The Event: Ironman Louisville 2008; The Date: August 31, 2008; The Place: Fourth Street Live, Louisville, Kentucky; The Words: "Matt Whitlow, you are an Ironman!". That is my goal, that is my mission. It will be the culmination of a journey three years in the making. It will be the result of nearly a year of focused, difficult and sometimes painful training. It will only happen with dedication, hard work, perseverance, a little luck and, most importantly, love and support from my family and friends. With your support, I cannot fail.

Of course, I feel the need to do more than just train and race. I have decided that if I am going to push my body to its physical limits, I would be foolish not to use this endeavor as an opportunity raise money and help who do not have the same opportunity. I am using my training for Ironman Louisville '08 to raise money for The Jimmy V Foundation for Cancer Research. My hope is that ever mile of training will raise money for this great organization. I will make my goal, I will raise money to fight cancer and I will become an Ironman.