*10-13-07* - I've just finished the Ironman World Championship in a time of 12:01:32! It was a very challenging day. The swim conditions were very difficult and the temperature in the lava fields were very high! But, after a long day, I'm an Ironman!

Pictures - http://iupui.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2073713&l=e4637&id=27317636

Finish Line Video - http://63.217.30.2/download.asp?event=121&id=958199&oid=32886&vid=4

In October of this year, I will be heading to Kailua-Kona, Hawaii for the Ironman World Championship, one of the world's toughest endurance races. The race consists of a 2.4 mile ocean swim, a 112 mile bike ride, and a 26.2 mile run! The Ironman World Championship brings together 1800 of the world's best and fittest athletes, from over 50 countries and all 50 states, to compete at what is considered to be one of the world's most grueling and challenging endurance races. At 19, I'll be one of the youngest to ever compete at the world championship! 

For me, October 13 will be a very rough day and I will have to push myself harder than I ever have before. Since I will be going through so much pain, I thought to myself, why not help raise money for people who are going through challenges like this everyday? 

So, I am raising money for the Freedom Is Not Free Organization, aiding wounded troops, their families and the families of the fatally wounded. The money donated to FREEDOM IS NOT FREE is distributed by the Purple Heart Advisory Board. The role of the Purple Heart Advisory Board is to facilitate the best possible allocation of funds to serve the mission. The funds are allocated to other non-profit organizations, programs, and/or projects that provide support for wounded veterans, their families and surviving family members.   

Your donation would mean a great deal toward helping out many, many people! So, please donate and stay tuned for my race updates leading up to the big day in Hawaii !  

Thanks! 

-Long Phan