number of reasons: work, family, work, friends, work….anyone notice a pattern here?
When I moved to Calgary, I knew that I would be sacrificing a few things, but I didn’t realize how much of my diabetes I would be giving up. I was reminded of this over the past weekend. Connected in Motion is powered by its people. Sure, the events are inspirational, motivating, empowering, but it is who attends the events (and it can be anyone….we all bring the same thing with us) that truly moves the group along. CIM gives us a venue to share our triumphs and frustrations, our achievements and failures. There is no judgment, no ‘right’ answer and nobody to care if you use the wrong medical terminology or you don’t know something. It is a safe place.
As I sit here in Calgary, I feel hopeful; hopeful that I can pedal a little harder, dig a little deeper and push myself a little harder to get back into the Slipstream. This past weekend I was given a small taste of what this feels like, and it has left me craving more.
So, thank you. Thank you Slipstreamers for sharing your experiences with me, especially the personal ones. Thank you for pushing yourselves. Thank you for embracing everyone, regardless of blood sugar or A1C. Your gifts of time, enthusiasm and energy have made their way back to Alberta and are are tucked into my diabetes spi-belt. Thank you.
By: Sarah Ketcheson
