Editor's note: In the months leading up to the ninth running of Ironman Coeur d'Alene on June 26, Derek Garcia has been 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.

One thing that gets me excited every year is when the semitrucks full of Ironman Expo and setup gear show up around a week before the race.

By midweek the tents are set up, athletes arrive and downtown feels electric. It is easy to get caught up in all of it, even for those not doing the race. In light of this I have put together a short list to take into consideration going into one of the most anticipated weeks of the summer.

1. The Hay Is In The Barn

The work is done. It was dirty. It was exhausting. It was wet. It was cold. Others may have quit along the way, but the hay is in the barn. It is not time to celebrate quite yet, but it is time to let all the hard work soak in. For those competing it is time to rest and recover and start to really focus.

2. Bikes On The Road

If it seemed like there were a lot of bikes on the road over the past few weeks, just wait until Ironman week - 2,500 athletes and all want to take a peek at the course. Whether riding or driving, please be safe.

3. K.I.S.S.

Keep it super simple. As an athlete or a spectator, this applies. Athletes - don't try the newest product at the expo and decide that it is your ticket to an hour faster on race day.

Stick to what you know and treat it like a long training day. Spectators - don't try to do too much on race day. Support as many as you can, volunteer if you are able, cheer loudly, have fun; it is no good when a spouse of an athlete ends up in the medical tent.

4. Early To Bed, Early to Rise

Rest is SO crucial this week. Athletes need to try to stay off their feet as much as possible and need to get adequate rest. On race day, get to the transition early to set up.

For spectators, I highly recommend getting there early to watch the swim start — one of the most amazing sights in sports.

Before a race I visualize my perfect day step by step. I re-create every buoy, every bike turn, every hill, every smile, and ultimately the finish. It rarely goes as planned, but it does wonders to calm the nerves.

For supporters, make sure to map out the day — when and what to eat, estimated times of when loved ones will come by, sunscreen, lawn chairs, cowbells, you name it. Make a list. If you are supporting a friend or family member, you are in for a long day.

6. Soak It In

I often remind those I coach that they chose to do this crazy sport. So ENJOY it.

The craziness of race week, relish in the exhilaration of the swim start, smile at others on the bike ride, wave to family members, be thankful for your able body that aches on the run, think less about finish time and more about the experience. It will make for a great day.

Those that are not competing should take note of those that do this race. They are not all in perfect shape. You will notice there are more “average Joe’s” then one might believe.

Stories of people losing 150 pounds in preparation, single parents, accountants, nurses, tall, skinny, short, heavy, fast, slow, first-timers, 20-year veterans, they all compete. Draw any ounce of inspiration possible from these athletes.

Lastly, I want to say thank you — thank you to all those that I coach, to my family, and this amazing community. I have been honored by the privilege to write about this sport and race that I love.

Triathlon has changed my life in a way that no other sport could have. I have received an outpouring of support, and kindness that I would never have imagined from so many people. Whether I am racing, coaching, or volunteering, I couldn’t choose a better place to do it than here in North Idaho.

This race can’t be done without all of the volunteers, spouses, friends and supporters on race day. Good luck to all those competing. Be safe, and take in every moment. I can’t wait to see you all cross that finish line!

Derek Garcia is a multisport coach at the Salvation Army Kroc Center, and owns his own personal coaching business, Derek Garcia Multisports. Derek will be supporting all the athletes at this year’s race and once again will be competing in the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii in October. You can contact Derek by email at dg@derekgarcia.com, or come see him face to face at the Kroc.