These young boys woke up at 4am every morning, ran 3 miles, rowed 11 miles, then went to school all day.
After school they ran 3 more miles, rowed 11 more miles, then returned to their homes long after dark to do homework before falling asleep for a few hours. Then the next morning they woke up and did it all again.
They were training for the Samoan national rowing competition, a tradition that honors the ancient Samoans who first inhabited the islands.
Their dedication triggered empathy and reverence in me.
I feel blessed that I was able to meet them and ride with them.