Marathon Team Spotlight: Shay Davidson
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, Shay Davidson, and how she’s getting ready for the race!
Shay Davidson
- Diagnosed T1D in 1990
- Previously ran the Chicago and Disney marathons
What inspired you to run this year?
I ran the Chicago marathon in 2022. The entire experience was incredible and I never thought 26.2 miles could be so much fun!
I was inspired to run the NYC marathon this year, not only to chase my second star in the Abbot world major marathon series, but also to raise funds for Beyond Type 1. The important and life changing work they do is extraordinary.
Who will be joining you the day of the race?
My husband and two sons are my favorite spectators on race day! Seeing their smiling faces and home made signs always gives me the extra boost I need to finish strong.
Prepping for race day
What is your go to running snack?
I never run without a Huma Chia energy gel in one of my many pockets. This is a quick, tasty snack that stabilizes my glucose levels and gives me a quick energy boost to sustain my long runs.
How do you prepare for long runs?
Hydration and sleep are key for my most successful long runs! Also, a protein heavy dinner the evening before helps me feel my best for my early morning long runs.
What has been the hardest part of your training so far?
Balancing my family, my career and my training plan takes some creative scheduling. Ultimately, I enjoy my weekly long runs and look forward to the solo time they provide.
Advice to start running
Shay’s advice for other people impacted by diabetes who want to start running is:
Running with diabetes can be enjoyable and rewarding. Everyone with diabetes responds differently to exercise, so finding what works for YOU is key in terms of the best training plan, medication adjustments, and fueling.
This takes time, so be patient with yourself and give yourself grace for those runs that don’t go as planned. They are all a learning experience!
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 Shay? Stay tuned! The 2024 team application will open in April of 2024.
