Jimdo Spotlight on Dustin's Big Run

Time and time again we're astonished of the wide range of users our Jimdo community holds.

We've got students, parents, animal lovers, designers of many sorts, computer savvy folks, regular guys and gals who just want their personal website, and many more...

And we've got one crazy runner on a mission. Dustin Hucks and his site dustin3n1.us

Compared to Dustin we're all a bunch of sloths! No offense, but most of us are. Not only does he run for miles on end but he also does it for a good, selfless cause:

To raise money to support the American Cancer Society and their research.

Read on to find out more about Dustin, his brave mission and the driving force behind his BIG RUN from California to Texas and how you can support him in our latest Jimdo Spotlight.

...and what did your family and friends think of this plan of yours?   Did they support it or were they rather worried for you to "get lost"?
They were concerned, yes...and still are. My Aunt Debbie said I was crazy, and I've sadly made my mother cry a few times when things have gotten rough on the road. When I lost my run crew in Flagstaff, Arizona the consensus was that I should stop and go home. I'm stubborn, however, so I picked up a pack and started hiking across Arizona into New Mexico, and finally into Texas. They've been very supportive, but obviously there are worries as well. All in all though, my friends and family are happy with what I've accomplished to this point.

Did you ever run such a long distance...any distance that can compare to this big (huge) run?
Nothing close to this, no. I am considering, with proper planning and a larger window of time, running across the entire United States from coast to coast. After that, I think it would be neat to run across parts of Europe, perhaps Australia, New Zealand...etc. Every country has their cancer research organizations, and I'd like to support each one if I get the chance.

How do you cope with not seeing your friends and family and basically being by yourself for three and a half months?
I've always been very solitary. I love my friends and family, but most of the people I'm closest to live in Texas, and I live in California. Not seeing them is nothing new to me. Being on the road alone has really given me a lot of time to reflect, and grow as a person. Basically, when you spend that much time alone...you get many opportunities to get to know yourself. I've enjoyed most of this time I've spent in the middle of nowhere. It's humbling.

And how, out of all reasons to run, did you come up with the idea to run to support cancer research? Is there a story behind your big run?
Again, my Aunt Debbie was one of the reasons I chose to do this, but she's not the only person in my family that has been touched by cancer. I've also known a number of people outside of my immediate family that have suffered the ravages of cancer. Honestly, I just want to see the dangers of cancer wiped away completely. I think it can be done. They're flipping genetic switches in lab mice that are causing the body to eradicate cancer cells, and creating medicines that teach the body to regulate and eventually completely stop cancer cell growth. I think we're close, and I want to contribute to getting us that much closer.

If I may ask, how much money have you raised so far? What amount are you aiming for?
I've raised a little over one thousand dollars, of the million I'm attempting. I just signed with a publicity firm that is doing all of my media for me, so they have access to national media outlets I did not have access to on my own. I'm hoping once this journey is known across the United States, that donations will increase. If I do not meet my mark, however, I'll continue to do events like this until I've reached one million dollar.

How has your Jimdo site helped you communicate your big run?
Jimdo is a simple, inexpensive way to get a functional website up and on the internet quickly. I have lots of visitors, and it's the cornerstone of my social networking endeavors for this run.

What Jimdo features do you like best?
The prompt, personal customer service. The folks at Jimdo that answer my questions are always more than friendly, willing to clarify, and quick to respond. That's rare these days. The site itself is simple to navigate and perform my editing duties on, but more than anything I really dig the personal attention of the staff.

How would you convince someone lazy (like me) to engage in running?
Honestly, I think people should just find the thing that they love and do it. Any physical activity is fantastic. Bike, run, swim, climb mountains, kickbox....whatever makes you happy and keeps you active, participate in it and take it to the extreme if you feel so inclined. I want to participate in the 2012 Olympics in London as a marathoner. I have two years to achieve that goal, but that's just me. If a jog around the block makes your heart content, then I'm thrilled for you. Keeping active, no matter what the activity, is important to keeping us happy and healthy.

What do I "get" out of it?
Running? Endorphins! I'm never so happy as when I've just finished a long run. It stays with you all day. Plus, of course, the health benefits. There are very few things better for you than running. It's a fantastic way to take care of your long term health.

And finally: What's the most interesting thing that has happened to you during your big run? Collected any memorable moment that will stay with you forever aside from the run itself?

There isn't any one thing that sticks out. I've had incredible experiences thus far. The biggest thing is meeting cancer survivors. I've met families that have suffered through this, fought it, beat it...and many that were no so lucky. I've developed connections with people I would have never known otherwise had I not lost my run crew and had the opportunity to hike through these communities. This entire journey has exceeded my expectations on so many levels.

I'm very lucky I've had the opportunity to do this.