Town Square, Oct. 3, 2018

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Editor’s note: The fifth IRONMAN Maryland was held in Dorchester County on Saturday, attracting 1,700 athletes from around the nation and the world.

COMING BACK: This my husband’s and my fifth IRONMAN Maryland finish. We will see you all next for our sixth. The call of the crab is strong.

BLESSED: I lost a dear friend to cancer this year. We are blessed to have the health and ability to do this stuff. Live life.

GRATITUDE: Thank you from a local to all of the participants and families, community advocates, fire and rescue, and of course, Race Director Gerry Boyle.

GOOD JOB: Congratulations to all you who toed the line this morning. It been my honor and pleasure to work with and cheer you all on this week. You all exemplify the spirit that makes IRONMAN Maryland such an amazing race. Enjoy your accomplishment and I look forward to seeing many of you back next year.

COMPASSION: I saw the most amazing this on the run course. Not sure of time, but it was dark. An athlete was down and clearly in distress. Race Director Gerry Boyle was with him, hand on his back. I could Gerry comforting him and telling him that help was on the way. Simply amazing.

FEELS: As a first timer, I had yet to experience the extreme range of emotions I had on the course. The highs and lows; the challenges and triumphs; and the solitude and camaraderie. Certainly, this was among the most physically and mentally demanding days of my life. Quick question for veterans, though - when should I expect to be able to walk again?

BLOWING SMOKE: To the brown pickup truck that intentionally blew coal smoke in my face and tried to run me off the road yesterday at mile 58 - I finished anyway.

THINGS TO DO: For what it’s worth, the road was not closed to traffic and many riders were just out in the road like they owned it. It was a big day for us, but there aree other people with a life and things to do.

NOT NORMAL: I have never seen that in Cambridge, and I’ve done four Chesapeakemans, three IRONMAN Marylands and eight Eaglemans. I’m really sorry it happened, but that is far from the norm.

Editor’s Note: Town Square - your public forum - is moderated by Dorchester Banner Editor Dave Ryan. Email your comments to bannernews@newszap.com.