Running Together: Finding Community Through Type 1 Diabetes

Living With the Constant Demands of Type 1 Diabetes

“I didn’t have close relationships with anyone who truly understood what daily life with diabetes was like,” says Brianne Brady. “At the time, I was struggling with diabetes burnout and feeling overwhelmed by the constant demands of managing the disease.”

Brady was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when she was nine years old. What seemed like a lingering viral illness quickly became an urgent trip to the hospital, where blood work confirmed the diagnosis.

“At the time, I didn’t fully understand what was happening or why it was such an emergency,” she says.

She spent eight days in the hospital learning how to monitor her blood sugar, administer insulin, and adjust to an entirely new way of life. The diagnosis affected her whole family. Every day activities suddenly required careful planning — insulin, supplies, snacks for low blood sugar, and preparation for unexpected situations.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that requires constant monitoring and insulin management. Unlike type 2 diabetes, it cannot be prevented or cured. Managing it means balancing insulin, food, exercise, stress, and blood sugar levels around the clock.

While people living with diabetes have no choice but to make this constant balancing work part of their everyday lives, the emotional toll can be significant. For years, Brady didn’t know many other people living with the condition.

Finding People Who Understand

That changed in 2023 when she discovered Connected in Motion, a Canadian charity that creates programs and experiences for people living with type 1 diabetes.

She first heard about the organization through social media and eventually signed up for Ontario Slipstream, a weekend retreat for adults with type 1 diabetes. Even after registering, she was nervous about going.

“I drove nearly three hours by myself to attend a two-night, three-day weekend retreat,” she says. “I had never been to an overnight camp before and didn’t know a single person there.”

By the time she arrived, she was questioning whether she had made the right decision. But that feeling quickly disappeared.

“What stood out most was that they all understood life with type 1 diabetes because they lived it too,” she says.

At dinner on the first night, Brady sat alone, intimidated by the large group of strangers. Within seconds, people were inviting her to join them and making sure she felt included. “It was the first time in my life I had been surrounded by so many people who truly understood what living with type 1 diabetes feels like.”

She left the weekend feeling understood, supported, and less alone. Since then, she has participated in multiple Connected in Motion programs and events, including Winter Adventures, Hiking Weekend, day programs, and Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend.

Through those experiences, she found what the community calls “diabuddies” — friends who understand both the challenges and victories of living with type 1 diabetes.

“Type 1 diabetes can be incredibly hard and isolating,” she says. “Having people who truly understand the difficult moments, offer support, and share their own experiences makes an enormous difference.”

Taking On Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend

Connected in Motion also introduced Brady to Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend in 2025. Before that, she had never participated in a race and didn’t consider herself a runner.

“I knew I could comfortably walk 5K and had no intention of running,” she says. “What motivated me was not the race itself, but the chance to be part of an event with people I genuinely enjoy spending time with.”

She completed the 5K alongside two other members of the Connected in Motion community. Together, they walked most of the route, ran portions of it, and focused on enjoying the experience.

“Everyone was so encouraging and positive, regardless of pace or experience level,” she says. “What I appreciated most was that the event truly celebrated participation, community, and personal achievement in whatever way that looked for each person.”

This year, Brady is returning to Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend and training for the 5K. “Even though the event requires travel for me, it is absolutely worth it,” she says.  

“Having the encouragement of the CIM community has given me the confidence to challenge myself in a way I wouldn’t have considered before.”

Connected in Motion will once again bring runners and a support crew to Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend, gathering people living with type 1 diabetes to celebrate movement, connection, and community.

“These experiences have helped me feel more confident trying new things and less alone in managing diabetes. CIM has created a sense of belonging that has made a real difference in my life, and it continues to shape how I approach both diabetes and life in general.”

More Than Managing Diabetes

Brady says the most meaningful part of her experience has been finding people who truly understand what living with type 1 diabetes is like. 

“I am never grateful for having type 1 diabetes,” she says, “but I am deeply grateful that it led me to the community and connections I found through Connected in Motion.”

You can support Brady and Connected in Motion at Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend by donating, cheering, or running with their team.