Two of my brothers just signed up for an Ironman Triathalon. In case you don’t know what that is, I’ll tell you. You start with a 2.4 mile swim. Then take a 112-mile bike ride. Then run a full 26.2 mile marathon. All in one day.
Any ONE of those events is one people train for months to accomplish. To do them all in one day is unfathomable to me. I think it’s so cool that they have the guts to do this. 
I’m so excited for Mike and Steve. GOOD LUCK!! All four of my brothers, and a couple of my sisters-in-law, are into triathalons. They’re all a bunch of superhumans. But these two had to go up the ante. Yeah, with that many athletes, there is a little bit of competition between them. I prefer to sit on the sidelines, I guess.
But I’ve always wanted to do a marathon. Thought it would be the coolest accomplishment. I have none on the radar right now, but I’ve sat at the finish line for them before. For some reason, they always move me to tears. I think it’s the dedication. People working toward a goal, doing something hard, having the grit and determination to work through the pain, to put mind over matter, to prove something to themselves. It’s inspiring.
I’ve heard of the Hoyt’s before. AMAZING story. The father, Dick, (now 65) participates in all sorts of athletic events, huge races, (I think they’ve done six Ironmans and sixty-four marathons in addition to about 900 other races) with his son, Rick, severely disabled by Cerebral Palsy. The father straps the son to the front of his bike or pulls him in a raft or pushes him in a stroller so he can participate in the race. He does this, because as they compete, his son feels that he is not disabled. He is free.
It’s always moved me. Inspired me. But then Tara had to go posting this on her blog. I cried like a baby. Like, more than a baby. Tears streaming down my face. Boogers, too. I can’t put into words what it does to me. But wow. Inspiring, moving, touching, you name it. It’s so great to see people like this. Where not only does the guy get off his couch and run amazing distances, which is inspiring enough, but to do it for the sake of his son. Just. Wow. I saw an interview he did before where he said he doesn’t consider himself an athlete. That it is his son who is the athlete. He’s just the support crew. That he doesn’t even particularly like to run. But with his son, all of that changes, because it is Rick’s spirit and determination than moves them along. Their motto is "I Can." And they prove it. And they make me feel like anything is possible. They make me feel like I can too.
8 Comments
I just blogged about that video too. LOL I just cannot get over it, it’s quite possibly the most inspiring story I have ever seen/read. They are amazing.
I know what you mean Shannon. I had seen them on Oprah and I was moved. Then I saw Tara’s post and watched the video and I cried. Hard. I just sat there and thought, what love. Being a parent, you know how much you love your child. It can’t be explained or put into words, but to see this. An action for that love, it is so moving. It gives me goosebumps. It warms my heart and it makes me think that I need to do more!
I’ve watched the Iron Man Triathalon for many years. It amazes me at how people do it. It’s a lot of fun to watch and cheer people on. Will you be flying to Kona to cheer on your family? I remember staying up late at night, to watch the last person cross the finish line. It is truly inspiring to see those athletes cross the line. It’s also inspiring to see the ‘everyday’ people who work so hard to achieve their goal.
Good luck to you and your family.
Aloha,
Melody
Wow, what a story! I love the definition of father on their site! You could put their pix under the word love in the dictionary too. The video really made me cry and I have been thinking about the Hoyts since, so I had to come and comment. I cried, hard… I showed it to my dh, who’s French. He was inspired and said to me with tears in his eyes and a catch in his voice ‘it’s so American’… just to prove his manliness!!
Those people are amazing.
i watched that video the other day and cried like a baby too - it is so moving!!
good luck to your family - that is awesome!
hugs
maggie
Good luck to your bros. A good friend of mine used to do this and it always blew me away.
On another note, I love the photos just below your Ironman post - just love them! You are truly talented. And that squishy little baby is so sweet…
I’m blogging now, come visit if you get a chance!
cried. like a baby.
much luck to your brothers!
-m