The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Blog

Team In Training

10 Posts authored by: Christine Lazzari

showLargeThumb.ashxCompleting a triathlon is a great feat.  A triathlon is a multi-sport endurance event consisting of swimming, cycling, and running.  Team In Training's triathlon program offers the opportunity to take on the exciting challenge of training of and completing an Olympic-distance triathlon.

 

The Team In Training program is a one-of-a-kind, one-to-one training program that will teach you all you need to know about getting your body and mind in peak performance to take on an endurance event.  Along with a customized-training program and expert coaching, participants will train with a local group of like-minded individuals for motivation and inspiration.

 

Right now, Team In Training is recruiting participants for the following amazing events:

 

  • Capital of Texas Triathlon - May 31, 2010
  • Visit downtown Austin for this inspiring event which attracts not only first timers, relay-ers and age groupers, but also Professional triathletes from around the globe. It's one of the most exciting and spectator- friendly races in the country!

  • South Maui Triathlon - June 13, 2010
    The Inaugural South Maui Triathlon at Wailea will take place on the island of Maui in beautiful Wailea.  This very safe and beautiful Olympic Distance triathlon course is great for spectator viewing. The transition area will be housed on the beautiful Wailea Beach Marriott Resort and Spa Luau grounds.  Whether this is your first triathlon or your 5th, this amazing event is one you don't want to miss.
  • Philadelphia Insurance Triathlon - June 27, 2010
    This course will travel through some of the most historic and picturesque sections of the city.  The start/finish and transition areas are located just off of West River Drive, near the base of Black Road. It's a beautiful part of Fairmount Park, complete with statues, trees and grassy fields.

 

In addition to these national events, many local Team In Training groups are training for triathlons in their hometowns.    Fill out our online Tell Me More form to find out the triathlons offered by your local chapter.

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Image the wind in your hair and the mud on your boots as you admire the breath-taking views of the Grand Canyon, Havasupai Falls, or Yosemite National Park.  Add that to the accomplishment and pride you'll feel after hiking your way to that view all while helping give cancer patients a fighting chance.    Whether you're a seasoned hiker or someone who just enjoys a good walk, Team In Training hike adventures offers a  hike program for your ability and level of fitness.

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Hike Grand Canyon May 15-17, 2010

The Grand Canyon is more than a great chasm carved over millennia through the rocks of the Colorado Plateau. It is more than an awe-inspiring view. It is more than a pleasuring ground for those who explore the roads, seek great views or venture into the canyon. Starting at 7,000 feet above sea level, the Grand Canyon offers hikes for everyone - from rolling rim hikes to challenging hikes into the canyon, there truly is something for everyone at the Grand Canyon.

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Grand Adventure, Havasupai Falls  June 3-6, 2010

On this challenge you descend into one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, into the heart of the Grand Canyon at Havasu Canyon, where we will hike and explore this incredible landscape, crossing travertine pools of turquoise blue water, spending evenings at a permanent camp searching for stars, having hearty meals and conversation about the day's challenge.    Some say you haven't lived until you've taken a journey through Grand Canyon. This 3 day/2 night camping adventure  takes you through the heart of the canyon and will leave you with a sense of accomplishment, awe and a true appreciation and love of the grandest place on earth. 

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Hike Yosemite  June 19, 2010

Yosemite is not just a great valley, but a shrine to human foresight, the strength of granite, the power of glaciers, the persistence of life, and the tranquility of the High Sierra. Yosemite National Park, one of the first wilderness parks in the United States, is best known for its waterfalls, but within its nearly 1,200 square miles, you can find deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, a vast wilderness area, and much more.

 

Our coaches, certified in partnership with the American Hiking Association (AHS), provide exceptional training and clinics on fitness, nutrition, gear and injury prevention and hiking principles like Leave No Trace.

 

In addition to receiving a one-year membership to AHS, TNT Hikers' travel, lodging, guide fees and pre-and post-event activities are all complementary.

 

Fill out our online Tell Me More form to find out the hike adventures offered by your local chapter.

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In it's 19th year, America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride is a 100-mile journey around Lake Tahoe in Nevada and California. The event features breathtaking views. With challenging climbs and short rolling ascents and descents, this ride is a must-do for all cyclists. Picturesque rest stops and ample support will greet riders as they navigate around Lake Tahoe. The event includes a challenging 800 foot climb to an Emerald Bay overlook, and a 1,000 foot climb to Spooner Junction.

 

Sound too good to be true?  It's not.  Whether you're a seasoned and avid rider, or you've just purchased your first real bike, Team In Training will get you across the finish line.  Our expert coaches and enthusiastic teams will help you train near your home town and get you prepared for the big weekend.

 

America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride has raised over $8.5 million to help blood cancer patients live longer, better lives.  Team In Training participants from across the US and Canada will gather for an incredible, inspiring and challenging weekend in early June.

 

Team In Training is currently recruiting participants for this event. Sign up for more information about America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride and TNT.

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Team In Training coaches from all over the country and in Canada converged on San Francisco for the Nike Women's Marathon.

Watch this short clip of our dynamic coaches. If  you're up for Coach Nina's challenge, visit www.teamintraining.org.

 

 

This is the sixth year of The Nike Women's Marathon, a one-of-a-kind event,  sponsored by Nike, that has brought  together more than 100,000 women to celebrate running and raise funds for the  fight against blood cancers.

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http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/object2/680/110/n21996438648_57.jpgThe charming and successful New York City Team In Training Coach, Ramon Bermo, was kind enough to let us in on what it's like to have trained more than 5,000 Team In Training participants.  At the end, there'a  video snippet of Coach Ramon in action!

 

Coach Ramon, you're a popular and successful Team In Training coach. What's your secret?

I believe my secret is the passion I have for the program and the sport...but if you ask people, they will say my secret is my energy! I believe in the mission and the people. Whatever I can do to help those who give their time and efforts for this worthy cause, I will.  It's the people who participate in this program that make me want to get up early - be a little crazy - and share my knowledge as a coach and athlete.

 

I believe I'm successful because people know I care for their success.

 

How did you get involved with Team In Training?
About 12/13 years ago I would run a mountain or join a race and fundraise for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

 

Then 8 1/2 years ago I was contacted to become a Team In Training Coach.  On my first day I remember a young girl, 21, Joanne -- she came up to me and told me that she would be running with me, but  wanted me to know that she had been in remission for a year...That's when it really kicked me -- Team In Training is not just about coaching, it's about much more.

 

Do you have any idea how many people you may have trained through Team In Training? Give us an estimate.

A few thousand, for sure...5,000 plus.

 

Coach Ramon, that's impressive! Thank you for helping so many people get across the finish line safely.
It is my pleasure.

 

I understand that you've coined a number of phrases that you use to keep Team In Training participants inspired.  What are they?

I have a lot of phrases that are unique, but I say 'behave' a lot to get people to train correctly. Throughout the season I tell people to 'behave'...to run regularly, to pace themselves, to eat right, then after - I tell them they can ''misbehave'!  You know, everybody likes to misbehave!

 

Do you know any of the National Advisory Coaches?

I know Tom Dooley very well. (Tom Dooley is the National Advisory Walk Coach for Team In Training and a two-time Olympian).  We get along very well... the passion that he has for Team In Training has inspired me.  He is someone who truly cares.

 

Coach Ramon, you've also been a coach for other training programs. How does Team In Training compare?
With Team In Training, the coaching is second to none...I don't see any other organization being able to top it.

 

What do you tell people who express interest in Team In Training?
As a coach, I tell them that if they can give me the time, I will make sure they will cross the finish line - and that they should come to a training session and they'll see people just like themselves.


It's all about the will to do it --- if you have the will, you have run!  Team In Training will get you there.

 

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If you are hoping to participate in the near sold-out WALT DISNEY WORLD® Marathon Weekend, register with Team In Training (TNT). We have guaranteed spots for this world-class event, and we're offering them to valued members of the TNT family on a first-come, first-served basis!

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The memorable weekend takes place from Thursday, January 7 to Sunday, January 10, 2010.  The Walt Disney World® Marathon and Half-Marathon are the most magical miles on Earth!  You'll tour through the Magic Kingdom, passing by Cinderella's castle, pass by the giant Epcot globe, experience the best of nature through Disney's Animal Kingdom, and watch the streets transform before you in Disney's Hollywood Studios.

 

In addition to these main events, the weekend offers some incredible opportunities to get the whole family involved in fitness and fun.  Plus, you'll be a member of the exclusive Team In Training program.  Through Team In Training you'll get:

  • 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.
  • Travel, lodging and entry fees are all part of the package. Plus, live bands at every mile, a post race concert and all in a setting unlike any other, New Orleans!
  • Maybe the greatest benefit of all is knowing that you'll be raising funds to help cure blood cancers.

 

For the lastest on Team In Training news and events subscribe to this blog. On Facebook? become a fan of Team In Training. Follow us on Twitter @teamintraining.

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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!

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Browse your nearest magazine stand this month and you'll see 28-time Ironman finisher, inventor and entrepreneur Vinu Malik gracing the cover of Triathlete Magazine.

 

We're proud to note that the over-achieving Vinu is founder and CEO of FuelBelt, a Team In Training Product Partner.

 

The Triathlete Magazine cover story chronicles Vinu's rise to success as a family man, an entreprenuer and yes, as a long-time triathlete. It's the sort of interview that reminds you that there are few goals you can't accomplish if you have your priorities in place. Vinu clearly lives his philosophy and just as clearly thrives on proving it true!

 

Check out these excerpts:

 

On being an young entreprenuer..." Nothing in life is free and there's no easy way. I made my decisions when I had the least amount of money. People see a successful business on the outside, but they have no idea how much I put on the line to get it off the ground."

 

On balancing priorities..."Family time is always my number 1 priority because it makes everything else in life seem easy."

 

On training..."Training for a triathlon is definitely hard work and time management is key...when people say they don't have time, they are making excuses. My schedule is not for everyone, but it goes to show you that you can have a very rich life if you focus on family first."

 

Vinu's winning spirit and terrific outlook are a perfect match for Team In Training, a program that transforms the lives of participants and the patients they serve simultaneously.

 

Read the article about Vinu in Triathlete Magazine and then sign up for that Team In Training event you always dreamed of. Vinu's outlook will remind you that any goal worth setting is worth accomplishing. Team In Training will help you get there.

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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!

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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.
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Team In Training is not only the first endurance sports training program developed to benefit a charity, but with twenty years and literally thousands of events under our belt, it's also the best. Our coaches and the unique training experience they provide our participants distinguish us from any other program. Their expertise and care allow us to stand apart from all other charity programs, grooming healthy athletes in the process. The experience is empowering and can be life-changing for anyone who's struggled with reaching a a fitness goal. Anyone who's participated in Team In Training knows this.

 

In our inaugural post, we want to celebrate our team of National Advisory Coaches. A roster of the brightest coaching talents in their respective fields, we're proud of the guidance and support our Coach leaders provide. If our mission alone won't inspire you - these folks certainly will:

 

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National Advisory Run Coach, Jack Daniels
Jack Daniels, Ph.D. is Associate Professor in Human Movement at A. T. Still University in Mesa, Arizona, and trains and consults runners from all over the world.

 

Jack is a two-time National Champion in the Modern Pentathlon and received Silver and Bronze Medals in the Olympics as part of the USA Teams in Melbourne, Australia and Rome, Italy (1956 and 1960).

 

Author of the popular, Daniel's Running Formula, Jack's been a National Advisory Coach for Team In Training since 1997.  A true American running icon, we're fortunate to have Jack's guidance for TNT.

 

View this interview with Jack on 'Different Workout Schedules' to hear Jack in his own words.

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National Advisory Cycling Coach, Arnie Baker
A titan among Cycling Coaches, Arnie Baker, MD has held eight U.S. 40-K time trial records, won six national championships, and has won more than 200 races. With author credits on 16 books and more than 1,000 articles on bicycling and bicycling-related subjects, Dr. Baker is also a board certified family physician.

 

Dr. Baker has been a National Advisor Cycling Coach Advisor for Team In Training since 1997.

 

For more about Dr. Baker, see his website.

 

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National Advisory Triathlon Coach, Dave Scott
A six-time Triathlon World Champion, Dave Scott is easily the most recognized athlete and coach in the sport of triathlon. Through Dave Scott, Inc. Dave offers a number of interactive trainings and resources.

 

For the past 10 years Dave has been the National Triathlon Advisory Coach for Team In Training.

 

To find out more about Dave Scott and the services of Dave Scott, Inc, including Dave Scott Live.

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National Advisory Walk Coach, Tom Dooley
A two-time Olympian, and a silver medalist in the 1971 Pan American Games. Tom is a multi-national record holder, who at one time held 11 American race walking records.

 

Tom's been affiliated with Team In Training since 1994, when he became the head walking coach for the Northern California Chapter's Team In Training program.

 

Since that time, he has trained more than 2,500 volunteers to complete various marathons through the Team In Training® program. Dooley has authored numerous articles on the training and conditioning of walkers, including this recent feature on Parade, Walk Yourself Healthy.

 

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National Advisory Hike Coach, Carolyn Balling

 

Carolyn Balling started with the Hike program in the fall of 2004, when she helped design the first season and has been coaching hikers in Greater San Francisco Bay Area Chapter ever since. 

 

She began her involvement with TNT as a participant on one of Tom Dooley's marathon walk teams in 1998, and began coaching marathon walk teams the following year.  Since then she's coached over 1,000 walkers and now hundreds of hikers, and managed to apply her degree in Environmental Education and her career as a corporate trainer to her TNT coaching work.  She's been National Hike Advisor since 2007.

 

Together these coaches have helped shape the Team In Training program by providing guidance to more than 800 program coaches nationwide. Legions of our participants have benefited from their influence.

 

And you can, too -- register for Team In Training and get monthly tips from each of these National Coaches Advisors among a number of other benefits.

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