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TODAY’S TRAINING INSPIRATION:
TEAM HOYT (DICK and RICK)

For inspiration today, we’re looking at a pair of individuals who have inspired many more people than just me. It has actually become an event to show up at a triathlon and cheer on this pair as they make their way toward the finish line in a remarkably competitive time.

I am talking about none other than Dick and Rick Hoyt, the father-and-son tandem that goes simply by a name that denotes their inseparability: Team Hoyt.

The elder Hoyt has a handicapped adult son, and despite advancing years, continues to compete in triathlons while towing his son along for the ride.

This team is never split up. The man never enters a competition without bringing his son along. And just as impressively, while pulling the additional weight of his biggest fan, he finishes his events in less time than much younger men not towing their relatives / teammates.

The two have become the stuff of legend in endurance sports, not only for their dedication to the sport but their dedication to each other. Both Dick and Rick Hoyt were recently inducted into the Triathlete Hall of Fame.

And you thought you were training for something difficult?

ON TO TRAINING…

Well, I’m a little sicker than yesterday. I guess that is not too shocking, considering that I decided to push myself instead of rest up and recuperate. So, my solution today? I’m going to try to beat yesterday’s time.

And I just loaded my iPod with the soundtracks from Rocky I through Rocky V, so I guess I have no excuses. Any reduced lung capacity, sore joints or other side effects from illness (don’t get me started on my back) should be counterbalanced by the Balboa principle.

All right, if I thought yesterday was going to hurt…

TODAY’S PERFORMANCE

5K Run Time: 19:36

iPod songs during the training run (custom):
1. Frank Stallone – Pushin’ (Rocky 3)
2. Vince DiCola – Training Montage (Rocky 4)
3. Survivor – Eye of the Tiger (Rocky 3)
4. Vince DiCola – War (Rocky 4)

TRAINING NOTE

This time I made sure I did the first mile without music again, so I could get a little lift when it was called for. I wanted to to go longer in silence but a mile was about all I had, so then it was music time.

What I did do was the first 2.13 miles all at 10 mph, leaving only one mile left when I eased the dial down to 9 mph. I would have liked to push for all 3.13 but it wasn’t there. With a quarter mile left, though, I felt a little bit of a kick left so I went back up to 10 mph for the last leg.

Nope, spoke too soon! Only did 1/8 mile at 10 mph. The last 1/8 I was back down to 9 mph again. Still, very happy with this for a second consecutive sick run. I treated myself to Hearts on Fire by Survivor (Rocky 4) as a reward.

INSPIRATIONAL CLIP

Team Hoyt in action…

And something else, as much credit as the father gets (and deservedly so) it also takes a lot of guts for the son to be continually putting himself out there all the time. It must be a pretty special state for these two when every competition takes on a meaning far greater than medals or placements. It might be a life changing moment just to see these two crossing the finish line together.

BACK TO Index of Inspirational Role Models for Training