Brian, 42, first noticed something was wrong after returning from a holiday in Rome.
“On the Monday I was working from home and did not feel well, but I never do after flights,” he recalls.
With his regular GP unavailable, Brian visited his wife’s doctor. During the check-up, she noticed he had lost weight unexpectedly.
“She asked if I had been trying to lose weight, and I told her I had been doing quite the opposite,” Brian says.
Concerned by the unexplained weight loss, the GP ran further tests and referred him straight to the emergency department. There, Brian was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.
“As well as the diabetes, there was also a heart issue that needed to be resolved before I could return to work,” he says.
Brian, who has worked at the Tara lead and zinc mines since 2006, took a year off between June 2022 and June 2023 to focus on his health.
“At first I was just walking and trying to eat a bit better, and one day a neighbour texted me asking if I wanted to do the local park run,” he explains.
That was March 2023. After completing the park run, Brian quickly built momentum. He progressed to 10 kilometre runs and, last Christmas, he and some friends signed up for the Dublin Marathon.
Alongside running, Brian manages his diabetes with metformin, a medication that helps lower blood glucose levels. Rather than being overwhelmed by the diagnosis, he treated it as a wake-up call, improving his diet and introducing regular physical activity. He returned to Gaelic football after years away and even began coaching his children’s local team, St Finian’s in Swords.
Adjusting for Training
Preparing for the marathon required another adjustment.
“Because I was running so much and training so often, I had to eat more than I had become used to. You need all the calories to train properly, otherwise you will not be able to train,” he explains.
Brian increased his carbohydrate intake but avoided refined sugars, opting for smaller, healthy meals and snacks such as porridge, fruit and coffee.
Race Day
Brian credits his brother, a neighbour and another GAA coach for guidance and encouragement, all experienced marathon runners.
“They told me to enjoy the crowds, which were phenomenal. One tip from my brother was to run to the sideline and high-five supporters when my energy dipped. That gives you a buzz and you are flying again.”
Emotion struck as he neared the finish.
“I saw my wife and kids at Kilmainham around 11 to 12 miles in, and that was great. By the last mile, my legs were heavy but seeing them brought tears to my eyes. When I crossed the line, I was a blubbering mess.”
Brian raised an impressive €1,680 for Diabetes Ireland.
A Mentality Shift
Initially shocked by his diagnosis, Brian has found strength through physical activity, peer support and the encouragement of family and community.
“I am fitter and better able to do things than I have ever been. Three years ago I would not have been able to do any of this. Being diagnosed with diabetes has probably brought me a better mental state than I previously had. Three years ago, I would not have even dreamed of running a marathon,” he says.
His advice for others living with diabetes is simple:
“Do not wallow in it and do not try to do it alone. Get out for a walk, a run or a game of soccer. Sitting at home worrying about your blood glucose levels and what you can or cannot eat will not help. Being active is far better for your head, it really is.”
