I have never watched the Hawaii Ironman World Championship on TV without crying.

Having ran a marathon *once*, I am always totally amazed there are athletes who can run 26.2 miles AFTER biking 112 miles and swimming 2.4 miles.

The crying though always starts when I see Dick Hoyt out there pushing his son, Rick.

If you haven’t heard about Team Hoyt, they are a father-and-son team from Massachusetts who have been competing in tris and marathons for years.

From their web site: “For the past twenty five years or more Dick, who is 65, has pushed and pulled his son across the country and over hundreds of finish lines. When Dick runs, Rick is in a wheelchair that Dick is pushing. When Dick cycles, Rick is in the seat-pod from his wheelchair, attached to the front of the bike. When Dick swims, Rick is in a small but heavy, firmly stabilized boat being pulled by Dick.”

They are truly an amazing pair. I’m so inspired by their strength and courage, as a (so-so) athlete and more as a parent.

My hubby got to see them competing this weekend at the Ironman Championship 70.3 in Clearwater.

He too was brought to tears, recounting Dick Hoyt’s love for his son.

Their web site calendar says they will be in Tampa the weekend of the Gasparilla Distance Classic.

I hope I’m lucky enough to see them in action.