From Combat Deployment to IRONMAN

If you had told me a year ago that I would be preparing for an IRONMAN, I probably would have laughed.

Today, it has become one of the biggest goals of my life.

My name is Preston Dishman, and I am an Active Duty Airman in the United States Air Force. Over the past year, I have had the honor of serving my country, including a recent combat deployment that challenged me physically, mentally, and emotionally. Like many service members, deployment gave me a lot of time to think about who I wanted to become when I came home.

I knew I wanted a challenge.

Not just another goal. Not something comfortable. Something that would force me to grow.

That's when I decided to pursue an IRONMAN.

This December, I will stand on the starting line of IRONMAN 70.3 Florida. The race consists of a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike ride, and a 13.1-mile run—all completed in a single day.

For many athletes, that alone would be the finish line.

For me, it's only the beginning.

Six months later, my goal is to complete a full IRONMAN: a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, and a full 26.2-mile marathon. One of the most demanding endurance events in the world.

The truth is, I'm not coming into this as a seasoned triathlete.

I'm building this journey from the ground up.

I'm learning how to swim efficiently. I'm learning how to fuel my body for hours of endurance. I'm learning how to balance training, military service, family, and everyday responsibilities while pursuing a goal that often feels larger than myself.

But that's exactly why I'm doing it.

Because growth happens when we willingly step into challenges that scare us.

Because discipline is built through consistency.

Because I want to prove to myself that the limits we place on ourselves are often far smaller than what we're truly capable of.

The funds raised through this campaign will help offset the significant costs associated with training and competing in both the IRONMAN 70.3 and the full IRONMAN that follows. This includes race registration fees, a triathlon bike, wetsuit, tri suit, training equipment, nutrition, hydration, travel expenses, and other race-related costs.

I am investing heavily in this journey myself, but endurance sports can become expensive very quickly. Any support helps lighten the financial burden and allows me to focus on training and preparation.

More importantly, every contribution becomes part of this story.

A story that begins with a deployment and continues with thousands of miles of training, countless early mornings, setbacks, victories, and eventually crossing an IRONMAN finish line.

If you're able to contribute, thank you. If you're not, sharing this page and following the journey means just as much.

I'll be documenting the entire process—from my first swim sessions and long bike rides to race day itself—so that everyone who supports this mission can be part of it.

Thank you for believing in me.

See you at the finish line.

— Preston Dishman

United States Air Force

IRONMAN 70.3 Florida Athlete

Future IRONMAN Finisher