18YO Ex-Volunteer To Try Ironman

Tayler Petticolas emerges from the water after a training swim Wednesday at Independence Point in Coeur d’Alene. The longtime Ironman Coeur d’Alene volunteer will compete in Sunday’s triathlon for the first time. (SR photo: Kathy Plonka)

Now it’s her turn. After spending half her childhood on the sidelines of Coeur d’Alene’s biggest race, Tayler Petticolas is stepping to the starting line. The college-bound teen makes her Ironman debut Sunday. Her training spanned the past year, but really she has been preparing for this day since she first volunteered for the race at age 7. “I always thought, ‘Wow, it ‘would be so incredible to do this,’” she said. Petticolas – one of six Coeur d’Alene-area 18-year-olds registered for the grueling challenge – never has attempted a triathlon. She admits being anxious but also self-assured and excited about the big day, which starts with a 2.4-mile swim in Lake Coeur d’Alene, moves to a 112-mile bike ride and concludes with a 26.2-mile run/ Scott Maben , SR. More here.

Question: Have you ever — ever — considered trying Ironman Coeur d’Alene?