What inspired you to start distance running?
I have always loved running. In high school, I was a goalkeeper on the soccer team and ran track and field. After being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes during my sophomore year, it was challenging to find a glucose management strategy for distance running, so I ran shorter distances and continued soccer.
Fast forward to college, where I played NCAA D1 soccer (the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is the highest level of intercollegiate sport in the US, Ed.) at Marquette University. While there, I met a cross-country runner (XC) with type 1 diabetes who shared the technology and ‘tips and tricks’ he used as a high-level athlete and distance runner.
I immediately ended my soccer career and joined Marquette’s “Run with President” club. I was even more motivated by a faculty member with type 1 diabetes who had done an Ironman before and after being diagnosed.
The club was training for a half and a full marathon, which I thought was CRAZY! Nonetheless, I was having a blast and fell in love — running got me through the ups and downs of graduate school.
My first marathon at 2hr52 was a great experience and inspired me to pursue a higher level. After moving to San Diego to start my first job at Dexcom, I joined the Prado Racing Team and was formerly coached to run my first XC.
I soon realised that suddenly increasing miles without building strength and resilience first was hard on the body and left me with occasional injuries. Then, in 2019, I missed the 2020 Summer Olympic Trials qualifying (OTQ) mark by four minutes.
After this, I took a break from long distance for a couple of years, moved back to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where I grew up, and focused on building speed and strength. It paid off in an unexpected half marathon personal record (PR) in January 2023 — my first time under a 1hr20 with a 1hr16 time. The desire to qualify for the 2024 Summer Olympic Games returned. With support from the Diabetes Sports Project and Dukes Track Club, I dove back into distance running with a vengeance.
Why does distance running matter to you?
Distance running is a form of medicine that directly impacts my blood glucose control and base metabolism to help me manage my type 1 diabetes. It is also a form of mental and emotional therapy, often following my life “waves”.
Distance running allows me to see the benefits of sweat and hard work. Whether a respite from the stress of my engineering career, giving me time to think through challenging and complex problems, or a way to let out any negative energy and emotion — ending a 5-year relationship in 2022 may or may not have had something to do with the January half marathon PR energy and dedication — or a way to celebrate peace and happiness.
How does living with type 1 diabetes impact your training and racing?
Living with diabetes keeps me on my toes, that’s for sure, and although frustrating at times, it is a game I like to play.
With technology today, people with type 1 diabetes have a unique insight into how to “fuel” during, between and after runs. Whether grabbing fuel after the CGM drops 30 minutes into an aerobic-based run or an adrenaline spike in glucose on race day or during workouts, we can learn trends and adapt. My training was more intense this year, and I had to deal with high blood sugar levels during tapering (reducing the intensity and distance run in the final two to three weeks of marathon training, Ed.) and on race day. I learned to effectively manage this by increasing my long-acting insulin a week or so before and taking short-acting insulin before fuelling early and often during long-distance races.
However, we all know there are days when trends and patterns don’t exist, and we have to pivot. Whether it be rescheduling a workout or adjusting intensity or fuel and hydration, there are ways to work around it — and be frustrated because who likes that added stress? The best we can do is prepare for any circumstance during training since we don’t have the luxury of changing the race day dates.
How do you prepare mentally and physically for a big race?
I touched on this a bit before but try not to be a perfectionist and be OK with adapting — our bodies are often smarter than our brains if we choose to listen — the most challenging part!
I visualise often, review my training logs, and meditate or listen to music on race day to eliminate as much cognitive load and stress as possible. Using these techniques, I can reduce inevitable adrenaline spikes in blood glucose.
Three to four weeks before a race is the most challenging physically. The duration and intensity of workouts depend on the distance. I still work out, but I taper the volume while keeping the intensity. The gym, combined with the aerobics of running, is vital for glucose management and taxes the glucose, fat and protein-burning systems so I can use them on race day.
I genuinely believe in recovery, sleep and nutrition the week before a run — do NOT cut calories but be intentional. I also increase complex carbs for the entire week and don’t “carbo-load” the day before or just before a run. At the same time, I increase my long-acting insulin use. I have one pre-race intense session followed by recovery, shakeouts and strides to keep the system feeling fresh. Also, don’t be alarmed if any “niggles” pop up during this week, but make sure to take care of them!
Can you tell us about the ‘Diabetes Sports Project’ and how it makes sports safer and more accessible for people with diabetes?
The Diabetes Sports Project (DSP) is a non-profit led by elite athletes. DSP’s purpose is to educate, mentor, inspire and create a community for people living with diabetes who take part in sports and endurance events. The goal is to build a network for sharing all aspects of diabetes management to make sports safer for people with type 1 diabetes. The first way to do this is to connect with your peers and create a team of medical professionals and supporters, along with a training plan. Connect with us!
How are you feeling ahead of the Olympic Team Trials this month?
I’m incredibly excited and grateful for the opportunity to compete on such a high stage with professionals! That being said, my body has taken a toll after three back-to-back marathons, so training has looked slightly different for this one. Unfortunately, I’ve had to be creative in managing shin splints. Nonetheless, I love a competitive race, and diabetes has taught me to be resilient and fight even when circumstances aren’t ideal, so I’m looking forward to grinding it out and competing with the best! Game on!
