The underdog journey of a man on a quest to compete in 6 Ironman competitions, across 6 continents, all while over the age of 60!
Description
Completing a triathlon at any age is a major achievement; finishing an IRONMAN Triathlon in your sixties is nothing short of inspirational. A true account of John Pendergrass’ impossible goal of completing six IRONMAN Triathlons on six continents, all while in his sixties, Against the Odds will shatter your preconceptions of what a man in his golden years can accomplish.
For most people, their sixties are a time to slow down, take things easy, and reflect on a life well lived. Not for Pendergrass. As his sixtieth birthday loomed, he longed for a challenge that would push him to his limits and drive him to achieve something that few people had ever done before.
Pendergrass found his answer in the IRONMAN Triathlon, the world’s most difficult endurance event: an intimidating 2.4 mile swim in open water, a grueling 112 mile bike ride, and an exhausting 26.2 mile run—all in the same day. A total of 140.6 miles, nonstop... a monumental task for men half his age.
Against the Odds follows Pendergrass through each arduous step as he struggles against time, doubt, and his own physical limitations to arrive tired, but victorious at the finish line. From the deserts of Arizona to the bush of South Africa, from the beaches of Brazil to the coasts of New Zealand, this journey chronicles not only the races themselves, but also the breathtaking countries that host them. Told with modesty and humor, Against the Odds is a story of impressive drive and incredible courage that will inspire you to new heights many could only dream of reaching.
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6 Ironman triathlons complete
Clarion Ledger review Written by Cassandra Mickens
Mar. 23
clarionledger.com
John Pendergrass isn’t your typical 60-something.
Rather than retire, relax and reflect on life thus far, the practicing ophthalmologist from Hattiesburg took an “irrational leap of faith,” which led to competing in six Ironman triathlons on six continents. Retirement be damned.
“As the new decade approached, I noticed how things were changing. Store clerks all addressed me as ‘Sir.’ The folks at AARP wrote me regularly. I could see Medicare and Social Security just over the horizon waiting to welcome me into the Golden Age, the life of fulsome leisure,” Pendergrass writes in his new book “Against The Odds,” the modest and humorous story of his grueling journey and an alternative to how to spend one’s golden years. The book is set for official release March 26.
“I knew that the nursing home might be just a few years away, but it was time for a new challenge. This was the 19th hole of life and I needed something big to shoot for, something to stoke the fire in this decrepit, dormant body of mine.”
Pendergrass had completed a number of marathons and triathlons over the years, but not the Ironman, consisting of a 2.4-mile swim in open water, a 112-mile bike ride and a 26.2-mile run. That makes for a total of 140.6 miles all completed in one day — a feat for men half Pendergrass’ age. At the time Pendergrass made his intentions known, “My body was flabby and saggy and my willpower was weak.” Getting out of bed took a little longer, and once while watching television, Pendergrass got stuck in his recliner chair. Still, that didn’t deter him.
In “Against The Odds,” Pendergrass chronicles his Ironman races in Brazil, Switzerland, South Africa, New Zealand, Arizona and China, as well as his struggles, physical limitations and victories. A book signing is set for April 9 at 5 p.m. at Lemuria Books in Jackson. A reading will follow at 5:30 p.m.
Pendergrass, now 68, said he wrote “Against The Odds” for the same reason he chose to race in the Ironman.
“I wanted to see if I could do it. I wanted to see if I could write it and see if I could get it published,” he said. “It’s not a how-to book. It’s more of an older guy’s adventure story.”
Pendergrass continued, “I sort of got into this project accidentally. My running kept getting worse and worse, so I got into triathlons, starting with short ones and building up. A variety of things led me to race on six continents. There wasn’t a design or plan.”
Pendergrass’ impromptu adventure has inspired and awed his peers and generations of younger triathletes, judging by his Facebook page.
“As a modest biker, you sure got my attention and are an inspiration to those over 60,” reads one post.
“You make me feel VERY old John. You are truly the ‘Iron Man,’ ” reads another post.
Pendergrass said inspiring others is an added bonus, and he looks forward to sharing his story on the road. But in the meantime, there’s always a race to be had.
“I’m still holding on. I feel like my swimming and biking are still credible, but running is getting as hard as can be,” Pendergrass said. “I do the best I can.”