Against the Odds: The Adventures of a Man in His Sixties Competing in Six of the World's Toughest Triathlons Across Six Continents

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.

John Pendergrass is an ophthalmologist who lives and practices in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. He has currently finished more that 50 triathlons and continues to seek out new races and new challenges, big and small.

Prologue

Foreword by Brett Favre

 

Chapter 1: China on My Mind

Chapter 2: Looking for a Challenge

Chapter 3: “Whoever Finishes First, We’ll Call Him the IRONMAN®”

Chapter 4: Triathlon 101

Chapter 5: The IRONMAN Mystique

Chapter 6: In the Pool and On the Road

Chapter 7: Adventures in South America: Brazil

Chapter 8: No Country for an Old Man: Switzerland

Chapter 9: Hurricanes and Hip Fractures

Chapter 10: Back on the Road: South Africa

Chapter 11: A Land of Great Surprises: New Zealand

Chapter 12: A Crowd in the Desert: Arizona

Chapter 13: The Sixth and Final Stop: China

 

Epilogue

Acknowledgments