'Iron Andy' Holder - Ironman Competitor with Diabetes Encourages Others to Live Without Limits

SAN DIEGO, Nov. 11, 2010 /PRNewswire/ --

After his diagnosis in 2005, Andy was determined not to let the disease hold him back and decided to become an Ironman competitor an extraordinary test of strength, will and endurance that requires Andy to swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles and run a full marathon of 26.2 miles, all while testing his blood sugar a dozen times a day. Yet, he has persevered and has now completed seven full Ironman competitions.

When he is not competing, Andy discusses what it's like to be a triathlete with diabetes and how having a chronic condition does not have to limit what a person can do with his or her life. Andy has traveled around the country since 2006, encouraging others in "Living Without Limits"– a national campaign to motivate those with chronic conditions to manage their health and strive for their dreams.  His uplifting journey has inspired so many to better manage their health or to even compete in triathlons, just like Andy.

Andy is also in San Diego to support "Run the Coast," a 300-mile run between San Francisco and San Diego that is being undertaken by Jerry Armstrong, a 33-year-old Colorado police officer and "ultra runner" who is running as a member of Team Iron Andy. Jerry's goal is to raise funds for the Iron Andy Foundation, a nonprofit created by Iron Andy in 2009 to provide camp scholarships to children with type 1 diabetes. Jerry's wife Jenifer has had type 1 diabetes for 24 years and six other members of his family also have the disease. He and Andy met last year at the Ironman Louisville, Ky. Andy was having problems with his blood meter and Jerry helped him out. That chance meeting led to the collaboration that has become "Run the Coast."  

An elite group of endurance athletes will be running with Jerry during the 300-mile journey to support Andy's message that anyone can overcome challenges, as long as they manage their health. Jerry and the runners accompanying him will finish their 300-mile run on Friday, November 12, 2010—arriving at 12:00 pm at the Wellness Event and Grand Opening of Point Loma Cabrillo Drug Good Neighbor Pharmacy, San Diego. Public and media are invited to celebrate the runners' arrival.

For more information about Iron Andy, visit http://livingwithoutlimits.diabetes-shoppe.com.  

SOURCE Good Neighbor Pharmacy