With the Olympics near to start and the world looking at the elite performers, the tale of Peggy Allen competing
in a sporting event one of the most grueling disciplines triathlon, nevertheless finishing one, were never in her favor
“I’m stoked I did it,” the 58-year-old Allen gleefully proclaimed”I’m a Stage 4 cancer diagnosis but I did it.
Five years ago she decided to give it a whirl after undergoing successful gastric bypass surgery that downsized
her body some 150 pounds, Allen started training for the 2004 triathlon — a half-mile swim followed by a
12-mile bike ride, then a 3-mile road race to the finish line.
Those plans got waylaid when she was diagnosed with a rare form of intestinal cancer, which had spread through
much of her abdomen.
She needed extensive surgery and chemotherapy, Chemo treatments prevented a try in 2006, too, but she was
healthy enough to contemplate training for the 2007 race.
As the competition approached, though, she was forced to quit training when doctors found the chemo drugs had severely
damaged her colon. But she was determined to continue her quest. Last September, when she was taken off the
cancer drugs, and started training for this year’s race.
NEVER GIVE UP
With the sponsorship of the Regional YMCA, Allen went at the task with the energy of a survivor.
She worked with a personal trainer to build strength and endurance.
“I hate running,” she admitted.
In April she was dealt yet another blow. “The terrorist was back,” she said with a sigh.
Stomach pains signaled a new tumor in her abdomen, along with other pockets of cancer cells.
Chemotherapy would have to resume.
This time, though, Allen was stronger than her toughest foe. With her doctors’ blessings,
she was able to stall aggressive treatment until just after the race.
As long as she felt well enough, they advised her to go ahead.
Two hours and 45 minutes later, Allen did what at one time seemed an impossible dream.
With her husband, David, and triathlon organizers at her side, she finished the three-part course.
“I did it for me,” Peggy said. “I did it to prove I could do it.”
From the start of their workouts, Peggy was driven. Even with the chemotherapy she is about to undergo again,
Peggy plans to do the triathlon again next year. She wants to shave time off her result.
Allen’s sister-in-law said her <strong><span style=”color: #ff0000;”>can-do spirit against loads of adversity</span></strong> has proved contagious.
About a dozen friends and family want to join her next year.
It has not been an easy year for her, but she just focused on crossing that finish line,
“And that’s what life is all about. Helping each other get to the finish line.”
I would also add that it it is as important to support each other to get to the start line
“”I am really proud of myself,” Allen declared. “I wasn’t going for the Olympics.
<strong><span style=”color: #ff0000;”>I was in it for the journey, not the destination. </span></strong>
<strong></strong>And I had a great time.”
Wow what a great story if you have read Lance Armstrong’s books he describes quite graphically the
debilitating effect of chemo, to put all aside is a wonderful indication of the resolve of Peggy to be in
control of the circumstance around her and go for her own personal gold
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