Comments on: An open letter and the ONLY response to critics! http://www.matt-hoover.com/an-open-letter-and-the-only-response-to-critics/ Winner of Season 2 | NBC's "The Biggest Loser" Fri, 06 Jan 2012 04:54:09 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 hourly 1 By: Terry http://www.matt-hoover.com/an-open-letter-and-the-only-response-to-critics/comment-page-1/#comment-4291 Terry Sat, 26 Dec 2009 21:01:58 +0000 http://www.matt-hoover.com/?p=239#comment-4291 Hi Matt, This may sound odd (or not) but I want to thank you for completing the Kona Ironman. Watching Tara Costa run set a flame within me to run again, even short distance that would seem like a miracle. Then she started talking about Ironman. Well, I didn't know what the Ironman was about until you explained it on the "Where Are They Now?" show. Then sat in jaw-dropping awe as you completed it. Here's the deal. At this time, walking around the block is a struggle. I have my goals for weight loss that I'm currently working on. But none of the reasons or goals have me on fire like the new goal that's burning in me now. That's to RUN again. Not just to run but to complete a Marathon! Now I'm off my butt, doing some leg therapy to prep for the Couch-to-5K, and will go from there. Will I complete a marathon? I don't know but by God, I'm going to give in the ol' New York-try! So thank you for being a complete inspiration to me! And for this website that is full of wisdom. God has blessed you with many talents. May He continue to bless you, Susie and your family. I'll be watching for you in the next Ironman. Hi Matt,

This may sound odd (or not) but I want to thank you for completing the Kona Ironman.

Watching Tara Costa run set a flame within me to run again, even short distance that would seem like a miracle. Then she started talking about Ironman. Well, I didn’t know what the Ironman was about until you explained it on the “Where Are They Now?” show. Then sat in jaw-dropping awe as you completed it.

Here’s the deal. At this time, walking around the block is a struggle. I have my goals for weight loss that I’m currently working on. But none of the reasons or goals have me on fire like the new goal that’s burning in me now. That’s to RUN again. Not just to run but to complete a Marathon!

Now I’m off my butt, doing some leg therapy to prep for the Couch-to-5K, and will go from there. Will I complete a marathon? I don’t know but by God, I’m going to give in the ol’ New York-try!

So thank you for being a complete inspiration to me! And for this website that is full of wisdom. God has blessed you with many talents. May He continue to bless you, Susie and your family. I’ll be watching for you in the next Ironman.

]]> By: Crazymrsnancy http://www.matt-hoover.com/an-open-letter-and-the-only-response-to-critics/comment-page-1/#comment-4061 Crazymrsnancy Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:25:37 +0000 http://www.matt-hoover.com/?p=239#comment-4061 Matt Hoover, you are SUCH a huge inspiration. You and Suzy are amazing. Matt Hoover, you are SUCH a huge inspiration. You and Suzy are amazing.

]]> By: Susan http://www.matt-hoover.com/an-open-letter-and-the-only-response-to-critics/comment-page-1/#comment-4020 Susan Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:37:37 +0000 http://www.matt-hoover.com/?p=239#comment-4020 Matt, your response is filled with love and grace. I am inspired by just the response alone. You and Suzy helped inspire me to do the 3 day Breast cancer walk here in Seattle. I have so far done it 2 times,once in 06 and again in 08. My next goal is to start running 5 and 10 k's . One day i want to try a tri too. Not bad for a 48yr old soon to be grandma. Thanks for being there for the real people who want to change their lives,not to impress anyone but to live a life of quality. Matt,
your response is filled with love and grace. I am inspired by just the response alone. You and Suzy helped inspire me to do the 3 day Breast cancer walk here in Seattle. I have so far done it 2 times,once in 06 and again in 08. My next goal is to start running 5 and 10 k’s . One day i want to try a tri too. Not bad for a 48yr old soon to be grandma. Thanks for being there for the real people who want to change their lives,not to impress anyone but to live a life of quality.

]]> By: Kevin Barr http://www.matt-hoover.com/an-open-letter-and-the-only-response-to-critics/comment-page-1/#comment-3932 Kevin Barr Wed, 28 Oct 2009 04:22:42 +0000 http://www.matt-hoover.com/?p=239#comment-3932 Matt - I raced Kona this year as a lottery winne and as my first ironman too. You are completely right, it isnt about anyone else, except your true friends, your wife and kids and the people that surround you that love and support you. It was an extremely difficult day in Kona and the only people that will ever be able to relate in your life were those that were on the course with you that day. I was written up in the papers and some mags and had some hatters too, we are always going to have to deal with that. However, at the end of the day, You are an Ironman brother. That will never be taken away from you. Kevin Barr Matt – I raced Kona this year as a lottery winne and as my first ironman too. You are completely right, it isnt about anyone else, except your true friends, your wife and kids and the people that surround you that love and support you. It was an extremely difficult day in Kona and the only people that will ever be able to relate in your life were those that were on the course with you that day. I was written up in the papers and some mags and had some hatters too, we are always going to have to deal with that. However, at the end of the day, You are an Ironman brother. That will never be taken away from you.

Kevin Barr

]]> By: Carol Myers http://www.matt-hoover.com/an-open-letter-and-the-only-response-to-critics/comment-page-1/#comment-3918 Carol Myers Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:18:52 +0000 http://www.matt-hoover.com/?p=239#comment-3918 Matt--you are fantastic. I had no idea you were competing in Ironman until I checked out their website and saw a wrap-up with your name on it. You are an Ironman. I, too, struggle with weight and have my entire life. I am so proud to see your success. Ironman!?!?!?!? Do you believe it? I don't what you are reading/hearing, but whatever the sources, rip them up and turn them off. Be proud. Those critics have never even TRIED. Good luck to you, Suzi and your family. I love the Biggest Loser and will always remember you both. Can you believe that? You have both made a difference in so many lives...Stay strong, keep competing and keep trying new things. It keeps us all going! Carol Matt–you are fantastic. I had no idea you were competing in Ironman until I checked out their website and saw a wrap-up with your name on it. You are an Ironman.
I, too, struggle with weight and have my entire life. I am so proud to see your success. Ironman!?!?!?!? Do you believe it? I don’t what you are reading/hearing, but whatever the sources, rip them up and turn them off. Be proud. Those critics have never even TRIED. Good luck to you, Suzi and your family. I love the Biggest Loser and will always remember you both. Can you believe that? You have both made a difference in so many lives…Stay strong, keep competing and keep trying new things. It keeps us all going!
Carol

]]> By: Darren http://www.matt-hoover.com/an-open-letter-and-the-only-response-to-critics/comment-page-1/#comment-3906 Darren Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:11:02 +0000 http://www.matt-hoover.com/?p=239#comment-3906 Be proud Matt. 17:03 may not make you an "official" ironman, but you proved you could go the distance (something many others can say they haven't been able to do). I'm sure you learned alot about yourself during the race, and hopefully will attempt another Ironman one day to claim that title. I'm impressed that you took on the challenge in the first place. Most individuals thinking of tackling an ironman already have a strong running or cycling background, and have been doing triathlons for years prior. I had 3 years of triathlon experience, before I signed up for my first Ironman (a full year ahead of the race). Triathlon is a lifestyle as much as it is a sport. It can be very addictive and hopefully one you stick with(plus it's a great way to keep the pounds off). And though we've never met, our paths are not that different (see website) and I will be routing for you at your next Ironman. Congrats Matt Be proud Matt. 17:03 may not make you an “official” ironman, but you proved you could go the distance (something many others can say they haven’t been able to do). I’m sure you learned alot about yourself during the race, and hopefully will attempt another Ironman one day to claim that title. I’m impressed that you took on the challenge in the first place. Most individuals thinking of tackling an ironman already have a strong running or cycling background, and have been doing triathlons for years prior. I had 3 years of triathlon experience, before I signed up for my first Ironman (a full year ahead of the race). Triathlon is a lifestyle as much as it is a sport. It can be very addictive and hopefully one you stick with(plus it’s a great way to keep the pounds off). And though we’ve never met, our paths are not that different (see website) and I will be routing for you at your next Ironman.

Congrats Matt

]]> By: Lisa http://www.matt-hoover.com/an-open-letter-and-the-only-response-to-critics/comment-page-1/#comment-3883 Lisa Sun, 18 Oct 2009 22:13:36 +0000 http://www.matt-hoover.com/?p=239#comment-3883 You're awesome and you inspired me!! Take care and continue to enjoy triathlon, it's an amazing sport!!! ~L You’re awesome and you inspired me!! Take care and continue to enjoy triathlon, it’s an amazing sport!!!

~L

]]> By: candle http://www.matt-hoover.com/an-open-letter-and-the-only-response-to-critics/comment-page-1/#comment-3880 candle Sun, 18 Oct 2009 21:03:44 +0000 http://www.matt-hoover.com/?p=239#comment-3880 Matt, just to let you know what an inspiration you are to the family! It was amazing to watch you in the Ironman, and to see that what you put your mind to do you do it! I luv your heart! your mother in law! Matt, just to let you know what an inspiration you are to the family! It was amazing to watch you in the Ironman, and to see that what you put your mind to do you do it! I luv your heart! your mother in law!

]]> By: William Haynes http://www.matt-hoover.com/an-open-letter-and-the-only-response-to-critics/comment-page-1/#comment-3874 William Haynes Sun, 18 Oct 2009 13:06:16 +0000 http://www.matt-hoover.com/?p=239#comment-3874 Matt, I was praying for you during the event and following your times on the website. What you attempted was an amazing feat and I was cheering you on and continue to. I lost 100 lbs inspired by you and Suzy and finished my first 1/2 Ironman a few weeks ago. Yesterday I finished a Sprint in 3rd place in my division, which I NEVER thought would happen. You'll find the Ironman experience will translate into some amazing areas of your life, especially with the way you've processed your time there. For each person that's excited about the positive changes I've made in life, there always seems to be someone else waiting expectantly for me to fall. As for me, I'd much rather cheer others on! Congrats on your swimming 2.4 miles, cycling 112 miles and running a MARATHON in 17:03! You've accomplished what very few will attempt. Blessings - William Matt,

I was praying for you during the event and following your times on the website. What you attempted was an amazing feat and I was cheering you on and continue to. I lost 100 lbs inspired by you and Suzy and finished my first 1/2 Ironman a few weeks ago. Yesterday I finished a Sprint in 3rd place in my division, which I NEVER thought would happen. You’ll find the Ironman experience will translate into some amazing areas of your life, especially with the way you’ve processed your time there. For each person that’s excited about the positive changes I’ve made in life, there always seems to be someone else waiting expectantly for me to fall. As for me, I’d much rather cheer others on! Congrats on your swimming 2.4 miles, cycling 112 miles and running a MARATHON in 17:03! You’ve accomplished what very few will attempt. Blessings – William

]]> By: Jennifer Griola http://www.matt-hoover.com/an-open-letter-and-the-only-response-to-critics/comment-page-1/#comment-3869 Jennifer Griola Sun, 18 Oct 2009 04:30:59 +0000 http://www.matt-hoover.com/?p=239#comment-3869 LOVE, LOVE, LOVE IT! Matt, you rock! That person you inspire--is ME! Two weeks ago I competed in my first triathlon--a sprint. I was last--dead last! I wanted my husband to grab our kids, pick me up on the run and not have to go back and see anyone. I cried. It was not as much physical, as it was psychological/emotional--my greatest fear was finishing last. But I finished & was accepted and supported by these super-fit athletes. I find inspiration in your story! It's hard to compete and wonder if people are looking at you and wondering what you're doing there...I've lost almost 100 lbs, but have quite a bit more to lose--I don't look nearly as 'in shape' as the other athletes. But you know what, as my friend told me--I wasn't last--the people sitting on their butts on the couch, recovering from their hangovers, they were last. In order to inspire people to work toward better health we need people like you and me out there showing that fitness comes in all shapes and sizes. Thanks for continuing to inspire us!!!! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE IT!

Matt, you rock! That person you inspire–is ME!

Two weeks ago I competed in my first triathlon–a sprint. I was last–dead last! I wanted my husband to grab our kids, pick me up on the run and not have to go back and see anyone. I cried. It was not as much physical, as it was psychological/emotional–my greatest fear was finishing last. But I finished & was accepted and supported by these super-fit athletes. I find inspiration in your story! It’s hard to compete and wonder if people are looking at you and wondering what you’re doing there…I’ve lost almost 100 lbs, but have quite a bit more to lose–I don’t look nearly as ‘in shape’ as the other athletes. But you know what, as my friend told me–I wasn’t last–the people sitting on their butts on the couch, recovering from their hangovers, they were last. In order to inspire people to work toward better health we need people like you and me out there showing that fitness comes in all shapes and sizes. Thanks for continuing to inspire us!!!!

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