Fitter for having it
Learn practical moves to turn diabetes and other life challenges into strengths, so you can pursue your dreams
News updates
Regular updates and motivational support from Fitter for Having it is available straight to your inbox. Sign up for a regular copy of ‘The Move’, which is a short newsletter grounded in experience, not theory.
Every issue has:
My ‘Move of the Month’
Reflections on dealing with real-life T1D situations
Insights on food, mindset, training, and resilience
Lessons on diabetes that apply beyond extreme sport, into daily life, business, and family.
There are also links to related content, news on upcoming talks, events and podcasts.
Exercise is empowering
Living with T1D since childhood meant that my wellness came with extra baggage, and higher risks. Pursuing my passion for team sport was harder.
At the age of 40, after mixing sport and exercise with more than 35,000 insulin injections and countless blood glucose tests, I was curious to explore the impact diabetes had on my fitness and my future.
So, I set an ambitious goal to run six marathons in six days across Australia's Simpson Desert.
And guess what? I finished, coming first in my age group. It wasn't easy, but it taught me valuable lessons on how to train my body and mind to be stronger.
It also showed that diabetes wasn’t holding me back. In fact it had helped me become fitter and faster than other competitors as the race became harder.
And I didn't stop there. At the finish line, I set an even bigger goal. This time to run ten ultra-marathons in ten years.
And, you know what? I did that too, finishing with an epic 100km one day race over Sydney’s Blue Mountains.
Explore content
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![Start line at Sydney's Backyard Ultra race with a large crowd of runners and spectators under a banner.]()
Upcoming event
Check out my next race - 18 April 2026. Sydney’s Back Yard Ultra - a run with no finish line and my biggest test yet.
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![Diabetes means ultra marathons carry extra pressures and planning for food, insulin. Jelly beans.]()
My moves
Find out how I discovered the moves and used them to be strong, live well, and follow my passions. With focus, they can help you too.
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![Fitter for Having It presentation to NSW Health Infrastructure staff, December 2023. Sharing, coaching, inspiring motivational speaker.]()
Motivation
Come to an inspiring talk or search my recent events to find out how to thrive in tough races around the world.
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![Duncan Read, coaching and inspiring others by sharing race stories and strategies to demonstrate the opportunities and challenges of sport and exercise with type 1 diabetes. Racing the Planet New Zealand 2019 (rest day)]()
What's news
Read the latest from me on life, exercise and events, or send me questions on the approach, key moves, or coaching.
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![Duncan Read, Racing the Planet New Zealand in 2019. 250km Six Day stage race. Overcoming breaking points in races, makes dealing with daily difficulties of diabetes seem easier.]()
Race reports
Read about the Simpson desert run, cycling the Pyrenees, and mountain marathons which prove you can be Fitter for having it.
Tough times make you stronger
Life is complicated. Even more so with Type 1 diabetes.
Daily routines can feel relentless. Finding time to eat well and exercise can seem impossible.
Living with diabetes adds another level of responsibility, every action or inaction carries extra weight, and you face increased decision making pressure.
It can feel like an uphill battle.
But here’s the thing - tough times dealing with difficulties like diabetes can make you stronger.
That’s what I call being Fitter for Having it. An idea and mindset that turns the very obstacles you face daily into your greatest sources of strength.
I know. I’ve been there.
Moves to live well with diabetes
From these experiences, I developed practical moves that turn daily difficulties into performance advantages.
Over decades, they grew into my Fitter for Having it mindset. An approach that increases resilience, and problem-solving ability.
My moves are simple, personal, steps that might help you deal with diabetes, or look at it differently too.
Drawn from real life, not a textbook. And, they are effective.
I share them through group talks, coaching, and mentoring.
Why is this for you?
You don’t need to be an athlete to be here.
And, you don’t need to live with diabetes either.
Fitter for Having it applies to everyday life for everyone.
Although I developed the moves to follow my love of sport I discovered they helped me just as much walking the dog, going to work, or cutting the grass.
They apply to everyday life. You don’t need to run through deserts and over mountain ranges. The moves help me deal with life’s daily difficulties and continue what I need to do, and dream to do, when conditions aren’t perfect.
Resilience shines in extreme conditions, but it’s built in difficult daily routines. I know. I’ve proved it.