I was riding in Long Beach a few weekends ago, and saw something that will likely stay with me for the rest of my life. I actually hope it does.

I was riding at what I thought was a pretty good pace, really working myself. I was thinking to myself how my legs were burning, my heart thumping, my neck aching, and my rear hurting. Then I saw her. Running in front of me was a young (probably twenty-something) girl, all decked out in her running kit. Short shorts, jersey, arm warmers, cap, etc. But the girl nor the clothes were what grabbed my attention.

She was all of 4' tall. Her legs were deformed, bent to the side with no muscle or structure (probably a form of muscular dystrophy). She was running with forearm-type crutches to give support where her legs were lacking. It was pretty obvious she was in training. Maybe for a race? She was running with determination...........with the heart of a lion!

I wish I had taken a picture, so I could glue it to my top tube. Although, I guess I really don't need the picture. Every time now that I am riding and feel the burn, I think of this girl. The term HTFU comes to mind. And I know I can keep on.

I doubt she knew the effect she had on others around her. She probably didn't even know we noticed. But we did, and are better people for seeing her effort.

I hope I never forget her.

How long did it take her to drop you?

Op +1

There are things for old men that take pictures of women and tape them to their top tubes.....

.....they're called "lists"......
.........and restraining orders.......



....so I've heard

Seeing a few hand crank cyclists going uphill on RAGBRAI in 95 degree heat will do it for you too.

It doesn't take much to drop me. And in a way she did.

Not that kind of picture.

My sister lives with Myotonic Dystrophy every day, and it is the main ingredient in my HTFU Stew. Try not to forget.

What I'm reminded of due to your writing, is how we all at one point or another...most often never knowing the fact...inspire others. And that's damn encouraging for me and I hope others

I'd bet this wonderful woman probably was so focused on being her best in her situation that she had no idea how she influenced you. And I think that's the beauty of it: not knowing how any of us are admired by others but rather genuinely working the best with what we have and being truly motivated by that alone.

That to me represents the hope of intrapersonal motivation being great enough to have such a powerful interpersonal and inspirational impact on others...exampled here today...perhaps representing a larger positive change for our social community.

Thanks snidely for your post...

(...and you thought you were just out on another bike ride

I play photographer every year at the Nautica Tri in Malibu (Zuma). There is always a large contingent of athletes with disabilities. That's an ironic term, because to watch them compete, they definitely have "abilities". Extremely inspirational. I lost a hamstring to cancer and sometimes am inclined to use it as an excuse. Then I think about these athletes that may not have a leg...or two....and it brings be right back to reality. They are truly an inspiration!

being the parent of a Down's kid, I get reminders of this daily, she's so stubborn and determined when she sets her mind to something, it is rather humbling for sure. makes me wanna be a better person in everything I do.

Being from Hopkinton,ma i've been watching the Hoyts since I can remember.

https://www.teamhoyt.com/about/racing-history.html

i've loosely paid attention to them, inspirational isn't a strong enough word.

Yep, They were part of the opening pitch ceremony at Fenway today.