I remember my first Ironman race-day right down to the smallest detail. Years from now yours will be permanently engraved in your memory as well.

I asked myself many times over the course of the training year what on earth I was doing. How could I expect to do this race? Often there was an overwhelming feeling of being in way over my head.

For the first time I began to truly understand the term "looking into the eye of the tiger". Many times my instinct was to turn and run from this tiger called 'Ironman'. It can be an awe inspiring and fearsome challenge when you face it head on.

I will be eternally grateful that somehow I found the inner strength to push aside my fears and stare the tiger down.

So many individuals are capable of so much, but never test their limits--never really find out how amazing they really are.

If you have made it this far--to Ironman race-day, you have already learned much about yourself. Believe me, you are about to learn a lot more before race-day is over.

As you wander the transition area, numbers on your arms and legs, fussing over your bike, taking care of last minute details, reflect on how far you have come since the day you were "Ironstruck".

Just for having made it to this moment you have my heartfelt admiration, because I know exactly what you're feeling. I know the inner turmoil you have mastered to get to this day.

You are my hero.

Now, if you listen, they are calling you to the start line. Your great adventure is about to begin.....