TikTok Made It Happen: Meet Two Diabesties Training for the 2025 NYC Marathon

Two runners, one diagnosis and a friendship that turns every mile into a shared triumph: Devin Lancaster and Addy Tayler aren’t just training for the New York City Marathon; they’re navigating the highs and lows of type 1 diabetes—together. As teammates on Beyond Type 1’s Beyond Type Run team, they’re turning every mile into a shared triumph.

How it started: A fare, a diagnosis and a TikTok connection

Addy was newly diagnosed when she stumbled across Devin’s videos on TikTok. 

Inspired, she reached out. What started as fan-girl admiration quickly became daily chats, shared struggles and—eventually—an invitation.

“I bet you won’t run the marathon with me,” Addy teased Devin.

Devin, a former college golfer who had never run more than a mile, said yes. 

For Devin, crossing the finish line isn’t just about completing 26.2 miles. It’s about proving something to her past self—the version of her from 2019 who couldn’t imagine doing something like this. 

From digital friends to real-life diabesties

Their friendship grew through Instagram and Snapchat. They met once at the Dallas airport, but November 2, 2025 in New York City will be their first real meeting. 

Though they’ll start the race at different times, they’ll be cheering each other on every step of the way.

Addy’s first marathon: Chaos, courage and a finish line

Addy ran her first marathon in May 2024—the Orange County Marathon in California. 

She didn’t train. She didn’t plan. She was four months pregnant and still new to managing type 1 diabetes. 

To make matters worse, her glucose monitor didn’t work during the race, and she had no idea what her blood sugar levels were.

“I was just going off vibes,” Addy said with a laugh. “Looking back, it was so chaotic.”

Despite the challenges, Addy finished the race. She walked a lot, cried at mile 18, and leaned on her family—who ran parts of the course with her even though they weren’t officially signed up. 

Her husband reminded her that the only way back to the car was through the finish line. So she kept going.

“I was sobbing,” she said. “But we did it.”

Training with type 1 diabetes: A daily balancing act

Now, both runners are training smarter. 

They’re learning how to fuel, monitor blood sugar and listen to their bodies. 

Devin says the hardest part isn’t physical—it’s mental.

“Some long runs, I want to quit,” she said. “But I remind myself why I started.”

Food and Insulin: Before, during and after

Nutrition is key for marathon runners, especially those managing diabetes. 

Addy swears by keto toast with peanut butter before long runs. It’s low in net carbs and keeps her blood sugar steady. 

“I ran 16 miles last week and stayed between 80 and 120 the whole time,” she said.

Devin’s routine is a bit different. She eats a high-fiber, protein bar and adjusts her insulin based on how her body responds. 

After long runs, they both notice shifts in insulin sensitivity, and adjust accordingly.

Listening to their bodies

Technology helps, but both runners say they’ve learned to trust their bodies. 

They both agree that while tech is helpful, it’s not perfect. Learning to listen to their bodies has been key to staying safe and strong.

Running for a cause that matters

For both runners, being part of Beyond Type Run is more than just a race—it’s a chance to make a difference.

“It’s such an honor,” Devin said. “When I got diagnosed as an adult, it was really isolating. I wasn’t admitted to the hospital. I was just sent home with insulin and told not to kill myself.”

She remembers crying in a pharmacy, where a kind pharmacist took two hours to explain how insulin works. 

That moment stuck with her, and now she wants to be that kind of support for others.

Addy feels the same. She shares her journey online to help others feel less alone.

“Doctors don’t live with it,” she said. “So I went to TikTok. Now I get to be that person for someone else.”

What keeps them going

Marathon training isn’t easy. There are days when neither Devin nor Addy wants to run. But they push through.

“I made the commitment,” Addy said. “So I have to do it.”

Devin finds motivation in sharing her progress with others. “I love telling my coworkers I ran 16 miles,” she said. “They’re always shocked.”

Even when the miles feel long and the training feels endless, they remind themselves why they started—and who they’re doing it for.

Beyond the finish line

Addy says the New York City Marathon is her peak. 

“This is as good as it gets,” she said. “No Mount Everest for me.”

Devin, on the other hand, is already dreaming bigger. 

“I want to hike Mount Everest, at least to base camp one,” 

Whether it’s marathons or mountains, they’re proving that life with diabetes doesn’t mean limits. It means learning, growing and showing up—every single day.

Help the Beyond Type Run team cross the finish line

On November 2, 2025 in New York City, the Beyond Type Run team will show the world what it looks like to live and thrive beyond diabetes. 

The marathon team plays a vital role in awareness and fundraising efforts for Beyond Type 1. Please donate if you can, as every dollar supports advocacy, education and community support.