IRONMAN: Treated like royalty

I just completed my first Ironman last weekend in CDA. While the race itself was certainly challenging and demanding, I was mainly struck by the support and help of both the volunteer staff and the CDA community. Every single volunteer I interacted with, whether at 5:30 a.m. when we were all half asleep, at the various aid stations during the scorching heat of the day, or at 9:30 p.m. when the day was wearing down on us, had the same demeanor. They didn’t just want to help, they were excited to help. They treated me like a royalty. They taught me what it really means to serve.

The community as well was over the top supportive and amazing. Sitting on grass or on the curb, standing by the side of the road, yelling my name when I came through, pouring water on me from their own sprinkler, giving me an encouraging high five, convincing me I can take another step when my body was trying to tell me otherwise, that was just amazing.

I am thankful to you, the little boy or little girl who was out there just smiling at me when I came by, I am thankful to you who ran a few steps along with me to encourage me, I am thankful to you who made up a funny song with my name to lift me up ...I am thankful to you all, CDA community, and all the volunteers for your help.

BLONDEL ASSONKEN

Cheney, Wash.