CALE GONDRINGER

Trenton, MO
Age: 29
Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at age 8

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

2010 USA Triathlon National Qualifier (Tuscaloosa, AL)
2010 North East Missouri Triathlon (2nd Place Age Group)
2010 Lake Geode Triathlon (6th Place Age Group)
2010 Newton Triathlon (2nd Place Age Group)
2009 North East Missouri Triathlon (1st Place Age Group)
2004 Heartland MTB Series Champion

MEET CALE GONDRINGER

When were you diagnosed with diabetes?

I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when I was 8 years old. I had all the classic symptoms, thirsty all the time, and frequent bathroom trips. My Mom was very proactive and she realized that something was wrong very quickly. This allowed the doctors to catch it before things got too far out of hand.

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

To be honest it was looked as a small bump in the road and from day one I was the one in control and I didn’t have to change the things that I wanted to do in my life. I have a Grandpa that I am very close to, he was hit by a drunk driver while helping fix a broken down car alongside the highway. He now has two prosthetic legs and has not let that slow him down in the least bit. In the early years of learning how to deal with life with diabetes he said to me one morning “I don’t always want to hop out of bed and put these legs on but I have to, unless I just want to stay in bed all day”. He then explained that there are just some things in life we can’t control but we have to decide to make the best of them.

How do you feel about diabetes now?

I feel so blessed to be healthy and able to live every day to the fullest. Diabetes is not something anyone would want, but I am thankful that it is at least a disease that I can control. I am also thankful that we live in a day and age that we have the tools to live a healthy lifestyle.

Tell us about your life at home. Married? Children?

Yes on both. My wife and I met in college and have been married 5 years. We have 2 boys Caleb who is 3 and Joshua who is 1. Needless to say we have a very active and live home!

Why is exercise and competition a part of your life?

I am thankful to enjoy exercise and I am competitive by nature. When I mix the drive that is in me with the immediate results seen in blood sugar control it’s kind of a “no brainer”.

What drew you to Team Type 1?

I have been involved in endurance sports for a major part of my life and through my search of trying to learn more about diabetes in endurance sports I found TT1. There is no other group of Guys and Gals in the world with the wealth of knowledge and talent like TT1. I love being involved with helping people see that pretty much all things are possible with exercise and good control. And it’s doable! And here’s the proof!

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

I am very proud of being able to receive my pilot’s license. It is something that takes a lot of dedication and learning to achieve. It was once something that was not allowed for people with diabetes that are “insulin requiring”. That rule has since been changed after technology has allowed ways of better control. Of course this is something that is only allowed with proof of excellent blood glucose control.

How about an athletic achievement that you find especially significant?

I was able to qualify for the 2010 USA Triathlon Age Group Nationals this year. It was very rewarding to be able to go and compete with the best out of the nation.

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

You are in control. In diabetes you control your own destiny. There are many variables in each person’s life. Some can be controlled and some cannot – with diabetes control the ones you can. Some days will be better than others, but work to give your best effort consistently and good things will happen. Last, take the steps to make exercise a part of your life – it will make your diabetes care easier and will likely make you a happier person as well .

How did you feel in school about having diabetes?

In school no one wants to feel different. I think it is natural for this to be something that you have to overcome in your own mind. The other kids think it’s AWESOME because you can have snacks any time you need them. I just never made it a big deal and was involved in all sports and activities growing up. I just never knew any different!

How do you feel about being a part of TT1?

I am very happy to be a part of the team. I was able chat with Phil Southerland and the pro cycling team at last years Tour of Missouri and was inspired by the team’s successes and the importance of its purpose. This team is doing some great things - and is doing them for all the right reasons.

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

I think it has made me a more determined person that realizes that everyone deals with something in their life. What matters is how you are going to handle it. I have also been allowed to get to know people and help people because of having something in common that I would never have been able to do with out diabetes.

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

I am really trying to consistently dial in my exercise blood sugars. I am trying to control all of the variables that I can related to my blood sugar and come up with a plan that will work 99% of the time on race day. It’s such a hard thing to dial because each race starts at different times, has different travel arrangements, different stress levels, and different nutrition available. It’s always a work in process!

Tell us about an athletic goal you have for the short term – say less than one year from now.

To qualify for 2011’s USA Triathlon Nationals.

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

This is a lofty one but to some day qualify for the World Triathlon Championship.

Cale, thank you for taking the time to talk with us.

Thank you – its been fun.