From Sunrise to Finish Line: Ariel’s Marathon Diary

Training for a marathon takes an unimaginable number of hours—but life doesn’t hit pause. In this diary-style feature, Ariel Sarpeh shares a full day of her Beyond Type Run journey—from work to workouts and everything in between.

I’m Ariel, a full-time public health professional, wife and momma to an energetic 4 and 1 year old. I’m a slow runner, new to long distance running, who ran the NYC Marathon with the 2025 Beyond Type Run team. 

More than a marathon

For 19 years, I’ve lived with type 1 diabetes and have spent my time educating, raising awareness and advocating for increased representation in diabetes spaces. My decision to run the marathon is a continuation of that and aligns with my commitment to do the hard thing, in spite of. Marathon training has meant pushing beyond what I think is possible for myself, both physically and mentally. It’s about sticking to something new and intimidating even when it doesn’t come easy.

Diary Entry #1—Morning

It’s Tuesday, which means I’m traveling from New Jersey to the city (NYC) for work. My training plan currently consists of 3 weekly runs, with one strength training session at the gym. Currently, Saturdays are dedicated to long runs, while my easy recovery runs are scheduled for Mondays when I work remotely. My third run and strength session are then scheduled between Tues-Thurs depending on that week’s work and familial commitments. 

Today is unusual though. I’m nursing a shin splint with a doctor’s appointment scheduled for tomorrow. Instead of my usual workout, I’ll be heading to the gym for some indoor cycling. My husband loves to work out too, so today I’ll be joining him before the morning madness begins. We’re fortunate in that my MIL lives with us, so she’ll be managing the kiddos while we’re out the house. Familial support has been so crucial this season! 

Today’s pre-gym snack is half a bagel with cream cheese (an unbolused 27 carbs) to avoid any workout lows. I put my pump in exercise mode and use my Dexcom G7 app to monitor my glucose. My mantra this season is “all in” (versus “all or nothing”). That means being gracious and flexible with myself to move things around to accommodate what’s happening and not guilt myself in the process. Having a family with two littles means flexibility with training is a must.

After the gym, I hurry home to get ready for work to catch an 8:30 am train. We drop off our daughter to school and then I’m on my way to the city.

Dairy Entry #2—Late Morning/Afternoon

It’s 11:30 am and after a meeting and knocking off some work to-dos as a grants and contracts manager, I’m starting to think about lunch options. I’m also checking my Dexcom G7 app intermittently for first, reassurance and second, because my [sensor’s] grace period ends soon. I’ll need to do a sensor change at my desk! 

Working in the city means endless food options. But today, I’ve settled on some comfort Thai. It’s 1:30 pm and I’m eating some roasted chicken with green beans, and white rice. As my training has intensified, so has my hunger and while I’m mindful of choosing nourishing meals, I also ordered a side of fries to split with one of my friends today. Based on where my sugars are, I’m okay with this choice. 

My Dexcom G7 sensor session has ended. So now, I’m gearing up for a site change. 

Diary Entry #3—Late Afternoon

After hours of corrections and witnessing my glucose numbers steadily rise (thanks, Dexcom!), I know something isn’t right. I decide to take a look back at my pump’s bolus history and notice it—I forgot to bolus for lunch. It’s been a busy day so I try not to guilt myself too much. Based on my current reading and my missed lunchtime bolus, I give myself some extra insulin. Now, I’m heading home to Jersey—made exciting by the fact that I get to travel through the Oculus. 

In addition to work, and family life, I also volunteer with a young women’s leadership nonprofit. So while I’m still commuting home on the train, I join a Zoom call to discuss an upcoming conference. Once I get to my stop, I start walking home. That, coupled with my insulin on board, is so helpful in lowering this stubborn high. My husband meets me halfway with my daughter in tow. 

Diary Entry #4—Evening

My call has ended and it’s after 8 pm. I still haven’t eaten dinner yet, but now it’s mommy and daughter time. My husband and MIL managed dinner and bath time for the kiddos, so I’m handling bedtime with my oldest. We read and and say prayers before I tuck her in. 

Now, I’m thinking about tomorrow. I have a physical therapy appointment in the morning, but want to get an early morning run in, so I can get a true read on my calf pain before meeting with the doctor. I’m tired and am also nervously hoping for the best possible outcome. I’ve worked so hard these last six months and would hate to be sidelined by an injury. I quickly reread texts from an encouraging teammate—who also happens to be a PT—and solicit prayers from my girlfriends. I say a little prayer for myself as well. 

I lay out my workout clothes and pack my running belt with some fuel (Chocolate Gu-Gels and Sour Apple Clif Blok Energy Chews) and some Welch’s gummies for my 4 mile run. I finally head downstairs for a late-night dinner and quality time with my husband. 

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Ariel already crushed the marathon, but the Beyond Type Run squad is still making strides and showing T1D never sets the pace. Ready to support her push through the end of the year? Check out her fundraising page!

This content was made possible by Dexcom, an active partner of Beyond Type 1. Beyond Type 1 maintains editorial control over its content.