First let me say, I do not have diabetes. My passion for the "d" world began when my 3 year old son, Jesse, was diagnosed. Through my years of involvement, I found my way to a road bike in 2004. I trained for my first century ride in Death Valley (JDRF Ride to Cure) and was hooked. It wasn't long before I signed my name on the Ironman dotted line. When pushed to sign up by a friend (who of course happens to have diabetes and done several Ironman events himself) I proclaimed, "But I don't know how to swim or run!" His response? "A year ago you didn't know how to ride a bike."
Indeed.
An occupational hazard of mine (happily) is that most of my friends are somehow connected to diabetes. A spouse, a child, a friend, a parent, and of course, themselves. I realized on a few JDRF training rides I was occasionally in the minority. Meaning, one of the few on the ride WITHOUT diabetes. And I was fascinated with training with all of them. They impressed me in ways I cannot express. In fact, I was so used to "how to train for a triathlon with diabetes" I had to stop myself and think, "Wait! Find some people WITHOUT diabetes because your nutrition is going to be different!"
I asked one of them years ago how many people with diabetes had accomplished an Ironman. He replied at the time, "Not sure, but I think I am one of six." One of six. That stuck with me.
One of six.
So the crazy idea began....what if I could get 10 to do ONE, single Ironman in Wisconsin? That would be fun, exciting, educational...and impressive. I mean, Team Type 1 - http://www.teamtype1.org/) are diabetes and sports heroes to me because word has spread about their big win of the Ride Across America (RAAM). I was shocked at the response in the diabetes world. In fact I COULD come up with 10 participants. And then some! I'm excited to hear all of their stories unfold this year as they train, get to know one another, their accomplishments, their fears, their joys (of course!) and most importantly, I cannot wait to have this website and documentary to share with the world. It was never my goal to get diabetics everywhere to attempt an Ironman. Rather, I wanted them to know they CAN. I wanted them to know there are others out there like them, looking for information just like them. And most important to me, the non-diabetic of this crazy group (or as they call me "Executive Insulin Producer") is for some mom or dad to accidentally stumble upon this site after their child is diagnosed and realize that while diabetes is certainly a challenge 24/7, their child will excel at whatever they choose in this life...despite diabetes. And sometimes, maybe even because of their diabetes.
Welcome. And spread the word about this amazing group. I'm so proud of each of them for stepping up for each of their very own personal reasons. The story now unfolds....
Now let's have some FUN!!!!!!
Indeed.
An occupational hazard of mine (happily) is that most of my friends are somehow connected to diabetes. A spouse, a child, a friend, a parent, and of course, themselves. I realized on a few JDRF training rides I was occasionally in the minority. Meaning, one of the few on the ride WITHOUT diabetes. And I was fascinated with training with all of them. They impressed me in ways I cannot express. In fact, I was so used to "how to train for a triathlon with diabetes" I had to stop myself and think, "Wait! Find some people WITHOUT diabetes because your nutrition is going to be different!"
I asked one of them years ago how many people with diabetes had accomplished an Ironman. He replied at the time, "Not sure, but I think I am one of six." One of six. That stuck with me.
One of six.
So the crazy idea began....what if I could get 10 to do ONE, single Ironman in Wisconsin? That would be fun, exciting, educational...and impressive. I mean, Team Type 1 - http://www.teamtype1.org/) are diabetes and sports heroes to me because word has spread about their big win of the Ride Across America (RAAM). I was shocked at the response in the diabetes world. In fact I COULD come up with 10 participants. And then some! I'm excited to hear all of their stories unfold this year as they train, get to know one another, their accomplishments, their fears, their joys (of course!) and most importantly, I cannot wait to have this website and documentary to share with the world. It was never my goal to get diabetics everywhere to attempt an Ironman. Rather, I wanted them to know they CAN. I wanted them to know there are others out there like them, looking for information just like them. And most important to me, the non-diabetic of this crazy group (or as they call me "Executive Insulin Producer") is for some mom or dad to accidentally stumble upon this site after their child is diagnosed and realize that while diabetes is certainly a challenge 24/7, their child will excel at whatever they choose in this life...despite diabetes. And sometimes, maybe even because of their diabetes.
Welcome. And spread the word about this amazing group. I'm so proud of each of them for stepping up for each of their very own personal reasons. The story now unfolds....
Now let's have some FUN!!!!!!
3 comments:
Nice to see you out here documenting the process. I'll make a link to this blog from ours - the West Michigan Ride to Cure Diabetes Team. We have 30 riders headed to Death Valley in two weeks. There are several (myself included) who live with type 1 personally, a majority riding for a close family member and even a couple with no connection at all.
Hey Hey Hey - what a great picture and you look good, too!;)
Just wanted to let you know that you have created something that keeps touching people's lives almost exponentially. I run now, I am committed to controlling my diabetes like I never have been. I owe you tons. Its really going to make me sad when I blow past you on the bike. Perhaps I'll slow down to rest when I meet up with you!!
Seroiously - think of the dual randomness and purpose of life - your son is struck with a disease, you are inspired to become an advocate, you come up with this idea. John moves in next door. My life changes.
Thanks, Hammer
This is a great story! We've posted a few videos about Type II diabetes on the Johnson & Johnson health channel. I'd welcome your comments. Good luck with your ride.
http://www.youtube.com/user/JNJhealth
Rob
jnjhealth
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