Triathlons Yearly Test, Affirmation

Life peaks for me every summer on the second weekend of August. My faith in people and in myself soars so high that weekend that my head floats for days like a heliumfilled balloon.

The moment Coeur d’Alene’s youth and adult triathlons end each year, I forget about the hectic weeks of preparation and training, the doubts, my promise never to put myself through either race again.

I’ve directed the youth race since 1992 when it began, and I’ve participated in the adult race since 1990.

Organizing the kids’ race was beyond me, but help was easy to find. Everyone knew someone who knew something about putting on a race. I had so much help that I never had to interrupt my training for the adult race.

Which was good. The Coeur d’Alene Triathlon has become my annual challenge to myself. I train methodically and with a vengeance no other challenge triggers in me. I depend on the triathlon to replenish my confidence in my strength of body and spirit.

But every year at the beginning of August, doubts creep in about both races.

At that point, it suddenly hits me that my goals for the adult race are ridiculously high. And I lose all confidence in the organization of the youth race. I realize it’s dependent on 50 volunteers and as fragile as a house of cards.

But those volunteers never have failed me. They show up on time year after year with their own helpers and words of encouragement. Parents of young racers offer their help and their thanks. Everyone focuses on the children like a huge family on Christmas morning. Such complete cooperation is overwhelming to witness.

Last Saturday’s youth race was no different. My throat tightened as I watched kids clutch their finishers’ medals and volunteers smile. Everyone did his or her part and, as usual, it completely renewed my affection for humankind.

In the adult race, my goals depend on no one but myself. Maybe that’s why my joy at the finish last Sunday was so unrestrained.

I shouted, hugged, high-fived, danced with no embarrassment for about five minutes. I knew my work paid off this year and I’d satisfied my toughest judge.

Thanks Coeur d’Alene, for August.

How appropriate

Coeur d’Alene’s Jim Faucher couldn’t believe the race number that Coeur d’Alene Triathlon volunteers scrawled on his arm last Sunday: 9-1-1. Anyone with that number would’ve laughed, but Jim is the director of the Kootenai Medical Center Foundation and he teamed for the race with two nurses.

Chateau de Pend Oreille

Lake Coeur d’Alene’s upscale estates pale in comparison to the huge castle under construction on Lake Pend Oreille’s shore, says Post Falls’ Jean Bledsoe.

The castle has turrets, battlements, three big towers with a big metal ball in the center. “It looks like some guy said, ‘If you’ll marry me I’ll build you a castle,’ and did,” Jean says.

For the best view, Jean says drive along the south side of the lake opposite Trestle Creek and the highway to Hope.

Tons o’Tubbs

As if there aren’t enough rocks on Coeur d’Alene’s Tubbs Hill, a truck will deliver a four-ton boulder at 10 a.m. Thursday to the Third Street entrance to the park. But this rock is special. It bears 30 names of people who contributed $100 each to keep the hill beautiful.

The rock has room for a lot more names, and when it’s full, Tubbs Hill supporters will truck in another impressive boulder. Watching people try to unload four tons of rock might be fun on Thursday. Or stop by at 1 p.m., Aug. 22 for the boulder’s dedication. To add your name, call 769-2252.

Where’s your favorite spot to get away from it all? Describe it for Cynthia Taggart, “Close to Home,” 608 Northwest Blvd., Suite 200, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814; fax to 765-7149; or call 765-7128.

, DataTimes