So how did I get to this point? Well, it was a series of events that culminated one day in 2002.

The previous year, my new girlfriend Alison and I decided to begin a wellness program called Body For Life. It is a book and program designed by a gentleman named Bill Phillips. In fact we still follow the plan (more or less) to this day and I recommend it often.

We had decided to start the program because we were both just going through the motions when it came to our health and fitness. Personally I was about 20 pounds overweight and except for some occasional pick-up basketball games, I really only lifted weights from time to time, and I wasn't doing a good job with my diet either. The both of us learned how to exercise properly, eat healthy, and change our mindset about what it is we should and could be doing to be healthy.

We continued the program through the new year (2002) and we were doing great. One activity we picked up was running. But we weren't very dedicated to running. We ran here and there and usually only short runs.

A few months later I found myself debating on whether or not I should leave my job at Newberry College. It was a very difficult time and I found that long runs were a great way to clear my mind and get some thinking done.

That Fateful Day

A few weeks had past, I had resigned from Newberry College (which left me unemployed) and, as you might have guessed, I was feeling pretty sorry for myself. It was a Saturday afternoon, I was lying on my couch, and that's when I saw something that has literally changed my life from that day on. I watched NBC's coverage of the Hawaiian Ironman and saw for the first time the story of Dick & Rick Hoyt. I hope you can take just a moment to learn a little bit more about them. I've included some videos from YouTube and a link to their site, but all you would have to do is Google their name and you can find all that you need to know.

Bottom line, I sat there alone watching this story, crying, and realized I wanted to do an Ironman and more importantly, I had no reason to feel sorry for myself...EVER. The Hoyts were able to show me that I wasn't just "going through the motions" when it came to my fitness but I was doing the same in my life. I needed to take control, be more positive, get involved, appreciate what I had and strive for the things I wanted. I needed to be the kind of person that Dick Hoyt was. Selfless, strong, determined and humble.

I know some people will think this sounds silly. That a story about a man helping his child achieve amazing things can have this type of affect on a person. But it's true. The day after I saw that story I went online, found a picture of the Hoyts, printed it out and, to this day, it sits on my night table next to my alarm clock. Those mornings when I don't feel like getting out of bed to run, or go swimming or ride my bike. When I feel tired, unmotivated or sorry for myself, I think of Dick and Rick Hoyt and I get up and I get moving.

Fast Forward

So it's now 2008, [my now wife] Alison and I have continued our Body For Life program, we are proud members of The Robeson Road Runners and we have competed in multiple races including:

 *The only reason Alison missed this race was because it was one month before our wedding and she had bride-to-be stuff to do.
**The pictures above were taken from the Lake Norman Triathlon.

As you can see, I didn't wake up the next morning after watching the Hawaiian Ironman and start training for it, but rather took my time and worked toward my goal. I said I wanted to do it before I turned 40, and if I accomplish it this year, I'll have done it with a year and nine months to spare.

I hope that you will take this journey with me, and seriously consider becoming a sponsor so that we can all make a positive impact in the lives of the women of Robeson County.