BOBBY HEYER



  • Issaquah, WA
  • Age: 47
  • Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at age 15

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS


  • Five-time Ironman Triathlon Competitor (IM Arizona, 3-time IM Canada, IM CdA)
  • Member, Winning RAAM 8-Person Corporate Team, 2006
  • Member, Winning RAAM 8-Person Corporate Team, 2007 (in world record time)
  • Summit Expeditions and Climbs, Mt Rainier, Mt Hood, Mt Adams
  • NW Pacific Coast Bike Tour – Unsupported 8 days, 1000 Miles

MEET BOBBY HEYER


When were you diagnosed with diabetes?

I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 1980.


How did you/your family feel about diabetes when you were first diagnosed?

When I was initially told about my diabetes I didn’t have a real understanding of what it meant. As time went on I continued to learn pieces of good information about diabetes which made it easier to manage. From the beginning I knew that diabetes would just be something I would have to deal with. My folks and family were concerned about the complications due to diabetes and the life expectancy, the unknown. It was a challenging time.


How do you feel about diabetes now?

Now I just think it is something that I have to work to balance. Many people work to balance family, work, exercise, hobbies. One of the things on my list to balance happens to be diabetes.


Why is exercise and competition a part of your life?

It always was and always will be, with our without diabetes.


What drew you to Team Type 1?

The TEAM aspect. A group of athletes with diabetes sharing their experiences and opinions. Type A Type 1's I like to say!


Tell us about a personal achievement that was highly significant to you.

I have never spent a single night in the hospital due to my diabetes, even upon diagnoses. I have always been diligent and determined to do the best I can and seek perfection in balancing my condition with the life I live.


How about an athletic achievement that you find especially significant?

Climbing, most recently Mt Rainier in WA. Of all the things I do and have done, I find the combination of mental and physical demands and critical decision making, along with the reliance on individuals as a team to all reach the same goal, to summit and return safely, both exhilarating and rewarding!


If there is one piece of advice you could give to someone who was newly diagnosed with diabetes– what would it be?

Live your best life…but know you will never be perfect. When you have tough days, take the opportunity to learn from what happened, and move on. Strive to be the best you can, but don’t expect to be perfect, no one is.


How did you feel in school about having diabetes?

I was diagnosed in high school. I felt very alone when it came to sharing my diabetes. Isolated.


What has been your favorite TT1 event to date?

RAAM Winning Team member 2006 (and 2007). My teammates and the crews made these each unique and memorable once in a lifetime experiences I had the honor to be part of twice.


In what way have you found that your diabetes has helped you grow as an individual?

I often question whether it may have made me more aware of the importance of managing my health and the positive effects of exercise and competition. I truly believe that I would be the same person with or without my diabetes! Who really knows?


Are there any areas of your diabetes management that you are currently targeting to improve?

Working on managing race BG. Through my careful planning and perfect execution I am attempting to achieve one Tri race where I realize blood glucose perfection (BGP). Insulin, Fuel and BG all right on. The perfect balance !


Tell us about an athletic goal you have.

Achieve an Ironman distance finish time in the 10:30 range – with the BG scenario described above.


How about an athletic goal that you have for the long term?

My long term goal - Climb Mt Everest.