- November 26, 2024
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For those of us who’d say life isn’t fair because we gain 5 pounds from a candy bar, while others might lose three pounds after eating a medium pizza, Mallory Kennedy and John Dodd only make life more unfair, at least for me.
I left the military in 2010 in the best shape of my life, able to run a 22:30 5K in the scorching Alabama summertime heat. And no, I’ve never been a distant runner, so I was always proud of my PR—until now, John and Mallory.
Kennedy, along with the other females, began swimming three minutes after the men in the Ormond Beach Triathlon. But, she was able to finish in 15:12—second best overall—which put her in the Top 15 overall out of the water.
She was able to maintain a top position during the 10-mile bike ride, which she completed in 25:46, before owning the competition in the 5K.
After swimming a quarter mile in the Atlantic and biking for nearly a half-marathon, Kennedy finished the triathlon with a 19:53 5K, making her the only triathlete to crack 19 minutes.
“This was my first triathlon in about two years,” Kennedy said, “after settling back in the area and starting a business. But, I’m always training because I enjoy it.”
Yea, go ahead and rub it in my face, Mallory, that you’re a beast. I'm kidding about rubbing it in my face—you are a beast! I told her how inspirational she was to me. Throughout the week, she swims with a master team, bikes with a challenging group
and runs 10-14 miles in speed and tempo paces, sometimes with her dog Mable.
And then there’s John. He’s in better shape at 51 than I’ve ever been in my life. If I were able to do any of those events in his time, I’d brag about it over my next four columns. When I asked him how he continues to go at such a rate, he chose to emphasize Mallory’s day. Just maybe one day I will train for three years to compete in one of these triathlons, and, if I finish—no matter the time—let me warn you: I’m going to write about it in third person. That’s just how proud I'll be. These are the true athletes.
