Ironman 70.3 not the first or second major challenge for La Quinta man

"I was lying on the pavement wondering if I was going to stay alive," said Peter Nelson.

Meet Peter Nelson, a La Quinta resident of 32 years, who's no stranger to danger. Not wanting to re-live the details of the accident, Nelson was lucky to survive that St. Patrick's Day in 2017.

"Trust me, cars are a little harder than bicycles," said Nelson.

Here we are now, nearly three years later.

And after a cracked pelvis, four cracked ribs and three fractured vertebrae, Nelson's about to about to compete in this Sunday's half Ironman.

"The number one goal is to finish and finish healthy but I have some timed goals I want to meet and I just hope to survive the run and I have a plan for that and I'm looking forward to the challenge," said Nelson.

Nelson, like all the other participants will have to complete a 1.2 mile swim, 56-mile bike course, capped off by a 13.1 mile run. But he's overcome big numbers before.

"My sons are great but there's nothing like having granddaughters," said Nelson.

Nelson lost 60 pounds in 20-16 after realizing he needed to make a change for his health and his family.

"I had some goals when I lost the weight to be around with my grandchildren and help them grow up so these activities help me with the way I feel and to live a long and productive life," said Nelson.

And at the end of the day that's really what it's all about. This race parallels life. There will be challenges along the way but what defines us is how we overcome them and get across the finish line.