Tell Me You Can't...

... after watching what this guy did in his late 50s!

I'm sure you've seen this video before, but it is a truly inspiring tale that I think needs reminding. Ignore the pixilation in this low quality video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kt7w8hV90SI

If that doesn't give you inspiration, I don't know what can. Most think they can't run farther than a mile, let alone try to swim one, or bike two. Imagine trying to do an Iron Man (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and then run a marathon); then try doing double the work as you bring someone else along. That's an unconquerable spirit if I've ever heard of one.

I like to wonder how much faster he could complete it without the extra weight. My competitive drive begs and pleads him to try it, just to see how much better he would do. He'd probably blow most of his competitors out of the water, literally.

I highly doubt he wonders that though. I don't think he would ever consider it. He does it to spend time with his son. His motivation was to take his son to new heights, not to see what he could do alone. He helped his paraplegic son accomplish something he never thought he could. And his son loves it. If you watch closely, you can see him waving his arm in the wheel chair and moving his feet, like he's running too, while in his father's arms.

When I think to myself that I have too much on my plate, that I can't possibly accomplish what I'm hoping to, I think back to this man. I wonder what it must have been like for him to get up every morning and train twice as long and twice as hard as anyone else who competed against him in one of the most physically demanding races in the world. What a trial of will. Shows what you can accomplish though with a firm resolve and a hopeful attitude.

If you're interested in seeing what it takes to train for an Iron Man, check out my friend (Kristopher's) blog. http://actthedream.blogspot.com/. He's currently training for an Iron Man and is using this blog to hold himself accountable for his training. Help him stay accountable by leaving an appropriate comment or two if you already know him. Kristopher has been my motivation to do hard things (including my masochistic running habits) over the past few years. He has taught me to push myself to my potential in every aspect of my life. He truly knows how to work and sets a good example of diligence to everyone he meets. I owe him a thank you for that.