Now that's Hard Core!

My friend Peggy emailed us to say she was 'OK' after her phenomenal efforts at the Ironman 70.3 championships in Clearwater, FL this weekend. Here's her account of the day's events. [This is not a fabrication or exaggeration, you can check out her results online. Do not try this unless you have Lavelle lineage in your gene pool (see also race results for rest of the Lavelle clan!) or are a glutton for punishment. We assume zero liability for anyone crazy enough to try to hang with this woman.]

----- Original Message -----
From: Peggy Lavelle
Sent: Monday, November 12, 2007 10:07 AM
Subject: 70.3 World Championships

Returned from the triathlon (half Ironman) in Florida yesterday- kidney stones intact, but I'm banged up with bruises- see below. I know I am lucky.

Met my goal of breaking 5 hours, but not goal of top 5 age group. I was 7th in my AG with a time of 4:54. Splits were 36 min swim -2:32 bike +1:39 half marathon.

Had a great race but at the 54 mile mark of the bike, I was riding in the lane designated by cones for the bikes, and a car going the same direction as I took a left in front of me, and I crashed on the ground, maybe into the car -I don't remember- and went down. My bike is bent, and I'm hoping it will not need extensive repair. I am bruised all over my right side- x-rays were negative. But, I got up and kept going although I had to open up my brake lever and carefully steer my bike to the finish. A stranger from San Francisco competing in the race (Golden Gate Tri Club) stopped to see if I was OK, and detained the driver until the police came over while I rode on. I have since connected with this guy (a SF lawyer named Stephen Robinson) and I am just amazed that he sacrificed his race for a complete stranger just to do the right thing. When the police report comes in, I'll have the driver's name and license number. The police did not cite the driver.

I'll be seeing you guys out there soon- not sore at all except where bruised- shoulder, bicep, elbow, hip, hand, knuckle.... A brisk walk might just what I need right now.

Be careful on your bike!
Peggy