CASEY BOREN



  • Boise, ID
  • Age: 41
  • Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at age 34

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS


  • Sub 3 Hour marathon Las Vegas Rock & Roll 2010
  • 2008 3rd place OA Fit for life Half Marathon
  • 2007 Rock & Roll Arizona Marathon 3:02 (first marathon)
  • 2007 4th place OA US Sun Valley half marathon
  • 2010 2nd place OA Mccall Mountain Triathlon (Olympic dist)
  • 2010 Ironman Canada – 10:56
  • 2009 Ironman Arizona – 10:04
  • 2009 Ironman Canada – 10 :26
  • 2008 Ironman Canada – 10:20
  • 2007 Ironman Canada – 10:45
  • 2006 Ironman Canada – 11:48
  • 2005 Ironman Cour d’Alene – 13:07

MEET CASEY BOREN


When were you diagnosed with diabetes?

I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in December of 2005.


Tell us how you felt about diabetes when you were first diagnosed.

In many ways, I was relieved to finally have an explanation to the many symptoms (classic Type 1 symptoms) I was experiencing and that my condition was manageable in many ways. While I wasn’t happy about the diagnosis, I just accepted it and decided not to let it get in the way of how I wanted to live my life. My wife took it much harder than I did. We both didn’t know much at all about the disease and had so much to learn.


How do you feel about diabetes now?

I am living my life the same as I would without diabetes but now just have extra precautions/challenges I must pay attention to. There are always moments when diabetes complicates my life but I do everything I can to keep those moments far and few between.


Tell us about your life at home – are you married?

I have been married for 8 years to my wonderful wife Rae. No kids. 2 cats.


Why is exercise and competition a part of your life?

For me, exercise is a fun way to live and spend the day. Competition is not only about celebrating my fitness but it’s a great way to challenge myself, test my limits and inspire others to do the same.


What drew you to Team Type 1?

I like Team Type 1’s program…helping athletes with diabetes prove to themselves and the world what is possible.


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

At the age of 25, I went back to school and made a 360-degree career change – leaving a secure job running heavy equipment with the Operating Engineers Union to the computer information technology (I.T.) industry. I have since gained invaluable experience working for companies including Starbucks Coffee Company, Nintendo and the State of Idaho Attorney General.


How about an athletic achievement that you find especially significant?

My most recent Ironman (Canada 2010) is one of my most significant races. At mile 80 of the bike, I was experiencing hypothermia (due to extreme weather) which caused me to slow down significantly. I continued on and finished the race, despite knowing that my chances for qualifying for Kona were gone.


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

If the person was an adult, my advice would be for them not to be afraid to reach out to the diabetes community for questions, concerns, etc., so they may collect the best information to meet their specific/individual needs.


What has been your favorite TT1 event to date.

The Relay was my favorite TT1 event, sharing that experience and having a similar bond (diabetes) with each other was unforgettable.


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

Diabetes has given me a purpose in life: the desire to want to help and inspire others to achieve their goals despite what challenges they may face.


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

I am currently working on improving my morning blood sugar levels by trial and error. I am also working with my health care provider.


Tell us about an athletic goal you have for the short term – say within the next year.

My goal for the next year is to qualify for Ironman Hawaii Championships.


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

A longer term goal of mine is to successfully complete the Leadman Series.


Casey, thanks for taking the time to talk with us.

Thank you.