Inspirational Movies to get you MOVING!!

I love watching movies.. and all kinds, too. Dramas, documentaries, comedies, suspense thriller, horror, independent, etc etc.. I’ll watch them all. Minh doesn’t LOVE movies as much as I do.. actually, I often think that he only watches movies because I want to watch movies. He gets sleepy/lazy afterwards, which does not make for a fun Minh.

Some of my favorite movies to watch are the ones that inspire me to go out and do something… and when I say “do something”, I’m not talking about saving the world or making a difference. I’m talking about going out to climb a mountain, sign up for a ridiculous race, run the “Best Race Ever” , bike hundred of miles across the state/country/continent…. you get the picture. So.. here’s a quick list of some of those movies that make me want to go out and do something… Maybe it’ll inspire you to go out and do something this year!

Race Across the Sky (2009 or 2010)

No surprise that this movie would make the cut of inspirational films. The Leadville Trail 100 Mountain Bike Race is on EVERY mountain bikers’ bucket list. I like watching the pro/elite race just like everyone else, but the real inspiration comes from the “normal” people riding that grueling 100 miles. The ones that have been doing it for years on the same bike with the same helmet and the same outfit.. or the ones that bounced back from something terrible only to make the 12 hour cut-off for that coveted belt buckle. Whoever you’re cheering for, watching the movie will either make you want to go out and ride or make you think people are CRAZY for putting themselves through that kind of hell. Me? It definitely makes me want to go out and RIDE!

Ride the Divide (2010)

The Great Divide Race usually solicits a response along the lines of: “Are you CRAZY? Do you want to DIE?!?!?” No, I’m not crazy.. and YES.. someday I would like to die.. but until then, I want to have fun and go on adventures. This is one of those adventures that I want to go on. Maybe not the entire race (which is completely solo and self-sufficient), but accomplish chunks of the race over time. How fun would it be to say that you rode your bike through the middle of the country.. BY YOURSELF!!! Best part about this race (if I ever do muster up enough gumption to actually do it) is that you can take AS LONG AS YOU WANT (I think within reason).

Bicycle Dreams (2009)

Another documentary about a race that traverses a LONG LONG LONG distance… but this time instead of dividing the country from north to south.. you set off from Coast to Coast… 3000 MILES!! This movie follows the epic journey that is the Race Across America (originally known as the Great American Bike Race, started in 1982).. across the dessert, over the mountains, traversing the Great Plains, grinding up seemingly un-ending switchbacks…. seeing America as few have seen it before. Another film that makes me want to go out and ride.

Hood to Coast (2010)

I had never even heard of Hood to Coast until I watched a trailer for a documentary about it before the 2010 Race Across the Sky showing. But.. like the spirit of the Ragnar Relay, which is really all about the experience and camaraderie and not about the race, Hood to Coast is one of those experiences that lasts a lifetime. From the base of Mount Hood to Seaside Beach, this race traverses all the beauties of Oregon that some people so rarely see. And the race draws all kinds of participants, from the elites and seasoned veterans out to win to the newbies just out for a challenge and a good time. The movie is not only enjoyable for hardcore runners who want to be inspired for their next challenge, but also non-runners who will gain a little more understanding on the craziness that drives someone to run a 5k, 10k, marathon, or ultra.

Run, Fatboy, Run (2007)

Steering away from the documentaries… here’s a HILARIOUS movie about a normal guy (Simon Pegg) who’s just trying to get his ex (Thandie Newton) back before she makes the mistake of her life by marrying a complete JERK (Hank Azaria). If you’ve ever hit “the WALL”, then you’ll totally relate to this film.. and by the end I wanted to sign up for my first marathon (DONE!).

Spirit of the Marathon (2007)

Speaking of marathons… how about a documentary about one of the BIGGEST marathons in the world? From what I’ve read/heard, THE big marathons to run (and qualify for) are Boston, New York, London and Chicago. This documentary follows the story of six runners (of varying levels of competitiveness) competing in the 2005 Chicago Marathon. It’s not just their story during the marathon itself, but how they prepared, what they’re motivation is, and all the struggles along the way. Having run two marathons (woefully unprepared) myself, I know what it’s like to hit the wall, want to give up, deal with injury, and finding the little bit of strength/will-power left to just keep going. Available on Hulu.

Touching the Void (2003)

Steering away from races, biking and running, for a moment…. here’s a great story about the will to live and having to make life-or-death decisions in perilous situations. I first watch Touching the Void with my friend Karen. Based on the 1988 book by Joe Simpson, this is a great story about two climbers (Joe Simpson and Simon Yates) and the sacrifices they made during their journey in the Peruvian Andes. I don’t want to give anything away, but tough decisions are made (and nobody dies). Part documentary/interview, part reenactment.

127 Hours (2010)

Based on the New York Times Bestseller Between a Rock and a Hard Place by Aron Ralston, this wonderfully filmed movie recounts the life of Aron Ralston and his entrapment in a canyon for… wait for it… 127 hours (go figure). James Franco does an amazing job portraying Aron Ralston and his mental struggle during this ordeal. Another great movie about the will to live.

Not Movies.. but Inspirational Nonetheless

NBC Sports coverage of Ironman World Championships (every year)

Every year, around December, NBC airs a special on the Ironman World Championships. Minh downloaded pretty much every single one that he could find, and I’ve watched all of them since they started doing this special, even the 25th anniversary special (which is the best). I love watching this every year because it reinforces my love for racing. It also makes me feel like a horrible person… I either want to (1) quit my job and train full time so that I can aspire to become a pro (not happening in my lifetime) or (2) hope for a life-altering struggle in which I come back to do something incredible (lose a leg, get a horrible, incurable disease, or the like).. which no one should ever hope for anyone, let alone oneself. But.. seriously.. have you watched this thing.. it’s all about the pros and then the stories of overcoming personal struggle or life’s curveballs. It’s amazing.

Molly’s Run (2009)

Image from Molly Sheridan

I had the privilege of seeing Molly Sheridan speak last year… which made me want to run the Badwater Ultramarathon… SOMEDAY!!! To go from non-runner, to marathoner, to ultramarathoner in such a short time and so late in life…. it’s reminiscent of Michelle Barton (the most kick-ass ultramarathoner out there). Her journey and race was documented in a great short by Justin Yurkanin.

You vs. Second Place (2010)

Awesome promotional videos by Versus.com… Just watch… You’ll never want to be second place ever again…

So.. do YOU have any inspirational movies or videos that make you want to get out and DO SOMETHING?

Love-Hate Relationship with Ironman

UPDATE: Looks like all the ranting on the internet (Facebook, Twitter, and blogs) has paid off and we can now all celebrate the short-lived program that was Ironman Access. See the official statement from WTC CEO and President Ben Fertic here: http://ironman.com/mediacenter/pressreleases/ironman-access.

The WTC has been busy lately… what with announcing a new olympic distance series, stepping on some toes when moving the 70.3 championships, and now launching a ridiculously expensive membership club??? There’s definitely more ranting than raving going on with regard to the latest news stories.

Adding up the Costs

Triathlon is expensive enough as it is. First you need to pick a race and register. Depending on the race (distance, location, popularity, and who’s running it), this can be as little as $60 (this is the LEAST I’ve ever paid for a sprint triathlon) or as much as $575 for an Ironman (if you’re lucky and fast enough to nab a spot at any of their races) or EVEN MORE if you’re going for a foundation spot or a longer race (yes.. those DO exist).

Next.. get yourself some gear. This is where you can spend as little or as much as you like. Basically, all you need is a swimsuit, goggles, running shoes, a bike and a helmet. That’s the bare-bones of it. But, once you’ve been bitten by the triathlon bug, there is NO END to wanting to upgrade parts, buy the newest shoes, get the snazziest (yes… I use that word) kits, plus all the accessories and non-gear needs … anti-friction lube (Glide ), special shampoo and conditioner to get the chlorine out of your hair (my choice is TriSwim), customized sunglasses (Oakley Jawbone), Garmin (so many to choose from), Yankz!, etc.. etc… the list goes on and on.

Now add to all that gear (which is used on race day) the gear that you’ll use during training. I’ve got training shoes and race shoes for running. I’ve got an indoor trainer for the bike with it’s own wheel (so I don’t wear out the wheel I actually use on the road). I’ve got a treadmill (ok.. I didn’t technically buy this one, but I use it… so it counts). I’ve got numerous books regarding training plans, strategies, skill specific workouts, injury prevention, nutrition, stretching, and more. I’ve got recovery apparatusses (apparati??) including The Stick, massage ball, compression tights, ice packs, and EMS.

All that seriously adds up to thousands of dollars over the course of one year. Some people do it for much less… some people do it for much much more. I like to think I fall somewhere in the middle of the spectrum, due mostly to Minh’s bargain-hunting skills and nose for sales and coupons (we NEVER buy anything full price). Now WTC wants me to add $1000 to that? Are you KIDDING ME??

What will $1000 get me?

1. Exclusive advance registration to Ironman events
2. Second chance in the Ironman Lottery Program
3. Two VIP passes per registered event
4. Official member ID Card
5. One-year subscription to LAVA Magazine
6. Discounts on Ironman partner products at shopironman.com and at Ironman’s on-site event retail stores
7. 2010 Ford Ironman World Championship NBC broadcast on DVD.

Let’s break that down into what really matters

1. This one’s helpful because Ironman events sell out so quickly now that you have to commit before you even know if you’re going to be ready for it. Case in point, Ironman 70.3 California. I just realized TODAY that it’s SOLD OUT and I hadn’t even registered for it yet. Even the foundation slots are sold out. RIDICULOUS! Scratch that one off my race calendar for 2011…. grr…
2. Another chance at the lottery is a perk, but the lottery is also STILL very expensive (and you don’t even get that money back if you don’t get a spot). Plus, I’m a firm believer that participants in the World Championships should deserve it, not win a spot out of luck.
3. The VIP pass probably consists of entry into a special food tent and drinks (if that). Not really worth it, especially if you’re bringing out MORE than just one friend or family member.
4. Yet another thing to add to my stack of useless cards.
5. Yet another yearly subscription that I won’t read because I get all the same information on the Internet.
6. A discount perk that may be worth it at times, but probably won’t compare to the discounts and deals we can find on eBay or with some good searching.
7. A show that you can stream for FREE on the internet (or probably even download if you’re so inclined). I’ve got all of them starting in 2005.

So… it would seem that the only worthy perk to membership in Ironman Access is the ability to register early for events. But is that really worth $1000?? I think most of the triathlon community is on the same page about this topic.. and the resounding answer is… NO, it’s totally NOT WORTH IT.

You can read more rants here, here, here, and on Facebook.