"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 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.

thanks again"