ello John!

I was having some trouble uploading my pictures/story on the samstone website but did want to share my wonderful experience.

I received my SamStone 1 day prior to tackeling my biggest athletic acheivement to date: The Tempe, AZ Ironman Race.  Yes.  Just prior to setting out to complete a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and a 26.2 mile run, I received a Samstone from a family friend, Cheryl Leach.  Admittedly, I was a little skeptical when she asked me to carry a rock with me on the 140.6 mile journey.  Afterall, I had spent the last year training and spending money to be the lightest, fastest, and most aerodynamic I could be!!  She briefy shared the touching story behind the special stone and I was committed. I could not pass it up.  What touched me most is how your family in its darkest time made one of the greatest gifts of all:  donating Sam's organs.  I have been active in the Donate Life campaign and hearing your family's story renewed my interest and commitment to this life-saving cause.  Thank you for the gift.

Where is Sam you ask?  Well. 2 places actually.  One stone started with me in the leg of my wetsuit.  He saw a beautiful sunrise and jumped in a balmy reservoir the morning of November 21st.  He then joined my second stone in my bike bento box (along with gels, salt tabs, and a Cliff bar)  as I set off into the Tempe desert.  At mile 73 (when I was 100% sure I was going to finish this race) I dropped one stone at a breathtakng location in the desert very near a modest memorial site for someone that passed away.  Sam #2 finished my bike ride, transitioned into my tri top pocket and hit the road for the marathon.  After seeing the same sun we started the day together viewing set againest the moutains, Sam and I turned the corner and bolted into the straight away to complete the ultimate atheletic test: THE IRONMAN.  Sam and I finished in 12hours and 2 minutes.  Now my SamStone sits next to my Ironman Finisher medal.  We did it!!!!

Thank you for sharing and I look forward to checking back often to see where Sam's travels bring him next.

God Bless,

Krisa Urchell