Let’s train for run at tolerance

Published 2:50 pm Friday, September 3, 2010

I find it amusing to read grown adults acting like toddlers who have just had their favorite toy taken away from them, and the collective tantrums that ensue.

I’m referencing the Ironman Triathlon.

Several people complained about how horrible the traffic was, how early it started, the cyclists should be on the Centennial Trail blah, blah, blah.

Please grab a dictionary, and look up the word tolerance. Take in for a moment what the definition means.

The Ironman is a one day event. This event is a qualifier for Kona, Hawaii. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Kona, it is the Superbowl of the Ironman series. People train their entire athletic career for this event.

The Centennial Trail isn’t equipped to be a race course. The trail extends from Snohomish to Arlington, and is only 17 miles long, 6 feet wide. The cycling portion of the Ironman is 56 miles. The trail is loaded with metal and wooden safety barriers.

The race starts early to ensure the safety of the participants, and to make it less of a debacle for the general public. It cuts down on accidents, and the traffic volumes along the course are relatively low.

The city of Lake Stevens does an excellent job of hosting this event every year. I would like to thank all of the individuals who work hard all year planning for this one day event.

Here’s my point. The world doesn’t revolve around you. Learn to deal with events that inconvenience you, and quit lamenting about petty issues. Stop being self-absorbed and realize your goals and aspirations are different from others. I’m sure there is something you do that puts other people out. The difference is … they just tolerate it.

Brian R. Johnson

Lake Stevens