IRONMAN: Brings out the very best

I wish every day could be Ironman Sunday. There is nothing better than seeing people find their passion and watching them pour their entire mind, body and soul into that pursuit. On Ironman Sunday we see people from all walks of life cheering for people from the community, nation and world. We root for the success of others … even those we do not personally know. We line the streets to support athletes whose religious, political and philosophical backgrounds we do not know.

On this one day we see people rise before dawn to set up more than 50 miles of traffic cones, offer medical and leadership skills, stand on asphalt in triple-digit heat to direct traffic, and provide cold water for athletes and volunteers alike. We see athletes shouting “Thank you!” to volunteers as they fly past, or stopping to help a fellow competitor fix a flat tire.

Whether the athlete crosses the finish line or not, we are proud of their efforts; we are inspired by their ability to work hard, put their heads down and press through the pain to put one foot in front of the other. But most importantly, on Ironman Sunday we see people enthusiastically encouraging others. Why? Because ultimately we are all in this together. We are all running our own races in life. We are all at various points in the race, and throughout our journeys we will experience joy, sorrow, pain and victory. But wouldn’t it be something if every day, all along the way, we had crowds of people lining our paths shouting words of encouragement, offering a benevolent hand and helping provide a safe course? We saw that here in Coeur d’Alene on just one of many beautiful days in North Idaho.

Call me crazy, but perhaps every day really can be Ironman Sunday.

HEATHER SOLSVIK

Coeur d’Alene