In the months leading up to the ninth running of Ironman Coeur d'Alene on June 26, 2011, Derek Garcia will be writing a monthly column keeping the community updated on his journey as well as what the hundreds of athletes from the Inland Northwest are doing in preparation for the race.

In late March I spent a week down in southern Utah getting some warm-weather training in as I was preparing for Ironman St. George.

I was able to bask in what felt like summer heat as temperatures there hovered in the mid 70s. I actually ran without a shirt on not because I was hot, but because I could. This time of year I am always thankful when I get outside again.

As glorious as summers are here in the Northwest, they are always too short; and just a glimpse of sunshine is enough to get the northwest triathlete itching for an outdoor workout.

This year has been no different in that winter is seemingly dragging on into what is supposed to be spring. I am no groundhog, but I can sense the end is near. I know because I have a group of friends that I don't see in the wintertime and I am beginning to see them peeking their heads out. I am always encouraged when I see them as I know I will be basking in North Idaho sunshine shortly after my friends come out of hibernation.

AS THE weather warms up I fully expect to see a steady increase of bike traffic on the roadways. Even though I myself ride outside, I always have to remind myself to be aware of this, especially downtown.

Luckily, out of many places that I have ridden my bike, Coeur d'Alene seems to be increasingly aware and understanding of bicyclists on the roadway. I have actually been hit by a car on my bike and as a cyclist one can never be too cautious. Cyclists have a right to the road just like a slow-moving tractor, but are much harder to see and often unpredictable.

I encourage athletes to make sure to wear bright clothing, signal when turning, ride single file on busy streets, and try to make eye contact with drivers when cruising through intersections even when they have the right of way.

As a driver I always try to give at least three feet of space between my side mirror and the cyclist I am passing. If I feel I can’t give adequate space I wait (sometimes impatiently) just as if I was passing a tractor with traffic flowing the opposite direction.

I HAVE been frustrated as both a cyclist and a driver and most of the time it has to do with feeling as though the person I am dealing with is unaware of either my rights or my presence on the road.

For instance on Coeur d’Alene Lake Drive along the Ironman course there is the beautiful Centennial Trail. Unfortunately, there is a speed limit of 15 mph, not to mention dogs on leashes, small children, etc.

I often will ride along this section at over 20 mph, so I stay on the road. I could see how this would be frustrating to drivers as they see an enormous bike path and yet I am choosing to ride on the roadway.

What it really comes down to is for all of us to work together in sharing our roadways. We are so privileged to have an Ironman in our community. It brings large amounts of revenue to our town, and over the last 10 years Coeur d’Alene has really embraced what has become part of our culture. I remember when I personally only knew of two people competing in Ironman. Now there are three on my block.

AS WE continue this steady approach to race day, athletes should add a few things to their repertoire. It is a good idea to start conducting regular track workouts, as well as increasing both intensity and volume of workouts in all three disciplines.

It becomes even more crucial at this stage of training to make hard days HARD and easy days EASY. This way there is time to recover from both the mileage and intensity that is being introduced.

The itch to complete the actual Ironman distance in each sport becomes a question for athletes around this point, but I do not recommend doing this — except for the swim and maybe the bike by the end of the month.

It doesn’t make sense to tear down the body with a full marathon before the race as this only will hinder recovery for too long.

NOW THAT the end of hibernation is upon us, I hope we continue to embrace how our town transforms as the weather gets warmer. That cyclist or driver that you share the road with could not only be competing in Ironman, but could be your next door neighbor.

Derek Garcia is a multisport coach at the Salvation Army Kroc Center, owns his own personal coaching business, Derek Garcia Multisports, and will also be on the start line at this year’s Ironman event. Contact Derek at dg@derekgarcia.com.