About Us

About DSWF
Objectives
The Founders

 

Our Sponsors
 
 

 
David Weingard’s
Ironman Experience

On Sunday 27 July 2003, I successfully raced Ironman USA in Lake Placid, New York. I completed the 2.4mile swim, 112mile bike ride, and 26.2mile run in 16 hours, 14 minutes and 39 seconds and was one of the 1,672 finishers.

I am extremely proud of this accomplishment – since in addition to the normal challenges of the race – it rained most of the day and the winds reached 30 mph on the mountainous bike course. I reached down deeper into myself in order to make each leg’s time cutoff and finish the race within the 17 hour overall race time limit. It was a greater physical challenge than any other that I have ever undertaken. I have now joined a very small group of Type 1 Diabetics in the world to ever complete an Ironman race.

The complexities of racing Ironman as a Diabetic included balancing insulin doses with food intake and the constant monitoring of blood glucose (BG) levels. The weather added other issues as my BG testing kit stopped working in the rain.. Fortunately, I had planned for these types of issues and had backup plans (i.e. spare testing kits). I also had learned so much via my race simulations during training that I tuned my food intake constantly within the race. I have attached my food and insulin plan & actual results in the file IM2003 records.doc for those interested in looking at it.

I was very fortunate to receive outstanding family support at the race and from all of you during the months leading up to it. Including donations still coming in, your contributions helped raise $10,000 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). Then, click on “David Weingard” on the lower right hand corner for additional information or to make a contribution. Additionally, the Janus Fund will be donating $250 to JDRF as part of our effort. I also want to thank Sids’ Bike Shop (34th and 2nd Ave) and Zipcar for their sponsorship support.

The media exposure in my employer’s (Microsoft) newsletter, a full page article in Triathlete magazine and mention in numerous other local publications and websites generated letters and phone calls from other Diabetics and their families who shared their stories and accomplishments. The Ironman race gave me the opportunity to learn from and share inspiration with Diabetics (and their families) nationwide who, like myself, must deal with this chronic condition 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. May the momentum we created here continue on for years to come.

Be well,

David G. Weingard


 

About Diabetes Sports and Wellness Foundation

Our goal is to give diabetics the practical tools, programs and resources and confidence to start living an active lifestyle today. With diabetes as the opponent, the challenges of taking the first step to better health are no different for a beginner walking than those of the experience triathalete.

“I started this web site after realizing that when I was training for my first marathon, (1999) there were no resources for people with diabetes to turn to for advice or support upon embarking on a fitness program.

Certainly, there are the physicians and diabetes educators out there, who have 15 minutes for you every 3 months, but that is not enough.

I figured that if diabetics were given a forum to ask questions and tell stories concerning management of their condition while exercising, the idea of getting off the couch is a lot less daunting.

Since that first idea of starting the site, I have had the opportunity to coach many diabetics in completing their first century (100 miles) bike ride and in running marathons. In doing this, I have discovered something very powerful in the diabetic community.

Beyond completing a 100-mile bike ride in one day, people are left empowered to continue to strive and set higher goals for themselves not only physically, but mentally.

As diabetics, we are often not encouraged to "push" ourselves or put too many demands on our bodies. I say nonsense! With the right amount of desire, and trial and error, one can dial in carbohydrate and insulin needs and accomplish anything. Let that be our mantra: to do anything. –Jay”

DSWF Objectives:

  • Exchange experiences with diabetes
  • Encourage and mentor those living with Type 1 diabetes
  • Unite the diabetes community
  • Collaborate within the community; establish partners and alliances within the diabetes community

 

DSWF will focus on:

  • Programs and events that promote health and fitness through an active lifestyle at any level for those living with Type 1 diabetes
  • Provide online forums for support allowing diabetics to monitor activity, be recognized for achievements, exchange advice, provide encouragement and create a sense of community while pursuing endeavors that enrich their lives and wellness
  • Lead by example and prove that there are no limitations to living with Type 1 diabetes

THE FOUNDERS

BOB HEYER, Founder - President
Bob is a 40 something year old insulin-dependent, Type 1 diabetic, who has maintained a lifestyle filled with physical activity since being diagnosed at the age of 15.  After 26 years, he I living proof that persistent management of his diabetic regimen, good nutrition and an active healthy lifestyle play a big role in remaining complication free with diabetes.
Bob is a competitive amateur cyclist who in recent  years has taken to triathlon competition.   Bob is a member of “Team Type 1”- an 8 member team of Diabetics that set a new record in RAMM- the Race Across American challenge in 2007 and 2006- racing 3052 miles across America in 5 days, 16 hours, and 4 minutes and beating that record in 2007 covering 3052 miles in 5 days, 15 hours and 43 minutes!!  Bob has also competed in IronMan competitions, in Arizona and Canada.

Bob’s professional life has over 15 years experience in leading and operating businesses. A degree in mechanical engineering, and early work experience led to the start of his own business, Satisfied Sport, an apparel and graphic design brand-building company, growing the business to over 10 million in revenue and employing more than 50 personnel.  His entrepreneurial business background and talent has provided him the ability to gain invaluable business acumen, encompassing building, growing, managing, leading and consulting with companies. This knowledge and experience in the financing and operating of a startup and growing business and his passion for diabetes and wellness are an integral part of the foundation.

TOM STILL, Secretary
Tom is a member of the Advisory Board of the UW-Madison College of Engineering, the advisory board for the Wisconsin E-Business Institute, and the board of directors of the Simpson Street Free Press.

Tom is the president of the Wisconsin Technology Council, which is the independent, non-partisan science and technology adviser to the Wisconsin governor and the Legislature. He has 25 years of experience in journalism and has been a part of launching seven websites over time. He is a former member of the National Conference of Editorial Writers and continues to write a syndicated column.
Tom is a co-founder of the Men’s Senior Baseball League of Southern Wisconsin. He is a member of the Governor’s Economic Growth Council, the UW-Extension Board of Visitors, the Industrial, who has family members with diabetes, has been a supporter of diabetic research and outreach activities.

NANCY NOTO, Executive Director
After 18 years in the financial markets, Nancy Noto has been working as an independent consultant focusing on strategic business and operations and infrastructuredevelopment for both corporate and non-profit organizations.  

Nancy was the Executive Vice President of Iron Capital Markets, a privately owned investment banking firm in Atlanta where as principal, she managed all corporate investment banking, trading and market strategy. Nancy has been actively involved in the diabetes not-for-profit arena for over 12 years, as a Board Member and Committee member with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and most recently on the Advisory Board of Diabetes Sports and Wellness Foundation.

Nancy spent time as the program and camp director at an overnight summer camp for kids with Type 1 diabetes where she was responsible for all communication, logistics, medical and staff training (450 campers and 200 volunteer staff)  and the coordination and supervision of all staff and campers for the organization’s existing overnight and weekend camp program.  Nancy is originally from St. Louis, MO and after a career path that included Chicago and New York City, has called Atlanta, GA home since 1999, where she is involved with her nephews, cycling, playing golf and tennis and most anything outdoors. 

Contact Us

Bobby Heyer - bob@dswf.org
Nancy Noto - Nancy.Noto@dswf.org