6/2/17

I’m always amazed at the human spirit. To see people dig so deep, under such incredible circumstances, fighting to accomplish their dreams is incredibly inspiring.

The other day we had the opportunity to go to Oceanside Physical Therapy (http://oceansideptfl.com) to listen to guest, motivational speaker Hector Picard. I knew a little about Hector’s life but not much, so I had no real expectations going to the event. When I arrived I noticed a group of cyclists standing by a man, who I presumed was Hector Picard because of his right arm missing from the shoulder down and the left from just below the right elbow down.  I read a little snippet from his bio so I knew that he was an athlete, a bi-lateral amputee and multiple Ironman finisher which was pretty impressive. But I didn’t know much more. This group of cyclist had just returned from a ride with Hector and now they were off for a run before he was to speak to our group.

Hector stood before 100 or so of us smiling, a little sweaty from his ride and run, but none the less smiling and clearly happy to be there.  I’ll just give you the quick version of Hector Picard’s past. In 1992 he was working in an area with high voltage electricity. As he passes through the area his right shoulder and arm came in contact with a high voltage unit knocking him off the 2 story structure. As he’s falling, instinct kicks in and he reaches out with the left hand and again comes in contact with high voltage.  Four weeks pass and Hector awakens from a coma where is given the news that he is a bi-lateral amputee. And so his new life begins at age 24, married and with a child.  To learn more about Hector check out (http://dontstopliving.org).

 As I listened to Hector speak, I was just amazed. Everything he does, training, everyday life, he has to work incredibly hard at. Imagine everything you do being a project or just hard. Getting dressed, eating, everyday living, add to that, train for an Ironman Triathlon or a cross country ride. But first you need to build some stuff for your bike so you can ride it. But wait, you’ll probably need to build a special tool or harness for your tool so you can use each tool to build your stuff. Sounds exhausting just talking about it. He makes all of his own gear, fashions everything on his bike so it will work for him. His gears, brakes, water bottles, you name it. He changes his own bike tires and if you’ve never changed a bike tire you know, it’s tough enough with two good hands. And as a triathlete he has to change in and out of a wetsuit! This is a challenging tasks for most triathletes, it’s just hard!

 Hector has finished many triathlons, several Ironman distance triathlons, different swims, he’s biked across the country and has accomplished more than I can write about. If you go to his website (http://dontstopliving.org) you’ll see his race calendar for the year, which is crazy long! It’s very impressive!

 I think about Hector a lot. I imagine what if I were in Hector’s shoes. I can’t imagine how much motivation it must take just to get ready and then go train. So he has inspired me in an interesting way. I realize what I have to go through in the morning is so easy. There is nothing hard about me getting ready in the morning. The only thing preventing me from accomplishing a particular goal, is all in my head. There is nothing physically that prevents me from getting out there. So I am looking at those training days and workouts a little differently. It has become a little easier to get up and get going. It’s also made me realize things can change in an instant. So I need to embrace those tough days and enjoy them as much as the easy ones.

 A dear friend or ours in the running community, Ernie Ojito, recently had a severe stroke. It was shocking for everyone to say the least. Ernie appeared to be the epitome of great health. He is in his early 50’s, he ran, cycled, has a black belt in Judo, strong, very fit and doesn't have an ounce of fat. And one day after grappling at Judo, had a bad stroke. Ernie is a fighter and has a support system like no other. He is working very hard at recovery. There will be an all-night run to benefit Ernie on June 17^th. To learn more go to www.fleetfeetstuart.com for the details.

Hector Picard and Ernie Ojito made decisions to live their life to the fullest. To work hard each day to accomplish dreams and goals, to be great human beings and lift up and inspire others by example.  Two completely different people from very different walks of life. Hector Picard dealt with tragedy and became a great athlete and fights every day to accomplish goals. Ernie Ojito, a great athlete, dealing with tragedy and now fighting for his championship comeback. Which I am confident he will do. We all have our own challenges and daily struggles. I think Hector and Ernie put things in perspective for me. What I once thought was difficult or hard, it isn’t. To get up every day and work as hard as these two guys do, is incredible. They work hard and fight hard mentally and physically to reach their goals. I realize that my life is easy by comparison and I am incredibly lucky. I’m always amazed at the human spirit. To see people dig so deep, under such incredible circumstances, fighting to accomplish their dream is incredibly inspiring. Check out Hector Picard’s story http://dontstopliving.org I think you’ll find him to be very inspirational. And please got to www.fleetfeetstuart.com to learn more about Ernie Ojito.

We hope to see you out there. Stay safe, healthy and happy!

 Edgar