So, you find it difficult some days to get off your duff and exercise? Think you might like to try an Ironman, but you're pretty sure it's beyond your reach? Pretty sure you couldn't do it even if you wanted because you don't have what it takes to run, swim and bike?

You would be wrong. You have what it takes. Maybe you just don't know it.

I've always maintained anyone can complete an Ironman - 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike, 26.2-mile run - if they so desire. Most of the folks that do it are regular Joes. They're not all superstar, slim and trim and muscles athletes. It's just a matter of believing and doing, a matter of time and effort. Sure, you have some obstacles to overcome, but some have greater obstacles. They set their goal, they map out and plan, and they go. No turning back.

Some folks registered for this year's Ford Ironman Coeur d'Alene have triumphed where defeat seemed certain. They win not by finishing, as you know, but by making to the starting line. It's the journey, they say, not so much the day, that marks who they are and what they've achieved. Consider these descriptions of perseverance, endurance, determination, of folks who are registered for next weekend's race.

• Charles White, 56, Dublin, Calif., cancer survivor,

• David Martin, 71, Los Angeles, Calif., brain cancer and heart attack survivor.

• Scott Jozefowski, 41, Spokane, Type 1 diabetic since 1983.

• Gerry de Ocampo, 45, San Marcos, Calif., lost about 100 pounds in 2007.

• Lisa Downey, 48, Rancho Cordova, Calif., breast cancer survivor.

• Jody Gennesy, 40, Herriman, Utah, Used to weigh 371 pounds, but has lost about 200 pounds. He hopes to help people with diabetes and childhood obesity. "My ultimate challenge, show through my experience that change is possible if we take control of our lives! Hope to help myself conquer obesity and spark motivation inside of others to chase their dreams.

• Mitch Horton, 42, Issaquah, started training in July 2010 when he weighed 311 pounds. Will have lost about 100 pounds before next Sunday.

• Michael Moulds, 28, San Luis Obispo, Calif., raced in CDA 2010 after recovering from both testicular cancer and a broken collarbone.

• Peggy Lovejoy, 47, Bend, Ore., completed first marathon one year after surgery for breast cancer, and the day after completing chemo treatments. Continued training while completing reconstructive surgery, and completed second marathon one month after final reconstruction surgery.

• Mark Strength, 40, Ellisveille, Mo., 13-year cancer survivor.

• Shivan Rai, 21, Bellevue, Wash. "In the past years I have lost over 80 pounds of weight and at one point I was not even able to run one mile. I wanted to prove to myself that it was possible for me to complete the most difficult physical event that I could think of."

So, if you ever doubt your abilities, don't.

These folks believe in themselves, their abilities and what they can do. They win just by trying.

Let's follow their lead.

There are untold amazing stories of vanquishing our worst enemies, which often is ourselves.

Bill Buley is city editor of the Press. He can be reached at (208) 664-8176, ext. 2016, or [email protected].