Team In Training

Totally Baldacious Inspiration: Team In Training Coach Jacque

todd.whitley@lls.org — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 20:50:26 GMT

Jacque Carter fell in love with Team In Training in the fall of 2003. She had been a runner when she was younger but a dislocated knee ended her running career. However, she became an avid race walker and by 2005 was coaching the walk team for the National Capital Area chapter. Never one to shy away from attention, Jacque and a group of friends sported angel wings during the Nike Women’s Marathon to Benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in San Francisco in 2008. They called themselves Peggy’s Pals to honor a friend battling leukemia. Last summer, Jacque once again decided to take a very visible stand to show her support and solidarity for cancer patients, when she shaved her head following a training run with her team.

Her story was beautifully documented on the New York Times Running Voices series

Thank you for being a Totally Baldacious pioneer, Coach Jacque!

Run. Bike. Swim. Cure.

christine.lazzari@lls.org — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 14:43:40 GMT

Completing 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.

Head Into The Great Outdoors With Team In Training

christine.lazzari@lls.org — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:47:40 GMT

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.

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.

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.

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.

Congrats from MasterTheShift Yoga Master, Tara Stiles

todd.whitley@lls.org — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 14:37:21 GMT

Hi Everyone. I just wanted to say hi, thanks, and congrats to everyone involved with Team In Training (TNT). I learned about TNT this year through the Master the Shift program with Nissan. It's been a great year of traveling around to different races, getting to meet a lot of you, sharing some yoga tips, and hearing your stories. It's been inspiring to soak in the TNT vibe. The work you do and have done is mind boggling. You've reached $1 billon dollars to fight blood cancers and improve quality of life. That's truly amazing. Your efforts have changed so many people's lives, including mine.

Yoga is a practice that works from the inside out. You start where you are and you're somewhere different every day. Yoga cultivate s a balance of strength and balance in our bodies and our minds. It's all connected to the breath. When we focus on the breath, instead of the circus wheel of thoughts, we are brought into the present moment. And when we are balanced in the present moment, we are able to extend ourselves into the lives of others and serve effectively. That's what yoga's all about. Conscious living. Living a useful life for ourselves, and others. We're all in this together. When you give you receive and TNT participants can feel the gratitude, the love, the energy and support of everyone you've touched. Please continue your efforts in fighting blood cancers, building strength in your bodies, and minds, and supporting each other.

If you ever need a stress reducer, take a minute for yourself, close your eyes and focus on your breath. 5 minutes makes a big difference. Meditation doesn't have to be a big deal you take 60 minutes out of your day. When we recharge we are more equip to serve. For more tips and videos from me, visit MastertheShift.com.

Thank you for letting me into your world. I appreciate you.

Tara Stiles

Find out more about Tara on the MasterTheShift.com

America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride

christine.lazzari@lls.org — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 20:44:38 GMT

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.

Cross the Finish Line this Summer with Team In Training

todd.whitley@lls.org — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 22:35:06 GMT

leave impossible behind. be inspired. change lives, starting with your own. create a world without cancer. get off the couch. meet like-minded people. be someone's hero. find your inner athlete. be extraordinary. save lives one miles at a time.

Now recruiting runners and walkers to train for marathons and half marathons happening this Summer

Feel the pride that comes along with crossing the finish line. Have you ever thought about participating in a marathon or half marathon? Now's your chance. Whether you're a couch potato or a seasoned runner, Team In Training will get you there.

Vancouver Marathon May 2, 2010
Canada's largest marathon takes place in beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia. This beautiful, mostly flat, paved course is open to runners and walkers as a full or half-marathon. >>Learn More

Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Marathon & ½ Marathon June 6, 2010
Participants will be treated to a BRAND NEW Rock 'n' Roll course in 2010. San Diego, known for its scenic coastline and laid-back lifestyle, has so much to offer participants both on and off the course! The thoughtfully designed walker and runner-friendly route will run past a variety of signature attractions in San Diego. >>Learn More

Mayor's Marathon and Half Marathon June 19, 2010
This walker-friendly, 8½-hour course travels through beautiful Anchorage, AK. Scenic city bike trails, gravel, rocky and paved roadways make up this gently rolling course which extends downhill. The race is sanctioned by USA Track and Field and is recognized by the Boston Marathon as a qualifying event. >>Learn More

Rock 'n' Roll Seattle Marathon & 1/2 June 26, 2010
A running nirvana that travels from Tukwila to Seattle features ideal running temperatures in the mid-60s and beautiful scenery. The Pacific Northwest is a perfect destination for an early summer vacation. >> Learn More

Team In Training promises a customized training program and certified coaches. As a participant, you will train with a local group of like-minded individuals all motivated to cross the finish line and help blood cancer patients live longer, better lives.

Nation's Tri Honored Patient Champions Issues Facing Young Adults Fighting Cancer

todd.whitley@lls.org — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:56:28 GMT

In 2007, while vacationing with his family in Italy, Jake Silberg began feeling ill. After two weeks in a Rome hospital, he was diagnosed with Burkitt’s lymphoma, a rare and aggressive blood cancer. He was flown back to the US, where great medical care and support from his family, friends and community all were critical to his recovery. So was peer-to-peer support, which Jake says played an important role in getting him through the challenges presented by the intense treatment that rid his body of his cancer two years ago. "I gained a lot of strength from my peer mentor, Weldon, a young adult cancer survivor my doctor connected me with. It was so incredible to see him fresh from running the NYC marathon, getting ready to go to college to become an oncologist...He showed me how my life could be and helped me understand that I could get through this and beat cancer."

Fast forward to September 2009. Jake is a featured speaker at The Nation's Tri Inspiration Dinner, attended by more than 1,500 triathletes, many of them Team In Training participants. Jake reminded the triathletes that he got through the toughest days of chemotherapy by saying to himself that “you can do this, just hold steady.” He told the triathletes to remember that refrain when they faced the challenges of the race course. The next day, he was on the course cheering on the participants and running the last mile with a triathlete friend and his parents. He also gives back to others as a member of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s First Connection peer counseling program.

Jake recently took our young adult cancer survey, produced in conjunction with the I'm Too Young for This! Foundation (see:http://survey.i2y.com), to raise awareness about the unique challenges young adult cancer patients face. If you're a young adult cancer patient or young adult cancer survivor, we want to hear from you. As an added incentive, for the first 400 survey takers - 1 in 8 will win a $50 iTunes gift card. Please note that to be eligible you must be 15-39 and a cancer survivor.

View the video excerpt of Jake's Speech at The Nation's Tri Inspiration Dinner.

Find out more about First Connection, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's peer-to-peer telephone support program linking patients and their families with a trained volunteer who has experienced a similar situation. (see: http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/all_page?item_id=4582)
Help young adults like Jake by participating in Team In Training (www.teamintraining.org), the worlds first, best and largest endurance sports training program. Our program has helped train more than 420,000 people for endurance sports events (marathons, triathlons, century rides, and hike adventures) over the past 21 years and raised more than $1 billion for life-saving cancer research in the process.

A 'Thank You' to TNT Coaches

todd.whitley@lls.org — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 22:34:56 GMT

The following Thank You email was sent by one of our participants, Lisa Nelson, who's pictured crossing the finish line at the Nike Women's Marathon above on the far left.

I just completed the Nike Women's Marathon with the Monterey Run team. "Thank you" gets said to all of the Team in Training coaches, and I have certainly thanked my own coach numerous times, but it just seems woefully inadequate. I am wishing there was a way I could thank all of the coaches from across the country that helped support me through that event.

My running partner and I were running around that dreaded Lake Merced, and around the back side of the lake, we were really hoping to see our coach. We were a little punchy at that point, so we started counting all of the TNT coaches that were cheering us on, genuinely asking how we were doing, shouting words of encouragement, etc. In just a mile stretch, we counted more than 40 TNT coaches. I had started shouting out "thank you coach" to all the coaches, after they were cheering us on. At one point, I said "thank you coach, that is not my coach" and he replied "we are all your coach."

He was right. When I think back on those moments, trying to finish my first marathon, and just the overwhelming support of from the entire Team in Training organization, but especially all the coaches... I still get emotional thinking about it.

Please if you could thank all the TNT coaches, from all across the country, for their support and encouragement, I would really appreciate it.

GO TEAM!! Thank you,

Lisa Nelson

And thank you, Lisa Nelson, for recognizing our amazing and committed coaches. It's really true that Team In Training coaches are un-matched!

If you haven't participated in Team In Training find out more on www.teamintraining.org If you're a current or past participant - share your coach story with us! Email community@lls.org

Top TNT Fundraiser, Tam Driscoll

todd.whitley@lls.org — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 18:53:39 GMT

We're proud of our participants and impressed by our top fundraisers, like Tam Driscoll, who won top fundraiser honors at The Nike Women's Marathon last month.

Pictured here is Tam, along with her Daugher, Devan. Tam is wearing her top fundraiser Tiffany necklace.

Here's a message that Tam shared with her friends and supporters following the event:

I just returned from San Francisco for the Nike Women's Marathon and Half Marathon that took place this past weekend and secured the top fundraising spot in the nation for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS) Team In Training (TNT). It was an amazing yet bittersweet weekend. I was the guest speaker for the VIP fundraiser party on Friday night as well as speaker for the Breakfast at Tiffany's on Saturday. I got to meet Olympian's Kara Goucher and run with Joan Benoit Samuelson the following morning. My family was with me again at the Inspiration Dinner where we remembered those who lost the fight to cancer like Nancy and honor those fighting. I received a surprise award from Nissan at the Moscone Center with over 7,000 present. Sunday morning race was incredible where I joined a sea of over 20,000 runners and walkers from all over. While I didn't beat the Kenyan, Ethiopian or the woman from California that won the foot race, I did win over 5,000 other winners fundraising from 66 TNT Chapters to be the #1 Fundraiser in the entire nation by raising a record $57,775 for the Society! I owe it to AIDA: Awareness, Interest, Desire and Action and to all of you for generously supporting my effort in memory of my sister Nancy. My family was front and center: three of my sisters, Deb, Pam and Tray flew in from the east coast and joined me along with husband Geoff and daughter Devan. They were with me on the race course which was wonderful in so many ways. The six months of training and fundraising culminated in the race of my life for me and my family. It was worth every step in this amazing journey as I know a cure for cancer is within our reach.

I'm thankful for each and every one of you for your support and generosity to fund and find a cure for blood cancer and to provide quality of life to patients and their families. Here's to ending the pain & heartache and for our future!

With heartfelt thanks,

Tam
www.tamdriscoll.com

Thank you, Tam, for your passionate commitment to our cause! Because of your efforts, blood cancer patients are living better, longer lives.

See Tam's Team In Training Fundraising page

Portland's Outlook featured this story on Tam, Tam Driscoll sets fundraising record for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Visit www.teamintraining.org for more about the Nike Women's Marathon

Team In Training Coaches @ The Nike Women's Marathon

christine.lazzari@lls.org — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:46:07 GMT

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.

NYC Marathon Participant, Laura Booke

todd.whitley@lls.org — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:55:40 GMT

Running for Cures with Team In Training

Laura Booke with her great niece, Louise

Laura Booke will be running her second ING New York City Marathon this Sunday at the age of 72, this time as a member of Team In Training (www.teamintraining.org). "There wasn't supposed to be a second," she says..."But then, my great niece, Louise Elizabeth Daggett, three years old, adorable, smart and lovable, was diagnosed with leukemia...Whatever could I possibly do to help her? Answer: I can run; I can run with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training program and raise money for the research that now gives Louise the possibility of a long healthy life."

Louise's family has received help from LLS through financial aid, counseling, information and support groups. "Louise is running the race for her life. I am running the race on the streets of New York. Together we will be winners. At the finish I will give Louise my medal. The victory is hers."

TNT National Training Coordinator Responds to Nytimes.com Blog

todd.whitley@lls.org — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 20:09:47 GMT

Tommy Owens comments on "Are Humans Meant to Run Long Distances"

Owens weighs in on the the importance of marathon training with his response to Tara Parker-Pope's post, with

"As a running coach for 20 years, I concur that training gradually over a long period of time is the surest and safest way to get to the start and finish line injury free, while feeling excited and fresh. At Team in Training (www.teamintraining.org) we [understand] the importance of training for at least four to five months, and we usually recommend a combination of run/ walk to help our people build their strength, stamina, and endurance, and mitigate the risk of injury. Proper pacing is a significant key to healthy enjoyable training. Our clinics on proper gear,nutrition and hydration, and running form also helps a great deal. Having a training program with easy days, recovery days, along with a gradual increase in mileage, certainly adds to the health, safety, and enjoyment for all our people."

For the full post, see: http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/26/are-humans-meant-to-run-long-distances/?apage=6#comments

Hats Off to our World-Class Sponsors!

todd.whitley@lls.org — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:24:31 GMT

Runner's World

Runner's World is proud of our long-standing relationship with Team In Training. Recognized as the worldwide authority on running information, Runner's World aims to help runners achieve their personal health, fitness, and performance goals, and to inspire them with vivid, memorable storytelling. Published by Rodale, Runner's World is available in 14 editions world-wide and online at www.runnersworld.com

Nike

Thanks to our partnership with the Nike Women's Marathon, held annually in San Francisco, Team in Training has raised over $78 million in the battle against blood cancers. Just Do It? Nike lives their famous tagline and for that, we're grateful.

PowerBar

National Supporting Sponsor and Official Energy Bar and Gel of Team In Training, PowerBar, has been actively engaged with Team In Teaming through much of the last decade, providing participants with the nutritional products and tools to achieve their Team In Training goals. Become part of the PowerBar community at www.powerbar.com

Schwinn

A cycling icon for the last 100 years, we're honored by Schwinn's sponsorship of Team In Training. Visit www.schwinnbikes.com to where you can become a part the Schwinn community.

Nissan

Get ready for your big race with valuable training tips and videos from Nissan Master and record-setting marathoner Ryan Hall. Watch his videos and enter to win a Nissan Altima at www.mastertheshift.com.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society applauds our Team In Training Sponsors, recognizing the impact they have had on our ability to help blood cancer patients live longer, better lives. Thanks to you, we're that much closer to cures!

From the Nike Women's Marathon: TNT Honoree's Finishline Celebration

todd.whitley@lls.org — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:12:54 GMT

Pictured here is Marcella Marcheschi (L) with her sister, Gabriella (R). Both sisters and their mother participated in the Nike Women's Marathon Sunday.

“I don’t think words can explain what it feels like to be told you have cancer,” says Marcella Marcheschi, 28, of San Francisco, of learning of her diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma in January of 2008. “All of a sudden I wasn’t a young healthy 20-something any more. I had something in my body killing me.”

On Sunday she wore one word on her shirt: “Survivor,” eliciting cheers from onlookers as she crossed the finish line at the Nike Women’s Marathon and Half Marathon. Marcheschi was among 4,000 members of Team In Training (www.teamintraining.org) who raised more than $14 million to support blood cancer research and patient services at this year’s marathon.

Read more about her story here, in today's San Francisco Chronicle article.

Interview with Team In Training Coach Ramon Bermo

christine.lazzari@lls.org — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 13:30:29 GMT

The 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.