If you told me a year ago...

If you told me this time last year where I would be today, I would have called you crazy. If you told me a year ago what I would have accomplished in 2011 I would have laughed at you and wondered what you were smoking. Although I can’t categorize 2011 as the greatest year of my life, I grew a lot and learned a lot and for that I am thankful.  

I think about this day one year ago and how different things are. This time last year, I was in California visiting Donny and I was happier than I thought I ever could be with someone. This time last year I figured that 2011 would have led me to California where we would be together and happy as clams. If you had told me that the relationship with him would have led to the emotional rollercoaster that it unfolded to be, I would have called you crazy, but I guess, as I have learned, everything happens for a reason – and I also learned that I don’t need someone else to define happiness.

If you told me a year ago that I was going to have another blood clot and have to overcome it again, and deal daily with the pain, swelling and shots, I probably wouldn't have called you crazy, I would have just gotten scared and made an appointment to the doctor sooner. Granted, there is nothing I can do about it now and it is what it is, but at least I have a reason to get a good seat on the airplane and really the shots aren't THAT bad (ok I'm lying, they suck). 

If you told me that in 2011 I would have left Gold’s Gym I really would have laughed at you and had you get the appointment for the doc. Simply, because I loved that job. I loved the company, the brand, the people I worked with and what I was doing. BUT – I have to say that I could not be happier with the decision I made to take that leap to Ratner. It was a difficult decision, but I have found an incredible family in Ratner Companies, and I am excited and happy to go into work everyday. I love the company, what I do, and of course, who I work with. It is a challenge and I’ve enjoyed the last four months and I am EXCITED about 2012.

Now – if you told me last year that I would continue diving and eventually move onto my Divemaster and my IDC, I would NOT have called you crazy. Although I didn’t win the trip to Bali, I did earn my Divemaster and I am excited to move forward with my IDC in 2012. In 2011, my love for diving only grew deeper this year and I’ve been OVERWHELMED with the amazing trips and dives I have taken this year. One thing that was particularly special with diving this year was the PEOPLE I've met. I have met some of the kindest, loving, hardworking and just all around good people at The Dive Shop. I've had two incredible mentors to guide me through Divemaster (Mark Plecity and Kevin Sabo) and I am so thankful for all they have taught me. The family I have at The Dive Shop keeps me smiling on a weekly basis and even though I am not in Bali, I am blessed to have TDS (ok yes, and Millbrook too). I've also met some ridiculous people on my journeys - and I am hopeful that our paths will cross again (hopefully underwater!).

As a person, I am proud of how I’ve grown this year – I never thought I would be the person to take a vacation by myself – I mean who are we kidding here, I didn’t even like going to eat or to the movies by myself, and I was able to take the best trip of my life to Maui… alone! I learned a lot on that trip about myself and I had an absolutely fantastic time there (so much so that I am going back!)

And on a lighter note, if you told me that I would end 2011 with brown hair, I REALLY would have laughed at you! My whole life I have identified myself as a blonde. Although stupid, it was a huge thing for me – I thought that my hair color defined me in a way – and although it does to a point, it is not who you are. Hair color is just a small part of who you are. But, like many other things, I changed it up and I couldn’t be happier with it. And plus – it is hair color – it can change when I get sick of it – it isn’t like it changes my personality! And for the record, Brunette's have just as much fun as Blondes. 

So overall, 2011 hasn’t been a bad year at all. I am incredibly lucky and I count my blessings on a daily basis. I hope that as I move forward with 2012, that I can continue to challenge myself and grow… and of course to continue to dive. 

But now, as Tom Petty says, “It’s time to move on and time to get going... what lies ahead I have no way of knowing...” so peace out 2011 – don’t let the door hit you on the way out! :)

Mental Blocks

I've been doing very well with my training so far - granted I am less than a month in and I have a pretty solid base built up so it isn't like I am starting from the beginning but I have to say for the last few weeks I am proud of how I have been training for this tri.

I've been working with Tasha at Merrifield/Tysons for about six weeks - I started with her WAY before this tri came up because I felt like I had just kind of lost my way with my workouts. She got me back on track, re motivated me and actually cleaned up my diet (gasp - I know). She also did a lot of rehab on my shoulder and that is one of the reasons why I felt strong enough to try this tri (sounds silly).

Anyway - as I decided to do this, I had this major mental block, one which I am not really sure why I have it - and I haven't fully gotten over it. It is really strange - my mental block lies within swimming. It's so strange - it isn't like I suck at it (actually I good at it). I don't know whether it is because I swam for so many years, or if it is because I don't feel challenged when I swim alone - or what... but it has been the one thing over the years that has kept me from doing a triathlon.

It is something that I am having difficulty explaining to people because I don't know why I have it and it is hard to understand myself. I am a swimmer - it is who I have been my whole life (helllooo my license plate was SAMSWMS) and  it is something that comes very naturally to me. I am not sure why I have it but I know I will get over it.

Regardless of not being able to figure out WHY I have this strange mental block, I am still pushing myself to get in the water. The workouts we are being provided are NOT hard by any means - but I have been diligently getting in the water once a week (for now) and in all honestly it isn't that bad and I am actually kind of enjoying being back underwater. I guess if I can't scuba, I might as well swim...

As for fundraising - it is going kind of slow. I haven't sent out any letters yet - I am waiting until after the holidays are over. I know that people are stretched for money with Christmas so hopefully I will be able to garner some more donations as we move into 2012. I also am hoping to have a few bake sales and maybe a happy hour or two. Oh and of course, my Super Bowl pool will be up and running.

Until next time - please donate if you can and check back for more training progress.

John Park's Champions: WHY I am doing TNT this season

John Park Jr.
My first TNT coach -
ALL my fundraising for the season will be going
toward having a LLS grant named in his memory 

I've done three marathons with Team in Training and I am lucky enough to have just a small number of personal connections to the mission - but through all of the seasons, I've been able to meet some amazing people who do have personal and very close connections to blood cancer.

You may think that I am doing this season just because it is in Hawaii. Yes that is a reason - but just a very small part. The reason why I am participating in TNT this spring season is for John Park Jr.

If you have read this blog in the past, you will know that John Park Jr was my first coach with Team In Training. He devoted himself to Team In Training, not only as a coach but also as a participant. He reached SO many people's lives and even months after his passing, the amount of love that has been shown in his memory is incredibly moving.

Personally, without John, I probably would not have crossed that first - or any - of the finish lines. He was more than a coach, he was a friend, a motivator and a great inspiration to me and I know I would not continue with TNT if not for him.

So this year, I am running in the memory of John. I am going to cross the finish line in honor of him - I am going to keep going, not give up and continue his legacy through the season.

Additionally, the National Capital Area Chapter of Team in Training has created a sub team called John Park's Champions. The goal of this team is to raise $100,000 in honor of John - after which we will name a LLS grant in his memory. You can follow along with the progress at the blog linked above in addition to learning more about how John reached so many people's lives.

All of my fundraising money will go toward this team, in hopes to honor John and all he did for TNT. So, as you are donating - please do it in honor of John and all he has done for so many people just like me.

Click below to donate:

http://pages.teamintraining.org/nca/anttry12/samperry

Tri-ing something different

So if you are a frequent reader of this blog, or you are just reading it for the first time, you will know that it's about my life, scuba diving and training for marathons with Team in Training. 


This blog started as a way to share my training and fundraising progress with my first marathon with TNT and then it evolved through the next two. From there, I fell in love with Scuba Diving and I was able to use it to help gain support with my dream to move to Bali (which didn't work out - but that is okay). And now it is just kind of a way to share what is going on with my crazy ass life. 

BUT, now...drum roll please... I have something I never thought would happen... the chance to combine my two favorite things... Team in Training AND Scuba Diving. 

No, it is not some new extreme event that dives and raises money for cancer (humm--- bright light.... idea!!!) -- BUT it is a chance for me to participate in a TNT event in a location that is known for the amazing dive opportunities, which just HAPPENS to be one of my favorite places in the world...

The LAVAMAN TRIATHLON on the Big Island of Hawaii on April 1, 2012. 

Now, yes, that does mean I need help because right off the bat, I have a 2 big ssues: 

1) I have never done a triathlon before. Yes, I've done three marathons, but by NO MEANS have I mastered that. Frankly, I SUCK at running... (who are we kidding, we all know it is true).

BUT I am kinda good at swimming (Um, yes, that would be me, the one that was at one point 28th in the nation in breaststroke and swam in college - feeling okay about that leg). 

Oh and I teach 3 cycle classes a week and have a pretty badass bike... so not feeling too shabby about that leg too... and even though I SUCK at running, hopefully my kickassness (yes that is a word) at the other two parts will help make me look a lot less horrible through the entirety of the race. So wait, I might actually not SUCK at this. 

and 

2) My goal is to raise $8500. 

Yes, you read it correctly, $8500. I know that is a lot of money... but that is why I have wonderful friends and family like YOU!

SO... 

I need YOUR HELP. I know times are tough. I know it is the holidays, but I no matter how small a donation, every dollar helps. And I mean EVERY DOLLAR. 

I am not stupid - most, if not all, of my friends have children and I know it is the holidays. I know times are tough - BUT with that said I have a few arguments as to why you should donate to me and TNT:

• It is YOU - not me - that are the heros. I can't tell you how many times that I wanted to quit or give up during my previous races and trainings but there have been random people that have come up to me and said "THANK YOU -- YOU ARE THE REASON WHY (insert, mother, father, child, grandmother, boyfriend, girlfriend) IS STILL ALIVE" It is these people who give me the belief, energy and drive to continue running and to continue to affiliate with this charity. 
• TNT donates 75% of all donates directly to families, patients and research. The reason why our donation minimum is so high is because the overhead (ie - administrative costs) are so low. If you don't believe me, take a look at some of the other charities and you will find that LLS and TNT have one of the highest direct donation percentages out there. 
• Let's face it - Hawaii is a pretty kick-ass destination -- AND of course, I am looking for people to come and be my personal cheering section. Conveniently, with every donation, you are automatically entered to be a member of my personal cheerleading squad. All squad members that join me in Hawaii will receive at LEAST a "TEAM SAM" tshirt, an honorary "HO" to wear, and possibly (ok most likely) an AWESOME scuba dive with me.... oh and wait, duh, did I mention it is in HAWAII??

Anyway, anything you can do to help is appreciated. Anything you can do to help is appreciate... so please use the link below to donate... and continue to check back at my blog to follow my training and fundraising progress. 

http://pages.teamintraining.org/nca/anttry12/samperry