Ragnar here I come!

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Dear Members, Friends, and Supporters, We are excited to introduce the 18 athletes with type 1 diabetes who make up our two teams racing at the 2013 Rangar SoCal relay, April 19-20. This year's team is proudly supported by GlucoLift All-Natural Glucose Tablets. After participating as part of IN's Northwest Passage Ragnar team in 2012, GlucoLift Founder and President Christopher Angell returns as both athlete and sponsor to help IN provide this experiential opportunity to other people with diabetes. "GlucoLift is excited to support the Insulindependence Ragnar SoCal Relay teams, because they embody everything that makes Insulindependence a great organization: A diverse group of people with diabetes throwing themselves into a challenging situation that pushes their mental and physical limits, with the goal of emerging stronger and more in control of their lives as a result of the bonds and knowledge that they will gain in order to finish the race," says Angell. Insulindependence has formed a Ragnar team each year since the Ragnar Relay Del Sol (AZ) in 2009. In 2013, Insulindependence teams will complete three relays, Del Sol, So Cal (CA) and Northwest Passage (WA.) "Living a full life with diabetes depends on testing boundaries and finding new sources of personal and communal strength, and Insulindependence has a unique ability to help people do exactly that," says Angell. We invite you to join in the fun and support the team on the course or in spirit in one of the many ways listed below! What is Ragnar? Ragnar is the overnight running relay race that makes testing your limits a team sport. A team is made up of 6-12 individuals; each individual runs 3 legs. The legs of the race vary in difficulty and distance, from 3-8 miles, allowing elite and novice runners to run together. Over 2 days and 1 night, teams run across 200 miles from Huntington Beach, CA, to Embarcadero Marina Park South, CA. Why the heck would you do that?! Ask the team. 6-Person Ultra Team Runner 1: Steve Meo I run to challenge myself. I run to learn from my fellow athletes with diabetes. I run for the stories we will tell. I run to inspire. I run to raise money. I run to raise awareness. I run because Brennan asked me to. I run because I can. I run to be healthy. I run for the camaraderie. I run because "Ragnar" is kind of fun to say. I run because I'm IN. Runner 2: Andy Gell When I was diagnosed I was training to qualify for the Boston Marathon. The doctors, dietitian, and others I met did not have much for me in terms of information or ideas in relation to being as active as I was, training for a specific goal and trying to manage diabetes. I was able to kind of work my way though the trials and tribulations of learning how my body reacted to the various intricacies of diabetes as I trained, but it was a lonely process. I decided to enter the Tri-City Medical Center Carlsbad Half-Marathon and met a few IN runners at the expo. I loved the idea behind the organization and have met a number of other like-minded people with diabetes who have been amazing to get to know. When I heard IN was putting together an ultra team, I wanted to put it out there with a few other diabetics and raise some money for a great cause! Runner 3: Bill Carlson I’m running Ragnar to be with my friends and enjoy a beautiful day of running along the coast. But really, it's not about the run, it's about the people. The fun and the running. The running and the fun. Runner 4: Bill King I love running challenges and I am a team player so RAGNAR itself offers a running team challenge second to nothing. I also love showing the world what living with type 1 diabetes is all about; that although type 1 diabetes is difficult for us to manage and still potentially a deadly disease, with good clinical support, ongoing access to diabetes education, and the camaraderie of other like minded individuals, like my team at Insulindependence, I have a chance of living a great, happy, healthy, long life! Runner 5: Mark McCullough I am running Ragnar SoCal because I love what Insulindependence stands for. And because of this I believe that a group of people can make a much bigger impact on those in need of hope, help, and encouragement than just one person. And through feats such as this race, the platform can continue to be laid to get more involved because of the mission of this organization is much bigger than a human...it's about humanity! Inspiring those that can also inspire creates a culture of positive change....I'm jacked about getting to it. Thanks to all that make this possible! Runner 6: Christopher Angell I'm running the SoCal Ragnar with Insulindependence as a way of appreciating and celebrating my diabetes instead of just trying to manage or cope with it. I'm committed to making my diabetes a valuable and important part of my life - it's one of the cards I was dealt. If I want to have a great life, I have to bring diabetes along for the ride, so I might as well make it as positive a force as possible. I can't think of a better way to do that than by participating in this Ragnar with a bunch of other like-minded type-1s. Ultra Van Driver: Mike Greene I haven’t done Ragnar before, but I took the opportunity to be involved here because I enjoy anything that helps support people with diabetes in their quest to do well with exercise and to conquer their dreams. I’ve supported Race Across America (RAAM) riders and been involved with other ultra endurance events with non-diabetics, but it’s great to have team of people with diabetes together, because diabetes is a challenge in itself and it is good for people with diabetes to lead by example so that others aren’t afraid. Nothing can stop us. 12-Person Team Runner 1: Dave Hennesey Ragnar is like a two day individual running event that is completed by a team of 12 people and I enjoy running and people. Next there is the living life like a diabetic gypsy for two days going from porta-potty to porta-potty in a van with five other people. Everyone knows I enjoy it when people are obligated to listen to my very bad stand up diabetes comedy routine, so any practice I can get with a forced crowd is right up my alley. Last, I just love the thrill of a challenge and meeting new people with diabetes and that is what Ragnar is all about. Runner 2: Christopher Noble I've had diabetes for 18 years now. I ran cross country, track and did swim team throughout high school as well as the triathlon team for UC Berkeley. I now run recreationally and do some 5 and 10K's, but truly love running and all of the benefits that come with it. This past fall I volunteered with Insulindependence and helped with various events and Dawn Phenoms. I hope to stay involved whenever possible because I love my diabetes family! Runner 3: Vic Kinnunen Ragnar is an event I've heard a lot about over the past few years from other diabetic friends who have participated on an Insulindependence team. We'll be at it non-stop for 200 miles - just like we are every day managing our diabetes. I look forward to expanding my network of diabetic friends - catching up with some I've known for several years, and meeting others for the first time. I see this as another awesome diabetic community building event - an opportunity to learn more about how others with diabetes manage exercise, insulin, and nutrition (while minimizing sleep) and I look forward to crossing the finish line with my teammates. Runner 4: Alexander Bautz I am a relative rookie in both running and dealing with type 1 diabetes. I chose the Tri-City Medical Center Carlsbad Marathon as my first marathon, so that I could get to meet the incredible people of Insulindependence that I had heard about in Seattle. While really grueling, that race was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life thus far, and everyone at IN was fantastic. When I heard about the race in April, I jumped at the opportunity to join the Ragnar SoCal team. I am very excited to get back down to the land of sunshine and push the limit with some great people. Runner 5: Marie Schiller I have been an avid runner for 20 years and my dream is to run a marathon, but I have always been hesitant because I love running so much and never want to stop loving it or be unable to do it because of injury. The Ragnar race seems like a nice step to get to my dream (although having studied the race, now I am not sure it will be any easier.) Finally, and maybe more important than my own goals, is my desire to support Insulindependence in any way I can. Runner 6: The Hammer Ragnar is not just your average running race; Ragnar is the ultimate mental and physical challenge. Adding in a Ragnar to the 24/7 challenge that is diabetes, just throws you a different curve ball. The experiences I have had on a Ragnar course (some at 2 a.m.) have been some of the most rewarding. For those who choose to challenge themselves, Ragnar is a truly life changing experience. Life's too short not to challenge yourself everyday! Runner 7: Scott A. Jozefowski I am running Ragnar SoCal with Insulindependence to experience, once again, the great team that we are, and to gain insight into this disease from others, and realize that I am not alone. Testing my limits is something I try to do on a regular basis, and when this opportunity arose I put work and other commitments aside to join the team. Insulindependence is a great organization that inspires all of us with diabetes. Getting the word out is important. Just hope I get to run in some true 'sunny' So-Cal weather during this adventure. Runner 8: Danielle Panetta Most of the other runners I know look like runners when they run. They’re fit. They move quickly on their feet. They’re always on Facebook or Twitter posting all sorts of inspirational sayings like “7 minutes or 14 minutes, a mile is still a mile,” “The one who finishes last ran the same distance as everyone else,” “If you still look pretty afterwards, you didn’t do it right,” or “Pain is temporary, quitting is forever.” They don’t know it, but those were all written about me. On a typical day, I am a 14-minute mile, last-place, ugly-looking racer who never quits. So why do I keep doing it? I run to prove that diabetes never has the best of me. I run because finishing dead last feels a whole lot better than not getting off the couch. I run because I can. I run for the people who think they can’t. Runner 9: Joanna Gerry I love the idea of running with others who not only love running but love managing their diabetes to enable good healthy performance too! It is an art form for which only a fraction of diabetes patients are successful! To top it off, I will be turning 40 the day after we finish. Completing Ragnar with other type 1 runners the day before I turn 40 is something my pediatric endocrinologist never could have predicted 28 years ago in Denver! Runner 10: Kate Eldean I felt compelled to do something rewarding and significant in honor of my six-month anniversary of a diagnosis with type 1 diabetes. February 23, 2013 is an important marker on my journey towards the most active, healthy and fulfilling life I can live with a condition like T1D. I'm always up for an adventure and when I learned of the Ragnar Relay and the opportunity to run with eleven other T1D's with Insulindependence it immediately sparked an interest. It's also a privilege to give back to the work IN is doing in a small way by getting family and friends to join the revolution through fundraising efforts. I'm thrilled to be a part of a team, to share in the camaraderie, fun and the challenge to push my body to new heights. Runner 11: Scott Berman I luckily stumbled upon Insulindependence and as soon as I saw a Ragnar team forming I didn't have to think twice. I have always been an active individual and find it helps keep me healthy and my blood sugars in check. Now that I have discovered IN, I am looking forward to meeting other IN members and form a special sweaty bond that can only be achieved through Ragnar. Runner 12: Sandra Merkow I was diagnosed while I was training for my first Ironman. I was devastated! I have always been an athlete and have taken good care of myself physically and nutritionally. I lived in denial for a while. It wasn't until I decided that I wasn't going to let diabetes take control of my life, that diabetes became the best thing that has happened to me, it taught me to live my life! In 2007 my then 14 year old son, Kyle was diagnosed. It was at this point I knew I needed to do more! A fellow type 1 friend asked if I wanted to do Ragnar to raise money for Insulindependence, I didn't even hesitate! I've been training everyday and have met other type ones who have given me such great training advice! For the first time in my life I feel a sense of freedom from diabetes. Van Driver: Rachel McCausland As a T1 wanting to get involved with Insulindependence, I figured one of the best ways was to volunteer. Hopefully next year I'll be ready to run! Van Driver: Katie Bringe I am super duper excited to meet everyone and participate in Ragnar as a driver this time around. I can't wait until I can run next time! Come out to support the team! Start Location | Huntington Beach State Park 22 Huntington St. Huntington Beach, CA 92648 Be there to send them on their way! Start times | 12-Person team: 5:00 a.m. 6-Person Ultra team: 1:00 p.m. Attend the San Diego Dawn Phenom | The Ragnar athletes will run right by our monthly event at the usual location at La Jolla Shores Beach Park! Please join us in cheering on our runners in the midst of their 200 mile relay race, and for some great surf, breakfast, beach games and most of all great company! All ages, all athletic abilities, and all types (1s, 2s, and 3s) are welcome! Event Webpage & Calendar & RSVP for event reminders here! Estimated arrival at Shores for Ragnar athletes: Scott just after 8:23 a.m. Steve just after 10:58 a.m. Welcome them at the finish! Finish Location | 200 Marina Park Way Embarcadero Marina Park South San Diego, CA Estimated Finish Times: 12-Person team: 2:28 p.m.* 6-Person Ultra Team: 3:50 p.m.* *Note: Finishing times are subject to drastic change based on the teams' progress over 200 miles!