MEET JESS
Jess first started running when she was 31 years old. Her very first race was the River to Bay 5K in Island Heights. Ten years later she ran that same race, only this time she had an additional challenge to overcome; running with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Diagnosed as an adult with T1D, she was initially shocked and in disbelief. However, it didn’t stop her from running. Since then, she has run several 5Ks, multiple half marathons and a couple of triathlons. Read about how she got back on her feet after her diagnosis.

When did you start running? What races did you compete in?
I started running after I had my first daughter and my first race was the River to Bay 5K in Island Heights. I trained for it in a week and was able to finish. I have done several 5Ks since then, multiple half marathons (the NJ half marathon was my first), the LBI 18 and I’ve also done five triathlons.

At what point did you find out you had type 1 diabetes? How old were you? What was your initial thoughts? I was misdiagnosed with type 2 diabetes on 3/10/17. The doctors just assumed I was type 2 because of my age, I was 41. It wasn’t until about a month later that my endocrinologist tested me and found out that I had type 1 diabetes (T1D) and that I have hyperthyroidism. Initially, I was in shock and disbelief. I didn’t know much about diabetes period, let alone what it meant to be type one.

What were your initial feelings about starting to run again after you were diagnosed with T1D and what did you do to get back to running?
I was scared and nervous to try to run again after I was diagnosed. I was nervous that I would go low and pass out. I started slowly running with my husband as my running partner and I also got the Dexcom. I joined several groups on Facebook and researched what I could do to make sure I didn’t go low while exercising.

I attended a week long session for people with T1D at the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston and spoke with the exercise physiologist there. I also joined an adults with T1D group through JDRF. Through my research and talking with people with type one and my doctors, I figured out how to set a temp basal on my pump (I wear an omnipod), that I could suspend if I needed to and to always, always, always bring snacks with me for when I’m low.

You run really challenging races, do you have a trainer helping to motivate, push you, teach you?
Yes, I just started working with a trainer last summer (2019) to help me train for the Jersey Girl Triathlon. With her help, I was able to finish the race with a 130 blood sugar. The year before when I did the same race I finished with a 300 plus blood sugar. It was raining so hard that my pump fell off during the bike event. My trainer also has T1D so she understands all the things that we need to do to stay in range during races.

What was the first race you did after your diagnosis? How did you feel after completing it?
The first race after diagnosis was the River to Bay 5K. I wanted to do that race again because it was the first race that I ever completed. I felt great after I completed it and proud of myself for finishing.

What are some obstacles you have to overcome while running?
I have to be aware of what my blood sugars are before, during and after races. I have to carry my pump and snacks with me in case I go low. I have also had my pump fall off during races and my blood sugars have been very high as a result.

What types of things do you do to feel safe while running with T1D? Do you carry anything with you?
I wear a Dexcom G6 and an Apple Watch, both of these make me feel safe while running. I am extremely hesitant to run without them. I also carry fruit snacks for my lows and my Omnipod PDM.

What are some tips and tricks you’ve learned along the way with running & managing T1D?
I’ve learned to use a temp basal before and after my runs. I decrease before my runs and increase after.

What have you learned from your experience running with T1D? Is there anything you’d tell someone who is considering running?
I’ve learned that I can do anything that I did before I was diagnosed (except make insulin : )) and not to give up on something that you like to do just because you have T1D. I highly recommend getting a Dexcom if you are considering running or some type of CGM, it makes running or doing any kind of exercise less stressful. I’d also tell people to reach out to others with T1D; they were really the people I’ve learned the most from.

Will we see you at the New Jersey Marathon weekend running with Team JDRF?
Yes, I will be doing one of the events, but I’m not sure which one yet. I will either be doing the 5K, relay or half. I plan to make a decision by New Year’s Day.