TOM KINGERY

Delaware, OH
Age: 36
Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at age 28

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

5-Time Ironman Finisher: Florida, 2007, 2008, 2009 Louisville, 2010, Rev3 Sandusky 2011
Member, 2011 Run Across America
Member, Winning Race Across America 8-Person Team, 2009 (World Record Time)
Member, Winning Race Across America 8-Person Team, 2010

MEET TOM KINGERY

When were you diagnosed with diabetes?

I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes on February 22nd, 2004

How did you feel about diabetes when you were first diagnosed?

I immediately felt like my life and athletic opportunities were over. I had the same perceptions of diabetes that many people have; if you have diabetes you are destined for a life of medical complications and horrible side-effects. It wasn’t until learning more about diabetes that I discovered with proper management of this disease, life and athletics can continue, without the devastating side effects we hear about all too often.

How do you feel about diabetes now?

I am glad you asked this question. Diabetes is a 100% manageable disease. With proper diabetes management, anything that was possible before diabetes is possible with diabetes.

Tell us about your life at home.

Married to Colleen Kingery (a fellow Ironman triathlete) for nearly six years, no children other than two lazy dogs, Buddy and Charlie.

Why is exercise and competition a part of your life?

Athletics have always been a part of my life. I played baseball and football since I was five and played football through college at the division 1 level. After graduating I began running marathon and began competing in triathlon in 2005.

What drew you to Team Type 1?

After being diagnosed I wanted to spread the message that diabetes does not have to limit what is possible in a person’s life. I wanted to change perceptions of what is possible with proper diabetes management, and Team Type 1 shared this mission. I wanted to join a team of remarkable athletes with diabetes to continue to instill hope for people affected by diabetes.

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

Completing my first Ironman in 2007 was a significant accomplishment for me because this was a goal I set shortly after being diagnosed with diabetes. Crossing the finish line of my first Ironman was when I truly believed that diabetes doesn’t have to keep me or anyone from achieving their goals.

How about an athletic achievement that you find especially significant?

I was selected as one of the eight Team Type 1 cyclists in the Race Across America in 2009 and 2010. The experience of racing 3,000 miles across America and being a part of two winning efforts and finishing in record setting time was an experience I will always cherish.

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

Diabetes is a manageable disease. If we eat well, exercise daily and manage our diabetes we can all live long, healthy and happy lives. With a positive attitude and a desire to excel despite the barriers put in front of us, all things in life and athletics are possible, despite living with diabetes.

Tell us about your favorite TT1 event.

I cherish the opportunity that Team Type 1 has afforded me to speak to children across the country living with diabetes; to share our athletic experiences and a demonstrate the positive side of life with diabetes.

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

Diabetes has provided extra motivation in my athletic life, made me value my personal health and has given me a greater opportunity to help others affected with diabetes.

I have heard that you use an interesting saying that you apply to diabetes management – please tell us about this.

Sure – it’s an old business adage that applies very well to diabetes: “You Can’t Manage What You Don’t Measure”. Managing diabetes is not easy, there are so many variables that have to be considered to properly manage blood sugar levels. The one single thing that a person with diabetes can do to better manage diabetes is to test and test often. If we don’t know where our blood sugar is at we can’t manage diabetes effectively. In order to manage diabetes, we need to measure BG.

Tell us about an athletic goal you have.

I want to continue to improve in all areas of athletics from sprint triathlons to Ironman distance. My key events in 2011 are three marathons and many Rev3 triathlons including the iron distance race at Rev3 Cedar Point in Sandusky, OH.

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

Thank you – it’s been fun.