IRONMAN: Eager to return to Cd'A

As a participant of Ironman Coeur d’Alene, once again, I would like to thank your community and the volunteers for a wonderful time. A few months ago, my three children asked if next year I could pick somewhere with warmer water. Monday morning, all three said they want to come back to Coeur d’Alene!

The residents south of Sherman Avenue who were out there cheering us on were awesome. The aid stations along the lake are beyond belief. Bands, bagpipes, wow!

I would also like to express my apologies to all the volunteers on my last lap of the run. I, like many others, was tired, expressionless, didn’t have the energy left for a simple smile or thank you but please know, I heard you cheering and you got me to the finish.

Thank you Coeur d’Alene and the surrounding communities! See you next year! I’ll be the guy with a big “thank you” across my jersey.

TODD MASON

Chehalis, Wash.