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.

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!