Brothers in the Race: Chris and Jonathan Ronzio Talk NYC Marathon and Type 1 Diabetes
Beyond Type 1 is spotlighting inspiring athletes with type 1 diabetes as they prepare for the upcoming New York City Marathon on November 3, 2024. These runners are breaking boundaries, challenging stereotypes, and showing the world what’s possible when managing diabetes on the move.
Running a marathon is a challenge for anyone, but for Chris Ronzio it’s about more than just crossing the finish line—it’s a test of discipline, mental fortitude, and diabetes management.
For Chris, who has lived with type 1 diabetes for over 30 years, running is also an opportunity to inspire others. His brother, Jonathan Ronzio, has been by his side throughout this journey, both as a supportive sibling and a fellow runner.
Together, they’ve tackled challenges, pushing boundaries in both athletics and entrepreneurship. Together, they will also be running in the New York City Marathon as part of Beyond Type 1’s Beyond Type 1 Run team.
Adapting Blood-Sugar Management for Marathon Training
Managing blood sugar is a constant for anyone with type 1 diabetes, and marathon training introduces a whole new set of variables.
“My blood sugar is always top of mind!” says Chris. “Whether I’m training for a marathon, spontaneously playing basketball with my kids, or just eating a meal from a new restaurant, adjusting my blood sugar management decisions on the fly has become an hourly strategic planning process.”
The Role of Technology in Diabetes Management
As a tech entrepreneur, Chris is naturally drawn to using advanced tools to manage his diabetes.
When it comes to marathon training, Chris highlights the importance of understanding his insulin pump’s basal rates, nutrition strategy, and how to bolus for snacks.
“I love my Dexcom G7 CGM, which connects to both my Dexcom app on my phone and my Tandem Mobi app for my insulin pump.”
Before a run, Chris eats a mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, timing his snacks 20-30 minutes before starting.
“During activity, I eat every 30-45 minutes and cover those snacks with a reduced normal bolus,” he adds.
Chris’s strategy allows him to fuel his body without experiencing dangerous blood sugar spikes or crashes during long runs.
During long runs, Chris monitors his glucose every 15-20 minutes. He emphasizes the importance of nutritional management—consuming enough carbohydrates and covering them with the appropriate amount of insulin.
Finding the Right Nutrition Strategy
Chris has developed a personalized nutrition plan that works for him as a runner with type 1 diabetes.
“I always eat 20-30 minutes before starting a run,” he explains.
His go-to pre-run snacks include stroopwafels for shorter runs or something more substantial like overnight oats with peanut butter for longer distances.
During races, Chris consumes something every 30-45 minutes, balancing simple carbs and electrolytes to keep his energy levels up.
“I fill a water bottle with electrolyte powder so I can alternate between pure water and a sports drink, giving my body the salt it needs to avoid cramps,” he notes.
Facing Unexpected Challenges
No matter how well prepared an athlete is, unexpected challenges can arise, especially for those with type 1 diabetes. Chris recalls one such moment during his first IRONMAN race.
“I had to wear a wetsuit, which meant disconnecting from my pump. By the time I finished the swim, my blood sugar had risen to levels that my pump wouldn’t even display.”
Nervous about overcorrecting, Chris ate nothing, which led to muscle cramps and exhaustion later in the race.
The experience taught him valuable lessons about the balance between insulin, food intake, and performance.
“I hired a dietitian and coach to help me determine the right foods and insulin amounts for my body,” Chris says. From that point on, he’s made blood sugar control a top priority during training and races.
The Power of Mental Conditioning
For Chris, living with diabetes for three decades has shaped his mental approach to marathon training.
“Diabetes is an endurance sport, and I’ve been playing it my whole life,” he says. The discipline required to manage diabetes daily translates seamlessly to marathon training. “When I first started running, I had very high blood sugars during and after races. Over time, I’ve learned to introduce small amounts of insulin, which has steadied my blood sugar and improved my performance.”
Jonathan’s Role as a Supportive Brother
Jonathan Ronzio has been a steadfast supporter of his brother’s journey with diabetes and marathon running.
“I vividly remember when Chris came home from the hospital with his new blood sugar meter,” Jonathan recalls. “My parents wanted me to learn and understand what he was going through, so we all checked our blood sugars with him.”
Their bond deepened when they started running together.
Jonathan convinced Chris to participate in his first Spartan Race in 2018. From there, they began running long-distance races, including several IRONMAN 70.3 events.
“Chris regained control of his health and didn’t let diabetes get in the way of these crazy endurance events,” Jonathan says proudly.
The brothers even tackled one of the most extreme marathons in the world—the Antarctica Marathon—together.
“We finished the Antarctica Marathon in March 2023, and that perfectly captures our path as best friends and brothers,” Jonathan shares. “We’re always in it together, whether it’s extreme adventure challenges, entrepreneurial endeavors, or even managing diabetes.”
Running a Business, Running a Race
Chris and Jonathan have both noticed the parallels between running a marathon and running a business.
“Running a business and running a race are like the perfect metaphorical symphony,” Chris says. “Both require the right goal, gear, support team, discipline, and tracking.”
Chris even uses his training time to brainstorm for his business, Trainual, a software application for employee onboarding and training. “Sometimes I’ll run in silence with a business issue on my mind, and an hour later, I’ll have an answer,” he explains. The strategic time spent running is a valuable asset to his company, helping him think more clearly about the direction of his business.
Inspiring Others with Type 1 Diabetes
As Chris prepares for the NYC Marathon, his goal is to finish under 3:30 with no cramps and a blood sugar under 200. Beyond personal milestones, he hopes to inspire others with diabetes.
“I used to view diabetes as an excuse for not doing extreme things,” Chris admits. “But diabetes is an endurance sport. While I may have an extra physical variable, my mental fortitude is stronger than anyone I know.”
Chris’s message to others with type 1 diabetes is simple: don’t let diabetes stop you from pursuing your dreams.
Whether it’s running marathons or taking on a new business challenge, Chris proves that with the right mindset and support, anything is possible.
HELP THE BEYOND TYPE RUN TEAM CROSS THE FINISH LINE.
On November 3, 2024 in New York City, the Beyond Type Run team will show the world what it looks like to live and thrive beyond diabetes. The marathon team plays a vita roles in awareness and fundraising efforts for Beyond Type 1, so please consider supporting our team by donating today.
This content was made possible by Tandem Diabetes Care, an active partner of Beyond Type 1.
Beyond Type 1 maintains editorial control over its content.