GARETH, 39
Gareth has been living with type 1 diabetes since the age of 17 years and, like Thomas and Lisa, took up running post diagnosis. “I started running when my best friend died,” Gareth says. “Those of us left behind started looking at how unfit we were and what we could do to leave a memory of ourselves other than ‘those lazy layabouts!’”
Gareth also found that the running community brought a wealth of new friends and health benefits that have had a positive impact on all aspects of his life. Gareth says, “Running has given me a level of calm I never had before, a level of fitness, massive amounts of confidence, and a much improved HbA1C result!”
The biggest barrier Gareth has faced is discouragement from others and the ‘you can’t run a marathon, you’re a diabetic’ mentality. Gareth says, “It’s taken me a long time to turn the doubters around—including healthcare professionals—to believe that ‘YES I CAN do it!’” Other challenges include the logistics of carrying everything required for a long run: fuel, blood glucose monitor and insulin, in addition to all the usual running paraphernalia; balancing his sugars while running (helped considerably by the flash glucose monitor); and training his body to not think about diabetes while running. Gareth adds, “If your head is constantly telling you ‘you’re going low.. you will pass out.. check your sugar..’ you will never get far!”
For those worried about starting to run, Gareth says, “Put on some trainers and go do it! There is literally nothing stopping you. Diabetes may be scary, but it should never block you from doing what you want. The confidence you will get from doing something that people have said you can’t do can never be beaten, and the added bonus of improvements in your diabetes control and HBA1C cannot be ignored.”
Gareth has a few top tips to add:
- Err on the side of caution: if you think you are going low, treat it. You would rather have your blood sugar a little higher than normal than suddenly go hypo
- If you feel anxious, run with a friend who understands diabetes, or explain to someone and then run with them
- Test before you run, always, without fail
Gareth’s greatest sporting achievement to date is participating in the ultra-marathon at Endure24 in 2018. Gareth reflects, “While running as a group of five type 1 diabetics for 24-hours straight I proved more to myself mentally in that one day than I’ve ever done before.” Gareth turns 40 on 28th April, and what better way to celebrate than with a 26.2-mile run around London. You’ve got this, Gareth!
Our thanks to author and established medical communicator, Philippa Cates, for speaking to Gareth and writing this blog. Philippa Cates is no stranger to the mental and physical challenges of running and has written a book about this wonderfully exhausting pastime. The Marathon celebrates this fantastic achievement but also highlights in a comedic way the potential pitfalls of taking part. Her book is available to buy here.