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Pushing our sons

As part of a fundraising event, a family friend wants his son to push alex in a chair for the running part for a mini-triathlon, tow him in a raft for the swimming part and tow him on the bike for the bike part. Any ideas as to what Alex should sit in, other than his regular wheel chair for the run? What do I get him to be towed in for the bike part? Alex is still semi ambulatory, but couldn't safely sit on one of those third wheels people sometimes attach to a bike for their kids.

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Permalink Reply by Julie Gilmore on February 28, 2010 at 10:06pm

Paul, this young man has a truly wonderful Dad who has competed in more than 950 races (and quite a few triathlons in that lot) with his son "in tow". It doesn't say exactly what equipment they used, but it may be worthwhile trying to get some contact details for the father, as he may be able to save you a lot of trial and error. :D Good luck with your mission

http://onemansblog.com/2007/06/10/what-my-father-means-to-me-by-ric...

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Permalink Reply by Paul Cliff on March 1, 2010 at 9:05am

Julie,

Thanks. I'll try to track down Team Hoyt.

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Permalink Reply by Brian Denger on March 1, 2010 at 11:36am

Hi Paul,

Dick Hoyt designed and I believe built the equipment he uses with his son Rick. His son has Cerebral Palsy and can handle the rigors of being pushed, tugged and bumped along having trained with his father for many years. Alex may be OK with this, yet I urge caution as boys who have DMD are susceptible to osteoporosis related injury. Also I'd worry about all those transfers and risk of injury to Alex and whoever may be lifting him. I don't wish to be a "wet blanket", yet think a few miles at the end of a race in a jogging stroller would make a similar statement.

Brian

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Permalink Reply by Paul Cliff on March 1, 2010 at 2:49pm

I hear you, Brian, but these are going to be mini triathlons, perhaps 5k for the run. Plus, Alex was about 75 pounds and is still on his feet. Definitely not something for him to make a career out of .

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Permalink Reply by Brian Denger on March 1, 2010 at 3:16pm

Thanks for the clarifications Paul. I guess I get stuck thinking 1.5K swim, 40K ride and 10K run (Sprint Tri). Best of luck with this adventure!

Brian

Paul Cliff said:

I hear you, Brian, but these are going to be mini triathlons, perhaps 5k for the run. Plus, Alex was about 75 pounds and is still on his feet. Definitely not something for him to make a career out of .