This race feels different.
That’s the motto of Taylor Ronke, an avid runner of more than 10 years. She signed up for her first race in 2014.
“I had been dealing with people telling me I wasn’t good enough,” said Ronke. “Telling me that I’m not worthy, and that I can’t do hard things. I said to myself, ‘You know what? I’m going to run a half marathon. I can do hard things.’”
She had three weeks to train.
“I crossed the finish line, and I was hooked.”
Run faster, stronger, smarter: Runner training at Sanford Sports Performance
‘My whole world had come collapsing down’
But four years ago, a life-altering diagnosis put a big question mark on Ronke’s running career.
“In January of 2020, I left work early because I wasn’t feeling well. When I woke up from the nap, I couldn’t move my legs,” she said.
She went back to sleep. A few hours later, it happened again.
“Later that night I woke up to use the bathroom and the same thing happened. My husband had to put his arms under my armpits to carry me to the bathroom,” she recalled.
Ronke saw her doctor the next day at Sanford. She seemed as healthy as could be, so they ran blood tests, and sent her on her way.
Then she got the call.
“I wasn’t even home for 20 minutes and I got a call from the doctor’s office. It’s (the blood test results) telling me your blood sugars are in the 550’s. You are a diabetic. You need to go to the ER.
“I get goosebumps saying that because I felt like my whole world had just come collapsing down,” she said.
Normal blood sugars are below 100. 100-125 is considered pre-diabetic, and anything over 126 indicates diabetes.
She didn’t realize it, but she was displaying classic diabetic symptoms: frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, and hair loss, among others.
“It was a real shock because I have 34 years of eating and drinking habits that I’ve adopted. And all of a sudden, you’ve got to change it. You’ve got to count carbs, watch your sugar intake,” said Ronke.
Keeping on the course
She wanted to keep running, but the diagnosis made this tricky. Ask any runner: carbs are essential fuel before, during, and after races.
“I was scared. I was scared of having low blood sugar on a run.”
She said through this time her family, and husband in particular, was her rock. Through highs and lows, she adjusted to the new normal, kept running, and put her name in the lottery for the 2022 Chicago Marathon.
“There was a lady who tapped me on the shoulder and she asked if I was diabetic. I said I was. She asked, ‘Type 1 or Type 2?’ I said, ‘Type 1.’ She said, ‘I am so proud of you.’ And, I just thought to myself, this is why I run. This community of runners,” recounted Ronke.
She’s conquered every goal she’s had when it comes to running – and running with diabetes. Today, she’s got a new goal: setting a personal record at the Sioux Falls half marathon.
And she’s enlisted the help of the Sanford Run Project.
Team approach to running goal
Jenny Dalland is an athletic trainer at the Sanford Fieldhouse. She said the Sanford Run Project is a 12-week, multifaceted approach to training, starting with a 3D analysis of Ronke’s running mechanics.
“It gave her an idea of things she would work on during these 12 weeks to improve her running form. I also found areas of strength and mobility limitations she had, so she worked with Charley (Smook) in our strength and conditioning, and he was able to build a greater foundational strength for her. So, as she trained, she was also getting stronger,” said Dalland.
Dalland said this type of multifaceted approach is what makes the program and Sanford unique.
“In this building we have experts in all different fields and our goal is to get runners back to their sports safely. And we work together. So, every person that comes in the door is going to get a customized program that’s going to get them through the finish line,” she said.
The newest expert to the Sanford sports family is arguably the most important in Ronke’s case. To a diabetic runner and athlete, nutrition is especially critical, and she’s been working side by side with senior sports dietitian Natasha Hansen.
Carbohydrates are a touchy subject for diabetics but play a critical role in athletic performance. Hansen said Ronke has been incredible in finding the balance.
“Every time I’ve met with her, she’s filled out at least a three-day food log for me so that I can take those intakes, analyze the nutritional profile. I always do a three-day average because every day is a little bit different,” said Hansen.
Hansen said she’s prioritized protein, fiber, slow digesting carbs, and sodium for Ronke.
“What do I need to do to replenish in order to finish strong and not hit a wall that so many runners fear?” said Ronke.
She said she’s never felt this prepared for a race.
“What’s really great is knowing that all of these resources are available to anybody. It’s not just the Sanford Run Project participant. It’s not just me. Anybody can use these resources to get them ready for the race. And I am so grateful for this opportunity.”
Learn more
- Months after diabetes diagnosis, teen wins state bowling title
- Why running is good for you, according to doctors
- Sanford Sports running program designs plans for all levels
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Posted In Endocrinology, Nutrition, Orthopedics, Running, Sanford Sports, Sioux Falls, Sports Medicine
