Yup, progress does happen

Very first tri...two years ago...Nautica Malibu Tri (sprint, 1/2 mi/18 mi/4 mi)...results:

M45-49, finished 71st of 125 in AG
S 17:41 - 78th (62.4%)
B 58:24 - 79th (63.2%)
R 31:09 - 30th (24.0%)
Time: 1:56

Today...return engagement at Malibu (same AG)...2 years and 12 tris (1 ironman) later:

Finished 19th of 157 in AG
S 15:36 - 14th (8.9%)
B 52:56 - 27th (17.2%)
R 28:48 - 8th (5.1%)
Time: 1:42

A little random bragging...but also wanted to say:  If you're just starting out...keep at it...if you stick with it, it definitely can get more and more rewarding.