Technically I am not a diabetic who runs marathons…but I ran a half before I was diabetic. I was training for my first full marathon last year when I got sick and diagnosed with Crohn’s, and I had to quit halfway through. But I finally got that under control and started training again this past August. Around October I got the classic T1 diabetes symptoms and was nearly hospitalized for DKA. So needless to say, I wasn’t running during that whole month of symptoms. But once I figure out this whole blood sugar thing, I swear, I’m coming back with a vengeance. I even ordered the “Diabetic Athlete’s Handbook” a few days ago in preparation.
What kind of pumps do you all use, if any? I’m researching the different types and I’m leaning toward the omnipod but still seriously considering the animas ping, too. I enjoyed being a low-maintenance runner and running without carrying absolutely anything, but I guess I won’t be able to do that anymore!
Any advice for me before I get started?
I like your persistence. You’re going to need it. 
I wear a Minimed pump and like it. The infusion sets I use (Quick-set) are very small and work extremely well for me. Never have a problem the tape coming lose. In the future I may look at a Ping, because it’s waterproof, but other than that I have no complaints about my MM.
Get yourself a SpiBelt and a OneTouch Ultra Mini tester to take with you on your runs. I have the lancing device attached to the outside of the belt with tape and then simply have the meter and test strips in a zip lock bag in the SpiBelt pouch. I can get the meter out and insert the strip while running. Stop for one second to lance my finger, test, and then I off.
Two other very important things are learning about adjusting your basals for running (before and after) and also being extremely careful with the amount of insulin you have on board before heading out for a run.
Good advice from Gary.
Congratulations on having the commitment to stay active. It will serve you well. It’s a good attitude for anyone, but especially important for diabetics.
Get medic alert id to wear. Lots of people lately are using RoadID, but I’ve been with Medic Alert since 1974. They are the original medical information network, as far as I know.
Always carry a source of fast-acting carbohydrates.
Gary says get a OneTouch UltraMini, and that is a fine meter, but it really isn’t any smaller than a lot of other options, like the FreeStyle Lite. The UltraMini is just a different shape. It’s not a difference worth switching brands over if you’ve already gotten another meter.
I carry my meter on any run over about 8 miles. I always check before and after a run.
I always wear my Medic Alert bracelet and carry fast-acting carbs, usually glucose tablets and/or gels.
I also have a Medtronic pump, and it is OK, and I get good support from the company, but I am switching to Animas soon. For running, any of the pumps will do.
As Gary said, your main concern is insulin on board, aka active insulin. Try to avoid having to give a large meal bolus within two hours of starting a run. Try turning your basal rate down an hour before beginning a run. Keep track of what you do before and during your runs. Learn what works for you and what doesn’t.
Have fun!
Thanks for the tips! I’m already finding that I need way less insulin hours after a workout, but I have high blood sugar immediately after a workout, so I guess once I get a pump and hopefully a CGM I’ll be able to better figure all that out. It’s kind of difficult to know the effects when I have to use the pens and I have to ration my test strips (I have crappy student health insurance).
I feel even more motivated than ever to be really active because before it was just to stay thin and have fun. Now I feel like there is a serious NEED to stay healthy, and all the other reasons have become secondary. So far those mornings when I don’t want to get out of bed and work out are gone, because I know I’ll see the effects of being lazy for the rest of the day if I don’t get up and move! It makes it a bit easier than it used to be. But we’ll see what I’ll have to say about that in a few months, lol 
I can’t wait to run my first marathon! It’s going to be awesome.
Congratulations on taking charge of your diabetes! The more you learn now, the easier it will be in the long run!
Are your test strips limited to what the dr. prescription says? Or does your insurance company have its own limit? I would call your dr’s office at any rate and let them know you need more strips. The more you can test, the better you can get your carb ratios and basals figured out. Especially with exercise!
Is there a diabetes education center in your area? I was able to go in and check out all the pumps in a side by side comparison, infusion sets, you name it. The best part is it wasn’t through the company or sales rep, it was objective. You could even see if they have dummy sets that you can try out.
I used to be not only the low maintenance runner, but the low maintenance person that never even carried a purse. It’s been 12 years and my friends still seem taken aback sometimes that I have a purse! There are a lot of different options out there that can still make you feel mostly low maintenance.