Marathon Team Spotlight: Sean Edward
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, Sean Edward, and how he’s getting ready for the race!
Sean Edward
- Diagnosed 2010 with T1D
- Ran over 500 total miles in 2022
What inspired you to run this year?
I never used to run—hated it! When I started running 3 years ago I never thought I’d run a marathon.
I saw the Beyond Type 1 team for last year’s race and thought that was so amazing and thought why not me! To be able to run the NYC Marathon with my teammates is the honor of a lifetime!
Who will be joining you the day of the race?
Mom, Dad and both of my sisters! And hopefully some other relatives that live in the NYC area too!
Prepping for race day
What is your go to running snack?
UCAN Edge Energy Gels
How do you prepare for long runs?
Lots of carbs the night before and a good nights sleep. Iced coffee, english muffin with peanut butter and banana slices about an hour before running. I take UCAN Energy powder to keep my blood sugars up throughout the run. Headphones are in at least 15 minutes before running to get me hyped up!
Replicate and make any tweaks for each long run so I have it down for race day.
What has been the hardest part of your training so far?
Training has actually been amazing so far (knock on wood)! The worst part has been the heat and humidity here—bring on those fall temps and football season!
Advice to start running
Sean’s advice for other people impacted by diabetes who want to start running is:
YOU can do it too! I never thought I would do anything like this, even before I was diagnosed. I started barely being able to run a mile without stopping to walk. Just take it stride-by-stride, one day at a time!
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 Sean? Stay tuned! The 2024 team application will open in April of 2024.
