Marathon Team Spotlight: Benjamin D. Boudreaux
Beyond Type Run, a program of Beyond Type 1, brings together an inspiring team of people impacted by diabetes—those living with type 1 diabetes (T1D), type 2 diabetes (T2D) and their caregivers. Since 2017, this program has brought more than 200 runners with T1D to the TCS New York City Marathon. In 2023, Beyond Type Run opened up the team to all people with diabetes and their caregivers.
This year we’ll be cheering on this 2023 team in New York City on November 5, 2023. Get to know 2023 marathon team member, Benjamin D. Boudreaux, and how he’s getting ready for the race!
Benjamin D. Boudreaux
- Diagnosed 2020 with T1D
- Personal record of 1 hour and 37 minutes for NYC half marathon
What inspired you to run this year?
I moved to NYC last August for my job as a postdoctoral research fellow at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and have always wanted to run a marathon for many years now. I have always told myself if I were to run a marathon it would need to be a memorable one!
I am also on the autism spectrum so running the NYC marathon is a dream for not only myself but also to inspire others!
Who will be joining you the day of the race?
My mother and girlfriend
Prepping for race day
What is your go to running snack?
During a race or long run it would be a Gu Energy Gel
How do you prepare for long runs?
I have maintained a routine to keep my long runs on Saturdays. Before heading out the door, I eat a ZonePerfect bar and put on my music playlist.
What has been the hardest part of your training so far?
As a person diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and living with T1D, the hardest part of my training has been learning about the refueling process to keep my blood sugar levels in my target range.
Interestingly, I do not currently run or exercise with my insulin pump since my diagnosis because of my sensitivity to insulin. Learning how my body and blood sugar levels respond beyond the length of a half marathon will be an interesting experience.
Advice to start running
Benjamin’s advice for other people impacted by diabetes who want to start running is:
I currently hold a PhD in Exercise Physiology with research emphasis in physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep on the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Running and exercise has saved my life a number of times and I want to be able to do the same for you.
My biggest peace of advice would be to do whatever exercise and physical activities you enjoy doing, whether it is swimming, cycling, running, lifting weights, yoga, etc. Our bodies are not meant to be sitting all day and by being physically active you will notice greater improvements to your time in range, a lower A1C, and even maybe less insulin.
Get to know the rest of the 2023 Beyond Type Run marathon and learn more about the program here. Want to be on the team like Benjamin? Stay tuned! The 2024 team application will open in April of 2024.
