The main thing that keeps me coming back for more of this sport, year after year, is the people. I preach all the time that people make this sport what it is. When I talk to prospective new triathletes, I stress that they are not merely signing up for an event; they are being adopted by a phenomenally supportive family. Sure, this sport yields an incredible sense of accomplishment to its participants and the health benefits one derives from the physical aspect of racing and training are huge. But it's much more than that.
 
The common bond that unites us is a bond that I wish the rest of the world understood - and practiced. We help our fellow triathletes all the time. We talk, we guide, we mentor, we suggest, we generally ... "help" out our fellow athletes. Many of which are actually our competitors on race day. We all want to succeed or fail as a culture. Or perhaps in our case, a sub-culture. 
 
I know right now folks are sweating it out in the pool and on their treadmills and trainers in their garages, gyms, basements, bike shops or wherever. You are all thinking about your 2007 races and what you need to do to ready yourself. You are thinking about what improvements you need to make. How to increase speed and decrease your stroke counts. 
 
But do yourself and this sport a favor; also think about what you can do to make it better.  What can you do? Glad you asked. Volunteer at an event. Mentor a newbie. Lead a group ride or run. Champion a fundraising effort.  Help out a stranded cyclist and change their flat tire for them. Donate some old equipment to a worthy organization. Sell some old equipment and donate the proceeds to a worthy organization. Do something . Do anything that will help grow the sport, enrich its participants, and further develop the big picture. Give yourself another reason for getting  involved beyond the pursuit of a PR. It's all about the people.  Good acts and good karma are very contagious. Make a difference.