For 11 It Begins

Today marks the start of the Triabetes 2011 Ironman Captain's Training Program in preparation for the 2011 Ironman St. George.  I have the distinct honor and privilege to be the managing director (aka Oracle) of the 2011 program and am so excited for the journey that these 11 incredible type 1 diabetics will face in the coming months.  For me the opportunity to coordinate efforts to support these athletes in their journey across the finish line at IMSG is a dream come true.  Not only do I have the chance to give back to a sport that has given me so much but I am also able to help other type 1 diabetics chase their dreams, one of my goals when I was diagnosed some 3 years ago.

During my oversight of the program I will be responsible for reviewing the annual training plan put together by Coach Andrew and establishing a network of medical experts to support the athletes in any way that they need.  I hope to use my experience creating a team of doctor's that fit my specific needs to help these athletes have the best experience possible.  I mainly had to learn the ins and outs of triathlon training through trial and error; it is my hope that through shared experience and coordinated efforts that the path to safe, healthy and fun training is filled with far fewer peaks and valleys than mine was!  I will also get to feed my hunger for data analysis as each of the Captains will be reporting blood sugar and carbohydrate intake information.  Our goal is that in the future this data will serve as the platform for analysis that will revolutionize how blood sugars can be managed.  At present I'll be sharing that data with Coach Andrew and the network of experts to adjust training plans and nutrition intakes accordingly.

Most importantly my goal in overseeing the training program will be to provide the support necessary for the Captains to relish in how amazing an organization Triabetes is.  As I have become more involved with Triabetes over the past several months the pride I have when I put on my race kit or wear my t-shirt around town has grown.  Although we have athletes who want to achieve great things, like qualifying for Kona, our focus is on creating a community of support for living a healthy active lifestyle.  Whether running your first 5k or breaking the tape at an Ironman, Triabetes and Insulindependce "inspires people with diabetes to set personal fitness goals, educates them on adaptive management strategies through hands-on experience, and equips them to explore their individual capacities."  Peter's vision for Triabetes is incredible and I am thrilled to help turn that vision into reality in 2011.

So to the Captains - good luck!  And to my readers, please check out the blogs of the 11 captains; their journey and experience is sure to be an amazing one.