Two years ago my wife and I went on a wonderful Alaskan cruise with my in-laws. While the cruise was unforgettable, I sailed with mixed emotions because I knew I was saying goodbye to the old version of me. I had decided that at the conclusion of the cruise my life would change. I spent the next 8 days eating each meal like it was the last super, mourning my pending lifestyle change. I got off the ship and upon returning home weighed in at 382.5 pounds. The weight, however, was the least of my problems. I was suffering from type 2 diabetes, and despite being on 180 units of insulin and 3 oral medications, my blood sugar was completely uncontrolled (my hemoglobin A1C was 11.5). I was on a list of other medications for a variety of conditions, all related to my obesity.
Change happens in small steps, with determination, help, and support of loved ones both family and friends. Thank you to all of my friends for your love and support along this journey. Thank you for being so understanding of my restrictive dining requests and for being such enthusiastic cheerleaders. Thank you to my new running and triathlon friends for taking me in, teaching me, training with me, and showing me that “anything is possible.” Thank you to my colleagues who have gone out of their way to be encouraging and supportive. Thank you to a fantastic doctor who taught me how to overcome my obesity, a superb nutritionist who taught me how to make healthy choices, and to a wonderful support group made up of three wonderful woman who forever will be role models and an exceptional therapist who empowered me with coping mechanisms that I use to this very day. Thank you to the greatest in-laws in the world for your help, support, and love. Most important, thank you to my beautiful, smart, selfless, and supportive wife who helped me get here. My point is that my success is your success. I am so appreciative for everything that you have all done for me, and I acknowledge that I could not have gotten to the finish line at Ironman 70.3 Steelhead without you.
I stand before you today at 190 pounds, diabetes in remission (HA1C 5.1), and completely off of all medications. My BP today was 100 over 60. Having said that, there is still so much work to do. As a food addict there is no “crossing the finish line.” I will always be a work in progress, and know that bad choices can undo all of the hard work. In the coming year I hope to take up the Iron Cowboy’s cause and spread the word about the epidemic that childhood obesity has become. I hope to inspire others to integrate healthy choices into their lives, and I hope that my journey serves as inspiration for you to run that race that you’ve always thought about, but didn’t believe you could complete. This coming year will be consumed with training for the biggest physical challenge of my life; training for Ironman Wisconsin. Let determination be my guide, and with your love and support let us celebrate together on September 11, 2016.
Ira Goldberg
