Mike Pluimer will be competing in his 8th Ironman Triathlon, and racing at Coeur d'Alene for the 4th time.

On the longest day of the year, the seventh edition of the Ford Ironman Coeur d'Alene will be this Sunday, June 21.  The race course of the 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and 26 mile run, is “post card” beautiful and challenging. 

The outstanding support of volunteers and the community makes this race one of the most popular for many athletes.

The race swim consists of a two-loop swim in the pristine waters of Lake Coeur d’Alene. The mountain-fed waters of the lake can make the swim be on the cool side this time of year.

A double-looped bike course demands that competitors remain focused throughout the day. There are a number of false flats, descents, climbs and technical turns healthily sprinkled into each loop, requiring a cyclist's full attention and dedication.

The run is an out-and-back course that is repeated twice. Again, there are several false flats and gradual ups and downs for competitors to deal with. Runners can quickly bog down if not bearing down on what is ahead of them.              [Excerpted and edited from IronMan.com Couer d'Alene Preview]

See Last Year's Results at Coeur d'Alene