More than three decades ago, two Californians, John and Judy Collins, staged the first endurance race that circled Hawaii’s island of Oahu. The first Hawaiian Ironman Triathlon linked the 2.4- mile Waikiki Roughwater Swim, a 112-mile Round Oahu Bike Course and the 26.2-mile Honolulu Marathon, according to Ironman.com.
Most average people would never voluntarily push themselves to these extremes. A few who willingly complete all three events would be the rarity. Even rarer are those triathletes who overcome potentially terminal illnesses and long, painful and restless recovery to roar back to life and finish the challenge with gusto.
more…