Iron-clad testimonial

An old friend in Colorado reached out this week, writing, "We have an Ironman event coming to Boulder." He then proceeded to ask a handful of great questions, and we can think of no better place to answer them than right here, 48 hours prior to the 12th edition of Ironman Coeur d'Alene.

Question: "Is it a solid event?"

Answer: As solid as the comic book dude's bulletproof suit. It's solid in that just about as soon as one Ironman Coeur d'Alene event is completed, the next sells out. It's solid in that organizers do what they say they'll do - which is put on one heck of an event, give back to the community through its foundation, and inspire an entire region while making a nice profit for themselves.

Q: "Are there a lot of spectators?"

A: Only a couple hundred - in the most remote regions of the bike race. Everywhere else, screaming, sign-waving, cowbell-wielding visitors and residents line miles of streets, screeching wildly for everybody who dashes or pedals past. And the less they look like an Olympian, the more they seem to be cheered.

Q: "What can you tell me to do or avoid?"

A: Encourage your community to participate - because this event can provide a positive transformation for many Boulder residents. In our dozen years with Ironman, we've grown from 1,800 to 3,400 competitors. More than 3,000 residents volunteer. And perhaps another 12,000 or 15,000 get out there in all kinds of weather, cheering the competitors on.

But that's nothing compared to the deeper, lasting impact Ironman has had on Coeur d'Alene. We now have generations of children biking like little ironpeople, filling the pool with serious lap swims, and participating in fun runs and more competitive events. Ironman has made many North Idahoans of all ages healthier, if not by enticing them to compete, then inspiring them to take better care of themselves.

There are inconveniences, of course, particularly on race day, but these are petty compared to the profound positives Ironman generates. By getting to the Super Bowl, the Broncos have generated excitement and pride throughout your entire state. Whatever value you place on that, the same principle applies with Ironman. They give us a great show, and we show them community spirit that rivals any in the country. It's our Super Bowl and we're undefeated.