In June 07, I participated in my first TNT (or any other) event by completed the San Diego Rock N Roll 1/2 marathon.  At the Pasta Party, there was a loooonng line to get inside.  Everyone was abuzz about the weekend's activities.  As we walked in, every coach, mentor and captain from all chapters across the U.S. were waiting for us.  We were sent through the gaunlet of cheering, noisemakers, clapping, hooting and hollering for us!  It brought tears to my eyes, I was completed overwhelmed.

During the dinner, the head of Elite Racing, the organizers of the event, spoke and mentioned how he was wearing a suit and tie which was out of place at that event.  He explained that his mother taught him to dress up in the presence of important people, and that we were important people that night.

Kristine

I loved the cheering at the pasta party!! At my first event, I remember approaching the hotel where the dinner was held and we could hear the noise from about a half mile away. At first, I thought it was Prom night or something and the kids were getting rowdy early. Turns out it was every coach, mentor, director, etc representing TNT offices from all over

My favorite memory, however, is seeing my personal honored teammate watch me cross the finish line. He didn't have the strength to stand and had to borrow a chair from a race official...but he was determined to wait for me! I cried when I saw him (but I managed to compose myself just in time for the finish line photo). I will never forget the look on his face as I ran by him. It was my first triathlon (but far from my last) and I couldn't have asked for a better experience. I'll never forget even a second of that race!

My favorite TNT memory is my first event. I did the Santa Barbara News Press half marathon in 2003. I was never so proud as I was at the moment that I realized the everyone there in the TNT jersey had raised a minimum of $1800. It's amazing was a small group of people can do. The thought still brings tears to my eyes and incredibly, I'm still friends with some of those that I ran with that day!  BTW - I'm still running, riding and raising for the team...apparently I'm a "lifer"

My absolute favorite memory would have to be the 1st event I ever did with TNT! The TRI-LATTA in North Carolina - it was awesome! I remember one particular morning- the break of dawn- the team was all out at the Lake Norman Y for one of our open water swims- when I rounded the last turn, my hand brushed something underneath me & ofcourse at first- I freaked! Then I reached my hand down & realized there was a huge cement block underneath this portion of the course where I was swimming- so I stood up & started running! It was hilarious - myself & the other coach that was out there just laughed so hard!! It was a much needed break

From the shore - I am sure it must've looked bizarre- as I was out about 2-300 yards from the shore line.

My first century, America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride, Lake Tahoe, NV June 3, 2007.  Thousands of people , including my mentors and coaches, cheered for me on a major accomplishment.  Not to mention, one of our honorees was in the stands.  Afterwards, we "partied like a rock star" all night long!

Watching my honored hero cross the finish line of the marathon with her dad.  It was awesome to see her feeling well.  I know our efforts made a difference in her life,  She has been cancer free for several years now.

Where do I begin? There are so many. I have been with TNT since San Diego 2005. I have been a participant (5 events) and a Mentor for 3 seasons. Right now I am kind of bummed because I didn't go to San Fran this year for Nike. I have been training with the team for NYC. The stories from my teammates have not yet streamed back to us...probably because it always takes a couple of days to digest an event weekend, and to realize just what happened! My sister, an assistant coach for the Atlanta chapter has shared her experience with me and I am green (and purple) with envy!

I have done Nike twice. My first year I did the half. I vowed, as I watched my full-marathon teammates cross the finish line, that I would return for the Full Marathon the following year. Not only did I return the next the year, but I somehow convinced 4 of my family members to join me. Each of us in a different chapter in a different state (and one in a different country!). Three sisters, one sister-in-law and me, determined to finish my first full marathon! My sisters walked the half. The plan was for them to finish the half, go to the 26 mile marker and cheer loudly for hours until I got there and run me in to the finish. All went pretty much to plan except , that despite the fact I had an ice pack packed into my shorts for pain in my hip(for the last 9 miles!), and despite the sheer exhaustion of running/walking/running/walking/running/walking/3/2/3/2/3/2 for 6 hours non stop, I ran the .2 like a Kenyan and not one of them could keep up with me!

Sharing this experience with my sisters, from Kick off to crossing the finish line, is easily a highlight of my TNT "carreer." Since my first season I have tried to convey what being part of the TEAM is about. It is something you just won't know unless you try it and the fact that they were willing to try it (not to mention spending 4 months training, raising a ton of money and losing precious beauty rest on a Saturday morning) just because I told them they had to, was amazing. That it became a highlight of their lives is priceless. They are finally talking to me again (just kidding!) Planning a family reunion? Here is your chance...NIKE 2008!!! Start your fundraising now!

Since joining the TEAM I have never laughed so much or cried so much. Each season presents itself with stories of inspiration, and although there is sadness there is also much joy when we hear that child is CURED and someone we love is in remission.

Wendy