by Bopomofo » 22 May 2019 12:58
Wow! From my perspective that's ten years of DNSs, failed plans, missed goals and poor choices.
But on the upside, there's a bunch of good stuff in there, too: a number of PBs and lifetime firsts; meet-ups; shared events; shared experiences and advice.
Mainly, the friends. Some of us have never met yet still stay in touch more than many 'real' friends, some of us have become 'real' friends. I have shared experiences with some BCTTTers that I wouldn't swap for anything.
Off the top of my head:
First 100km ride (thanks Ade and Nick for dragging me around Magnifitwat)
First 100 mile ride (again)
Longest swim ever in my pants (encouragement from Jibby and others, Brownsea)
Longest / hardest swim training session ever (Chris Weeks still owes me)
Most regular middle-distance run training seasons ever. (AndyB challenges)
Hardest I've ever cycled in a triathlon (trading places with CCS at Windsor)
Best sports-based laugh ever (all of you at the Relays)
Hardest sports thing I've ever done (Jon and Craig, with my mate Paul, Red Bull TimeLaps)
Best advice I've ever had in some dark times. (You know)
And of course countless meets at so many events, either competing together or cheering each other on. IF I ever need a shot of adrenaline I picture myself running down the finish of Windsor Tri, struggling, but somehow a "Come on Bopo!!" bellow from Simon helped me find a sprint finish in the bottom of the tank. Gets me going every time.
What a ride. Well done everybody for making it so good. A heartfelt thanks from me for some of the best of times.
I had fun once. It was awful.