This winter season makes 20 season's of my coaches Barry and Michele coaching with TNT, I wish with all my heart that I was able to run Disney with them this year. But I will be on the other side of the world. Coaches are so very special, they give more love than anyone, they run longer, they get up earlier. So many times I had reached my wall during a Marathon and thought ( God Give me just enough energy to make it to the finish) Then I would see Michele or Barry with a big smile right in front of me. It was like they knew when I would need them. They are more than heroes they are Angels from heaven.
I remember the first time I went to joined TNT, Barry talked about why he does this and it changed my life.
Tell us about your coaches or mentors.
YOUR CRAZY FRIEND IN THE BOX KEN
I've been writing in my blog about TNT throughout my first season. I wrote this about my coaches and mentor:
I was so lost at the beginning of training, and Jenn walked, ran and hobbled along with me until I got my legs under me (literally), even though she badly needed to get her own training off to a good start. She taught me to slow my pace, stuck by me, and without her, I'm not sure I'd have gotten past my first five mile run.
The coaches have been amazing running me in on the long runs the last few weeks. The first time I ever ran 10 miles Joe Shanahan was out on the course as we tromped though ankle-deep mud checking on us and cheering us on. (Unfortunately, he was also taking pictures.) Christie always asks how I'm doing and tells me how she marvels that I'm running with asthma since she is now fighting it,too. I'm pretty sure Mike and Jim willed me to finish the last mile and a half the week we ran 12 because there was no part of my mind, body or soul that wanted to keep moving. Last week, Joe Funk ran every step of my 10 miles with me.
I've not worried about raising $3,000. I told Ben when I signed up that I knew how to raise money. I have to admit that I was seriously doubtful that anyone could teach me to run the distances I've been racking up week after week. I'm going to run 13 miles in two weeks, and while I'm still nervous, I have no doubt that I'll finish -- and it won't be on my own.
I've reached out to TNT to ask about being a mentor in the winter. I want to participate again, but this time, I want to lend the support to others that I've been shown this season.
