Marcus’s Story

When questioned about my career, I often respond that I’m a professional storyteller. Ironically, the only story I haven’t been able to succinctly nail down is my own.

Professionally, I’m a marketer. I help close multi-million dollar deals with the aid of highly talented designers and producers. I’m obsessed with stories and the role they play in decision making and am called upon to craft narratives that speak directly to the audience at hand.

In the evenings and weekends, I flex the same muscles, but this time for fun. I’ve done comedy work with T1 comedian Patric Ciervo and have spoken to audiences large and small about competing in ultra-distance events with diabetes.

Though I consider myself semi-retired from silly distances now, I was a member of the now defunct Team Type 1 Running Team (the predecessor of Team Novo Nordisk). In 2011, I was named their Amateur Athlete of the Year, mostly because I visited 11 law makers in one day to discuss diabetes legislation from my bicycle, traveling 84 miles along the way.

I’ve competed in many ultra-running events and several marathons, including Boston.When I completed my first (and only) 100 mile race, the winner that day was my friend, Ryan Jones –the finest diabetic ultra runner the planet has ever known. A lesser-known fact was that at the seventy-mile mark, I was in second place. The last thirty miles didn’t treat me so well, but I still like to think of that moment, when two diabetics were solidly out in front.

Though I’m past the racing thing for now, I’ve been a regular coach at Diabetes Training Camp for several years. I have a soft spot for the Couch to 5k participants, determined to make lasting lifestyle changes. I’m also on the board for the Diabetes Sports Project, because as you get older those are the types of things people ask you to do.

I’m a practicing stoic and though the philosophy impacts every aspect of my life, none more so than my diabetes. Epictetus said, “It is not things that disturb us, but our interpretation of their significance.” I apply this to every low and high blood sugar, knowing that any emotion I apply to the situation will only compound the result.

In Internet years, I’m old. Twelve years ago, I wrote online, “Unable to find a blog about diabetes and running, I had no choice but start my own.” How amazingly wrong that line is today.

Marcus Grimm @marcusgrimm