We recently sat down with Kristen Blair, a Team In Training Alumni, who participated in the 2008 ING New York City marathon. We wanted to video Kristen on her Team In Training experience

to get her story in her own words.

We've excerpted some of the questions below.  Or, view the full version here:

Why did you join Team In Training?

I have always dreamed of doing a marathon...started running a few years ago...(but) after I ran a half marathon, I was pretty sure I wouldn't be able to complete a full marathon.

Then I saw the 2006 New York city marathon. After that, I started telling people I was going to run in the New York City marathon in 2008. Once I started telling people, it kind of had to become a reality  - and Team In Training made it a realty.

Tell us about the coaches and your training experience.

Team In Training helps people of all levels..from someone like me who has running experience to someone who's never run...(the coaches) are able to work with all levels...everyone I know who
participated in Team In Training really had a great experience all the way through.

Would you participate in Team In Training again?

Absolutely - without a doubt. I don't think I could do it on my own. Even now after having the training - I kept up the running. I still  don't think I can do it on my own - so it's something I would definitely consider doing again.

What would you say to someone who was considering Team In Training?

I would say sign up. I've told everyone I know - including friends who came to watch me run who aren't athletic. I'd say, Just sign up Just sign up! - You can do it, you can absolutely do it! You just have to commit to it but anyone can do it through Team In Training.

What was your inspiration?

Every practice was an inspiration..before every practice someone from the group would get up and say why they were running. It could be that their mom had just past away -- or a friend of a friend of a friend ...There are just so many people who have been effected by these diseases...the few dollars that you're raising..in the end, there's proof that the money that you're raising...there's proof that it helps people every day.

Thank you for sharing your Team In Training Story, Kristen -- you're an inspiration and a VIP to us!

As summer comes to an end, we're passing winter right by to tell you about three new, exciting spring Team In Training events.  If you've been waiting for a new TNT experience, you're in luck! Train with TNT and take your pick: Rock ‘n’ Roll in the Big Easy, Be Princess for a Day or run through the splendor that is Paris!

Rock 'n' Roll Mardi Gras Marathon (R) -- February 28, 2010

Rock ‘n’ Roll through the Big Easy! Celebrate the conclusion of Mardi Gras with the Rock 'n' Roll Mardi Gras Marathon and 1/2 Marathon.  The party will be winding down as your tour through historic New Orleans begins.  You'll be right in the heart of the action where each mile is marked with a live band, and it's all followed by a post-race concert.  Learn More

Disney's Princess Half Marathon Weekend

Join us for a weekend fit for a princess. Disney's Princess Half Marathon Weekend will remind you that every woman is a princess. In fact, the Disney Princesses are the inspiration for the weekend's events and will focus on the attributes every princess possesses: commitment, courage, determination, fantasy, perseverance, and strength.  Learn More

Marathon de Paris -- April 11, 2010

Experience Paris like few others have.  This timed marathon through The City of Love is a competitive event design for serious marathoners. The route passes the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower, around the Place de la Bastille, meanders along the Siene and passes through the heart of Paris. If you're ready for the experience of a lifetime, get your passport ready and sign up for the Marathon de Paris.   Learn More

And don't forget, all Team In Training programs offer:

• Great people. Great times. Certified coaches provide exceptional training and teammates bring the fun, friendship and encouragement.
• Fundraising support. Your own Web page plus fundraising help from our staff and alumni mentors.
• A fabulous weekend. Travel, lodging and entry fees are all part of the package. Plus, you’ll spend the weekend in a fabulous setting, no matter which event you decide on.
• A lifesaving cause. Maybe the greatest benefit of all is knowing that you’ll be raising funds to help cure blood cancers.