LAURA ELY

San Diego, CA
Age: 26
Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at age 4

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

9th overall female 2009 Longhorn ½ IM Aquabike

MEET LAURA ELY

When were you diagnosed with diabetes?

I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 1989, I was 4 years old.

Tell us how you felt about diabetes when you were a child.

I was scared, confused, and extremely shy about my diabetes. I did not like being the “different” kid at school. When I was diagnosed there was a lot less flexibility with schedules and diet (I was on regular and NPH – 2 shots a day). I had to eat snacks and meals like clockwork and I did not like being the special child in class who had to do this. My family was supportive – my mom is a registered dietitian and my grandfather also had Type 1 so my family was very knowledgeable about the disease. However, that did not help lessen the resentment I initially felt toward diabetes.

How do you feel about diabetes now?

I still have my ups and downs but overall life is good! Diabetes has brought me a lot of good things in life and I wouldn’t take it back for a minute.

Why is exercise and competition a part of your life?

By nature I am a very competitive person and exercise is the perfect outlet for my competitive side. I’ve always liked being active whether in a more competitive role or just to get out there and stay physically fit.

What drew you to Team Type 1?

Team Type 1 gives me the chance to learn from seasoned and accomplished athletes that happen to have diabetes as well. Through the team and its outstanding sponsors, I am able to give back to the diabetes community through organized athlete days. At these events team members are able to encourage, and hopefully inspire, many people with diabetes through our own stories.

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

Moving from North Carolina to San Diego this past summer. Although I’m adventurous at heart and had lived in NC for the majority of my life I was still nervous to leave my good job, friends and family and move to the opposite side of the US. Thankfully I did prepare for being unemployed, got health insurance for the time I was not employed full time (important for us d-folks!). I’m glad I took that leap of faith though, things worked out, I have a great job, live in a beautiful city where I can cycle outdoors year round (no snow!) and have met new friends and reconnected with old ones.

What is an athletic achievement that you find especially significant?

Although I’d like to tell you that last year I competed in my first ½ IM and this year I did a second (and maybe 3rd) and am now looking to train for a full IM – that’s not the case. Last summer I noticed a pain in my foot that after months of seeing various doctors, treated for various foot injuries I finally had foot surgery of which I was told would fix my condition. I’ve found this to not be the case and I am still dealing with foot pain (and still not running – something that I’ve not been able to do 100% since Aug 2009). It’s been incredibly tough and I’ve had many hard moments but I do pride myself in having the tenacity to stick with the sport (tris) as much as I can and also switch my focus to something that’s always been my weakest of the 3 disciplines: cycling. Although 2011 will be my cycling debut I am almost even more determined than I was pre-injury to be as successful and competitive as I can and I am proud of that – especially since I consider myself to be a runner at heart and it’s hard for me to put that on the backburner……for the time being J

What is one piece of advice you could give to someone who was newly diagnosed with diabetes?

I always tell kids and parents of children newly diagnosed with diabetes to GO TO CAMP. Diabetes camp for me was such a life changing experience and I honestly do not know if I would have the same confidence, maturity, positive attitude and responsibility over my diabetes if it weren’t for my summers at camp. Camp allows a child to create a support network outside of their doctor, CDE, family and sometimes these relationships can be life-long. The bond you create with someone who shares a chronic disease is so strong and it’s hard to explain but it’s quite magical J

How did you feel in school about having diabetes?

During my early years I felt similar to when I was first diagnosed (question 2) however, at age 10 I attended a diabetes camp, Camp Carolina Trails, which changed my perspective on living with diabetes. At camp I learned what it meant to have PMA (positive mental attitude) and no longer viewed diabetes as a curse but rather a gift that allowed me to attend wonderful camp, make life-long friends and even find ways in which diabetes can be “cool” or really, not so god awful. During middle school and high school I was the “go-to-girl” for all those with newly diagnosed diabetes. I wore my diabetes proudly, managed it the best I could and was more than happy to talk to peers who found out they had diabetes.

Tell us about your favorite Team Type 1 event to date.

I really enjoyed going to Charlotte, NC – my hometown. I was able to see my pediatric endocrinologist which was great (and was able to give him some information that he could share to his patients on the impact of diabetes and exercise!)

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

Through having diabetes I’ve learned how to have PMA (positive mental attitude). Having PMA helps you overcome any situation whether it be a tough course in college, an injury that makes you refocus your goals for the year, having confidence to move across the country and get a job, balance a full time job, training schedule, personal relationships and maybe some sleep in there too.

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

Right now I am working to address low blood sugar during the night – also post exercise blood sugar spikes.

What is an athletic goal you have for the short term – say in the next year?

Most people assume that when you are on Team Type 1 you are cyclist (even when you are on the tri team!) For me, cycling came last (I’m first a runner, then swimmer) so this year I am really focusing on developing my cycling skills.

Tell us about an athletic goal that you have for the long term.

I’d like to stay injury free and compete in a full Ironman. But mostly stay injury free so that I can train enough to finish a full marathon!

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

Thank you.