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Is this a Success??

johnpol

johnpol

Well-Known Member
Messages
919
Location
Consett
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Pump
I have had diabetes for 23yrs now, and I have had two cataract surgeries (both successful) and Retinopathy in my right eye (eight lots of Laser treatment, which wasn't pleasant but successful) all through my years of diagnosis I have trained with weights. Even competed in strongman competitions up to national qualifiers (as it was back in the dark ages:)), all that stopped just over three years ago as I had a small stroke (nothing major but left me with a numb left foot and a little weakness) and I lost the will to want to do anything, oh have I mentioned that I lost eight stone?? well I did (put a lot back on though). My one thing that I loved to do (other than walking my Bulldogs) I felt that I could no longer do to the level, or strength, I once did. But my old training partner has gone into Powerlifting in the "oldies" division (he's sixty) and has won lots of Titles and set World Records. He began his Powerlifting journey 3 years ago, now I'm not usually jealous or upset by peoples success, I genuinely wish them well, but this rankled me. Now I have set foot back in the gym, virtually straight after my Doctors said that I could, but, with one condition " No Lifting heavy" so for 18months that is what I did.
Until last year and at eight weeks notice I decided to enter a deadlift only competition (I didn't do well but I did it) but this year after all the scare of "Emergency Eye Treatment" to save my sight (Doctors words not mine) I decided that I could actually step on a powerlifting platform myself. I actually did it on Sunday 25/11/2018. To say that I am proud of myself for training, deciding what I wanted to attempt, and be successful, in something that I genuinely love doing is amazing. But the management of my pump/insulin requirements makes for added stress to another wise enjoyable day.
In the competition I had 9 attempts, across all three lift disciplines, and completed 9 successful lifts and in the process I managed to qualify for the British and European Powerlifting Championships in 2019, I think what I'm trying to say, is everybody don't let diabetes hold you back, or any of the associated things that can go with it. I have suffered burnout, where I wished I was no longer diabetic, but have emerged out the other side mentally stronger to handle whatever this condition can throw at me.

So is this a success, as in a triumph against what diabetes can and will do??? I think it is.


Take care everyone.
 
In answer to your question, you got through the burn out and seem to be saying you have reignited your zest for life so... Oh Yeah! It is a success. Well done that Man.
 
Of course this is a success, shout it from the roof tops! Very well done!
 
@johnpol . That’s a definite success, living with diabetes is a success everyday :).
I posted a recent achievement on another thread recently.
As the avatar might indicate I like to do a bit of rowing.
27 yrs diabetic with all the challenges that throws up, but all that time I’ve stuck to training in some way or another.
A recent visit to my new gym and a poster on the wall. 400 mts as fast as you can on the rower.
Now I ain’t young anymore and I don’t do as much rowing as I used to. Thought was that a time of 1 min 20 sec would be good.
Actually did 1 min 17.5 sec which at the time was the best time. Obviously younger, bigger guys came along and one guy in particular smashed everyone’s time with a 1 min 13.8 sec. Big , young and muscular he had all the attributes.
One thing he didn’t have though was T1.
I had to give it a serious attempt......1 min 11.6 sec ....it was agony but I did it. How and why I did it is purely down to one reason. I’m a T1 diabetic simple as that. This condition , as debilitating as it can be, can also be highly motivational.
Good luck next year.:)
 
therower said:
@johnpol . That’s a definite success, living with diabetes is a success everyday :).
I posted a recent achievement on another thread recently.
As the avatar might indicate I like to do a bit of rowing.
27 yrs diabetic with all the challenges that throws up, but all that time I’ve stuck to training in some way or another.
A recent visit to my new gym and a poster on the wall. 400 mts as fast as you can on the rower.
Now I ain’t young anymore and I don’t do as much rowing as I used to. Thought was that a time of 1 min 20 sec would be good.
Actually did 1 min 17.5 sec which at the time was the best time. Obviously younger, bigger guys came along and one guy in particular smashed everyone’s time with a 1 min 13.8 sec. Big , young and muscular he had all the attributes.
One thing he didn’t have though was T1.
I had to give it a serious attempt......1 min 11.6 sec ....it was agony but I did it. How and why I did it is purely down to one reason. I’m a T1 diabetic simple as that. This condition , as debilitating as it can be, can also be highly motivational.
Good luck next year.:)
Click to expand...
What a brilliant achievement, diabetes definitely makes us what we are
 
Yes, I read yours posts and get inspired, so thanks and well done on your success.
 
johnpol said:
I have had diabetes for 23yrs now, and I have had two cataract surgeries (both successful) and Retinopathy in my right eye (eight lots of Laser treatment, which wasn't pleasant but successful) all through my years of diagnosis I have trained with weights. Even competed in strongman competitions up to national qualifiers (as it was back in the dark ages:)), all that stopped just over three years ago as I had a small stroke (nothing major but left me with a numb left foot and a little weakness) and I lost the will to want to do anything, oh have I mentioned that I lost eight stone?? well I did (put a lot back on though). My one thing that I loved to do (other than walking my Bulldogs) I felt that I could no longer do to the level, or strength, I once did. But my old training partner has gone into Powerlifting in the "oldies" division (he's sixty) and has won lots of Titles and set World Records. He began his Powerlifting journey 3 years ago, now I'm not usually jealous or upset by peoples success, I genuinely wish them well, but this rankled me. Now I have set foot back in the gym, virtually straight after my Doctors said that I could, but, with one condition " No Lifting heavy" so for 18months that is what I did.
Until last year and at eight weeks notice I decided to enter a deadlift only competition (I didn't do well but I did it) but this year after all the scare of "Emergency Eye Treatment" to save my sight (Doctors words not mine) I decided that I could actually step on a powerlifting platform myself. I actually did it on Sunday 25/11/2018. To say that I am proud of myself for training, deciding what I wanted to attempt, and be successful, in something that I genuinely love doing is amazing. But the management of my pump/insulin requirements makes for added stress to another wise enjoyable day.
In the competition I had 9 attempts, across all three lift disciplines, and completed 9 successful lifts and in the process I managed to qualify for the British and European Powerlifting Championships in 2019, I think what I'm trying to say, is everybody don't let diabetes hold you back, or any of the associated things that can go with it. I have suffered burnout, where I wished I was no longer diabetic, but have emerged out the other side mentally stronger to handle whatever this condition can throw at me.

So is this a success, as in a triumph against what diabetes can and will do??? I think it is.


Take care everyone.
Click to expand...

What an inspiration you are. Loved reading about your journey. Thank you so much for sharing.
 
Is there any other thing you'll call it other than success @johnpol ? Love your willpower and can do it spirit. Ride on please and win more laurels.
 
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