I keep rewriting this intro sentence because even after two years I still don’t know how to segue into a Sam story. Due to the cyclical nature of November Project, many people at the workout this morning did not know Sam. Sam; our perma-smile, backwards hat wearing, nut butter enthusiast, who changed the chemistry of a workout by just simply showing up with her bee-bop sidekick, Sasha. The world suffered a huge loss two years ago when Samantha Dweck was killed in a tragic kayaking accident. And while time moves on, the ones who loved her most don’t miss her any less.
Personally, I was just getting to know Sam in the months leading up to the kayaking trip. But who I do know (and love) are her mountain sisters, both the friends that were with her that day and the ones who have spent many nights before with her sleeping under the stars. The number of lives that have been positively affected by Sam over the years is countless and I believe that no matter the impact she had on you, large or small, you are grateful for the time you were given.
Paddy encouraged us this morning to take the time today, and everyday, to tell our friends and family how much they mean to us. One thing I rarely take the time to do is tell Zip and Paddy how much they mean to me (and the tribe…I assume…you guys like them, right?). Leading November Project could be viewed as volunteer work, a hobby, or an actual chore you don’t really want to do. For me it’s honestly become a time to hang out with my good friends Paddy and Zip and take the piss out of one another. Not sure I used that phrase right but I’m trying to speak Irish so Paddy understands. The never ending group text is not a burden but an enjoyable pastime to procrastinate our real work. And as much as I make fun of them (and always will), 2016 had many proud big sister moments for me watching Paddy catapult himself into the pro ultra scene and Zip leave the corporate world to take on entrepreneurship with little to no back up plan. These are two guys I am really proud to call friends, co-leaders, and adopted children (we are adopting Paddy to get his green card if no one marries him this year).
We only blog about Sam once a year, but that’s so ass backwards because she has taught us so much that should be integrated into every single day. Go run some trails. Eat some kale. Spend time outdoors. Laugh really hard with your best friend-sister clan. Keep Sam’s smile in the back of your head and in the beat of your heart. The tribe is so very strong.
Friday: Sunrise 6K, Meet behind AT&T Park, 6 AM
Saturday: #Fastassam fun run, all levels. Meets at Alta Plaza Park at 9 AM, event on facebook
Monday: YOGA, Palace of Fine Arts, 6:15 AM
