T1 + prosthesis = I am a wuzz

Yeah, I have that show on DVD and ride my trainer to it sometimes. Not just Sarah (bummer she missed the T2 cutoff by 15 minutes) but all those people they show that are missing arms and legs really gives me a kick in the pants, since I'm blessed with pretty good health all around.

A couple of years ago I saw a video clip about the Hoyt family (the father who towed his son through the race 'coz he's got cerebal palsy or something like that). They DNF'ed in '04, but have finished it before. HUGELY inspiring piece.

I always wonder... do the folks in the "handcrank" category have to switch to a more standard racing wheelchair for the marathon, or do they just use thier handcrank bikes for 138.2 miles?

It's SOOOO easy for those of us with four functioning limbs and no significant health problems to lose perspective on these things...

They have 2 separate machines. A hand crank cycle for the bike leg, and a standard racing chair for the marathon, so yes they have to swap in the transition too. Sure they get the benefit of going downhill during the marathon, but watch the 2003 Hawaii Ironman and see how Marc Heremanns struggles up a grade in his chair. No doubt about it, these people are tough cookies! I have a picture of Sarah Reinertsen on my fridge for motivation.

You are right, those are just a few showed on TV. Behind the scenes are many, many people on a quest.
I am totally in awe by their commitment and spirit.

I really wish they would have centered on Pat Tillman's trainer, J.R. Rosania, the man that got Pat ready for ranger training. They show a quick clip of him running towards the finish line carrying Pat's jersey. I would loved to have heard his story and how he was raising money for the Pat Tillman foundation.

When I'm lagging in my training, I go to the ironman live web site and look at the pictures of the people crossing the finish line. I just randomly click on the finish line pictures. I see the absolute joy in their faces and I say to myself "I want to feel that... I want to be there one day...why not me."

Somehow those pictures of the joyous finishers propells me through my next workout.

Yeah, I do not know about Ironman, but two years ago I wouldn't never, ever, believe I would be doing this. Finishing a marathon, crossing the line is one of the most rewarding things that can happen to anyone.
It is just you (your insanity) and your will power!
When I was training for my first marathon I thought I was insane, so much work, for what?
Now I know! It is soooooo worth it!
I see these people finishing the Ironman and I say to myself
"I think I can do that...."