RYAN JONES



  • Morrisville, PA
  • Age: 33
  • Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at age 8

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS


  • Completed 8 Iron-Distance Races (Personal Record of 9:48)
  • Completed 6 100 Mile Trail Races with a best time of 17:36
  • 1st Overall, Labor Pain 12 Hour Ultramarathon Endurance Trail Run (72.6 Miles Run in 11:44)
  • 1st overall Tupperlake Half IM
  • 1st Overall, Mussselman Half Ironman
  • 1st Amateur, Eagleman Half Ironman

MEET RYAN JONES


When were you diagnosed with diabetes?

I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when I was 8 years old.


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

We were pretty scared and unsure. We initially thought diabetes would be a huge obstacle.


How do you feel about diabetes now?

Now I see diabetes as a just a part of life. I spend time and effort to manage it well so that it is not a limiting factor in my life.


Are you married? Any children?

Yes – I am married. No children yet.


Why is exercise and competition a part of your life?

I feel that exercise/competition drives me to live a healthier lifestyle. I also feel as though competition drives me to try to be more successful at everything I do.


What drew you to Team Type 1?

The stories and support of other competitive people like myself.


Tell us about an athletic achievement that you find especially significant.

Running 100 mile races. Truly find what I am made of each time I run an ultramarathon.


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

Don’t be afraid. It’s a learning game. You won’t be able to find out what you can or can’t do unless you try.


How did you feel in school about having diabetes?

Unsure and in some instances embarrassed. Had a couple bad experiences with low blood sugars and was unsure how to explain to my friends what was happening or what had happened to me.


What has been your favorite TT1 event to date?

The Wildflower half IM. It was my 1st team race. I met some really great/inspirational people while racing and camping for a few days.


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

I have found that diabetes has helped me become a much more disciplined person in all aspects of my life. I also feel as though it has made me more competitive (maybe subconsciously I am always trying to prove myself and prove I can accomplish anything without diabetes affecting me).


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

High exertion exercise, especially races, are always tough. Stress and nerves always play a huge part in control. So I would say better blood sugar control during training and racing.


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

To run a couple 50k’s and 50 milers and place well.


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

To win a 100 mile ultramarathon and to race well at western states 100 miler.


Thank you for taking the time to talk with us.

Thank you.