I Really Wanted To Do It... So...

I did.

I want to be "marathon ready" as soon as possible. I have until January to prepare... but I want to know I can do it way before then... endurance wise at least. I truly feel I'm on the right track. Thanks to some training advice from Jason Dugmore, I started "just doing it". I try to do about 7 miles at least 2x a week and on Sunday's I go for my endurance rides. I wanted 20 miles today... so I went out and just did it. I didn't give myself the "option" of anything less!

Now, I need to work on my speed... off to the track I go for this weeks training! "Just doing it"... what else can I do?  I need to be ready for the "party".  At least that's what I heard the Disney Marathon was all about... A party! 

Yes, You Can... But, Will You?

Inspiration. I've been called that recently, and yes, I admit... it's made me feel good, but in reality I am far from it. I still have so much more to do, to accomplish, to prove... to myself and to every single person out there who has failed to look beyond a person's disabilty. I've met them. They are out there, they exist and I feel so sorry for them. It used to be anger, but now it is pity.

I'm doing more than I ever thought I could do. I am opening doors for myself that have already been opened for me through others who didn't settle for "no, we can't accomodate you", "no, you can't do this", or the stares, the mumblings... these people are slowly starting to realize that "no" is not going to work for me... unless I am the one saying it to myself.

I want to show my daughter that her mommy can do things... her mommy is strong, not only physically, but spiritually. Her mommy CAN and WILL.

So, am I inspiring? I really do not think so. But if you do and it is getting you off the couch and getting healthy... I will gladly take that title.

But, you want to know inspiring?

THIS is inspiring...

Team Hoyt

Click on the link above and meet what true inspiration is. Meet two men of integrity, men who opened the doors for all of us who are "disabled", men who made us realize...

Yes, we can...

The question is...

Will you?

Officially Official

"To determine to go and to say it-- was to be halfway there."

Steinbeck

It's official!

I am heading to the 2012 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend as a participant in the FULL marathon!  I will be sporting my Mickey Ears... and some outfit Mickey related... FOR SURE! 

SIGH... let the training officially begin!!  Bring on those weights with Leah!  Bring on those LONG handcycling rides...  LOVE it!

For anyone who might have the misconception that what I'm doing is easy... I'd like to see YOU try...

just sayin'. 

Excuses? WHAT?!? No, No, NO!!

There are no excuses.

If you have working legs- use them.

Many would love to have them.

If you have working arms- strengthen them.

Some don't have the ability to simply feed themselves.

If you have both-

seriously - get off your behind... and just do it.

Dig deep for the desire, the energy, the want, the need and most importantly - the self-worth. YOU are worth it. Don't sell yourself short. Ever.

Part of the Excitement is...

...the outfit of course!

I am thinking of this hat...

I know... I am a dork! LOL!

Just Doing It

It started off as a "wow, that is so awesome... I wish I could do that." A dream. People with disabilities that were still competing simply amazed me. I admired them. I respected them. I wished to be them. But, I never thought I could. It was simply- a dream.

Jessica, my sister-in-law, has accomplished several half marathons, a couple of triathalons and even a FULL marathon (amazing). She was the one who truly inspired me and was the greatest motivator in getting me to strive towards making my dream become reality.

So, my journey began. First I needed to get a handcycle. Thankfully, Michael Bird, existed. He researched and found the perfect handcycle for me. It was a first for him and I was so blessed to have him take this on. Finally, towards the end of January, I got my handcycle. I was ecstatic. I loved it!

It made me happy to know I was a step closer to reaching my dream of someday participating in a marathon, but the best thing about it was... riding with my daughter. I was actually able to hop on a "bike" and go on a bike ride with Jayda. And nothing has come close to that feeling. Nothing.

It quickly became addicting. I craved the rides. I loved the feeling of being able to take a "stroll" around the neighborhood. I loved the challenge of our "uphill" streets. I simply was in love with my new "ability".

I was "supposed" to start off with a 5K... uh, yeah... sure. Allow me to share a little about myself... I am strong-willed and stubborn. Enough said. I was all signed up for the 5K and thought... this is too easy... this needs to be challenging... I need to feel some burn... so, after about a month... a half-marathon it is. Yep... stubborn I tell you. VERY stubborn.

THEN... the organizers for the marathon questioned the handcycle... almost didn't let me participate... uhm, I.do.not.think.so. You know that stubborness I mentioned? Yeah... now I was DETERMINED to do it AND FINISH it. If nothing else but to PROVE to them I could. ;-)So I did.

I wanted it. I dreamt it. I did it. No excuses.

So, what is next? I am hoping to complete a couple more half-marathons and improve my time on them.

BUT, my ultimate goal is what this blog is all about... I am wheeling to Disney. I am GOING to do the Walt Disney World FULL Marathon in 2012. Imagine, making a dream come true at the most magical place on earth... it can't get any MORE special than that!

I am so thankful that Jessica and a friend are going to join me and help me make my dream come true!

I am excited!!

I am blogging about it because I know if I put it out there... I NEED to do it. Accountability.

So enjoy my journey as I wheel my way to Disney!