Marathon Team Spotlight: Daniela Söffner
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, Daniela Söffner, and how she’s getting ready for the race!
Daniela Söffner
- Diagnosed 2002 with T1D
- Goal to run the Major Six
What inspired you to run this year?
After finishing 4 marathons I’m really looking forward to sharing this experience with other people with diabetes from all over the world.
Prepping for race day
What is your go to running snack?
Maurten gel for racing and hard training sessions (intervals, tempo runs, etc.) or fruit pouches.
How do you prepare for long runs?
Lowering my basal for the day, eating a carb rich breakfast, drinking a lot the evening before and trying to get good sleep the night before too.
What has been the hardest part of your training so far?
Long runs and hard tempo sessions in the summer heat.
Advice to start running
Daniela’s advice for other people impacted by diabetes who want to start running is:
Don’t be afraid of starting. Trust in yourself and your body. Most people with diabetes know their bodies way better than others know their own, so just listen to the signs of your body.
Run or walk or run and walk. The more often you do this the more comfortable you’ll get.
And the best part: you will feel a positive impact on your physical AND mental health from day one—I promise!
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 Daniela? Stay tuned! The 2024 team application will open in April of 2024.
