Finally, it's Irontime

The Press subscriber was polite, but her point was hard to miss.

Referring to the poll question on cdapress.com that asked readers which of the three early summer events they like best - Car d'Alene, Ironman or Fourth of July - she wrote:

"I think you should have had a fourth choice. NONE."

And so we humbly acknowledge that not everybody loves downtown celebrations, including Ironman. With thousands lining the streets for its 11th incarnation in Coeur d'Alene today, however, we suggest that a great many still do.

As we've opined over the years, Ironman isn't for everybody. The cost in actual dollars, time away from work and personal training can be prohibitive. Not only does the Ironman participant pay dearly, but loved ones sacrifice the time and attention of competitors whose focus must shift somewhat from standard family operating procedure to self.

For all those willing to work toward that goal, however, the payoff goes beyond personal accomplishment or even pride among family and friends. The reason thousands of strangers line the roadways of Coeur d'Alene on this special day each summer is because they're inspired as participants in a large event that is even greater than the sum of its parts. We call them participants because so many competitors have commented on the importance of Cd'A's amazing volunteers and other supporters to help them keep paddling, pedaling and striding toward the finish line.

Ironman is a business, a profit-making enterprise that does give back to the communities hosting Ironman events. In Coeur d'Alene, Ironman's economic impact might not be as great as it is elsewhere, simply because at this time of year, our hotels and restaurants already are full anyway.

Yet The Press is proud to continue as the newspaper sponsor of this event because of its inspirational qualities to citizens of all ages and because of its ability to harness for a day community passion that too often is wasted on anger and disagreement.

A day of dreadful inconvenience for some, Ironman Coeur d'Alene is uplifting for so many others. Good luck competitors, and fans, let's see those cleverly crafted signs and hear those joyful cowbells ring.