On to a New Chapter: Triabetes 2009

On Monday I'll be returning home to the Pacific Coast. During the course of my flight--in the time it took to run my fastest marathon--I'll collect approximately 1,531 frequent flyer miles.

As Minneapolis disappears beneath the clouds, I'll surely take a moment to reflect on the marvels of modernity. "To whom do I owe this magical sensation? Who ever imagined a world in which 53,000 pounds of turbine engine thrust could carry 180 passengers through the air at 500 mph?"

I suppose it will be a silly question to ask, one whose answer is as shapeless as the clouds beneath me. But I'll reflect on it nonetheless.

History is rich with leaders, I'll conclude, whose imaginations have served the next generation by refining an idea, demanding change, or bringing forth something new on which to build a better world. The greatest of these are remembered especially for expressing a vision characterized by selflessness, a vision much bigger than themselves.

By the time the flight attendant arrives with a cup of coffee, I'll have traveled deep into what was once considered a new frontier. Lewis & Clark will naturally come to mind. It will have been 200 years since President Jefferson had sent them into the great unknown of the American West. Perhaps it's to them I owe this feeling of gratitude.

After all, it wasn't fame that Lewis & Clark were after. Nor was it glory or riches. They sought not merely to be the first of their kind to discover a new world, but to leave guideposts so that others might follow them.

In so many ways my Triabetes teammates in 2008 were like Lewis & Clark: Courageous, determined, selfless. Their guideposts will lead the next generation of diabetics into a new frontier of better health, and consequently they'll earn their chapter in history.

On Sunday I had the unique opportunity of watching each of the Triabetes team members cross the finish line at the Wisconsin Ironman. As the crowd reeled each of them into their final grasp, my hope for the future grew.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you, Triabetes 2008. Thank you for setting the foundation for generations to come.

Brian Foster
Arguably the fittest of the bunch, Brian had an phenomenal Ironman debut in Wisconsin. The twitter account talks about his guts at the finish line--that's just the half of it! (The other half of his guts were vomited up at mile 22).

Steve Chop
A man of his word, "Chopper" remained steadfast in his priorities all throughout the year: Family first, Triabetes second. Not a bad finish for a full-time professional, husband and dad.


Joe Brady
Here's a guy who was back in a classroom teaching while the rest of us were still recovering from an exhausting race day. At 53, an inspiration on so many levels (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFhEtDjLma0). I was on the verge of tears when I saw how strong Joe looked after 140 miles.

Bill Carlson
So proud to say that Bill has become one of my best friends in the last 12 months. With hopes of qualifying for Kona at this particular race, Bill showed us all what it means to be a team leader. Reduced to a walk for most of the marathon due to unspeakable stomach issues, the 5-time World Championship competitor crossed the finish line with a winning smile and a positive spin on the day.

Steve Ahn
Never a negative word out of this guys mouth since I've known him. The smile on his face at the finish was the same on he wore all day long--all year long, in fact.


John Moore
Got married, began and completed his MBA, moved across the country, managed a good chunk of the Triabetes project--all in just 12 months. Recipient of the first ever John Moore "Return with Honor" Award. No wonder why.

Anne Findlay
The only Triabetes team member to complete two Ironman triathlons in one year. A strong performance for a strong leader and all-around great role model. Anne, looking forward to many more adventures to come!

Steve Parker
Less than a year ago, Steve didn't know the first thing about diabetes because he didn't have it. Already he's done more for his health than most diabetics will do in their lifetimes. Hats off to you, Steve.


Larry Smith
60 years old...you wouldn't know it. Here's a guy who knows what it means to be thankful for good health, and he's earned it--one step at a time. One hell of an athlete, Larry.

Dave Shack
What more can you say about this guy? The self-proclaimed "couch potato" who shed more than 20 pounds to clinch the fairy tale finish. A perfect day with perfect blood sugars...More than just 140 miles, Dave journeyed from a time in his life when he went 2 years without testing his blood sugar...at all.

Aaron Perry
Though not in his running gear, Aaron made it back to the finish line to cheer on his teammates and be with his IronKid. That's the kind of guy Aaron is. Better yet, he's vowed to return to race in 2009.

As for me, it was good to be back to the Ironman finish line. I never would have guessed I could be so inspired to get up an train for all of those miles...through all the blood sugars, sweat and tears.

I have mixed emotions about making the announcement that I won't be back to race in 2009 as a Triabetes team captain. As fun as it's been, it's really up to the next generation to carry this project into the future. There's much to be done still with the documentary, web development, and outreach programs. Ironman is a magical thing, but should always be approached with care.

My greatest hope is that our work has inspired other people with diabetes to consider exercise as a preferred form of therapy. If you're unsure of how to get involved with an exercise program, please don't hesitate to use any of the Triabetes team members as resources to you.

Or better yet, stay tuned for Triabetes 2009. It's gonna rock the world...