Ironman volunteers play key role

The beauty of volunteering in your own community is that you’re supporting your own neighbors.

Ironman Coeur d’Alene has become an institution in our community and it only seems to get better year after year. But why? A lot of communities in the United States host an Ironman annually, so what is it about Coeur d’Alene?

The course is certainly beautiful with the mountains to the north and the rolling hills of the Palouse to the south. But the real beauty of Ironman Coeur d’Alene is the people.

From the spectators to the volunteers, the people of this region have adopted this race as part of our geographic identity. And this race would not be what it is without the unmatched willingness and energy of our volunteers.

And with Ironman Coeur d’Alene, it’s definitely neighbors supporting neighbors. While standing on the side of the road holding out cups of water and banana halves you might see the CEO of a local company, a cashier from your local grocery store or a former news person from your local news channel.

Adam Mayer, previously the North Idaho reporter for KHQ, and currently a coach for the Lakeland High School swim team, is one such person you may recognize out there on the course.

BS: How did you get into Ironman? How did that come about?

AM: It was right when I moved here, so in the summer of 2017, it was when I was still at KHQ, and I was covering the half in June of ’17 and I was just watching the people go by on their bikes, and I watched the swim. I was out there shooting video and interviewing people, but I just remember thinking to myself, "I could do that." And then sure enough I signed up for the half the next year. And then the rest is history now.

BS: It kind of gets under your skin, doesn’t it? It’s pretty inspiring to watch.

AM: It’s incredible. Aside from my personal achievements with Ironman so far, I had one of my best friends here do it last year for the first time, and as a volunteer, watching him come out of the water, I was right there and I saw him and it was so incredible to watch him do it. And then I remember him running down Sherman, I was running with him until I had to get back to my post on Sherman. That’s more gratifying for me, to watch other people do it. And now he’s going to do the full this year.

BS: So, how have the volunteers factored into your experience at Ironman Coeur d’Alene?

AM: They’re fantastic. You know, they’re the ones who really help put the day together and they really help everybody stay on course. (They) keep us corralled, keep us going in the right direction. Especially if it’s 105, you know, you’re kind of in that zombie-like trance.

I remember this so vividly two years ago. I was on the run and I remember this person who was just so zoned out, volunteers were helping them get back on course, getting them some water, even though there was no aid station close by. (It’s) so great to watch that, to watch people help random strangers, and help people that are also living in the community that you live in. Every year it’s amazing to see the turn-out of volunteers, and it really does help put the whole day together and helps everything run so smoothly.

BS: Have you had any experiences that are similar at other races that you’ve been in?

AM: No. I mean volunteers, anywhere you go, they’re great, but I feel like there’s such a connection and I feel like people really take pride in being a volunteer here.

BS: So, you work with the Lakeland (High School) swim team.

AM: That’s correct. I’m the co-head coach.

BS: So, how does it affect them, do you think, to have coaches that are actually taking this skill that they’re coaching and then putting it into practice and competing with it? What do you think that means to them?

AM: Oh, it's huge. The guy that I coach with, Rob, he did the full-back in 2009, and so when we volunteered last year, I remember the kids saying "This is awesome, we love this, we love volunteering at Ironman." You know it’s kind of a long day, but that’s something they look forward to. I know that they take great pride in helping. You know, it helps our swim team. That’s a good donation that we get from the Ironman Foundation.

Last year it really helped our program to be able to afford equipment and things that we needed.

BS: If you were to give somebody advice that wanted to do an Ironman what would it be?

AM: Oh, hire a coach. Get a coach, don’t do it alone. Maybe not even a coach, but find somebody that you know has done it before and pick their brain on what hasn’t worked and, in terms of gear or nutrition, just really become a student of it.

It’s a big-time commitment so, for me, I put in a lot of hours training and getting ready. My goal is to be in the top 15, I would like to get a Kona spot, so I know work is what I need to do to be able to achieve those goals. So, set goals as well. It’s just like anything that you do.

BS: Anything you’d like to add?

AM: Please volunteer! And you still can! Go to the Ironman Coeur d’Alene website and sign up. Because of our volunteers, anything is possible.

• • •

Brianna Scott is an assistant volunteer director with Ironman Coeur d'Alene.