Run with Perseverance the Race

Two of the most inspiring lives are the lives of Dick and Rick Hoyt. Rick has cerebral palsy, caused by loss of oxygen to his brain at birth from his umbilical cord being wrapped around his neck.

As of August 31, 2008, Dick (father at the age of 66) and Rick (son at the age of 44), "Team Hoyt", had participated in a total of 984 events, including 229 Triathlons (6 of which were Ironman competitions), 20 Decathlons, and 66 Marathons, including 26 Boston Marathons. They have also biked and run across the USA, in 1992 — a 3,735 mile journey that took them 45 days.

Dick pulls Rick in a special boat as they swim, carries him in a special seat up front as they bike, and pushes him in a special wheelchair as they run. Watch the videos below to see a father's love and a son's courage to run with perseverance the race marked out for them.

The Ironman race encompasses three endurance events of a 2.4 mile (3.86 kilometer) swim, followed by a 112 mile (180 .2 kilometer) bike ride, and ending with a 26.2 mile (42.195 kilometer) marathon.

The belief of Team Hoyt is "You CAN".

Ironman Race... (click on the link below, then click on the back button to return to the blog)
http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=8cf08faca5dd9ea45513

TODAY NBC News Interview...(click on the link below, then click on the back button to return to the blog)
http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=4e7679f8a731d6cce58a

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."
Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)

"He (God) gives strength to the weary and increases the power to the weak. Even the youths grow tired and weary, and the young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
Isaiah 40:29-31 (NIV)

"I can do everything through him (Christ) who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13 (NIV)

Heather Harris
November 15, 2008