http://www.jeanniesamson.com/balance_-_jeannie_samsons_triathlon_blog.htmJeannie SamsonSun, 25 May 2008 14:07:12 GMTFri, 13 Aug 2010 04:22:35 GMTLevelfieldhttp://www.jeanniesamson.com/log/post_351228840_balance_-_jeannie_samsons_triathlon_blog.htmSeveral months ago I was surprised by a wonderful gift from friends I met at my children's school, Kathy Caraway Elementary.  They surprised me with a sponsorship gift of the entry fee into the  2008 Age Group World Championship Triathlon in Vancouver, Canada as a way of supporting me in my dream of being the best I can be.  I was so grateful and shocked that they did this - what an amazing group of people that did such a generous thing for little ole' me!!  In my previous blog I mentioned that it's been a challenging few months and I have not been able to train much.  It's because of this that I decided to request a refund  and withdraw from the race.  I don't feel I would be able to give my best to represent the USA, and my family needs me to be here now.  I am very sad, but touched nonetheless by the generosity of my friends at the school.   I am also so thrilled that I took a chance and went for it all in the last few years of triathlon racing!!  My hard work produced amazing results, and I will always have that.  I have decided to give the money to several organizations that need it.  A few are: a group on a large bike ride to honor fallen EMS workers, the RED CROSS fund to help the massive relief effort in China, a friend doing a triathlon to raise money for her school's library, and the American Cancer Society's "Walk for Life."  THANK YOU to my friends - just know the baton has been passed the full amount and more of your much appreciated gifts!Sun, 25 May 2008 14:07:12 GMThttp://www.jeanniesamson.com/log/post_351227360_balance_-_jeannie_samsons_triathlon_blog.htmThe last couple of months have been some of the most stressful times I have had in a long time.  Old injuries, new injuries, an ill family member that needed a great deal of my time, numerous house repairs, and my husband out of town on business  for a month all have added up to some tears and a drastically different workout routine.  When the load lightens a bit I am hopeful I can rebuild my lost fitness, and I feel everything happens for a reason.  Right now my time and energy are needed to help others - something that I am proud and happy to do.  My family has supported me so much in the last several years, it's my turn to pay more attention to them!  Today is the CapTexTri in Austin - I have to admit I am a litle bit sad I am not there.  I am wishing all athletes my best for a FAST and FUN race!! Sun, 25 May 2008 13:47:30 GMT