HENRICO COUNTY, Va. — First he swam 2.4 miles, then he biked 112 miles, and, finally, he ran a marathon.
At the age of 63, Peter Worford completed his first Ironman competition in 13-and-a-half hours.
What might seem like an insurmountable task for most anyone, is just another notch on Worford's never-ending fitness belt.
One that he works hard to maintain both in his free time, and while working long days as a mail carrier for the United States Postal Service.
Worford's customer Sarah Martin with SB Printing in Henrico County couldn't believe it when she would watch Worford lift 2,000 pieces of mail from her business daily, along with large boxes from other area businesses.
Then, she learned Worford was an exceptional athlete, and it all made sense.
Especially his infectious, upbeat attitude and perspective on life.
It was clear to her that to force your body to get through the training for an Ironman, and the competition itself, all while maintaining a positive attitude at work, you had to be a "glass half full" kinda guy.
Martin emailed CBS 6 because she wanted to highlight Worford for his tireless work ethic, character and tenacity.
"He brings us so much joy," Martin said.
CBS 6 Problem Solver Melissa Hipolit wrote her back and suggested the pair surprise Worford at his daily mail pickup at the printing business as part of the CBS 6 Month of Giving segment.
Martin arranged for Worford's boss, Omar Shaw, to attend the surprise and the trio waited for Worford by the large bags of packages he was picking up that day.
When Worford arrived, Hipolit and photojournalist Ben Brady, popped out from behind the packages, and thanked Worford for all of his hard work for the Richmond community, before giving him a gift card to Dick's Sporting Goods.
Worford said he was incredibly surprised, and it felt good to be recognized for the work that he does, especially by a customer and his boss.
"Oh that's wonderful! Wow, I appreciate that," said Worford.
Martin's printing business even made a special shirt for Worford, recognizing his accomplishments as a mail carrier and an Ironman, although the shirt said Worford completed the Ironman in three-and-a-half hours.
Something Worford was flattered to see, but he had to break the news to Martin that she got the time wrong.
"There is so much bad press about the USPS, but in our experience Omar and Peter have been such an integral part of the growth of our business. They are truly on our team and look out for Richmond businesses. They deserve to be recognized for their hard work and positivity kept, especially during a time when the post office gets so much work they can break but the tenacity that Peter and Omar possess, I do not see that happening," Martin said.
CBS 6 Month of Giving is made possible with help from our friends at Virginia Credit Union.
The CBS 6 Month of Giving made possible by Virginia Credit Union is underway. Watch for a new surprise every day in December on CBS 6 News. Have an idea about who we should surprise next, click here to email our team.
