I am excited to be entering my sixth season as an endurance athlete. I compete in all distances of running and triathlon events ranging from Ironman , marathon and half marathon distance races.

I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in 2006 at 34 years old, with a blood sugar level of 560 and A1C of 18.  This news came as a total shock as we do not have a family history of Diabetes.  However, this diagnosis helped explain many of the symptoms I had experienced throughout the previous year, including extreme fatigue and weight loss, lingering sports injuries, energy crashes (aka: bonking) and slower race times.  Upon starting insulin therapy, I noticed immediate improvements and was able to lower my blood sugar levels dramatically. 

I have completed six Ironman races, shaving off over 3 hours since my diagnosis.  There are twenty Ironman races held around the world each year, and growing.  Approximately 48,000 athletes compete for one of the 1,600 qualifying spots for the Ironman world championships in Hawaii.  My athletic goal is to be one of those 1600 this year.

Ironman is a sport of planning, nutrition, determination, focus and execution. During Ironman, I typically check my blood sugar level as often as 10 to 20 times, all while not losing valuable seconds to my competitors.  I consume nearly 4,000 calories per race and adjust my insulin as needed, using my Animas insulin pump. It is an incredible feat just to get to the starting line of an Ironman.  It's an even greater challenge to finish in the top percentile and qualify for the World Championships with diabetes.  This is my goal for 2010 - 2011.

My experience living with diabetes has inspired me to become more involved by connecting with other diabetics, to help them lead healthy, active lifestyles.  

 I have teamed up with elite diabetic athletes from around the world to form Diabetes Performance.  The Diabetes Performance team will promote endurance sports and set a positive example for  people living with diabetes. Through our racing and speaking engagements, we will prove that with proper planning, care and determination, diabetes doesn't have to stop you....but it CAN turn you into the person you've always wanted to be!