Going from Exercise with Diabetes to Ironwomen with Diabetes! Ten Diabetic Women Tackle Ironman

July 29, 2011 - PRLog -- Ever wonder if it’s possible to do endurance athletics when you have a chronic health condition like diabetes? It must only be uber athletes that can do an Ironman, right? Well, the ten everyday women of Team WILD Ironman who all live with diabetes are showing that diabetes doesn’t have to stop them from undertaking one of the most intense physical challenges ever: the Ironman distance triathlon.

On September 11, 2011, the 10 women of Team WILD will compete in Ironman Wisconsin. The will each swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles and run 26.2 miles all in one day. These ten diabetic women are from four states and New Zealand. They range in age from 28 to 47, and they are all part of Team WILD: We Inspire Life with Diabetes, which supports them with cutting-edge diabetes education, mental skills training, nutrition guidance and peer support.

The women of the Ironman Team WILD have been living with diabetes from as recent as one year to as long as over 30 years. Many of the women on Team WILD have been members of WILD for three years, building up their athletic skills and their confidence to be able to successfully compete in an Ironman distance event.

For 8 of the 10 women on Team WILD, this will be their first Ironman distance event. As first time Ironwoman, Kathy Zeigert, age 32, who has had type 1 diabetes for 19 years, says, “I would not be attempting the Iron-distance triathlon if it weren't for Team WILD.  I learned such valuable information about insulin and carbohydrate needs during endurance events by being a part of this team.”

Kathy goes on to say, “Being a part of this team reminds me I am not alone in my struggles. I believe in the mission of Team WILD and love the idea of inspiring others, both with and without diabetes, to get up and move!”

Find out more about these amazing women doing Ironman Wisconsin and find out about Team WILD by going to http://teamwild.org.

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Team WILD, From Exercise with Diabetes to Athlete. Helping everyday people with diabetes to experience themselves as athletes first. Providing diabetes education, coaching, peer support, and motivation to people ready to embrace a full and healthy life.