Kyle Sharp Goes From the Computer Desk to the NYC Marathon
What began as a push from an ex-girlfriend to get active has led to an inspiring marathon journey for Kyle Sharp, who lives with type 1 diabetes.
After quitting smoking and taking up running in Central Park, Kyle soon discovered the transformative power of physical activity, balancing the challenges of diabetes management along the way.
With the New York City Marathon as his goal, Kyle’s learned how to manage long runs, control blood sugar levels, and face obstacles like lows and post-run highs.
he will now be running in the marathon as part of the Beyond Type Run team.
Through determination and the support of loved ones, Kyle’s proven that with the right mindset, anything is possible—on the track and in life.
What inspired you to start running, and how did you decide to run the NYC Marathon?
What inspired me to start running was an ex-girlfriend who motivated me to get more active and to live a healthier lifestyle.
I was a smoker and spent large amounts of time sitting at the computer writing. At her insistence, I quit smoking and began running in Central Park.
Over time, I fell in love with how I would feel after runs and it became a habit.
How do you manage your diabetes during long training runs and the marathon itself?
Managing diabetes during a run can be very difficult.
Normally, I will pause my insulin pod about 30 minutes to an hour before a run and allow my blood sugar to climb a bit so it doesn’t plummet during the run.
During the run, I’ll consume a number of different carb sources or glucose — glucose gels or a quick-acting candy.
Can you describe any specific challenges you’ve faced while running with diabetes?
Dealing with significant lows that quickly drop off seemingly out of nowhere, and then, interestingly enough, the post-run highs that come along with a large carb load.
What are your go-to strategies for monitoring your blood sugar levels during the race?
Apple Watch along with the Dexcom G6.
How do you prepare your gear and supplies for the marathon to ensure your diabetes management is covered?
I carry a running bag with me around my torso.
Have you had any memorable moments or breakthroughs related to your diabetes while training for or running the marathon?
Just a feeling of overall health, I would say.
What advice would you give to other diabetics who are considering running a marathon or taking on similar endurance challenges?
You are capable of anything and to never stop trying, you’ll be surprised at what you can accomplish.
How has running impacted your overall diabetes management and health?
I think it’s just given me a better perspective on my overall health picture.
Do you follow a specific diet or nutrition plan while training and running? If so, what does it look like?
Not necessarily.
How do you balance the demands of marathon training with your day-to-day life and diabetes care?
It’s difficult with a busy work and social life, but I do make a point to hit a certain amount of running mileage every month.
What kind of support system do you have in place for your marathon journey?
An amazing group of family and friends are what I’ve found to be most impactful by way of a support system.
How do you handle any potential emergencies or low blood sugar situations during the race?
I rely on various tech products to give me a real-time picture as to what’s happening. I rely on my phone and Apple Watch to relay me the data from my Dexcom G6.
What motivates you to keep going, especially during tough training sessions or on race day?
My motivation comes from wanting to achieve something that I’ve never done before, pushing myself to accomplish a difficult task.
Can you share a particularly challenging or rewarding experience from your marathon training or race day?
The amount of thinking time that running provides, undistracted from the world, allows me to think about my life and my career in a really helpful way. It helps me immensely with my writing and plotting out story lines.
How do you plan to celebrate crossing the finish line, and what does it mean to you personally?
After crossing the finish line, I plan on celebrating with my family and friends and being proud of the accomplishment of running a marathon for a beautiful cause, knowing that I helped to raise awareness for a beautiful charity.
To make a donation to the Beyond Type Rin
