COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho — More than 1,000 triathletes are preparing for Ironman 70.3 this weekend in Coeur d’Alene.
The race includes a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike ride and 13.1-mile run. Athletes can pick up packets at Ironman Village at Coeur d’Alene Park, which opened Friday afternoon. The village is where athletes can pick up their packets, check out gear, and ask last-minute questions.
The chilly weather Friday morning didn’t stop triathletes from preparing for Sunday’s race.
Many athletes braved the cold, hopped in the water and trained for their swim. Lorena Weber and Isabelle Gallouin traveled from Colorado to compete.
“We have a practice swim, and then we have a practice ride. So we’re gonna take a dip and then get the lay of the land,” Weber said.
The lake conditions were challenging.
“It’s nice and warm, but it’s very choppy. So you really have to deal with the waves and make sure you don’t break in the waves. So you have to adjust your stroke to progress. It jostles you around a little bit, so you might get a little dizzy,” Weber and Gallouin said.
They pushed through and hopped on their bikes following their choppy swim.
This is Weber and Gallouin’s first Coeur d’Alene race. For others, it’s a tradition. Anne Hayek traveled from Connecticut for her ninth time racing this course.
“The people really get behind the race. Everybody I’ve ever met here has been absolutely lovely,” Hayek said.
Tito’s Italian Grill is offering pizza specials and all-you-can-eat pasta for athletes.
Weber said she’s most excited about “finishing the red carpet, the finish line.”
Ironman Village is open until 7 p.m. Friday and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.
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