It's hard to express what Team in Training means to me. This program is without a doubt the best way to train for an endurance event. Sure, the fundraising is hard and I feel awkward about asking people for money, but the stories I hear from people about how TNT paid for medication or care during their battles with blood cancer makes it worth it.
Just as important are the support and friendship that come along with the training. Without my training buddy Dania, I'm not sure I'd be able to get up at 5:45 on Saturday mornings. Without the friendly advice from the coaches and mentors, I don't know that I'd be able to complete the long swims, and the longer rides and runs.
Today I was running on the national mall, and I was about half way through the 4-mile route and ready to give up. I've been quite exhausted lately, and my running has taken the biggest hit. As I paused at a red light in the shadow of the Washington Monument, I heard, "Go team!" I turned around and there was a lady who had seen my TNT shirt and wanted to give me some encouragement.
"Did you do Team In Training?" I asked.
"Yeah, for six seasons. Now I'm a coach. What event are you training for?"
"The Nations Tri."
"I am so proud of you. You're going to do a great job. You're amazing. Go team!"
This woman had no clue who I was, and I didn't know her either, but a simple look at the logo on my shirt let her know I was someone she was proud of. That interaction, which took place before the red hand changed to a little walking man, got me through the rest of my run.
That's what this organization means to me. We're working so hard for something we can be proud of. We're working to improve the lives of others, and we're improving our own lives as well.
Go team!
I also wanted to update you all on my training progress. So far this triathlon season I have worked out 85 times, swam 19.89 miles, ran 110.6 miles, and biked a staggering 359.25 miles (more than the distance from my hometown Urbana, IL to Chicago and back)! This has by far been the most challenging athletic accomplishment I have set out to complete, and it has been surprisingly even harder on my mental state. This last month I have faced a number of angry little voices in the back of my head yelling, “GO BACK TO BED!” or “Quit now and you’ll feel better!” Well I haven’t listened to them (for the most part), and I’m looking forward to completing The Nations Triathlon 4 weeks from today! I know Erica and Toby will be with me every step of the way!
If you're still considering donating, time is running out! I’m hoping you’ll be able to donate some time before August 27th. Just click on the link to the right and it will take you straight to my fundraising page. Thanks so much for all your support!
You, my friend, are amazing! GO TEAM!
ReplyDelete