Amanda enjoying the scenery at the 2006 Toronto Scotiabank Waterfront marathon
So, running and racing solo isn’t challenging enough and you feel the need to push someone as well? If so, you have come to the right place. Not only is it tough dealing with a handicap, but as a runner pushing a wheelchair, you are going to be challenged finding any information on how to do this and where the resources are to help you get on the road. Which is probably the reason why you are here on this web page in the first place.
If you have a wheelchair bound child, relative or friend, you probably got the silly idea to take on this challenge from Rick and Dick Hoyt. They are the reason that I’m running with Amanda and the reason that I worked so hard to get both of us qualified to participate in the 2005 Boston Marathon. I did it so we could start the race with my personal heroes. Amanda and I are just rookies following in the Hoyts footsteps.
Rick and Dick have been doing this for at least 25 years and have inspired people with their determination not to let a small thing like a handicap stop them from competing in some of the most challenging sports endeavors around. Not only have the Hoyts have run in 24 Boston Marathons, but they have completed the gruelling 1999 Hawaii Ironman (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride, 26.2 mile run). To learn more about the Hoyts and their accomplishments, just follow the link to their web site, www.teamhoyt.com or just “Google” for “Team Hoyt”. If you aren’t inspired to get out there and push after reading their story, nothing will.
Go Team Hoyt!