I can only imagine

Inspiration is all around us and you need not look any further than Dick and Rick Hoyt. If you haven't heard of the Hoyt's they are the father and son team that competes in endurance events such as marathons and triathlons...even Ironman distance triathlons.

What makes this team truly special is that Rick Hoyt has finished over 1,000 events with his father Dick pushing him in a wheelchair.

Below you'll find a link to an inspirational video of the Hoyt's. The song featured in the video has a special place in my heart. After my mother had her right leg amputated because of the ravages of Diabetes I imagined what it would be like to walk with her again. I now imagine what it would be like to see her at the finish line at Ironman Lake Placid. I now imagine what it will be like when I am with her again.... here are some of the lyrics:

"I can only imagine
What it will be like
When I walk
By your side

I can only imagine
What my eyes will see
When your face
Is before me
I can only imagine"

Grab the kleenex and watch this video: I can only imagine

Every single day

I've thought about Lake Placid every single day since we signed up. I've thought about the training, I've read incredible race reports from this year's athletes (truly inspirational), I've thought about special needs bags, nutrition, who will be there, hills, hills and more hills. I've thought about Lake Placid every single day.

I've come to the conclusion that in order to be successful I will have to think about Lake Placid every single day and I love it. It shows passion, excitement and commitment....the cornerstones of success.

The Whistle

Today was my last race of the season...the Gloucester Triathlon. I was very happy with my time and place...40th overall out of about 800 athletes, but that wasn't the best part.

When we were kids playing in the neighborhood and it was time to come home we would hear my father whistle. It's a distinct, unique whistle so whenever I hear the sound I expect to look around and see my father. Today was different.

Last night I had asked my father if he was going to the race and he wasn't sure. Since my mother's passing last year he doesn't sleep as well. Sometimes he'll wake up in the middle of the night, watch tv and then fall back asleep. When this happens he may sleep in a bit, so I didn't know if he'd get up to Gloucester.

As most triathletes and spectators know the pre-race routine can be hectic and you're really focused on what you're about to do, so I wasn't thinking about my dad. The race started and when we excited the swim it was a long a run to the transition area. There were hundreds of people watching, athletes running to their bikes, basically chaos. I was focused on getting to my bike and then I heard it! The Whistle. I smiled immediately! I had no idea where he was, but I knew he was there. I heard it!

As I ran out of the shoot with my bike I heard The Whistle again, this time louder, so I knew he was close but I still didn't see him. I put my arm in the air with a thumbs up so he'd know I heard him.

When I came back from the bike and transitioned to the run I heard it again. This time I saw him and pointed at him as if to say, "Dad, I needed that". There he was with a smile on his face, cheering on his two sons.

The day ended well for my big brother... 25th overall. And the day ended well for me. I was very happy with the result, but the best part was The Whistle.

I love my father so much and he's a great guy. He made huge sacrifices for his family over the years including coming to American when he was 26 without knowing a word of English.
When my mother was at her worst because of the complications with Diabetes, he was at his best. My father Vinny is truly an inspiration for me and I am so thankful to have him as my father. Thank you Dad!

I know it will be an emotional moment in Lake Placid, but I can't wait to hear The Whistle.

What does it mean?

What does it mean to be an Ironman? Does it mean that you can endure pain? Does it mean you are mentally tough? Does mean that you are better than someone else? Stronger than someone else? Are you crazy? Does it mean that you are willing to sacrifice the things that you love in hope that you'll know the glory? Do I get the tattoo if I finish? What does it mean to be an Ironman? Preparation breeds confidence (Steve Prefontaine) Know the Glory!!!

The end is near

Well, my 2009 Triathlon season is coming to an end next week with the Gloucester Triathlon. I've made some solid gains this year, including today's Witch City Tri where I came in 16th out of 300 and 2nd in my age group. My first podium! I realized that with hard work and dedication the results will come... and that's one of the reasons I'm so motivated for Ironman.

Over the last week I thought a lot about the coming year and I'm excited and a bit nervous at the same time. It feels great telling people we signed up...I get a mix of reactions from "that's awesome" to "are you out of your mind?". I like the "are you out of your mind?" answer better because it helps me remember the enormity of the task at hand. Focused Ironman training will start very soon. Until then I'll focus on getting stronger physically and mentally... In the end, there's always a new beginning.