Hi friends! Thank you for taking the time to be here.

This July, I’ll be racing my second Ironman 70.3. But this year, the miles and training hours carry a deeper purpose. I’m racing in support of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) — a condition that has shaped my life, my limits, and my mindset in ways most people never see.

Training for an Ironman with CMT comes with challenges that go far beyond early mornings and long workouts. There are constant adjustments, fatigue that hits without warning, muscle weaknesses that demand creativity, and the daily balance between pushing hard and protecting my body. Living with CMT doesn’t mean stepping back from big goals. It means approaching them differently — and proving that strength looks different on everyone.

This race is my opportunity to represent the CMT community — to show that we are seen, capable, and part of something powerful. I want to raise awareness, spark conversations, and share the honest reality of endurance training with a neuromuscular condition — the setbacks, the adaptations, and the victories that mean more because of what it takes to earn them.

Why I’m Fundraising

I’m raising funds in support of the Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association (CMTA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing research, advocacy, and support for individuals and families living with CMT. This cause is deeply personal to me, and I’m proud to stand behind an organization that is actively improving lives today while pushing toward better treatments — and ultimately a cure. If you’d like to learn more about CMT and the impact CMTA is making, you can visit their website at https://cmtausa.org/

To keep this journey transparent, all funds raised will be split evenly:

• 50% donated directly to CMTA

• 50% applied toward race and training expenses — including entry fees, travel, equipment, and the specific adaptations required for me to train safely with CMT

This structure allows me to give back to the community while responsibly covering the real costs of taking on an Ironman with additional physical considerations.

How I’ll Keep You Involved

I’ll be sharing the full journey — not just the highlight reel. That includes:

• How CMT impacts training day to day

• The physical adjustments required

• The mental side of staying committed

• The breakthroughs that keep me moving forward

• The honest, messy, inspiring reality of preparing for a 70.3 with CMT

You can follow along and see regular updates on Instagram at @ben_shewfelt, where I’ll be documenting the training, the challenges, and everything in between.

My goal is simple: to show what’s possible and help others living with CMT feel empowered to chase their own version of “impossible.”

If you’re able to donate, share, or simply follow the journey, your support means more than I can put into words. Every contribution helps me get to the start line with purpose — and helps the CMT community gain the visibility and momentum it deserves.

Thank you for being part of this.