Since then, Dick and Rick together competed continuously in marathon races. ‘Together they have climbed mountains, and once trekked 3,735 miles across America’*. They participated in over 950 races, 60 Marathons and also competed in triathlons — combination of 26.2 miles of running, 112 miles of bicycling, and 2.4 miles of swimming. While running Dick pushes the wheel chair through out the race until finish line. During bicycling, Rick sits in front of a specially designed bicycle and Dick does not stop cycling until they reach the end of the race. In swimming, Dick ties rope to the boat with Rick and swims all 2.3 miles. At 66 when most consider moving a bit of a challenge, it is just awe inspiring that Dick carries on with such a spirit and puts himself through the agony for just one single reason, ‘to see the smile on his son’s face’. Dick says “I love my family and just want to be the very best father I can be” and undoubtedly he is among the best. Dick says ‘as long as we are having fun, we are enjoying it and we are healthy, we will continue doing it’.

Selfless love truly gives you the power never imagined of. Many youngsters would find it difficult or merely impossible to the thought of doing all those races, triathlons that ‘Team Hoyt’ goes through, but even at his age, Dick finds the ability to go through all these physically challenging ventures for his son’s happiness. His mission is not to let his son feel left out, he wants Rick to be included in whatever makes him Happy and for that Dick goes as far as it takes. Think about it, the very reason we don’t find the courage or energy to set ourselves upon a grander mission could be that our goals may be too self centered, may be and just may be, if we start thinking from the angle of love (selfless love) we may find a great reservoir of energy in ourselves which was dormant so far. Once we do this, we will be able to push beyond our self confined limits and transcend all the limitations that were once bothering us.

When Rick was born Doctors concluded that Rick would not be able to do anything in his entire life. Dick says “Well those doctors are not alive any more, but I would like them to be able to see Rick now”*.