How do BTers affect your life?

She IS scary, and could learn from my more subtle persuasion techniques.

Very funny, guys!

Rob, what did you think of Love In the Time of Cholera? I think The World According to Garp might be up there on my list of favorites, too, as is A Prayer For Owen Meany. The Little Prince is definitely one... I can't decide which is my favorite!

As for your thread Q:

• I wouldn't be training for My First Marathon Ever! if not for Max's encouragement.
• Having the local BT ladies - Sue, Jessica and Christine - with whom to occassionally train has kept me involved in triathlons and moving, too.
• Bear gave me the simple formula for bike speed and someday, when I'm riding my bike again, I'll use that formula!
• Hollis, by her example, reminds me to listen to and speak with my more gentle voice (which you wouldn't know, judging from above posts!).
• I recently received a plethora of American history book recommendations from a group of BTers which you should all feel free to order for me for my upcoming birthday!
• KimJ81, by her example, reminds me to not stifle my exuberant self.
• The many BT men who are good husbands and great fathers remind me that men can be wonderful human beings; this gives me hope.
• Certain BTers, who will remain nameless, remind me to stay engaged in my REAL LIFE and not get sucked into a virtual life with its attending virtual dramas, intrigues and nonsense. No offense to anyone.

Most of my Christmas wish list was comprised of items recommended by BT'ers.  Cook books, training books, etc.  BT is a great resourse.  Thanks again Ron!

KNOWLEDGE!!!

When I think how much I would have floundered (flounder = memory of my first training swim!)having to learn about all of this stuff on my own it boggles the mind.  This site has been unbelievable in focusing and accelerating my training toward my first triathlon.  When I first decided on this, having done zero research, last August I had one goal:  complete an Olympic triathlon.  Now my sights are set on milestones that might have taken me several years to acheive without the concentration of information available here.  Most of that information is available to me because the people here who have "been there/done that" never seem to tire of newbie questions and helping us out and that's what's great about this place.  I really can't say enough great things about this place.  Thanks Ron, thanks BT'ers, for making this the healthiest year of my life (which is so ironic due to me being diagnosed with Celiac disease in September-go figure!).

I push myself harder when I train knowing that other people are viewing my logs.

I've gotten a lot tougher and instead of whining I just "suck it up buttercup".

Been encouraged and inspired to do an IM.

Listened to Tricomet and during my 1st 1/2 IM- ate frequently and never bonked.  Also took it easy on the bike to save my legs for the run.  It was fun passing people on the run- just like Comet told me!  Some of the best advice I've listened to!

Have learned that I'm not the only person who has bad training days.

I've learned sooo much tri knowledge here- it's been great and extremely helpful!  And not to mention that I'll always be able to meet up with BT'ers at races even if I go to the race alone. 

To add to this, I know find myself going online and locating the nearest burrito joint (Chipotle is alwasy my frist search) when I'm going out of town  

I know longer feel the shame of thinking I am the only person that pee's in the shower.

Oh and thanks to BT, I know you are supposed to go commando with tri shorts.

He,he- those were great threads Chris!  Glad we could help set you straight- especailly about not wearing underwear for tris!

In all seriousness, I think it would be hard to put into words the change we all get from BT. I mean can you imagine trying to buy and read all of the information that we get from the real tri threads (unlike COJ), I have 7 tri books and I do not think they have the wealth of knowledge that I have gain on newbie questions, reviews, equipment advice etc. Can you imagine trying to keep logs for weights, swim, run, bike, and all of the other exercising we do in those spiral binders they sell at book stores.

Also inspiring, commenting on each others threads, talking smack and giving each other motivation to get up early, stay up late, skip meals, movies, and parties with our friends and relatives to work out and train because we know that we put we were going to workout today and if we dont there will be 9 messages and PMs in our mailbox calling us slackers, and whimps for not sticking to our word.

Lastly (not leastly...lol) I think all of us BTers effect each other because we all have become cyber buds and friends. I know when I talk to my real friends and family about something I thought was funny that I said to Janelle, Jim, Renee, Haley and all of the BTers that I know by your nickname (3558, Morley, tricomment, chimpy,marmadaddy etc) in a post; they all look at me like I am strange. I think it is great to have all of these new friends and it is great that we get to meet in real life at races and it is like meeting family that we havnt seen since the last year reunion.

I think BT has had a major impact on my life and if it wasnt for BT I dont think I would have been as far as I am in this sport, since I have only been doing it since may.

BT rocks!

The Fourth Hand? Ok, make that I haven't read his last TWO novels. The last was Until I Find You.

And my bday is on the 7th.