Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes

I am newly diabetic (type 2 as of May 2014) and have had various families members and friends affected by this «disability». I have sadly found out via the DMV and other forms, that most places consider it a disability. I do not. It’s how you deal with it and change your life.
A good friend of mine notified me of this event and I signed up later than had hoped. We had a small team of 4 and only managed to raise about $ 450. The day of the event was amazing.
It was held near «Little Italy» in Downtown SJ or the park next to SAP Center. Registration for single entries or team can be done online or in person the day of at 8am. I advise folks to get there by 8am and avoid the lines of folks who show up last minute.
I do a lot of 10k races in the Bay Area, but this one was personal and I was immediately welcomed and talked to by strangers who have been diabetic for 24 years, 25 years or a shorter time like myself. It was awesome to see a team of 100 plus who supported one young woman who was diagnosed at age 4.
A very good friend offered to do the 10k (ended up being 6.62 miles) with me. The organization of this race was spot on. More so than most races around here. They had a couple water stations along the course (for the 10k, it followed the Guadalupe Trail up to the airport and back) and then they had a couple people going back and forth on bicycles handing out water bottles (it was a warm morning).
At the end, all «Red Striders» received a beautiful red rose at the finish line. Nice touch.
There were a lot of booths, but I unfortunately didn’t stay around too long to see about food options. The only downer was trying to figure out where to get your shirt if you raised $ 100 and didn’t pick up at the expo the day before.
I encourage anyone to do these races (they have them in SF, Oakland and SJ) each year. Whether with your friends or family or just to support the rest of us who have it a tiny bit of a complication.
Parking — $ 5 at the lot across from park at San Fernando/​Santa Clara Street and Delmas
Water stops and availability — awesome
Kids activities — jumpy house and craft section
End of race activities — they seem to focus on the random local cheerleaders performing than welcoming folks back from the 10k.

Each year hundreds of runners and walkers from around the Bay Area join this annual event to raise money and awareness to help fight diabetes.
* Fact — — You or someone you know is diabetic. There are 23.6 million people in the United States, or 8% of the population, who have diabetes. The total prevalence of diabetes increased 13.5% from 2005 – 2007. Only 24% of diabetes is undiagnosed, down from 30% in 2005 and from 50% ten years ago. (from the American Diabetes Association website).
With so many people affected by diabetes, now is the time to educate yourself about diabetic prevention and become acquainted with the lifestyle of a diabetic. I have two personal friends from college that are suffering from diabetes. Both are younger than me. It’s always an eye opening experience when we spend time having a meal and doing physical activities together. Unfortunately, they were unable to participate in this event. Hopefully next year when they are physically ready, we can walk this event together. This year’s event, I thought about my buddies and still wondered how the human body can change once you turn 35 years old. It’s scary sometimes, but a part of life.
Thank you to Team Captain Danielle D for putting together Team SBC for this year’s 2009 Step Out Diabetes Fun Run & Walk Event in downtown San Jose.
Team SBC (raised $ 1,590.00 and placed second on the team fundraising):
Danielle D (Team Captain)
Tetsu N.
Bobby L
Ron L.
Cindi N.
Vivian N. (Cindi’s daughter)
Grace (Danielle’s friend)
John L
Mercy B
Scott L
Walter P
Notes:
— Date of event: Sunday, September 27^th, 2009 at 10:00am.
— Registration is Free. There are no minimums and penalties for fund raising.
— The event has several courses for: 10K, 5K, walkers, and 1 mile for diabetic participants.
— This event is hosted by the American Diabetes Association
— One gripe for this year, it starts at 10:00am and it was extremely warm at 88 degrees. I found it difficult to jog in the heat. Minus one star. I hope next year, they can start at 8:30am.
— Water stations at the mile marker for the 5K and 10K run.
— Free Parking at the HP Pavilion parking lot. This is where TEAM SBC met up for morning breakfast. Thanks for Tetsu and Bobby L for the snacks and drinks.
— Free water and gatorade at the event. No morning food unless you are diabetic. However, BJ’s Restaurant was onsite handing out free pizza and salad after the fun run /​walk.
— Family friendly event!
SPECIAL THANKS TO THE SPONSORS for TEAM SBC!
Blue Rock BBQ
NBN Sports