Ironman Coeur d’Alene’s oldest competitor says the race saved him from depression

June 25, 2021 1:44 PM

Erin Robinson,

Posted: June 25, 2021 1:44 PM

Updated: June 25, 2021 3:10 PM

by Erin Robinson

COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho — Competitors young and old, from near and far, will gather on Sunday to compete in Ironman Coeur d’Alene.

4 News Now recently met Howard Glass, the oldest person competing in this year’s race.

Glass, 80, is originally from England, but currently lives in Florida. He has competed in 34 Ironman races in the past 10 years.

He said he started running back in 1968, but never ran professionally and could barely swim. Being in a dark place mentally, he said the Ironman race helped save him.

“I got on my bike and I was a little bit depressed, well, quite a bit depressed actually, and I got out my bike and started biking, and the depression suddenly disappeared pretty quickly,” Glass said. “And the older you get, of course it’s not about speed anymore. Just about making the cutoffs, and the swim and the bike, and walk through them if you have to.”

Glass said he is excited for the race and has set some personal goals for each section of the triathlon, knowing exactly where he will need to be and at what time.

READ: Ironman athletes begin final preparations for Sunday’s race