Instant Motivation - Team Hoyt - I can Only Imagine

See the Attached Youtube Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUQeUsqQuVc

I first learned about Dick and Rick Hoyt (Team Hoyt) in the 80's while I was watching an Ironman Hawaii TV broadcast for my first time. I saw a middle aged man (Dick) pulling his adult son (Rick) in a boat through the ocean 2.4 miles. Then Dick carried Rick to his bike and pedal their combined 250 plus pounds of weight 112 miles. And in the end Dick transfered his son once again but to a running stroller and completed a full marathon. I was truly amazed with Dick's physical strength and love for his son Rick. At that time, I thought the Ironman was an impossible event that could only be completed by super-human professional athletes. Today, I know that anything is possible and that anybody can complete an Ironman Distance Event. The only thing a person must do is make the commitment to do it and put a plan in action. This video almost always makes me cry. I love seeing them fly down the finish line chute and cross the finish line. If a person can not find some motivation in this clip .... I don't know what will. Keep watching …. I will.

A Change of Name and Motivation

Back in July 2006 I started this blog and Titled it "Vision Quest - 2007 Ironman Coeur d'Alene". The title was is a loose reference to the 1985 Movie entitled "Vision Quest". In the Movie, Louden Swain is a man obsessed, trying to shed 23 pounds in a dangerously short time to take on Shute, the undefeated, tough-as-nails Champion who's the best wrestler in the state. In the face of impossible odds, Louden sets his mind to his Vision and his Quest for Victory. He says, "This is the year that I make my mark ... and find my place in the circle... we are born to live and then to die. We all have to do it alone, each in his own way. I guess that is why we have to love those people who deserve it like there is no tomorrow. Because when you get right down to it…there isn’t." 2007 was my year to make my mark. I invited everyone to join me on my 8 month Quest of self discovery through athletic training, mental perseverance and family support to achieve my vision of Completing an IRONMAN TRIATHLON!

I completed Ironman Coeur D'Alene in June and have been enjoying the off-season with my wife and two small girls ever since. In an effort to foster more family time we bought a 32 foot motorhome. To this point we have used it to camp and for day trips to the Ocean. During the next triathlon season I entend to us it at Wildflower and perhaps the World Toughest Half in Auburn.

My goal now is to get my training back on track during this off-season layover. I am currently having a hard time getting motivated. I am the kind of person that needs an epic goal as a carrot to get me through a long stretch of training. Ironman was the perfect carrot last season but this season I don't have an epic goal. So for now, I am just trying to piece together next seasons races, my motivation and how I can keep myself and my family happy.