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Commitment

I received this email from Aaron Harris and when I heard the story and watched the video… well, let’s just say it’s as emotional as you can get. I pride myself and trying to be the best father to my 3 kids and this guy shows what the word commitment really means.

Here is the true story…

The son asked his father, ‘Dad, will you take part in a marathon with me?’.

The father who, despite having a heart condition, says ‘Yes’.

They went on to complete the marathon together. Father and son went on to join other marathons, the father always saying ‘Yes’ to his son’s request of going through the race together.

One day, the son asked his father, ‘Dad, let’s join the Ironman together.’ To which, his father said ‘Yes’ too.

For those who don’t know, Ironman is the toughest triathlon ever. The race encompasses three endurance events of a 2.4 mile (3.86 kilometer) ocean swim, followed by a 112 mile (180.2 kilometer) bike ride, and ending with a 26.2 mile (42.195 kilometer) marathon along the coast of the Big Island.

Father and son went on to complete the race together. View this race here…

This entry was posted on Saturday, July 19th, 2008 at 12:02 pm and is filed under Responsibility, Success Mindset. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

  • cookie817
    That was the most inspiring video I have ever watched. Thank you for the opportunity to view it. The love and commitment between this father and son amazing and makes me want a relationship like that with all of my children. I think I have done well, but now know I have a long way to go. Ryan and Aaron, you ROCK!!!
  • car105
    GOD BLESS FATHER AND SON

    I must be honest this is truly touching clip and i think not only from a personal tainer point of view but that father is an HERO in it self and deserves a serrious prize GREAT GUY God bless father and son.

    Im still crying

    Regards

    Carlos certified Fitness expert

    www.ultimatefitnesstraining.co.uk
  • As a mobility challenged person (not nearly that bad), a father and business partner to a disabled person I know how much work a child like that must be. And also how important family love is to surviving what life hands you -- on both sides.

    Thank you for posting this Ryan ... even if it was a year ago!

  • ~N
    Ahh, really...teared up in under 5seconds :). Beautiful, Amazing!!! Just viewing the clip was a great expieriance....!!

    <3
  • drgumbs
    This is a phenomenal story. While most of us fathers can't be like Dick Hoyt, we can certainly make that commitment to being there for our kids. They need us more than we think!

    Dexter Gumbs
    http://www.mysocialmediamatrix.com
  • cnicksavage
    Great video...I remember it well...I'll pass it on to my clients...Nick
  • lukeharlan
    Damn Ryan,
    I have to dry my keyboard after that one!
    Thanks for sharing. Congrats on #4!
    -Luke
  • Great post Ryan. I've got 2 girls (3 & 6 y/o) and we can all only hope to be the dad that Dick Hoyt is. Here's a post I did about him and Rick a little over 3 years ago on my blog, with another video of them. Warning: you're gonna get teary-eyed again my friend.

    http://www.thetruthaboutdiets.com/henry-ford-was-absolutely-correct/

    Thanks,
    Dave Soucy
  • juanpbeltran
    I have seen this video before and just like you I can never get to the end with my eyes dry. Really EMOTIONAL VIDEO. It really pumps me.
  • lisabyrne
    saw this a year ago and thnak you for sharing it...no eyes dry.
  • Pani
    This movie inspirers me! so much! i can't remember when i have ever felt so much AROHA!

    What a wonderful, challenge....to achieve.....thank you
  • arieta
    words fail me..

    thank you for sharing this with everyone....thank you
  • I've seen this many a times and it always produces a tear.
  • BELINDA
    WOW!! WHAT A GREAT MOVING AND TOUCHING VIDEO!! WHEN THEY CROSSED THE
    FINISH LINE MY 2 YEAR STARTED YELLING THEY WON THEY WON!! THIS VIDEO JUST GOES TO SHOW THAT U CAN DO ANYTHING YOU PUT YOUR MIND TOO!! THE LOOK ON THE SONS FACE AS THEY FINISHED WAS AMAZING, HE WAS SO EXCITED AND U COULD JUST TELL HOW THRILLED AND EXCITED HE WAS!! TO HAVE A FATHER WILLING TO BE THERE FOR YOU AND GO THROUGH ALL THAT, HE IS A VERY LUCKY YOUNG MAN AND I AM SO HAPPY HE WAS ABLE TO BE BLESSED WITH SUCH A WONDERFUL FATHER WHO WAS ABLE TO HELP HIM REACH FOR THE STARS AND GO FOR HIS DREAMS!! THANX FOR POSTING THIS!! IT WAS REALLY TRUELLY TOUCHING AND IS A VERY INSPIRING STORY!! MUCH LOVE BELINDA
  • Impossible is nothing. I hate the word impossible. This man shows how much people can push themselves for the good of others.
  • Dale
    Incredible I have so much respect for Father and Son.
  • ROHINI
    Awesome.PRAISE GOD
  • I have viwed this film and was moved to tears. I cannot express enough how wonderfully this fanther/and son gave the perfect example of love and commitment each had for the other. Yes! There is a God and many who look to him for strength in all areas. Agape, Love.

    Thanks for the reminder.
  • Brenda
    There is only one greater love , truly humbled
  • Wow that's powerful thanks for the email Ryan.
  • Ian
    This was a truly inspirational video, it made me so proud of that gentleman and I don't even know him. what a great incentive for all those " I don't have time" and the worst of all excuses "I can't be bothered, I'll start next week"
  • Chrisitne hamilton
    THIS IS A WONDERFUL AND INSPIRING MESSAGE. THE WAY THE WORLD IS TODAY, IT IS NICE TO SEE FATHER AND SON'S DETERMINATION TO ACCOMPLISH SOMETHING TOGETHER. NO MATTER HOW LONG THE JOURNEY, THEY DID NOT GIVE UP TO REACH THEIR GOAL.
    MAY THEY CONTINUE TO BE BLESSED AND BE A BLESSING TO OTHERS.
  • Josie
    Very touching,inspiring and encouraging.
  • Ken Freeman
    Unbelievable. God bless the Hoyts for their message!
  • Eelco de Boer
    Truly inspiring, best video ever.
  • segundo
    Thank for the meesage
  • Michael West
    Truly inspiring. It makes me question whether or not my commitment is what it could be. Thank you for sharing the video.
  • Mandeep Singh
    Come It Man Do IT(COMMITMENT)
  • Anish Thomas
    I can do everything through Him who gives me strength...Yes truly it means here.
  • Rachell
    God is so good! there is not a thing that we can't do if God is in us. this is really inspiring and motivating. thanks
  • Amanda
    This was amazing! I cried tears of happiness while watching this inspirational video. It was very compelling. I have always believed that if you put your mind to something it is always possible, but this confirms it! This shows the power of love and that there is a God! Thank you for sharing this with the world...we all need an inspirational uplift!
  • karolina
    wow thats a real commitment
  • Elsie Limage
    I just wanted to say thank you. I have heard of this father/son pair before. But I never realized the totality of it all. I cried like a baby and I'm reading this at work. We can accomplish whatever we set I minds too. Everyday I say, (I'm going to do it) It now time to say I've done it.

    Thank You for sharing this with us.
  • Scott Cates
    This story is amazing im olny 15 years old a two sport athlete doin football and track and i sat down today to look in my mail and i saw this.. when i opened it i thought it was going to be some cheesy lecture but before the video was even over i was in tears.. this video should be seen by anyone who says they are committed to somethin and see if they are a true test of commitment like this man and his son.. i can not say enough about what this video opened my eyes to and how inspirational it truly is.. I can't believe it those two are seriously and truly my heroes
  • Robert L. Brown
    This only shows that With God on your side all things are possible for those who love him.
  • Tim
    Very inspirational - great commitment. The song was certainly was not subtle.
  • Terry
    WOW. God IS Good! This father/son team is an inspiration to all. If we all loved our fellow man just a fraction of the love shown here, the world would be a so much better place. I hope to carry this message with me this week and who knows what will come of it. It definitely can't hurt.
  • scott
    Thats the definition for a father!
  • Ryan,

    That's a great story of What the Mind can conceive and Believe the Body Can Achieve.

    Thanks for bring it to Everyone...

    Rahz Slaughter, WC
  • Judy
    Incredible!! Father and Son, what a soul and heart. It made me think about the things I have been thinking were so important and realizing how important it is to be there for others. Thank you so much for sharing this video. I will continue to share it. Peace,Judy
  • Inspiration at its best! Now that we have seen the Hoyts, what can we do to inspire others?
  • Greg
    I'm speechless,and that speaks volumes.
  • Josu
    Thanks. After that any problem looks very, very, very, very, little.
  • Jack
    Cried like a baby............... It makes a father question himself. I think we all need to be reminded about love,passion and how are we truley acting out there in the world. Very inspirational. It makes you want to go hug your kids !
  • mehdi
    thinks for this video realy that improve a lot of patient.a lot of hope and a lot of hard work and finally its succèces
  • Chips
    Few stories have moved or inspired me more than this. I had to watch it repeatedly, the visuals kept blurring with my tears. Thanks Ryan. And thank you, Dick and Rick, for this great demonstration of love, determination and the heights to which the human spirit can soar.
  • Thanks for makinga gown man shed some tears. Man that was truly motivational and inspirational. Thanks
  • samer
    this the the real love from father to the son .and he help him to make his wish true .god bless him
  • Iqbal
    Brought tears to my eyes.Apart from the physical aspect it depicts the deep love and admiration a son has for his father and vice versa.Thanks for showing the video.
  • Praveen
    Man this is the most inspirational video that i have ever seen in my life ..... The father and son are True Heroes.Thanks to Lee & Harris.
  • Maggie
    I saw the aired triatholon and was amazed. There were other people who had been through some life losses or traumas who were doing it also! And I thought "these people who are so determined teach the rest of the world that they too can reach their goals". I loved being reminded again of this wonderful and amazing relationship between this father and son. Thank you.
  • christopher
    Thanks for the video, it is amazing. Committment, Unconditional Love, Desire, Will and
    Determination.Impossibilites vanish when passion ignites the soul.Just when it seems impossible to find HOPE in this world and i the people who live in it
  • At 53, i was wondering how i was going to return to boot camp after 2 weeks vacation!!!!I promise to never balk at a situp, or moan about some squats or lunges ever again.We all need to be reminded of what real hero`s looks like,not some hollywood fictional character,but living, breathing,people.To me both son and father are modern day saint`s.Long may they reign.
  • P Sre Ghannesh
    Thanks for the video. All the inspiration and motivation, emotions, which are must to the individuals who loose their self confidence and get demotivated.

    I am personally moved and will also help me in my career... which will be remembered for ever in life.

    Many thanks !!!!
  • Jeremy
    That is awesome. I am a stutterer and I admit I proscratinate sometimes with trying to get media attention that would help my training business. It is good to put things into perspective.
    Thanks Ryan for sharing.
  • Committment, Unconditional Love, Desire, Will and Determination.....we have no excuses

    Rafael
    http://www.Results4Sure.com
  • Alan
    Absolutely amazing! That's pure love right there.
  • Erasmo Maldonado
    Just pure strength of heart, to touch heaven,s doors
  • Fantastic, absolutely fantastic.

    All the inspiration we could ever need right there.
  • Val Fujii
    I just got back from visiting the Big Island which is very beautiful.

    But this video expresses one of the most beautifulest love a father has for his child.

    I am a single father and what are my excuses?

    NONE!

    Thank you for sharing Ryan.

    =Val
  • Love,agape! There is no deeper motivator. I'll find it hard to tell my son no ever again!
  • BEAUTIFUL!!! "Impossibilites vanish when passion ignites the soul."
  • JUST WHEN IT SEEMS IMPOSSIBLE TO FIND HOPE IN THIS WORLD AND IN THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN IT...THIS! THANK GOD HE USED THESE PEOPLE TO BRING OTHERS BACK TO REALITY THAT NOTHING IS TOO DIFFICULT WHEN '-WE CHOOSE TO HAVE FAITH IN THE "ONE" WHO STREGNTHENS US' PHIL.4:13
  • Ricardo Bolivar
    In agreement with many of the other comments here, this is clear example of a father's love for his child. Makes you wish there were more fathers like him. Also forces you to look introspectively and ask yourself, "Would I be willing to do that for my kids? Why-or why not? How do I want my children to remember me when I am gone? This one guy alone really raised the bar among us living men. Yes, I know 'Father God' did so many other things, but He is God-this guy is just a normal human man like me-only with an uncommon love for his child." Purely phenomenal. After that, don't come and tell me you can't do this or that because it is too difficult. If you believe, you can achieve. God gave all of us "talents", what are you doing with yours???
  • James Pearo
    For all those people that say they can not, anything is possible through faith and commitment! What an inspiration, thank you.
    JGP Fitness Training
  • Uncle Bulldog
    I first saw this video a few months back on GodTube.com (for anyone wanting a better option to the alternative). It still leaves me speechless. Thanks for the reminder to never make excuses and never give up.

    Always,

    UB
  • Bones
    Incredible
  • Joe MacGowan
    This video (the full story) is available from Promise Keepers, I have shown the full story to several of my clients to emphasize the qualities of loyalty, commitment and passion- can highly recommend it - not a dry eye in the house. The son was described at birth as never being able to do anything physical or academic - he went on to get a college degree and he is an avid ice hockey fan. He communicates much the same way that Steven Hawkings does, by computer. His Father is ex military (retired) has had a couple of heart attacks yet he runs for and with his son-his son says that he never feels more alive than when he and his dad run triathlons! A great motivational story
  • Thank you.
  • kyle
    that's Love right there.
  • Thanks for sharing this video Ryan. I've been following Dick and Rick Hoyt's journey for a while now. They provide me with tremendous inspiration.

    One of the great things about their story is that Dick was unhealthy and unmotivated to get into shape. He began to run because his son Rick asked him to be a part of a charity event. When Rick told his dad that it was the first time that he felt like he wasn't handicapped, it provided Dick with the inspiration to keep at it.

    We all have different driving forces to achieve optimal health. You can find them just about anywhere.

    I wrote a blog post and paid tribute to what Dick and Rick are doing over a year ago. If you would like to see 3 more inspiring videos of their story and read what I had to say about driving forces and fat loss success, simply visit...

    http://unstoppablefatloss.com/blog/what-is-your-fat-loss-driving-force/

    So now I guess the only question is... How the heck can you allow anything to hold you back from achieving your dreams?

    Keep up the great work Ryan!

    Scott Tousignant
    www.UnstoppableFatLoss.com
  • Adam
    The amazing thing... the Hoyt's have been doing this for 20 years. When I was teenager they
    where at all the local races in Eastern Massachusetts.
  • Don Pennington
    I've seen this before and it never fails to bring tears to my eyes and make me realize that I can do whatever I set my mind to. No excuses!
  • zevenesh
    after that, who the heck dare use the word "impossible" must be insane!

    go for the dreams, make em' happen, thanks for the video bruddah! LOVE IT!

    --z--
  • Tomaž Brinec
    Thank you for the video.
    There is a GOD!!!
  • Josh
    I know the Hoyt's personally. Dick worked out at the fitness center I worked at when I got out of college. I was always impressed by their story, but seeing it in person at times was amazing. It's great inspiration for when you don't think you can do something. If this "old" guy can do this, just about anything can be accomplished if you are motivated.
  • Bill
    Phenomenal. Inspirational. Thank you for bringing it to us, Ryan and Aaron.
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