Wow, what a blur the past few days have been. I was planning on writing a blog for yesterday, but that didn’t happen. I went to Alaska over the weekend and took a redeye flight back Sunday night and the next thing I know, I’m in the office on Monday morning. So, I guess here goes, a weekend recap and some announcements I need to make.
Real quick, just in case this is your first time here, click here to see why I’m running 61 marathons this year for Train 4 Autism. I ran my 38th of the year yesterday in Anchorage, Alaska. I thoroughly enjoyed the course. I’ve run a lot of races, and none topped this one.
Now, for two quick announcements.
Race 4 Free!
I’m always trying to figure out new ways to increase participation and fundraising, so my latest attempt is something I’m creating called Race 4 Free. If you raise just $300, we’ll cover a race entry fee for you, plus we’ll send you an Operation Jack t-shirt, tech shirt and sweatshirt. The race entry can’t exceed $150, and there’s no obligation to try. I’d prefer you do this for a race I’m going to be at, but you can do this for any race you like.
Also, if you have a preferred autism charity, we’ll contribute 85 percent of everything you raise beyond $300 to that organization. If you don’t have a preferred organization, Train 4 Autism will be the beneficiary.
Unfortunately, I can only do this for new fundraising efforts, but $300 is a pretty low requirement and it’s not mandatory. If you sign up and don’t make it, you’re not on the hook for anything. To create a team, go to operationjack.kintera.org/race4free. If you have any questions, send me an email!
St. Louis Cardinals Fundraiser Update
We settled on donation requirements for autographs at the fundraising event we’re having in St. Louis on October 2. Most of you aren’t in that area, so I won’t go into a ton of detail here, but if you’re thinking about attending, or if you’re unaware of what we’re doing, click to operationjack.org/cardinals to learn more. It’s going to be an awesome event!
Weekend Recap
Well, I think I’ll let the pictures do the talking. I posted an album on Facebook and I left it public so everybody could see it. I was really looking forward to Alaska and I was not disappointed. It was amazing and I’m so glad I went. I only saw a little tiny corner of the state, and it was the most magnificent corner of the world I’ve ever seen. I’m going back with my wife someday. No question about it — I can’t wait for her to see it.
Anyways, click here to see the album.
Something I Had Never Done Before This Weekend
I ate a reindeer sausage omelette. I took a picture, but I won’t post it here — it’s in the album. I got talked into it by Alaska native Brandon Wood, who I’ll talk about a little farther down in this blog. Like the saying goes, when in Rome … eat an omelette?
Something Else I Had Never Done Before This Weekend
I tied a necktie on a woman in a Wal-Mart parking lot. I guess I can cross that off the list of things I’d never done, too. I parked my car and a young woman dressed as Charlie Chaplain approached me from her truck. My first thought was she was going to ask me for gas money. But she told me she was going to a “gender bender” birthday party and she didn’t know how to tie her tie.
I know how to tie a tie, but I’ve never tied one on another person. And quite frankly, it’s pretty awkward to do that — especially to some random woman. But after three tries, I got it, and since I had my camera in my pocket, I told her I wanted to take a picture for my blog since it was such a random experience. So, here it is … how’s the knot?
I was impressed with my work. She offered to buy me McDonald’s, but I had already eaten.
It’s Not Very Often You Can Write This As Your Facebook Status
I had the opportunity to write this yesterday afternoon, and I don’t know when I’ll get the opportunity to write this again. Hopefully never?
I wonder why I can’t get below 200 pounds.
Don’t Tell Us You Can’t Do It!
Most of you know I dropped about 60 pounds when I got in shape to run marathons. But check this out … I met somebody named Brandon Wood on Sunday up in Alaska. He’s dropped more than 80 pounds since last Christmas! He was 290 back then and only 208 yesterday. I had seen his before picture, then met him yesterday, and when I went back to look at the before picture, it was so hard to believe that was him! I mean, it was, but wow — incredible job, Brandon! For the record, Brandon’s super nice. One cool thing about what I’m doing this year is I get to meet nice people in every city I go to.
Amazing. Absolutely amazing.
OK, that’s all for today. I’ll see you back here tomorrow. Happy Tuesday!
Jan Menegio says
Hi Sam! It’s your favorite physical therapist from Bauer PT, Jan! Was just thinking about you and decided to try and search for your blog to check on your progress. Congratulations on what you’ve accomplished so far this year! Keep up all the good work!!!
-Jan Menegio
Brandon Wood says
I’m glad you had such a great time on your short trip up here, and ran such a great race. That’s pretty hilarious about the woman in the Walmart parking lot. Oh, and thanks for the shout-out to my blog 🙂