By Gordon Wright

Thomas J. Miller is not only one of the few athletes to have entered all three GORE-TEX® TransRockies Runs, he’s probably the most loved. That love extends into much of the endurance world, especially triathlon, where he’s spent the bulk of his professional and recreational life. He’s racing here with his wife, Monica, and their consistent top-third finishes are not only credible, but – given recent developments in Thomas’ life – nearly incredible.

Thomas has nine Ironman finishes to his credit, including appearances at Kona, and Monica has been a steadfast supporter of his athletic lifestyle. His introduction to the GORE-TEX® TransRockies Run was a professional one: he’s the man responsible for attracting and supporting many of the sponsors who, in addition to Gore and Salomon, make this one of the most lavishly-supported endurance events on the race calendar. (While we’re at it, let’s give a shout to them: Timex, Nathan, GU, Kinesys, Headsweats, the Continental Divide Trail Alliance, SaltStick, Leki, Clif, Michelob Ultra, Beaver Creek, Erin Baker’s Cookies, Peet Dryers, Leki and Zorrel).

One of Thomas’ perks for his year-round work for the race included an entry into the very first iteration. “I’d never really done any trail running before the race,” he admits, “But I was completely hooked after the first day of my first race.”

Monica works in sales for the software giant Computer Associates, handling big accounts like Amgen. “This is the first time I’ve been on a vacation without ever thinking about work. And it’s really the first year I’ve been able to make it happen, because we have two teenage girls and a nine-year-old autistic son. But I really, really wanted to do it this year with Thomas, because frankly, I was worried about him doing it without me.”

The reason for her concern is profound. Last year, Thomas’ massive natural endurance faltered. “I fell about seven times,” he said, ruefully. “I was sweating profusely and was just utterly, utterly exhausted by every stage.”

“He just didn’t recover from the race after he got home, “ noted Monica, “We knew something was wrong.”

Something was: after finally consulting with doctors, Thomas was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.

The diagnosis was something of a release, but also worrisome in the extreme. Not only was his recreational life built around endurance, so was his professional life. How would he cope with an endocrine system that was profoundly out of whack?

Pretty well, thanks. The Irvine resident has managed to dial in his nutrition after careful testing, and while he’ll start a daily insulin regimen after the race, he’s competing here without it.

“I’ve changed the way I eat,” said Miller, “Since the diagnosis, it’s been better, and we haven’t had any really low points. Our plan very day is to go out slow, then pick off people. “

Coming to the TransRockies Run is like coming home for Miller, and his happiest moments this year have been showing Monica what all the fuss is about.

Monica, too, is now a true believer, noting, “I love it this race. It’s been an amazing experience – I love the athletes and the staff – it’s just so different from an Ironman. The elite athletes are so different here, so approachable and friendly; I’ve just never seen anything like it.

Thomas, nodding, adds, “This is so much more than a race, it’s almost life-changing. You’re just totally unplugged and a member of some kind of tribe of runners. You run, eat, drink, sleep and repeat. It simplifies your life. Frankly, it’s like being a kid again.”

Miller is slowly germinating an additional professional direction, one that will put a positive spin on a chronic, often-debilitating disease.

“I want to educated people about Type 2 diabetes,” he said, “I want people to know you can live an amazing life, and compete in amazing events like this, even if you have diabetes.”