The Incredible Story of Team Hoyt: A Father, a Son, and the Power of “Why Not Us?”

What happens when someone believes in you before the rest of the world can see what is possible?In 1977, Dick Hoyt wasn't a runner. But when his son Rick, who had cerebral palsy and used a wheelchair, wanted to participate in a five-mile benefit race, Dick agreed to push him.They finished next to last.That night, Rick typed a sentence that changed everything:"Dad, when I'm running, it feels like I am not handicapped."Dick started running.What followed became one of the most extraordinary father-son stories in endurance sports. Together, Team Hoyt competed in more than 1,000 races and endurance events, including dozens of Boston Marathons, triathlons, Ironman competitions, and even a journey across the United States.But this episode of Brave Moves isn't really about running.It's about what happens when someone is willing to become the motor for another person's dream.Julie shares the remarkable story of Dick and Rick Hoyt, beginning with Rick's childhood, when doctors told his parents he should be institutionalized, through his mother's determination to give him a way to communicate, his education, and the race that ultimately changed both his and his father's lives.Julie also reflects on the people who become our teammates in life. The ones who help carry us through seasons we could never navigate alone.For Julie, one of those people is her husband, Dan. Together, they have built a business, supported the dreams and voices of others, and navigated the responsibilities of caring for family.Because sometimes bravery isn't about doing something entirely on your own.Sometimes the brave move is letting someone run beside you.And sometimes it's deciding to become someone else's motor.In This Episode:The remarkable story of Dick and Rick HoytWhy Rick's parents refused to accept the limitations others placed on himHow Rick finally gained a way to communicate with the worldThe five-mile race that changed the Hoyt family's lifeWhy Dick Hoyt became a runner for his sonHow Team Hoyt went from one race to more than 1,000 endurance eventsWhat their story teaches us about determination, possibility, and loveWhy asking "Why not us?" can change what we believe is possibleThe importance of having someone beside you when the journey gets difficultHow we can become the "motor" for someone else's dreamYour Brave MoveThink about one person in your life who is trying to move toward something.A dream.A goal.A new chapter.A version of themselves they haven't quite been able to reach alone.What would it look like for you to be their motor for one mile?You don't have to run an Ironman.You don't have to solve everything for them.Sometimes you simply have to show up and push.And then ask yourself the other question:Who has been your motor?Who believed in you, encouraged you, carried something with you, or helped you keep moving when doing it alone felt impossible?Send Julie a message through the link in the show notes and tell her about the person who has been your motor, or the person whose motor you've had the privilege of being.Because brave moves don't always happen alone.Sometimes the most extraordinary things happen when two people decide:Why not us?If you want to read their story, get the book here: Devoted: The Story of a Father's Love for His SonIf you loved this episode, text me and let me know what you though. Support the showFor more about the Recalibrate Retreat, visit my website.Join the CommunityBrave Moves is a daily confidence and personal growth podcast for ambitious women, women entrepreneurs, and leaders who are ready to overcome self-doubt, build resilience, and take bold action in business and life. Each short, practical episode blends mindset science, decision-making psychology, and real-life stories to help you strengthen your confidence, rewire negative thought patterns, and create meaningful forward momentum.If you are navigating career pivots, burnout, reinvention, or leadership growth, Brave Moves gives you the tools to think differently, act bravely, and design a future aligned with your values and vision. Because confidence isn’t something you’re born with. It’s something you build, one brave move at a time.Liked this episode? Share it with your midlife woman, entrepreneur friends!Love this show? Let us know how we helped you increase your confidence by leaving a review.If you’re looking for support to grow your business faster, be positioned as an authority in your industry, and impact the masses, schedule a call to explore if you’d be a good fit for one of my coaching programs....