WILLIAM ARNOLD



  • Durham, NH
  • Age: 52
  • Diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes at age 46

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS


  • Race Across America Team finisher 2009
  • Race Across America Team finisher 2010

MEET WILLIAM ARNOLD


Tell us about your diagnosis with diabetes.

I was diagnosed in April 2006. My a1c at the time was 10.4. I weighed 277 pounds, and was no fun to be around...My doctor was pretty straightforward about it, though. She said, look you can die, lose your sight, lose a limb, or do something about it. We were very aggressive with it from the outset. I dropped weight quickly, counting carbs, counting calories, working with my diabetes educator and my doctor, tracking every metric I could - and exercising. By my one year anniversary, I was no longer taking any diabetes medications, and have controlled since with diet and exercise. I have kids, they deserve to have a dad.


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

It changed all of our lives. We eat better, the kids know that exercise is important.


How do you feel about diabetes now?

Diabetes is the best thing that ever happened to me. I would have probably died of a coronary if I had not been diagnosed and started making positive changes in my life.


Tell us about your life at home. Are you married? children? grandchildren?

I have been married to then same woman for almost 28 years. Most days I wake up and am surprised to find she is still there! We have three kids, one in college, a 14 year old, and a 12 year old. I am a lucky man.


Why is exercise and competition a part of your life?

I have always been a competitor. I am always competing at something. Exercise orders my life, helps me keep an even keel, and keeps the D monster (diabetes) at bay.


What drew you to Team Type 2?

Here was a group of people doing exactly what I thought needed to be done - spreading the gospel that we are in control, we can beat this disease, we can win! I jumped at the chance to be a part of it.


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

My children are impressed with my response to this disease. It will change their lives for the better.


How about an athletic achievement that you find especially significant?

Completing RAAM (Race Across America) twice. Especially not coming in last in 2010, when we has a lot to contend with.


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

Grab diabetes by the throat and choke the life out of it! Diabetes is ours to control and it is worth the effort to do so.


What has been your favorite TT2 event to date?

2010 training camp - getting to know the other folks on the team.


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

I have some weight to lose. Winter was not kind, I was slack on my cycling, but things are on the right track again.


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

On May 14-16, I am doing the Brasstown Baldbuster Century, the Atlanta Tour de Cure, and the Assault on Mount Mitchell. If I can complete all three, it will be over 300 miles in three days with over 25,000 feet of climbing. The only person I will be competing against is myself, the D monster, and gravity. Completion=winning.


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

I would like to be the first diabetic to win the Race Across the West.