A Team In Training Insider

Ashley Merritt Completes Her First TNT Event

The First Guest Blogger

Ashley Merritt is the Campaign Manager for Team In Training-Rocky Mountain Chapter. I asked her to fill you in on what Team In Training (TNT) is all about-the history and the present look of the program. She was more than happy to provide some details about the remarkable success TNT has had over the past 20-plus years:

Team In Training®— A Brief Overview

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training program (TNT) is the world’s first, largest and best charity sports training program.. Since 1988, when the first team of TNT marathoners was formed, the program has helped 389,000 people—more than 40,000 participants annually—achieve their dream of completing a marathon, half marathon, triathlon, 100-mile (century) bicycle ride or hike adventure. And, since its inception, TNT participants have raised over $950 million on behalf of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS).

Applauded for its success in inspiring thousands of Americans to improve their health and fitness, the national program is currently sponsored by presenting sponsors Nike, Runner’s World and P.F. Chang’s China Bistro. Since 1993, Marty Liquori has served as the National Chairman of Team In Training. Mr. Liquori is a former Olympic athlete and world-class runner who ranked No. 1 in the world in the mile and 1,500-meter events. Ironically, a few months after assuming the role of National Chairman, Mr. Liquori was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Today, he is a cancer survivor.

Team In Training participants come from all walks of life—from novice to seasoned athlete. Many begin their athletic journey as “couch potatoes” who want to get in shape, triumph over a challenge and meet other motivated people. Some dedicate their time and energy in honor of a friend or loved one who has had blood cancer. Still others are cancer survivors who want to prove that they have the physical and mental stamina to finish a 26.2-mile marathon, 13.1-mile half marathon, triathlon, 100-mile century ride or hike adventure.

Team In Training provides participants with the fitness training and group support needed to succeed.  Participants get to meet new people and achieve a personal fitness goal, and they feel great about making a difference in the lives of others. Training is comprehensive. The average TNT participant covers 600 miles while training and burns 60,000 calories, which is equivalent to a 17-pound weight loss. Over the years, our athletes have logged more than 90 million miles during training. For four to five months, the athletes train with certified coaches who prepare them for their specific event. They attend local workshops on nutrition, technique, injury prevention, event day strategy, fundraising skills, and they build friendships with others on their team. Members receive guidance from the TNT Mentor Program, which matches them with past TNT participants who share their training, fundraising and event day experiences.

Cheering them along, from training to competition, is a group of special motivators known as Honored Teammates, local blood cancer patients. TNT members often say their greatest inspiration and motivation comes from the Honored Teammates, who themselves face even greater challenges. Early in the program participants are given wristbands identifying their honored teammates, which they continue to wear throughout their training.

TNT certified coaches help participants achieve optimal performance based on their personal goals and abilities. In return for four to five months of intensive, group training, TNT racers agree to raise money to help LLS meet its mission to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS provides participants the various tools, strategies and support needed to attain their fundraising goals.

TNT members choose from among more than 60 accredited events in the United States and abroad. Some of the most popular destinations include The Nike Women’s Marathon: A race to benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, in San Francisco; the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon® in San Diego, CA; Bank of America Chicago Marathon; Marine Corps Marathon in Washington D.C.; the Honolulu Marathonâ; St. Anthony’s Triathlon in St. Petersburg, FL.; The Nation’s Triathlon to benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society; America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride in Lake Tahoe, NV; Yosemite National Park hike; the Grand Canyon hike; and many others.