So here I am, just over a month after having run the Boston Marathon…
I am still in touch with Kathy, Joseph, and Uta on at least a weekly basis. I am astounded by how strong my connections with these people are and how quickly they were formed. I have gotten back into a routine of running casually (nothing more than 6 miles since the marathon) and lifting heavy again. I ran in a local 8K race recently and I have several 5Ks on my schedule for the summer. I will soon begin my training for the Virginia Beach Rock-N-Roll Half Marathon. Through my correspondence with the Hoyts, I have been put in contact with other people who will be running in Virginia Beach and I will have the privilege of pushing a disabled child in a special wheelchair during the race. I am excited to start this next chapter of my athletic training and I am thrilled that I get to have at least a small experience of what it is like for Dick and Rick in all of their races. I will also be participating in another powerlifting meet two weeks after running in Virginia Beach. I have always tried to keep an open mind, and maintain confidence in my abilities, but the events of the past few months have really put things in perspective for me. As corny as it sounds, anything you set your mind to is possible, no matter how out of reach the goal may seem. Also, even though I put a great deal of effort into my preparation for the Boston Marathon, I have gotten back far more of a spiritual, physical, emotional, and social return than I put in.
A Special Thanks To:
Dick and Rick Hoyt- for being an inspiration to me and everyone I tell about them. I was brought to tears multiple times during my training, and the race itself, thinking about what a shining example they are for the rest of the world. Their love for each other, tenacity during their training and races, and their passion for their goal of integrating disabled individuals into the world of sports are all things that motivate me to be a better person.
Uta Pippig- for being the most giving, friendly, modest person I have ever met. With all of her accomplishments in the world of running she could rest on her laurels and be aloof, but she has no pretense. The advice and support she provided during my training kept me focused and sure of myself. Words cannot describe the strength of this woman’s spirit.
Kathy Boyer and Doug Gilliland- for organizing, coordinating, and informing myself and all of the other charity runners. Preparing for the race would have been far more complicated without them keeping everything running smoothly (no pun intended).
The Spars- for opening their home to the Team Hoyt runners before the race. Not only did they let us take over their basement for the morning, they had fresh cut oranges, water, and bottles of Gatorade for us.
Dickie White- for being my silent supporter. I am not always the easiest person to deal with, particularly in hugely significant situations, and he was there for me not only for the marathon, but during the months of preparation leading up to it. His love, patience, and support were huge factors in the weekend being enjoyable, the run itself going well, and my quick recovery afterwards.
Mike and Amy- for being so accommodating. From little things like keeping the night before casual so I could relax to big things like giving up their own bed and sleeping on the couch and the floor in their own home so I could sleep well.
Worldwide Sport Supply- If I did not work for this company I probably never would have had the opportunity to be associated with the phenomenal Hoyt Foundation, meet Dick and Rick Hoyt, have dialogs with marathon great Uta Pippig, or run in the Boston Marathon.
All of my Friends, Family, and Donors- running for the Hoyt Foundation was a huge motivation, but knowing that I was running for everyone in my life kept me going mile after mile (after mile, after mile). Everyone’s generosity amazed me- especially my “anonymous” donor who donated over 1/3 of the money I raised before the marathon.