From Slog to Marathon: Alana Dyer’s Path to the NYC Marathon
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 has never been something Alana Dyer loved. In fact, it used to feel like a punishment.
Yet here she is, gearing up to run the 2024 New York City Marathon as a proud member of the Beyond Type Run team.
The road from “I hate running” to marathon runner has been filled with many twists and turns, and the ultimate lesson—fitness and diabetes management are intertwined in ways Alana never imagined.
The Unlikely Start: From Hating Running to Racing Friends
“I was never good at running, and I always found it kind of a slog,” Alana recalls thinking. “My athletic background had always focused on other sports, but running? That was something I avoided.”
It wasn’t until 2013 that Alana’s perspective started to shift.
“A good friend of mine, Rob, invited me to join him for a 5K. While I initially resisted, I soon realized that racing with friends could be fun. ‘It’s not just about running,’ I thought. ‘It’s about being a part of something bigger than yourself.’
This 5K marked the beginning of Alana’s journey into long-distance running. Over the next few years, she gradually moved up to 10Ks and eventually her first half marathon in 2019—a race that proved to be a disaster.
“I didn’t know about fuel techniques, and I didn’t even wear proper running shoes,” she reflects. “If I were to take you through that race day, it would perfectly describe pretty much every single thing smart runners say not to do.”
From improper preparation to a lack of experience with nutrition, Alana says it was a nightmare.
“I remember getting to where the marathoners veered off and thinking, ‘If you paid me $10 million right now, there’s no way I could finish that.’'”
But that day wasn’t the end. It was just the beginning of learning how to be a better runner.
A New Outlook: Crossfit and Diabetes Management
In 2018, Alana started CrossFit, which shifted her approach to fitness and health.
“Fitness became a huge part of my lifestyle to help me manage my diabetes, mental health, and so much more,” she explains. “CrossFit integrated running into its interval-based workouts, but long-distance running still felt daunting.”
As her fitness improved, Alana found herself enjoying running more. The challenge of pushing herself to go further also grew on her.
It was during the 2023 NYC Marathon coverage on Instagram that she thought, “I want to do that next year.”
From there, everything changed.
Taking the Plunge: Deciding to Run the NYC Marathon
Alana Dyer knew that in order to even consider running the marathon, she needed to prove to herself that she could properly train for and finish a half marathon.
“I recruited a few of my friends from CrossFit and asked them to sign up for a Spring Half Marathon race in Toronto,” she said.
Through proper training, fueling, and commitment, Alana finished that race in 2:07:08—a 12-minute personal record from my first half marathon.
“I knew that I was—maybe—ready to give it my all for the marathon distance.”
The marathon became more than just a personal challenge; it became a goal to show that diabetes does not define her.
Managing Diabetes During Marathon Training
Diabetes management during marathon training has its own unique challenges.
“Long training runs are some of my favorite running days,” Alana admits, though they come with meticulous planning. “Figuring out what to wear, when to run, and how to fuel properly all become part of the success of the day.”
For longer runs, nutrition is key.
“I always make sure to eat more carbs the day before, and a substantial carb-focused breakfast—banana, peanut butter, and two pieces of Dave’s Killer Bread is my go-to,” she explains. “For any run over an hour, I fuel with 25g of carbs every 30 minutes and adjust my insulin levels accordingly.
Yet, it’s not always smooth sailing.
“If I’m running high during the run, I try to resist the urge to overcorrect with insulin, since long runs tend to drop my blood sugar quickly during and after.”
Balancing insulin and fueling needs is often a matter of trial and error, but these strategies are what allow Alana to stay on track.
Overcoming Diabetes-Specific Challenges
As anyone with diabetes knows, even simple changes to daily routines can affect blood sugar levels.
“Something as simple as how much insulin you use for lunch is going to affect your blood sugar for your afternoon or evening run,” says Alana, referring to the constant need for adjustments and planning.
Additionally, Alana points out that running in hot, humid conditions can be especially tricky for people with diabetes.
“My CGM sensor nearly fell off one run due to the humidity, but I kept it together because of the support from Dexcom and the extra supplies from the team.”
Tools and Strategies for Success
For the marathon itself, managing blood sugar is key to Alana finishing strong.
“I’ll be relying on my trusty Dexcom G7 CGM, which provides real-time data on my blood sugar levels,” she says. “I’ll check my blood sugar every 30 minutes during the race, especially when it’s time to fuel.”
Having backups and a solid plan is also crucial.
“I have a very fancy Salomon running vest that holds all my supplies—insulin, CGM, and snacks.”
With everything packed and ready, Alana will head to the starting line knowing that—while things may not go perfectly—she will have the support and tools she needs to succeed.
Advice for Other People with Diabetes
“Diabetes should never hold you back,” advises Alana. “You can do anything you put your mind to.”
Managing diabetes while running a marathon requires constant attention to detail, but it’s absolutely possible with the right preparation.
Alana suggests following a plan, listening to your body, and not being afraid of carbs, which she calls essential for fueling.
“For me, running the NYC Marathon is more than just crossing a finish line. It’s about proving that diabetes can be managed while achieving great things,” says Alana. “As I lace up my running shoes for the big day, I’ll be thinking about the countless hours of training, the lessons learned, and the strength that diabetes has given me along the way.”
This content was made possible by Dexcom, an active partner of Beyond Type 1.
Beyond Type 1 maintains editorial control over its content.
