My 10,000th post - a reflection (a little long)...

10,000.
5 digits (and a comma).
It's a number representing an accomplishment.
It's a number reflecting how many individual posts I have made here on BT - some of which were quite smarmy, some of fun, some of concern, some of hope, some of inquisitiveness, some of elateness, and hopefully the rest were of support and praise.
It is just a number, but, that number has a special meaning to me.

I began my enjoyable venture on BT just a reasonably short time ago, Sept. 12, 2006, about a week or so after IM Moo 2006.  My first post actually received 3 replies (thank you watergirl, jeffbach, and CitySky!) welcoming me to this site -
http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=54812&posts=6#M542909

From that first post, I had virtual conversations with some outstanding people from BT.  From that first post, I have posted numerous inspires.  From that first post, I have met some enthusiastically fun, corny, intelligent, personable, and caring people from BT in person.  From that first post, I have made a number of friends, some I see once in a while
like deannas, amyjotris, firstnet911, and other Donks and Donkettes,
some I have seen once, twice or thrice like jszat, Lazymarathoner, 2goggs (MR2Tony), Travis, Trixie and Whizzzzz w/her Coredump, and some I haven't seen yet (but hope to,
and the list is QUITE LONG!).

Since that first post, I was able to run my first Marathon, then train, participate and finish my first triathlon (1/2 IM) and first Ironman.

I've learned a lot about triathlon training and racing.  I've learned about the three disciplines and the two transitions.  I've learned a lot about the equipment that is needed.  I've learned a lot about nutrition, planning, training, balance, and
much more.  I've learned some of the lingo of the sport - (HTFU and others).  I've learned a lot of trivia.  I've learned that pizza and politics are a hot item in COJ.

I've been given a warning by the man in charge, Marmadaddy (hopefully that will never happen again!).

I've been inspired by many fellow BT'ers, not only by the anticipated greetings that are put in my blog (or others' that I have read), but by the actions of those BT'ers that have volunteered at races, that have jockstrapped and cheered their friends and fellow triathletes on, and by their kindness of lending a hand or allowing me to crash at their place.  Cubefarmgopher, tupuppy, Zilla, LazyMarathoner, Trixie, lisac, 2goggs, and countless others that travel many miles outside their area to be there for their friends is what this sport is all about!

I've felt sad reading about some of our fellow BT'ers getting injured.  I've been angered by posts that have reported indispicable issues.  I've laughed my azz off at many extremely funny posts.  I've enjoyed reading many poetic verses.  I've had my day brightened by a simple "HI!" or by a glittery picture (Dee, Beth, SuperCat, Kendra).
I've had the opportunity to see some great eye candy by the Girls of BT (those legs, abs, oh, my!  THANK YOU!!!)

I have been blessed to have met many terrific peeps along the way, but want to state that BT, as a whole, has the best peeps around.
The following are the ones that I have associated with and wish to express my gratitude to them:
the Donkai Nation (the Head Donk, jszat, has the list, and I'm sorry that I don't name you out exclusively), my e-sistahs, my e-cousins, my fellow challenge forum team members both past and present, my friends in the friend's list, and to those that I have conversed with sharing their thoughts and expertise.
A special thanks to Yanti's *melon presses*, to Trixie's and Zilla's adventures, and to (the) TAN (gang), to the Donkai Nation gatherings and training days - I don't think I will ever be the same, to Birkierunner for putting together an IM Moo training day, and to Scoobysdad for taking the time shooting most of the footage.
Then there's "the bear". (teasing)
A big thank you goes out to all those on BT that are serving in our armed forces.
The biggest "THANK YOU" goes out to Marmadaddy and Ron for starting, maintaining, and constantly improving on this site!!  You guys are fantastic!

Congratulations to all those Ironmen and Ironwomen!  Congratulations to those that have reached a goal!
Good luck to everyone on their goals.  Good luck to those that are still trying to reach their goals!
A special good luck goes out to pseudoyams as he gets ready for Kona next year.  Go get 'em Donkey.  EEEAAAWWW!

Some final words - If you can, please keep those fellow BT'ers, family, and friends in your hearts that had their lives taken away from us too quickly.
For Lucy.

I had a major discussion with my wife last night.  It wasn't a pleasant one, but it was a realization.  Due to the amount of time that I have spent on BT, I have missed a lot of time with her and my sons.  Therefore, I will need to readjust my priorities, my time, and find the balance.  That's THE most important thing (yes, Zilla, I listened).

I have to attend to my 3rd son who tripped head-first into a boulder this morning.
He's doing very well and has no problems, other than getting a HUGE goose-egg on his forehead.

See ya around, COJ and BT!  Thanks for all the good times thus far, and I hope for many more!  *non-melon presses*  (whoops, there goes my man-card)