Dear Mark,

I have often found that in life people don't say thanks to the people who have helped them. You have no idea that you have helped me and gave me encouragement to keep going. I made a choice in July of last year to make a change toward a healthier life style and was just starting this journey when I was ran across the "Escape from Alcatraz Tri". As I watched on T.V., the network started following you and I noticed your shirt with your web address. Later that evening, I went to your web site and started to read about your story and immediately I felt a bond with you because at that time, I weighed 368 lbs. I could relate to your story in many ways. The only difference was that I did not have any health problems and hoped to make a life change before I had any.

Over the past year, I have lost 54 lbs and have completed 6 sprint triathlons. I don't know if I would have even dreamed of doing the first triathlon if I had not received motivation from you and reading your weekly enlightenments. I am almost positive that there are others out there just like me that you may never hear from, but rest assured, you are making a huge difference in lives of many. Your openness and honesty in telling your story makes the difference. It is my firm belief that because you have not tried to hide the reality of where you started from, others are able to find much-needed motivation and inspiration along with being able to relate to your situation.

My goal is to be an X-Bigman one day.

Hi Mark,

I originally saw you on TV running in the Ironman, and was very inspired by your story. Like most people today, i was carrying some extra baggage you inspired me to start training.

I currently ride 20 KM every morning and the results are very encouraging, I am getting fitter every day and this will enable me to expand on my exercise routine. Thanks for the inspiration, and i look forward to your regular newsletter.

I am 45 years old and feeling better than ever.

Mark, I just read your newsletter (july15) it was what I needed to hear. I am doing my first tri-sprint in a couple of weeks. It was very inspirational.

Each one of us knows an "Ironman/woman" in our lives...

thanks!

I was a 49-year old amateur triathlete looking for ways to increase my speed and endurance, as well as improve my swimming abilities and confidence. I had just finished the Wildflower Olympic Distance Triathlon, but was disappointed that I wasn't faster... in fact, they were closing the finish line when I came in! I needed someone or something to inspire me to train harder, or simply to get me off the couch!

One day I saw an ad for Mark's Tri-A-Triathlon Class and I immediately signed up for the 6:30 AM session. During the course of the class, and knowing Mark, we learned about power swim drills, bike racing techniques, training course tactics, brick workouts, strength workouts and much more.

Having Mark as a trainer and hearing about his competition in triathlons really motivated me to train not only harder, but smarter! As a result of meeting Mark, I have taken his Tri-A -Triathlon class 3 times and have gone on to place 7th in my age group at the 2003 Treasure Island Triathlon and 1st Place at the 2003 Tahoe Donner Sprint Triathlon.

Mark was an inspiration to all of us who met him!

Thanks for the fantastic inspiration in your latest newsletter!

I must admit that I've been discouraged with my progress lately. With the help of God, I plan to keep on "showing up".

Thank you for this excellent reminder, Mark! I appreciate you sharing your father's inspiration in your life. God Bless!

Your friend in Jacksonville Florida that wants to be an "XBigMan", too.

Just wanted to say "Great Job!" with what you do and what you have done. I hope to be in your shoes in a year or so.

Keep it coming!

Thanks for your continued enlightenments. You are a gifted writer. Thank you for sharing with me and many others.

Thanks again - you're inspiring!

I appreciate your newsletter and motivation. Kudos to you on your success.

Happy 04!

Mark, Congratulations on a great year. Your words of experience and wisdom are encouraging and I would like to thank you for taking the time to keep the words coming.

Good Luck in 2004 and God bless!

Your newsletter was at once extremely motivating and rather spiritual. It came at a low period for me and has resulted in my making a renewed effort to do the right thing for my health. I wanted to tell you that the work you are doing is the very best kind of contribution to another race... the human race.

Thanks for caring enough to share.

Warm regards

Please take a moment to feel proud of how you inspire so many people through your achievements, your attitude, and your ability to write about your adventures in such a wonderful way. You have a real gift.

I am so glad to be a part of your circle.

Best wishes

thank you. fantastic, i was moved by this months post, its slow for me at the moment, your post has given me encouragement.

thanks

Thanks for the great email Mark - you are very inspirational and a wonderful writer.

I love getting your motivational stories... what a way to start my day. Keep up to great work.

This really helped me today as my motivation has been wavering the last week. Thanks for the words, I'll be on the treadmill this afternoon and I'll be thinking about your success.

I LOVE your email messages. Very inspiring. Keep sending them!

You are priceless. Thanks for your insight and humor.

You invoke some life changing thoughts!

You are appreciated.

Have a great one!

hi mark- thanks for your amusing Christmas e-mail on training Santa... very cute.

I met with you briefly back in October, & you showed me the general parameters for an exercise program. I have been doing that ever since, 3x a week at the Bay Club, in addition to walking about 15 miles per week & eating healthy diet, & have lost about 10 pounds!

just wanted to say thanks for getting me started & for the inspiration of your own story.

Merry Christmas!

HI! Mark, You are an inspiration to anyone with a weight problem, and that the majority of us.

I watched you on the Alcatraz triathlon on television, you did a great job and I am motivated. Thank You!

Congratulations and good luck to you in all that you do.

Hello, My name is Kevin Davalos. I saw the Escape from Alcatraz 2001 today and was in awe of what you completed.

I work for the Air Force as an Exercise Physiologist/Personal Trainer in North Carolina, everyday I hear people make excuses as to why they can't lose weight and that the Air Force doesn't give them time to exercise... I wish they could see the drive and determination I saw as you completed your transformation... I just found your web site and the information is fantastic... it will be in my favorites... congratulations on completing the escape

Thanks for taking the time to write words to inspire me to be my best. Your e-mail was the kick I needed to change my mind, be grateful, and be my best today.

You are fantastic!

I want to reach my truest athletic ability and one of my goals is to complete a triathlon.

After reading your site, I am more inspired than ever! I doubted this endeavor because of my size and lack of experience - but not anymore. I don't know you but am proud of you and will continue to read your site for inspiration.

What inspires me most about you is not the actual weight loss, but your conviction and spirit. I am sure that your journey was tough but you accomplished your goals and still continue to achieve. Your story can translate to any obstacle that a person may face. I feel blessed to have come across your site.

Thank you.

You're an inspiration to "us" all.

I started at 268 and I'm down to 215. I'm hoping for my first Sprint Tri this summer.

Thanks for the mental toughness!

Mark,

I simply wanted to congratulate you on not only your most recent triathlon, but the accomplishment on overcoming the obstacles in your life. Your story is very touching and immensely motivating.

I'm a certified training/author on health and fitness and know how important your new mission to help people is.

I wish you continued success!!!!!