Ironman Weekend

...and so it begins. Yesterday I started to notice the plethora of out-of-state license plates, the confused look behind the wheels, and the insanely rock-solid bodies that are now walking, running and biking through the streets of Coeur d'Alene. That's right, it's Ironman time. What an absolutely incredible feat. While I was working out at the gym yesterday and thinking how ridiculously tired I was, I had to laugh at myself when I realized that my daily workout is equivalent to about 1% of what these athletes go through. I can't even imagine having the endurance, adrenaline, and will-power to complete this race. Hats off to those who do possess the strength to even try it, let alone those who cross the finish line. For those of you who are in the area, I encourage you to cheer on the 2,200 athletes who have dedicated countless months of training for Ironman Coeur d'Alene.

While I agree that any Ironman athlete deserves a great deal of respect, it astounds me to read about people who have overcome even bigger obstacles to be a part of this weekend's race. One man will be participating in Ironman Coeur d'Alene from Baghdad. In 110 degree heat. Lt. Commander Craig Sylvester will be competing for the third time in Ironman Coeur d'Alene, despite him being stationed overseas. He will swim in a pool with standing water at 90 degrees, bike the 112 miles on a stationary bike, and run the 26.2 miles in Baghdad's Green Zone. What an incredible person. And then there's another gentleman, a double amputee who is making this race his first Ironman challenge. An unfortunate accident put Mr. Scott Rigsby in prosthetics for the rest of his life, but he is still determined to finish his first Ironman and be the first double amputee to do so. Out of all the excuses to NOT participate, he probably has the greatest one, yet he is still going through with it. Someone with that perseverance makes me look at my life much differently. Yes, Raechelle, you CAN go to the gym today. A sore toe is not an excuse to be lazy.