Inspiration Station
Last Saturday I had the pleasure of seeing the documentary “The Science of Inspiration,” about people with diabetes training for the ultimate test of physical fitness: a full triathlon. For anyone that doesn’t know, a true triathlon is a 2.4 mile swim, followed by 112 mile bike ride, topped off with a full marathon (that would be 26.2 miles). In a row. As in swim, bike, run. For 10 hours. No, really.
The short film was created by insulindependence.org and one of their sub-projects, Triabetes, Insulindependence.org is a grassroots organization dedicated to helping people with diabetes live active and adventurous lives. They take groups of Type 1s on surf trips to Costa Rica, mountain climbing in South America, and to dozens of other amazing locations and adventures. I’ve always admired Insulindependence and their projects because of their mission: to ensure that having diabetes never holds anyone back from their dreams, which include (for reasons only known to the clinically insane) Triathlons. Triabetes is a USAT-certified triathlon training club that has a variety of training programs throughout the US for people with diabetes, and since their inception in 2007, club members have trained for and participated in hundreds of triathlons across the country.
The film was deeply inspiring, tracking the journey of 11 Type 1s who set out to train for and complete a Triathlon. For many of them, it was their first such race, but for one of them, this was old news: Bill Carlson. In 1983. Bill was the first Type 1 diabetic to complete an Ironman, a race considered to be the ultimate endurance challenge (check out that last link for some unbelievable footage of Bill’s 80s insulin pump - whoa!). Since completing the Ironman, Bill has gone on to complete over 80 marathons, dozens of triathlons, and even a few ultra-marathons – that would be a 100 mile run. You read that correctly.
In short, this man has logged more miles than AmTrack, and has managed to do it all while handling his diabetes – and don’t forget that 1983 was long before many of the convenience tools we have today, such as CGM and basal insulins.
Being in the presence of an elite athlete with diabetes is overwhelmingly awesome, because those are the kind of inspirational people you remember when you’re faced with intimidation. There’s been many times in my life when diabetes has been a challenge for me, or caused fear of the unknown in my heart. Running my first half marathon in August was a tremendous physical and mental effort, but I could remind myself that I was not the first person with diabetes to run 13.1 miles. Same goes for traveling to all corners of the earth - including places that are not so diabetes-friendly: I wasn’t the first person with diabetes to travel through Honduras in 110+ degree heat with little refrigeration for my insulin. I know I can get through these challenges because others have gone before me and made it work. Like Bill Carlson. Although I don’t know that I’ll be running an ultra-marathon anytime soon….
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You know, if you ever do want to run an ultra, I know 2 guys who will do it with you