Inspirational

Sometimes, when I see young people with walkers or wheelchairs, the very first thing I think about (just after: "Why?") is "How would I handle that?" Would I sit on the couch and feel sad? Would I try to get on with life as best I could? Would I be one of those marathon wheelchair racers? Honest truth: I don't know.

When I was on a cruise over Thanksgiving, I saw a guy with a walker every day in the gym. On the final day, I sneaked a note in his backpack that read: "You are awesome " (No, I didn't have a yellow marker on my person but that would have been all sorts of fabulous).
 
So it's pretty obvious that I get inspired by people like this. This week, I saw another impressive gym-goer and decided to talk to him. This is someone who has overcome huge challenges and thrives because of his determination.

Alistair Dutson

This is Alistair Dutson. About 20 years - ago at age 18- this Canadian elite multisport athlete was 'thisclose' to becoming a Motocross Professional racer when a devastating accident during a practice ride broke his spine and rendered him paraplegic. After a week in a coma, 6 months in hospital/rehab and 18 months of deep depression, he somehow pulled himself up and forward. Fortunately, his spine was not damaged quite as badly as originally believed and he regained a small amount of use of his legs. He is now able to stand and walk with braces and a cane for limited distances.


He formed a foundation called Team1 (both USA and Canada) and has spent his time training, chair-racing (on the road and snow) and public speaking to youth about knowing one's limits, setting goals and overcoming obstacles. You can check out his impressive racing accomplishments (including several Boston Marathons) here.


This guy trains like a beast! There isn't enough internet space to show his entire workout (kidding!) but I wanted to share just a snippet of a typical training session with you.

Assisted Pull Up

Triceps extension

Alternating Rows

Pushups against bar

Bench press. This is 225 pounds!

Resting, stretching, calf raises

Alistair in front of the "Prison yard" at Gold's Gym (one of his sponsors)

When I asked him about the keys to his recovery, he listed:


• Determination & Perseverance.
• Sports & Recreation + Health & Fitness.
• Knowledge that there is a greater purpose for his life.


For the stat nerds out there, here are some details about his recent workouts:


Since the start of 2010 he has completed a minimum of 1000 Reps per gym workout utilizing a mixture of cables, free weights and machines.  He cranks out 5 to 6 workouts a week and walks 1Km on the treadmill each session.


• Annual minimum reps he completes in gym workouts: 240,000.
• Annual minimum Kilometers he walks on treadmills: 240.



Somehow, I can't imagine Alistair sipping a latte and licking an ice cream cone between sets, but I'll try not to hold that against him

Q: Have you overcome any large obstacles or know someone who has? What helped? What did not? If you have any questions for Alistair, I'd be happy to pass them on to him.