Running with Diabetes: Steven Cannady’s Journey 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.
Steven Cannady’s journey to running the NYC Marathon began long before he signed up for the race.
Running has been a part of his life since middle school, where he ran track and cross country. Although his competitive running days ended after high school, it never left Steven’s routine.
“I’ve been running since middle school, honestly,” says Steven. “I ran track and cross country until I got to college. Even then, I’ve always incorporated running into my normal workout routine.”
Steve’s Road to the NYC Marathon
Last year, during a Nike running challenge with friends, Steven had an idea that would eventually lead him to the start line of one of the world’s most iconic races.
“Ironically, last year during a friend’s Nike running challenge, I finished first and told my friends I was going to think about running the NYC Marathon,” he recalls. “I had no clue about the Beyond Type 1 team at the time, so when I saw the post, I figured, why not try?”
Strategies for Staying Safe While Running
For Steven, running isn’t just about crossing the finish line; it’s a means of managing his type 1 diabetes. Running with diabetes comes with unique challenges, but Steven has developed strategies to stay safe while pushing his limits.
“I utilize my Dexcom G7 to monitor my sugar levels,” he says. “Whenever I go for a run, I always have my snacks in my fanny pack. Low blood sugars are my main challenge. I hate them because they stop my momentum.”
A Meticulous Approach
Steven’s approach to diabetes management during his runs is meticulous.
“I use my Apple Watch and my phone to check my sugar levels while running,” he says. “I’ll probably check every mile or so just to make sure I’m doing okay.”
His preparation begins long before race day, ensuring his gear and supplies are ready.
“I usually prepare the night before a run. I make sure my fanny pack is loaded with sugary snacks, and then I’ll eat some bananas in the morning to spike my sugar a little.”
Running for Overall Health and Diabetes Management
Training for a marathon is no small feat, and Steven’s experience has had its ups and downs.
One memorable moment came when he nearly had a dangerous low blood sugar episode during a long run.
“I literally almost died today,” Steven recounts with a mix of humor and seriousness. “I woke up and my sugar was at 350—I had noodles the night before. I took some insulin and then set out to run 12.4 miles. At mile 3, my sugar was going low, so I opened up my gummy bears. I ate 3 of my mini packs. At mile 6, I had to stop at a random hotel and purchase some expensive cans of Sprite. I paid $9.50 for 2 cans. I chugged one can and kept running.”
Despite these challenges, running has positively impacted Steven’s overall health and diabetes management.
“Running and training consistently for this marathon have made my sugar levels a little more stable,” he shares. “Overall, mentally, I’ve felt better, and I believe it’s because when I’m running, it’s kinda like therapy. So, I’m able to just be with myself, music, thoughts, and just run.”
For anyone with diabetes considering endurance challenges like a marathon, Steven’s advice is straightforward:
“I would tell them to start with a training plan to gradually increase their running lengths. Also, monitor their sugar levels and pack backup snacks in case of a low.”
Balancing marathon training with daily life, especially while managing diabetes, can be tricky. However, Steven has found a way to integrate his training into his current lifestyle.
“Well, currently my wife and I have been traveling all over Europe all summer, so our days are pretty chill,” he says. “Usually sightseeing and relaxing, so that’s been nice. I’ll usually go for a morning or night run because the sun has been too hot.”
His support system has been a crucial part of his journey.
“My wife, my parents, my in-laws, the homies, my Maryland fam, and then my social media gang,” he lists as his key supporters.
They’ll be cheering him on as he takes on the 26.2 miles in New York.
A Celebration of What it Means to Run with Diabetes
So, what keeps Steven motivated during those tough training sessions and on race day itself?
“I pretty much motivate myself,” he says. “Honestly, I’m very competitive, so I’m challenging myself to a sub-4-hour marathon. I know in order to do so I have to train and push myself.”
As Steven approaches the finish line, his emotions are likely to be running high.
“I’ve been thinking of this for a while. I’m not sure yet. I might turn up, shout, dance, and cry,” he laughs. “I’ve practiced, but who knows what emotions I’ll feel on race day.”
For Steven Cannady, finishing the NYC Marathon won’t just be about crossing the finish line. It will be a personal triumph, testament to his resilience, and a celebration of what it means to run with diabetes.
“Finishing the race will mean I did it! Not a lot of people even attempt to run a marathon, so that’s pretty cool. But finishing would mean so much. I might start running marathons after this.”
