Diagnosed in 2006, I am still learning what it means to be an endurance athlete on insulin. I began running in high school and have competed and placed in many local sprint events, as well as 10 marathons, including Boston, Lake Tahoe (9th place), Hawaii Volcanoe (3rd place) and most recently NYC. 

It was during my last marathon that symptoms of diabetes became evident. Being diagnosed at the age of 33 has been a challenge for me, but after talking with other type 1 endurance athletes, I am ready to take on the challenge that the Ironman poses. I am excited about being a part of Triabetes so that I can learn more about my own body and pass that knowledge on to others.
Read more from Heather

A native Buckeye, I spent my formative years in Indianapolis where I was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 15. Sports and exercise have always played a central role in my life and family. I moved to Denver to pursue a more active lifestyle, having realized early on that exercise would play a critical role in managing my diabetes. I enjoy the outdoor pursuits of mountaineering, snowshoeing, skiing, and cycling. After riding in several cycling endurance events over the past few years, I've found myself exploring new challenges. As a Triabetes team captain in 2009, I look forward to inspiring diabetics and non-diabetics alike that one can accomplish anything they set their mind to. 
Read more from Sean

I was running cross country as a sophomore in high school when I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 1973. In spite of the difficulties, I never gave up running, and in 1998 ran my first full marathon. Over the next decade, I became a "Marathon Maniac", completing nearly 50 marathons and ultra marathons. I look forward to Ironman Arizona 2009 as a new challenge, and a fantastic opportunity to learn from fellow diabetic endurance athletes. I am supported by a loving family, including Sue, my wife of 27 years; son Francis; daughter April; and my grandson, River.
Read more from Jerry

I still remember my first CDE telling me that diabetes would not hold me back from doing anything I wanted to do, so long as I monitored my blood-sugar levels. Now, the thought of training for an Ironman event has my cage rattled and inspired at the same time.

I played NCAA soccer in the Final Four, and have completed numerous triathlons. To be able to cross the finish line and hear the announcer say, "Jim Murphy, You are an Ironman", will be such a fantastic feeling, knowing that I have accomplished this with Type 1 diabetes. I hope that other diabetics from around the world will notice what we are doing and adopt my personal philosophy as their own: "I have diabetes, but diabetes doesn't have me."

Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2002, I became the first Canadian with diabetes to reach the summit of Mount Everest on May 25th 2008. I am also one of only three people with diabetes in the world to have climbed the highest peak on the planet. In the spirit of sharing the dream that people with diabetes can accomplish anything they desire, I have also led groups of teens to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro as well as Mount Everest Base Camp.

I'm looking forward taking the lessons mountaineering have taught me and applying them to the multisport experience, and also as a leader of the greater Triabetes initiative.
Read more from Sébastien

I am excited to be entering my fifth season as a top age group and endurance athlete. I participate in all distances of running and triathlon events ranging from Ironman, marathons and 10k races. 

My experience with Diabetes has inspired me to take more of an active roll in connecting with other diabetics and helping them to lead a healthier lifestyle. I have joined Triabetes to learn more about the effects of diabetes as it relates to endurance sports and want to share my knowledge and experience with others.  Above all I want to be an example for diabetics of all ages, that they too, may achieve whatever goals they set for themselves. 
Read more from Casey

I've been type 1 singe the age of 14, right around the time I discovered my passion for running. Over the years I've completed 15 marathons, 2 ultramarathons, 3 Ironman events, and the hardest of all, a one-day 200-mile bike event. Every experience in athletics has helped me grow not only as an athlete, but also as a person.

Being an RN since the age of 19 has shown me the devastating effects of diabetes. I've always sworn to live my life to the fullest and demonstrate to people with diabetes that their condition does not have to hold them back from doing anything!

Read more from Denise

I am thrilled to be a returning captain from the 2008 Triabetes team. Before last season, I was challenged by the difficulty of finding information on training with diabetes for endurance sports. I figured out much of it on my own early on. In 2006, I participated in the Boston Marathon, and in 2007 completed my first Ironman in Coeur d'Alene.

Training with other type 1's as a part of the Triabetes documentary in 2008 improved my understanding of diabetic athlete physiology, and played a big part in two Ironman finishes last season. I'm looking forward to building camaraderie and sharing experiences with the new Triabetes athletes in 2009.
Read more from Anne

I'm honored to be a returning captain from our 2008 team. I was sad to see close friends from the team not return for 2009, but was encouraged by the fact that were others ready to take up the cause.

As a child with diabetes I was diagnosed when I was seven I had always dreamed of being a professional athlete. Of pushing my body to it's limits, racing in far away places, and inspiring  others with diabetes - this team is giving me that chance. I hope to show that despite diabetes, you can have health, a successful career, a family, and anything you put your mind to.
Read more from Brian

Before Triabetes, my health had taken a back seat upon entering the "real world" of corporate America. I began battling diabetic retinopathy three years ago, but exercising on a regular basis has thankfully reversed this trend. I'm very excited to be part of the Triabetes team. I'm the father of two wonderful little guys. Our oldest, who is now 7, was diagnosed at age 2.  I'm doing this for him and others like him to show them that we may be a little different, but that we can do anything we set our minds to.
Read more from Reid

I have been insulin dependent for 31 years. During this time I have raced in 6 Ironman Triathlons, some 80 marathons, finished three 100-mile ultramarathons and sixteen 50 milers, along with nearly 140 total triathlons.

I have to say that this last 2008 season was one of the greatest seasons I have ever had. Our summer work with the IronKiDz was probably the most gratifying. My son Clayton was involved. When we crossed the Madison Ironman finish line together, that impression will last a lifetime for him. Clayton will never have to give up and just let diabetes rule his life.
Read more from Bill

A native of Milwaukee, I was diagnosed at age 29, much later than most type 1 diabetics. I struggled with managing my condition for many years, but am proud to say that in September 2005 I became the first African-American type 1 diabetic ever to complete an Ironman competition. I am the author of "Through The Storm", the story of my unique and historic journey to Ironman. I am returning to the Triabetes team after being pulled by race officials from the Ironman course in 2008, due to medical complications unrelated to diabetes. The ironKidz presence in particular has given me the inspiration to TRI a little harder and to push a little further. 
Read more from Aaron

I learned I was a Type 1 Diabetic at 27.  This news was all I needed to get myself into the best shape of my life through years of fitness training. My health and self image has improved dramatically and I plan to keep it that way long into my old age. When life gives me lemons, I don't make lemonade - too much sugar. I'd rather throw the lemons and run another 5 miles.
Read more from Kevin

It was during training for my last ½ ironman that it became evident that I was type 1. The experience really opened my eyes to what this disease is capable of doing to people if left undetected both physically as well as emotionally.  As a doctor in an incredible healing profession, it is my passion and mission to come alongside anyone who has ears to hear and eyes to see how to manage and create an incredibly healthy life with diabetes.
Read more from Mark

I often feel that I have diabetes for a reason. With my fitness background (B.A. Exercise Physiology) and personal fitness experience (marathons, triathlons, Xterras and snowshoe races) I aim to help others achieve and maintain good health; I hope to inspire and encourage other people conquer goals of their own. I have been looking for an outlet to give back to others as people have given to me, and am excited about being a Triabetes team captain in 2009.
Read more from David