Miles of Meaning: Kaylee Seekon, RD, runs the NYC marathon for the Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center
Kaylee Seekon, RD, never set out to run the New York City Marathon, yet here she is, knee-deep in training and laser-focused on preparing her body to endure an epic journey across the five boroughs.
“I actually thought it was crazy that people run it in the first place!” says Seekon, a pediatric diabetes educator at the Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center.
This will be Seekon’s first official marathon, although she is a seasoned runner and came close to doing the marathon in 2023 before a stress fracture caused her to withdraw.
“One month before the 2023 race, I had to pull out,” she says with a big sigh. Fortunately, she was able to delay her entry. “Having to pull out made me think a lot about my recovery process and moving forward. I knew I would do it differently the next time around.”
Doing it differently includes many things, including running for a cause that is dear and very near to her heart: the Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center.
“This place is a special place. I love working here, and I love all our patients. I thought that if I could do something that I love, why not run for an organization that I also love? I can make it full circle.”
Preparing for a Marathon
Seekon has been approaching her training and preparation like an Olympian. She is meticulous about her food choices and thoughtful about taking care of her overall mind and body in the process.
“I want to be really healthy for the marathon this year and do it right this time,” she says. So Seekon is following a multi-step approach: working with a physical therapist, following a plan from a cross-country coach, and meeting regularly with a sports dietitian (even though she is an RD).
By meeting with a sports dietitian, Seekon gets a “fresh perspective” on how to carefully fuel her body before and after long, grueling runs.
“Although nutrition is so individualized, in general, when someone is working out very hard, they might need 60g carbs per hour!” she says. “A mix of sodium, magnesium, and electrolytes is key.”
She makes sure to properly refuel after every run in a healthy way.
“People often go into running with one expectation–to lose weight–and that doesn’t always happen. I recommend just being nice to your body and giving it what it needs to be strong.”
Seekon’s training regimen involves running 2-3 times per week, going to the gym, boxing, and pilates. She hopes the mix of cardio, strength training, and stretching will keep her in good shape and injury-free.
Seekon, 26, is originally from Sonoma Valley, CA. She started running cross country in high school and kept going through college at San Diego State University. A groin injury in college forced her to take a break from the sport.
She came to New York City for graduate school at Hunter College and started casually running again during the Covid-19 pandemic. She credits the running community in New York City with reigniting her inner spark.
“So many people run in New York City! When I moved here, I fell in love with Central Park. The runner community here is very sweet.”
Caring for Diabetes Patients
Seekon's interest in diabetes and nutrition is closely tied to the fact that her younger sister Ella, with whom she lives, has type 1 diabetes (T1D). “I got into this profession because of her diagnosis.”
Ella’s diabetes educator inspired Seekon to embark on her current career path. “Diabetes is an overwhelming diagnosis,” she says. “Ella’s educator was so helpful and so reassuring. I felt so connected to her. It made me think, ‘I want to be this person for somebody else.’”
“Kaylee treats all of her patients with empathy and understanding,” says Natasha Leibel, MD, director of the pediatric program at the Berrie Center.
Kaylee Seekon, RD, is running to raise money for the Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center
“We are so fortunate to have her on our pediatric diabetes team. We are all rooting her on!”
Whether training for the NYC marathon or helping patients at the Berrie Center at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Kaylee Seekon is a champion. You can support Seekon and the Berrie Center by visiting her Columbia fundraising page.
Health Lessons Learned
Combining her expertise as a clinician with her experience as a runner, Seekon shares the top insights she has gained about sticking to a healthy goal:
- Listen to your body: Probably the most important thing I learned was to pay attention to my body. If something doesn't feel right, I don't run through the pain; I adjust my training.
- Avoid comparison: I never compare my progress to others. By keeping my focus on my own goals (instead of holding myself up to other runners), I maintained my self-esteem and motivation, even if I hit a setback. Everyone's training is unique, and there is no "right" way.
- Incorporate cross-training: Running is important, but so is cross-training. I had to spend a big chunk of this training cycle off my feet. Biking and pilates helped me maintain my fitness without putting too much strain on my legs.
- Prioritize nutrition: Fueling my body with the right nutrients in the right amounts has been a big help with training (and I found some great recipes to make it fun, like this one for yam-spiced superhero muffins).
- Stay flexible: My training has definitely not been perfect, and that's okay! Understanding that setbacks may occur and changing my training plan accordingly has kept me motivated.