There are so many things to learn from our coaches that it's difficult to pick just one thing that is "most important". I'd probably say hydration since that is the most basic requirement of an endurance athlete. Stuff like shoes for runners, or bikes for cyclists are important, but no matter how good your equipment is, if you are not hydrated, you won't get far. We learn about dehydration, and it's counterpart which is hyponatraemia (which I probably spelled wrong!). That is a condition where an endurance athlete has been sweating a lot, and drinking mostly water. It can also be very serious, and if you have never heard of it before, you should ask your coach. Either condition can be avoided with proper preparation and race planning, and that's what our coaches teach us.

Go Team!

East Bay Rocks!

1.  I CAN do ANYTHING I set my mind to!

2.  I am NOT a weakling.

3.  Whinning does not get you, any further, up those hills---or anywhere for that matter.   Suck it up and deal with it.

I also have gotten the feeling of the actual event being somewhat anti-climactic, but also somewhat like Christmas, a long build up of cherishable moments and euphoria then the day comes and it is gone before you know it. I also know there is a real good chance I would be crawled up in a fetal position in some dark room after Kati passed if it weren't for the wondrous support of my TNT family.  Thank you for expressing your thoughts so eloquently.  Rick

While training:  That I could do it.

During the event:  Just how important it was.  I will never forget the man standing by the side of the marathon route holding up a sign that said "8 year survivor.  Thank you TNT" or the couple running ahead of me, one with a Tshirt that said "Donor" and one with a Tshirt that said "Recipient," or the sight of all our purpole at the start line.  It was the REASON I was running that gave me the will to finish the marathon.

After the event:  That I was strengthened emotionally and physically and spiritually by doing something very hard because it was a good thing to do.

During my first season with TNT I learned that There are good people in this world who want to help you.I also learned how to be humble.I think personally the most important thing I learned was that no matter how far you've pushed yourself, you can go farther than you ever thought possible because of main reason we got involved. Our personal connection with blood cancers. Every time I hit a new distance milestone it was because I had a goal and a purpose. So I ride for Frankie Florio my connection.5 event's under my belt or should I say my bike now and about 4,000 miles of riding. I'm taking some time off now, but I'll be back because there is so much to do. I love Team In Training  and all it stands for.

Vinnie Canosa