Below I have gathered together a number of video clips which have provided me with inspiration, and a reminder of what all the hard work is for.
In February 1982, Julie Moss, a college student competing to gather research for her exercise physiology thesis, staggers just yards away from the finish line, she falls to the ground but nevertheless crawls to the finish line. Her courage and determination inspires millions and creates the Ironman mantra that just finishing is a victory. This is the footage that ispired the great Mark Allen to take up the sport of triathlon.
Father Dick Hoyt and son Rick Hoyt compete together in marathons, triathlons, and other athletic endeavors. Rick was disabled at birth by a loss of oxygen to his brain, and he also suffers from cerebral palsy. Dick carries him in a special seat up front as they bike, pulls him in a special boat as they swim, and pushes him in a special wheelchair as they run.
As of June 2005, Team Hoyt had participated in a total of 911 events, including 206 Triathlons (6 of which were Ironman competitions), 20 Duathlons, and 64 Marathons, including 24 consecutive Boston Marathons. They also biked and ran across the USA in 1992 — a 3,735 mile journey that took them 45 days.
More footage of the Hoyts completing their first Hawaii Ironman below.
The year that the great Mark Allan and Dave Scott went head to head in what has become probably the most famous Ironman race. This was also the first year that Team Hoyt completed the Hawaii Ironman. (six parts)
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Here are a couple of promotional Ironman videos.