Dear Doug: This run's for you
It’s Ironman Day in the Lake City.
OK, it’s a half-Ironman, but who’s counting?
Well, we are. We’re counting back 15 years to one of the most memorable moments in Ironman Coeur d’Alene history. This flashback features a local man who not only did not win the 2004 Ironman — it was twice the ordeal then that it is now — but he didn’t even officially finish.
In the early morning hours, after most sensible humans had long since turned off the lights, a victorious soldier crossed the finish line. His story would likely be known to almost nobody except that a couple of Press journalists happened to be working overtime behind the scenes.
Here’s an excerpt from The Press editorial published after the race in June 2004. We dedicate this memory to all the Doug Welches of the world.
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There’s a number that may stand above all others in Ironman CdA significance. It’s 1499 — the number worn by 50-year-old Doug Welch of Coeur d’Alene. As chronicled by writer Bill Buley and photographer Jason Hunt, Welch personified the spirit of Ironman as well as anyone.
Long after most spectators had gone home for a few hours’ sleep early Monday morning, Welch was still battling fatigue and pain, determined to finish the course. He knew that by finishing after midnight he would not officially be designated an Ironman, but he had set a goal and was hellbent on accomplishing it.
Eighteen and a half hours after he began, Welch crossed the finish line, arms raised in triumph. Only a few people were nearby, and they applauded enthusiastically. His wife was there to give him a victory hug. It was about 1:30 in the morning.
Welch is retired military, having served a quarter of a century in the Army. No doubt, that’s where he learned that no barrier is insurmountable. In the past year, Welch essentially learned how to swim so he could compete in celebration of his 50th birthday. He ran, conquering the 26.2-mile marathon course, despite his doctor’s warning that he shouldn’t run at all. In between, he rode his bike 112 miles.
If that isn’t enough to inspire all of us — whether we’re confronting athletic, academic, personal or professional challenges — then maybe we should have our pulse checked.
Doug reminded us that anything is possible for those willing to work for it.