I can still call on vivid memories from the very first Slipstream. The people, excitement, conversations and revelations – feeling oddly jazzed about having diabetes. I can still sense the feeling of heading in from the crisp cold to a warm crackling fire and buzz of a crowd mingling in the lodge, the smell of wood smoke and insulin in the air.

I remember the drive home from that weekend, my mind racing with stories, bits and pieces of conversations, ideas and insights.

But what I remember most was the euphoric, larger-than-life feeling that I was part of something greater than myself, I was part of the Slipstream.

Each year, Winter Slipstream rejuvenates and revitalizes that ‘Slipstream feeling’. Having been to four events and working with CIM year-round, you’d think that perhaps the impact would lessen. My personal sense of the Slipstream has matured with experience (I now expect to be inspired, shocked at what others have achieved and accomplished, and know I won’t sleep for 3 days). Though no less powerful, it is different.

My ‘Slipstream feeling’ is now a mix of personal and vicarious enthusiasm. Now, watching others experience their first cruise in the Slipstream brings a new kind of euphoria and reminds me of the impact this weekend has. It’s larger than life.

This year’s Slipstream was the biggest yet with over 56 Type 1’s (and a few 5.5ers) joining us for the weekend. With growth, comes change. The 4th annual was hosted at YMCA Camp Pine Crest. Cozy cabins, a new dinning hall and over 650 acres of winter playground were ours for the weekend.

Thanks to a generous grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, the CIM Ambassador Program made its debut. CIM hosted 25 committed Slipstreamers for a day and a half of hands-on workshops before the ‘real’ Slipstream began. The goal?

Give these passionate CIM folks the tools and information they need to spread CIM’s mission, vision and philosophy in their own communities. We gave them some insight into the inner workings of CIM, explaining how events come to life. They shared their ideas, enthusiasm and passion for ‘breathing fresh air into diabetes education’ with us.

Secluded in a 100 year-old log cabin in the woods, ideas were formed and plans were created. Keep your eye on the CIM calendar for upcoming ambassador events in your community.

As the Ambassador Program wrapped up, over 25 more Slipstreamers converged on Pine Crest from across the province and beyond. Medtronic Diabetes, Bayer Diabetes and The Eli Lilly Foundation all contributed to make the weekend a success.

As with past years, the following 48-hours were action-packed. After getting to know each other on Friday evening, the group was given the opportunity to take home their very own Contour USB meter as well as to use Bayer’s A1C Now devices. In 5 minutes, we were able to have our A1C’s tested in the comfort of the main lodge up at camp. Thanks to Medtronic Diabetes, Slipstreamers also had the opportunity to trial Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) technology. Once set up on their sensors, they participated in an educational session to learn the ins, outs, tips and tricks for getting the most out of the device. Conversations continued late into the evening…or wait, was it morning?

Saturday morning the group split into groups to take on a series of challenges – building towers of snow, getting tangled in brainteasers, singing their hearts out and trusting each other on the Inuit Blanket. Themes of perception, behaviour and structure set the stage for Dr. Nick’s Triad of Change workshop, where we were challenged to question how we, as individuals, approach change. In starting to identifying our strengths, weaknesses and how we approach change, we were able to see where we must focus our energy if, and when, we intend to make change in our lives.

Later that afternoon, Mark Davis challenged the crew on Pine Crest’s static ropes course. Four stories up, he coaxed and encouraged pairs through the sky-high obstacle course. Relying on each other, many were able to ‘change’ their perspective on what was humanly and personaly possible! Meanwhile, other Slipstreamers made the most of the fresh snow that continued to fall. They headed out across the frozen lake on snowshoes and cross-country skis. The tubing luge track was a hit, until warm temperatures and fresh powder made for Velcro-like conditions. By late afternoon, snow was falling faster than shovels could clear it, regardless, a small game of shinny emerged on the lake. As the sun set and the stars came out, 56 sets of rosy cheeks retreated to the warm lodge for supper. Outside, a full on blizzard was raging.

After dinner, as tradition now dictates, I read the annual Slipstream toast. With over 50 champagne glasses raised, the crew took a moment to celebrate the year’s accomplishments, themselves and each other. Later on, Slipstreamers gathered around a snowy bonfire complete with Molson 67 beer, sparklers and s’mores. Back in the lodge, a series of rousing Minute to Win It Diabetes-themed games were underway. Soon, the entire group was cheering and chanting as people faced off in the syringe hanging, Dex4 sorting, ping pong ball shaking challenges. Rousing turned to raucous as the finals approached; titles and bragging rights were on the line!!

Sunday morning came all to soon. Stories of evening (and early morning!) adventures rolled in as groggy-eyed participants gathered around the breakfast tables. Though weary (and sore!) from Minute to Win It, it didn’t stop the crew from heading back outside to play in the freshly accumulated snow. A big group game of snow ultimate, more cross-county skiing, snowshoeing and a full team effort on the Inuit Blanket rounded out the morning. After a letter writing debfrief and round-table sharing of our favourite moments from the weekend, we enjoyed one last meal together.

Four days at YMCA Pine Crest had come to an end. Folks said their goodbyes and began to trickle home. I knew that each car heading down the camp road would be filled with stories, laughter, insights, ideas and plans for the future, regardless of how many people were inside, regardless of whether it was their first, second, third or fourth time at the event.  Everyone would be buzzing, despite their physical exhaustion, with a sense euphoria larger-than-life.  I could tell by the tone of their voices, the looks on their faces, and the look on my own – we all had the ‘Slipstream feeling’.

Special thanks to the Slipstream planning committee – Jen, Mark, Aaron, Lizzie, Amy and Julie. And to Mike and Hank for documenting the weekend.

THANKS TO THE SUPPORT OF OUR SPONSORS FOR MAKING SLIPSTREAM 2012 POSSIBLE

CIM Community Events are events that members of the CIM community are participating in outside of CIM’s Official Events and Programs. Organized and coordinated by volunteers, they offer opportunities for Slipstreamers to keep active and connected at the local level between major CIM events. They are often run by third-party organizations.

Running a 10K road race or a half-marathon? Taking on the challenge of an Adventure Race? Heading out kayaking? Doing your first triathlon? If you are planning something active and cool in your own community and want some Slipstreamers to join you, let us know!

Please contact Chloe at chloe@connectedinmotion.ca to discuss hosting a CIM Community Event in your town. You must have attended at least 2 CIM events before coordinating a community event.

*Community Events ARE NOT Official CIM Events. People participating in community events do so at their own risk. CIM’s website, facebook page and twitter account are used soles for promotion of the activities and to enable Slipstreamers to self-organize. CIM takes no responsibility for the the events or people attending them.

Who: Adults with Type 1 diabetes, Friends, Families, Industry Partners
When: Saturday April 21, 2011, 1:00pm – 5:00pm
Where: Beach Blast, Toronto, Ontario
Cost: $200/Team of 8 or $30/Individual

Join Connected in Motion on Saturday April 21, 2012 for an afternoon of beach volleyball.

This is a great chance to bring your friends and families out to experience the Connected in Motion Slipstream.

NO SKILLS NECESSARY!

Create your own team of 8 ($200/team) OR sign up as an individual or in a small group ($30 per player).

Please Note: Your team spot is not reserved until we have received your $200 registration fee. Please organize your fee payment amongst your team.

Come out and experience The Slipstream!

TO REGISTER:

CLICK HERE

TO PAY:

FULL TEAM REGISTRATION – “I am a team captain paying for my entire team” ($200)

INDIVIDUAL TEAM MEMBER REGISTRATION – “I am playing on a full team and would like to pay my ‘part’” ($25)

INDIVIDUAL PLAYER – “I don’t have a team, or have a small group of people” ($30) 

Q. What’s your story?
A. I’ve had type 1 diabetes since the age of five. I’m still using pens & syringes for insulin doses but I’m currently in transistion to begin using a pump. I’m really excited for this new change because I feel that with my eating habits and active lifestyle the pump will give me that flexibility.

I studied Marketing and Finance at Ryerson University. I graduated in the spring of 2008.

I love to run! I picked up running about five years ago out of curiousity from fellow runners in my neighbourhood. My first attempt didn’t go so well. But I didn’t quit just yet and kept at it until eventually I built up my endurance. Running (and being active, in general) has greatly improved my health, especially when it comes to managing my diabetes.

Q. What was your insulin regime like when you were first diagnosed with diabetes?
A. It was strict starting out. I never felt like I had the flexibility to change things around on a day-to-day basis. Nowadays with shorter acting insulin, as well as carb-counting, it’s now my insulin intake adjusting to me rather than the other way around.

Q. What is the coolest thing you’ve done as a person with diabetes?
A. In May of 2010, I ran my first full marathon (42.2km). At first I was intimidated by the distance. But as training went on and the mileage gradually increased I was able to adjust my insulin and food intake accordingly and received a lot of great advice along the way. I wanted to do this to prove to myself (and to others) that diabetes doesn’t have be what’s stopping you from achieving whatever goals you have in mind. Since then I’ve ran a total of five marathons which includes: Toronto, Vancouver, and the Goofy Challenge at Disneyworld (half and full marathon in the same weekend).

Q. What keeps you ‘in motion’?
A. Other than running, I also work out at a gym and play a variety of sports with some friends for fun. I just recently ran the Toronto marathon and achieved a new personal best with my time.

Q. What are the top 5 most played songs on your iTunes?
A. Beautiful Day- U2
Lose Yourself- Eminem
Going On- Gnarls Barkley
The Love Song- k-os
Jammin’ – Bob Marley

Q. Do you have a blog or link you’d like to include?
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=506980817

What? Connected in Motion’s 4th Annual Winter Slipstream Weekend
When? Friday January 27 – Sunday January 29, 2012
Where? Camp Pine Crest, Torrence, Ontario (NOTE: NEW VENUE!)

Winter Slipstream is an active, social and educational weekend for adults (19+) living with Type 1 diabetes. But that explanation sounds so formal…

What it really is… is a weekend jam packed full of winter adventure, engaging workshops, great food and incredible people. It’s a chance to connect (or re-connect) with like-minded Type 1′s, get out and try something new, learn from each others’ experiences and celebrate the year’s accomplishments – focusing on the positive aspects of what we CAN do with Type 1 diabetes.

This is your year to get into the Slipstream.

Thank you to Medtronic of Canada, Ltd for their generous support of the Winter Slipstream weekend.

NOTE: Winter Slipstream officially starts at 5pm on Friday January 27 and ends at 2pm on Sunday January 29. If need to make alternate arrangements for arrival/departure, no problem! Just let us know!

Be sure to check out the Slipstream 2011 VIDEO and PHOTOS.

REGISTRATION FEES
Regular Registration Fee: $250 (paid after November 21st 2011)
(This fee will cover your accommodation, all meals and snacks, equipment and activities.)

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! TWELVE SPOTS remaining for WINTER SLIPSTREAM (as of November 14). Don’t delay in registering!

To register, CLICK HERE!

To pay now, click the ‘Buy Now’ button below.

Alternatively, you will be sent an invoice via email for registration fees.

Weekend Schedule and Packing List will be available in December 2011.

For an idea of last year’s schedule and packing list, visit the 2011 Winter Slipstream Page.

Connected in Motion is excited to present Canada’s first Riding on Insulin camps!

Who: Children with diabetes, ages 7-17 and their siblings. Adult (18+) Coaches and Mentors.
What: Riding on Insulin’s ski/snowboard camp with Professional Snowboarder (and Type 1!), Sean Busby.
When: March 16 + 17, 2012
Where: Nakiska Resort, Alberta
Cost: $115 per youth (Includes lift ticket, Saturday lunch, Satuday dinner, snacks and event T-Shirt)

To Register – CLICK HERE.
To Pay – CLICK HERE.

Are you 18+, but still want to be involved? Volunteer as a mentor/coach! CLICK HERE.

Connected in Motion is excited to present Canada’s first Riding on Insulin camps!

Who: Children with diabetes, ages 7-17 and their siblings. Adult (18+) Coaches and Mentors.
What: Riding on Insulin’s ski/snowboard camp with Professional Snowboarder (and Type 1!), Sean Busby.
When: March 23 + 24, 2012
Where: Blue Mountain, Collingwood, Ontario
Cost: $115 per youth (Includes lift ticket, Saturday lunch, Satuday dinner, snacks and event T-Shirt)

To Register – CLICK HERE.
To Pay – CLICK HERE.

Are you 18+, but still want to be involved? Volunteer as a mentor/coach! CLICK HERE.

Fabulous weather, a beautiful course and fantastic volunteers contributed to a great event. Of course the golfers made the day! Out in full force, they ‘Birdied for ‘Betes’, showed off their strength on the ‘Longest Drive’ hole, demonstrated their precision at the ‘Closest to the Pin’ hole and the putting contest.

Immersed in a new and foreign sport, the CIM team learned a thing or two (including humility) on the tee blocks and greens. Thanks to everyone for their patience as we learned ‘experientially’!

Photographer Hank Devos took chase with a golf cart as the teams birdied, eagled and mulliganed around the course. Peruse his photos from the event below.

All of the funds raised will go directly towards our upcoming Winter Slipstream event this coming January.

Thanks to Shawn Shepheard, Laura Mackenzie and Chris Carmichael for organizing a great day! Our gratitude to all those who brought prizes for the raffle as well as huge thanks to Sarah Ketcheson, Jen Hanson, Hank Devos, Sarah Morris and Stephanie for vounteeriing their time, energy and enthusiasm.

Photo: Jen Hanson

Our small meeting room overflowed with positive energy and nervous excitement as familiar faces reconnected and new introductions were made.  Tom Baxter joined us from Kingston, ON to speak about his experiences as a Type 1 cycling across the continent of Africa as well as down the West Coast of the USA and Mexico. He spoke about completin g a medical placement in Rwanda, hiking Kilimanjaro and more. We laughed, learned and asked numerous questions about adventure travel with diabetes. From adventure travel we moved on to adventures in diabetes technology with an Intro to Continuous Glucose Monitoring hosted by Cristin from

Medtronic. Twelve canoe trippers were set up to wear Medtronic sensors for the weekend.

The session was a great chance to learn sensor

‘ins and outs’ as well as tips and tricks from the pros (nurses and other sensor users) before hitting the trail.  After a quick pre-trip meeting the troops headed to their rooms to take advantage of last luxuries – feather pillows and warm showers.

Photo: Hank Devos

The van rolled out early the next morning, packed to the roof with people, packs and food to fuel 20 active Type 1′s for a weekend adventure. Many of us noted unexplained ‘highs’ on ourBayer USB meters and sensors – must have been the excitement! By lunch time, we had arrived, picked up our canoes, loaded the boats and were paddling on the French River, a world away from the Holiday Inn.

After all of the preperations, predictions and premonitions that go into planning a mutli-day trip, the moment you push off shore is pure bliss. From there on in, you are out with the people you are with and the gear that you have with the sole purpose of enjoying the experience.

Photo: Chris Scully

At night, pump alarms reverberated out across the lake as we indulged in carb-laden treats and made up for energy expended throughout the day. Happy to be amongst fellow Type 1′s, and safe from the diabetes food police on our Type 1 island, we let loose a little, because, “yes we caneat that”. (Okay, we were all feeling just a little gluttonous and did go for a team swim after dinner to burn off some sugar!! But we can!)

Photo: Chris Scully

A HUGE THANK YOU to Jen Hanson, Amy Burrows and Jenn Randall for all of their hard work prepping, planning and during the trip itself. Another MASSIVE THANK YOU to Medtronic of Cananda and Bayer Diabetes for their support of our Summer Expeditions and Programs. Bayer was our ‘Meter and Strip of the Trip’ -All canoe trippers received a Bayer USB meter, strips and AIC Now test in addition to the opportunity to try sensor technology for the weekend. Many thanks!

Photo credits: Hank Devos, Chris Scully, Jen Hanson and Chloe Steepe. Thanks for the pics guys!