Thanks to Geoff for sending me this article about a chap in the States named Jay Hewitt, who now does inspirational talks about his Ironman exploits alongside having Type 1 diabetes. A real feel-good, if-you-work-hard-enough-for-it-you-can-do-it type of article, worth a read if you have the time.
A quote from the article:
“How bad do you want it? Ten thousand syringe pricks and 50,000 finger tests later, I want it enough to swim up to 5,000 meters, bike 70 or 80 miles, run 18 to 20 miles, do yard work, and enjoy time with my family on a typical weekend. That is how I earn my finish line.”
Of course the BeingDiabetic community has its own Ironwoman of note amongst it…. Heidi-Jane Humphries is doing us all proud, I think she has done two Ironman events now and is planning on doing more. I’m in awe of you super-athletes!
Posted in Community, Exercise, Insulin Pumps
Tagged as Ironman
This post has 8 comments so far. Add yours here, or trackback from your own site.
8 comments have been made on this post
Erena Tomoana wrote
There is a guy from Auckland (in his 20’s) who is Type 1 who also does a number of Ironman and Triathlon events. He came and spoke to a group of Teens in Hastings about a year ago and was really interesting and driven. Cant remember his name tho! Could possibly find out if anyone wanted to know??
Heidi-Jane wrote
I’d like to know who this person Aucklander is…could you let me know too Erena. Always good to know more T1 Ironman athletes.
Kylie wrote
Wow, this guy rocks! I am planning to run half marathon in Kerikeri this year – first attempt ever running anything I might add – and only even possible now that I am on an insulin pump!!!! Have never been a runner or even that into the gym in the past but now I am addicted to it since I can control the hypos, and I love reading about people who are kicking diabetes butt!!! Pure inspiration and yeah I would like to know about the guy in Auckland too
Chris wrote
I do quite a few long, endurance events. Not quite ironman level, but they do take 6-10 hours to complete. While I’m fit, healthy, low-carb and Type I, I have always had trouble with the second half of any race taking more than 4 hours – massive burnout.
A year ago, my research turns up nothing. This year, I find articles like this one all over the show. My next race may well be my best!
If you have any other articles like this about, please fling them my way.
Nic wrote
Good on you Chris! What sort of events are you talking?
Chris wrote
Mountain biking mostly, I’m not so good at running or swimming. Although my next challenge is a ‘hard labour weekend’ which is a 90km road ride, 44km mountain bike ride and capped off with a 19km mountain run. Thankfully over 3 days though! As they are all short, I shouldn’t have trouble with them. Shouldn’t being the operative word there!
Sadly, advice I have received from my diabetes specialists (especially the dietician) has been poor and pointless. So, it’s down to me again I think. I have a 15km MTB course I can do laps on for a day, testing and evaluating as I go. I’ll take it easy, do 10 laps (8-9 hours) and that should give me a base to work from. Then I can experiment – I’m not a big fan of experimentation when my health is at risk, but sometimes only you know what is good or bad for you, and if I don’t try, I’ll never know.
Where’s the 1-cure-fits-all I have been hoping for!?!
Nic wrote
Chris that is so admirable (slash crazy). Not sure where you are based but if you are near/in Auckland you should go and see Damian Wiseman http://uniquefitness.co.nz/your-trainers.php who is a T1 who did his masters in T1 and sport. He is a PT who owns his own gym. He is also a cycling champ. He rocks.
Erena wrote
Sorry I took so long to get back to those who wanted to know the Auckland guy, had to go on a bit of a hunt to find out who he was! It was Cory Thom (Ironman and triathlete I think) and he came down to Hastings with Eli Lily rep (they sponsored it I think) to speak with some HB type 1 teenagers. I have his email address if anyone wants it, mine is emtomoana@xtra.co.nz if you’d like it:)