This is how the Hoyts have touched other folks!

To: Team Hoyt

I just want to thank you for the influence you have made in my life. You have changed my life forever. If you were not doing the things you have been doing, I would have been in jail or dead. Here is my story of how you have changed my life. I don't know how I can ever repay you.

From the time I was 18 years old till the time I was 28 years old all I did was drink in get in trouble, and I was very good at it. I worked hard and played hard. I usually worked about 70 hours a week and spent the rest of the time doing things that hurt me and other people.

My grandmother died of cancer in 1999. I watched her slowly die day after day. She would tell me all of the things she wished she had done. I sat there and listened to her stories of regret. She led a very good life raising four kids and worked hard to make their lives easier, sacrificing things that were important to her. Her whole life was one sacrifice after another. As I sat there listening to her, I realized I have been wasting my life away. I needed to change things in my life for the better. Life was passing me by and I didn't want to be 60 years old and never done anything important. So I made some changes.

I quit one of my jobs and a friend talked me into joining the local YMCA. I really liked my new lifestyle. I was starting to feel better and had a different outlook on life. This same friend talked me into running a local 5k run. I have never run that far before in my life. I ran the race and did really well. I placed 3rd in my age group of 25-29. Everyone was cheering for me, the positive attitude everyone had mad me feel really good inside. That was in the fall of 1999, I then decided to run a marathon in spring. I had no clue as to what I was doing. The learning curve was huge. I ran my marathon and finished in 3:29:00. I am told this was unheard of with my background. It was supposed to be my last race ever.

I came home one Sunday afternoon and turned on the T.V. and the Hawaii Ironman was on. I didn't even know what that was. I watched with my eyes and mouth wide open. There was this older gentleman pulling, pedaling, and pushing his handicapped son through the entire Ironman race. I could not believe what I was seeing. I finished watching the show did some research on the event. I did not own a bike and I could not swim, and I had no clue what a transition was. I didn't care. If a grown man closing in on 60 years old can push his son through that entire race, anyone can. There slogan was "I CAN". I told myself "I CAN". One week later I signed up for the 2001 Florida Ironman. I trained hard and thought of you guys everyday. You both were my inspiration and still are. I had taped the Ironman show with you guys in it and watched it over and over. I finished the Ironman in 11:27:00. It hurt really badly but I kept you guys in my mind the entire time. That was supposed to be my last one also. I ended up running it again in 2003.

I decided to run the Boston Marathon in 2002 to see if I would be able to meet you two. I ran a 3:14:00 that year and was not able to catch you. I still can not believe a 60 year old man pushing his son in a wheelchair can beat a thirty year old kid in good shape. You are definitely amazing. I was not able to locate you at the race, but someday hope to run with you.

I am now one of the best athletes in the area. I have run many triathlons and many marathons. I have even won a few races over the years. Of all the races I do (35 races a year, every year) I still to this day have not beaten any of your running personal bests. In 2004, I even rode my bicycle across the U.S.A. I spent four weeks and 125 miles a day accomplishing that goal; only because I heard you have also done this. I have a picture of you two framed in my workout room; this keeps me motivated on days when I need some motivating.

You have saved my life. I am now leading a clean and positive life thanks to you both. I am married and quit dinking. I have the respect of everyone I know around me.I do not know where I would be if it was not for me seeing you on T.V. that day. I have always wanted to write this letter to you but I know how busy you both are. If I had to pick a hero it would not be Lance Armstrong or someone famous. My hero's are the two of you.

I hope someday to meet you two. I live 60 miles from Chicago, IL. I know that you will be in town on Jan 31. I would like some information on where you will be on that day. It would be my life long dream to shake your hands.

Thanks for everything;
Keith