Ironman Aaron

African-Americans New Face Of Diabetes

2008-12-05T18:57:00.000-08:00

Pre-Ironman Webcast

On December 5, 2011, I met with my trainer Jude Sullivan - University Of Wisconsin Sports Medicine to critique my first 8-week program. My endurance was previously an area of concern, but has since kicked in really good. My swimming is on target and I'm utilizing my kick more effective. Cycling is slowly improving as I'm holding to a solid 21mph on the bike trainer. Although running is my strength, I'm still unable to consistantly hold the 10-minute per hour pace.

My next 8-week cycle begins on December 11, 2011 and includes more run/walks to build endurance. Jude will add some additional leg strengthening exercises as well as introducing Brick workouts into the mix since my body responds favorably to the Bike/Run workouts. I'm also beginning the fun part of planning which events I will take part in for the upcoming 2012 Triathlon Season. Stay tuned....

Diabetes vs High Endurance Training - A Great Combination

2008-05-16T08:50:00.000-07:00

On September 11, 2011, I volunteered with my running club (Headhunters) aid station for Ironman Wisconsin. I purposely chose the 7:00pm - 11:00pm shift so I could see the age groupers push out the final miles en route to earning bragging rights for the rest of their lives. A few of the triathletes that stopped for water, cola, chicken broth or power aid were smiling and upbeat while others appeared mentally and physically exhausted. But what each of these amazing athletes appeared to share was a determination to FINISH!

On the morning of September 12, 2011, I stood in line at Madison's Monona Terrace from 7:45am - 10:00am, before finally completing registration for the September 9, 2012 Ironman Wisconsin Triathlon. I will join more than 2400 Triathletes from around the world as we participate in what has become the worlds most challenging endurance event. For the next 359 plus days, I will again push my diabetic body to a level beyond comprehension. This will be my 3rd Ironman Triathlon and certainly my most challenging one. As the worlds 1st African-American Diabetic Ironman Triathlete, I know that this extreme endurance event offers forgiveness to no one, and therefore my training has to be on target. In 2005, I completed my 1st Ironman Triathlon, but in 2008, I failed to reach the finish line of my 2nd Ironman due to elevated blood sugars that led to severe cramping. As my friend Dino Lucas once told me, "You're not a true Ironman until you get that 2nd one under your belt". My goal for Ironman 2012 is to cross the finish line in under 13 hours. Stay tuned for regular updates on my year long training regimen.

Introducing IronmanAaron's Blog

2008-05-15T21:02:00.000-07:00

Welcome to this thing called Aaron's Journey. Please follow as I preapre for another season of Swimming, Cycling and Running, all with Diabetes on board. 2012 should be an awesome year.