Windsor Runner Takes On NYC Marathon To Prove Diabetes Does Not Define Limits

Residents of Windsor can watch Leah Healey compete in the New York City Marathon this Sunday. The 29-year-old runner is training to complete the 26.2-mile course in under six hours. That pace requires her to average 13 minutes and 40 seconds per mile. She runs as part of the 80-person Beyond Type Run team. The team is a program of Beyond Type 1, a nonprofit dedicated to improving lives impacted by diabetes. Healey works for the organization and hopes to use the race to raise global awareness for the condition.

Healey has managed Type 1 diabetes since she was seven years old. The autoimmune disease destroys pancreatic cells that produce insulin. An estimated 2.1 million Americans have the diagnosis, according to the Centers for Disease Control. For Healey, the disease has not stopped an active lifestyle. She played club volleyball and tennis in high school. She was the No. 1 singles player for the Fort Collins Lambkins for two years. She now admits she once thought people who ran for fun were a little crazy.

Her training has not been without obstacles. During a long run on the Poudre Trail, her insulin pump fell out. She had to stop the workout and call her husband for a ride home. Healey said diabetes often acts contrary to her plans. She described the condition as laughing in her face and doing something completely different each day. She also overcame torn ligaments in her left knee and a broken foot. She focused on cross-training and recovery to stay injury-free during her 10 months of preparation.

Healey first considered running the New York Marathon after watching last year's race. She attended to support the Beyond Type Run team, which includes people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, caregivers, and supporters. She said watching that event lit a fire in her belly. She viewed the race as a challenge she could take on for a good cause. She wants to show that people can do hard things even with diabetes. She believes the condition will not hold anyone back from achieving great things in life or athletics.

Cecilia Jamieson, a certified diabetes education specialist from Berthoud, was part of Healey's care team when she was diagnosed. Jamieson is also running on Sunday with the Beyond Type Run team. She recalls Healey volunteering at diabetes camps and selling jewelry to buy insulin pumps for kids who could not afford them. Jamieson said public misconceptions about Type 1 diabetes still persist. Some people think the disease results from eating the wrong foods or not exercising enough. Jamieson noted that perception has evolved, but stigma remains even with professional athletes excelling with the condition.

Professional athletes have helped bring diabetes into the mainstream. Brewers center fielder Garrett Mitchell received attention during Milwaukee's World Series win. Former Legend High School football star Chad Muma played in the Super Bowl last year for the Patriots. He is currently on the Texans' practice squad. Other athletes with Type 1 diabetes include Padres closer Mason Miller, tennis player Alexander Zverev, and Ravens tight end Mark Andrews. Jamieson holds Healey up as proof that non-professional athletes can also embrace an active lifestyle with the disease.

Healey's goal for Sunday is to finish in Central Park within six hours. She must maintain stable blood sugar levels to succeed. Going low or high can cause her to physically stop running. A person with a functioning pancreas automatically adjusts glucose levels. Healey acts as her own organ through daily decisions and medical equipment. She will start the race on Sunday with the aim of finishing strong.