Running for a Cure

2011 XTERRA Trail Run World Championship will benefit JDRF Hawaii

Around 2,000 runners are expected to participate in the 2011 XTERRA Trail Run World Championship. All of them will be running for a cause, and one of them - Andrea Huston -- fully understands how meaningful that can be.

The XTERRA Trail Run World Championship is scheduled for Sunday, December 4, at Kualoa Ranch. It will serve as a benefit for the Hawaii Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and its mission to find a cure for diabetes.

Andrea Huston is one of more than 5,000 people in Hawaii living with type 1 diabetes, but it has not stopped her from living an active lifestyle - including participation in XTERRA Trail Runs and triathlons.

"Getting out there and accomplishing something like this makes anyone feel good, and it's good for them," said Huston, 34. "This is especially true for type 1s, who can literally see the health benefits by checking their blood glucose levels."

Type 1 diabetes is a disorder of the body's immune system. People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin daily and constantly monitor their blood glucose levels. "When I exercise, my insulin is used much more efficiently," Huston said. "Which means that I need to watch out for low blood sugars while I am out there."

Huston completed the 10-kilometer course at last year's XTERRA Trail Run World Championship in 1 hour, 11 minutes, 14 seconds.  She said she felt fine both during after the race, and it even got her hooked on trail running.

"I do not run trails much, but this race really got me out there," said Huston, who works with the U.S. Navy at Camp Smith in Honolulu. "Since last year, I have started to run the surrounding trails in Kailua, Aiea Loop and Koko Head."

In an effort to get more people with type 1 diabetes to run or walk regularly, Huston hosts a monthly training session at Ala Moana Beach Park in Honolulu. For more information, please visit https://www.z2systems.com/np/clients/insulindependence/eventList.jsp and click on the Honolulu Dawn Phenom link.

To learn more about the JDRF-Hawaii Chapter or to make a donation, please visit www.jdrfhawaii.org.

To learn more about the XTERRA Trail Run World Championship, please visit www.xterratrailrun.com.

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