#TNT Because : Meet Thad Smith

We are continuing our series on the blog with interviewing current Team In Training (TNT) participants. Today we are chatting with Thad Smith of Dallas.  Thad just completed his first TNT event where he rode in America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride around Lake Tahoe. Thad and other members of Team Texas raised nearly $200,000 for LLS. Read on to hear more of why Thad joined up with the Team this season.  

1. What made you decide to participate in the Tahoe Century Ride? 

First, Blake and Rebecca Holmes are dear friends who I admire and respect.  Their son, Gage, was diagnosed with Leukemia 10 years ago and has been healed.  He’s a thriving 14 year old boy now.  So, I rode to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of his life.  Secondly, I’ve done other rides before which were about personal accomplishment, but not part of a group effort for a greater cause.  With TNT I was training with others focused on raising funds and awareness for Leukemia and Lymphoma research and treatment. 
  

Me (on left) and Ricardo Meade overlooking Emerald Bay

 2. What got you involved with Team In Training?

 I was asked by the Holmes’ to join their team and be part of the effort.

3. Finish this sentence, I do "TNTBecause..."

I do “TNT because I fight alongside all of the brave children and adults who are afflicted with Leukemia and Lymphoma.”

4. Tell us about the team you are cycling with. 

Team Gage is a dozen folks who are friends with Blake and Rebecca as well as a few family members.  Our “day jobs” range from wealth management to homemaker to plastic surgeon and even an adult oncologist.   Some of us were relative newcomers to cycling and needed to rent a bike while others had a good deal of experience and had done other century rides.

The team at the start of the ride @ 6AM.

Post Ride Brunch: (Left to right)- Ricardo Meade, Me, Blake Holmes, Rebecca Holmes, Houston Holmes, Sheila Holmes, Erin Schreyer, Ed Schreyer

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It's not too late to join the TEAM this season.  Register for an event today.
www.teamintraining.org

Meet Heather Evans - New LLS Staff

Heather Evans has been involved with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society since 2008 when she began as a volunteer for the Georgia chapter. She lost her grandfather to Multiple Myeloma so she says that she will fight until there is a cure. Heather will be managing the Team In Training program in North Texas.  Below she answered a couple questions about herself.

1. Tell us about your nonprofit background.

I have been involved with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society since 2008. I began as a volunteer and intern with Georgia Chapter of Light The Night. I worked on the Atlanta event in 2008 and after my internship finished, I transitioned into a coordinator position with Student Series. I worked with schools across Georgia to implement planning meetings and school assemblies. During the 2008- 2009 school year, Georgia schools raised nearly $509,000 to benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. In January 2010, I transitioned back to Light The Night as a Campaign Manager. I worked with 15 corporate teams in Metro Atlanta and also oversaw the event in Albany, GA. In addition to working on Student Series and Light The Night, I also started training for my first Team In Training event as a teammate in 2009 and served as Team In Training Mentor in 2010.

2. What attracted you to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society?

The mission. I lost my grandfather to Multiple Myeloma . At the end of his battle he was in ICU; I was too young at the time to go up to the ICU floor. My grandfather passed away the day he was supposed to come home; I never got to say goodbye in person. I remember getting home from school that day, excited to go to visit him. My mom should have been waiting for me, but it was my dad’s car parked in the driveway; dad was always home for dinner, but not usually earlier during the work week. I knew as soon as I saw my dad’s car that my grandfather hadn’t made it home that day. I miss him every day and I am committed to finding a cure, so no one else has to lose their grandfather or grandmother, mother or father, son or daughter, brother or sister, or friend or any other member of their family. I will fight until there is a cure.

3. What do you think is so interesting about working with teams and individuals in a fundraising capacity?

The best part about helping others reach their fundraising goals is when they make it! People come to Team In Training for a variety of reasons; some of a connection to the mission, others have a fitness goal, but no matter what originally brought them to TNT, nothing beats the feeling of knowing you have reached your fundraising goal, and those dollars that you have raised will go towards making tremendous strides in the fight against blood cancers!

4. What are you most looking forward to with the Team In Training Campaign this year?

Having participated in TNT myself, I always look most forward to watching the teammates cross the finish line in their purple jersey. I hope that all teammates wear their purple with pride. Completing an endurance event isn’t easy, but these amazing teammates complete their events while also raising thousands of dollars for blood cancer. Whether it’s someone’s first or fiftieth TNT event, there is so much to celebrate as they cross the finish line; because of them we are one step closer to a cure.


5. What do you want people to know about you?

I live by the saying that “Life is a journey…not a destination.” It’s been written across my feet since I was eighteen years old; after all, our feet are the means by which we take our journey.  I have a passion for travel and have visited over twenty-five countries.  I am committed to making my own journey on this planet and everyone’s as meaningful as possible.

You can find Heather in and out of our Dallas office.  She can be reached via email at heather.evans@lls.org or phone at 972.996.5939. Welcome to LLS!  We are so excited to have you on board.

#TNTBECAUSE: Meet Sarah Chua

Meet Sarah Chua, one of the newest members of North Texas Mega Team Team Ecks Factor. As a team, they have already raised over $80,000 this year. Sarah runs in honor of her mom and many other family members affected by blood cancers. Sarah is currently training for her 3rd TNT event, the New York City Marathon. Read on to hear more of our interview with Sarah.

1. What made you decide to participate in the New York City Marathon?

I decided to participate in the New York City Marathon because I thought training, fundraising and running through NYC would be a fantastic way to celebrate my upcoming 30th birthday and celebrate my TNT Honored Heroes.  Since joining in 2016, the New York City Marathon will be my 3rd TNT event and second full marathon.


2. What got you involved with Team In Training?

I first found out about Team in Training from my cousin, Tracy. She started fundraising with Team in Training in Minneapolis after recovering from her stem cell transplant and treatment for Hogkins Lymphoma.

In 2013, my mother was diagnosed with a type of non-Hogkins Lymphoma. This diagnosis was received after 10 years of remission from a previous breast cancer diagnosis.  My mom underwent many rounds of chemotherapy that fall and on December 20th had an autologus stem cell transplant.    

I have many friends and family members affected by blood cancers. My mom, two cousins and friends have received stem cell transplants and are currently in good health. I have two close family friends living with blood cancer. My husband's grandfather was diagnosed with lymphosarcoma in 1979. The list goes on...

I have been a runner for most of my life and love the challenge of long distance running. My life has been touched by cancer and I felt called to join TNT and use my passion to make a difference for others. I enjoy running for the personal challenges and the adventures it provides. But, on those days I'd rather binge Netflix, I lace up my shoes to run or I work hard to fundraise because someone's life depends on it. I do it because running through my pain or ignoring my uneasiness asking people to part with a portion of their hard earned wage is inconsequential compared to the struggle of someone coping with the side effects of chemotherapy or someone regaining their strength after a stem cell transplant takes them to the edge and beyond.


3. Finish this sentence, I do “TNTBecause…”

I do TNTBecause the list of people I know affected by cancer is too long.

4. Tell us why you joined Team Ecks Factor.

Mascot Dave's story and attitude is so inspirational to me and I joined Team Ecks Factor to support Mascot Dave, his friends and family. I was a member of Team Five Alive last year and also love the additional camaraderie formed by TNT members joining fundraising forces to dedicate money towards a specific research grant or study.

5. What’s your favorite TNT memory so far?

My favorite TNT memory so far was the weekend of the 2016 Dallas Marathon since it was a weekend honoring blood cancer warriors. That Saturday, my family and I attended a luncheon celebrating a friend's 10 years after her stem cell transplant. My family also attended the Honored Hero dinner that evening.  After hearing me talk about it so much, I loved sharing the full TNT experience and mission moments with my parents and husband.

Race-day on Sunday was a flood of emotion as I checked an item off my bucket list and completed my first full marathon. With over 150 runners at the event, we raised over $160K for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  A few days later, we commemorated 3 years since my mom's stem cell transplant. It was a crazy few days, but so worth the blood, sweat and tears of the previous 6 months of training and fundraising to share those meaningful days with my friends and family.   

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You can read more of Mascot Dave's story on his personal blog here. 

We know that Mascot Dave has touched so many people over the years. Anyone can join Team Ecks Factor and help them reach their goal of $250,000!  

Register for an event today.

www.teamintraining.org/ntx

#TNTBECAUSE: Meet Jim Hogan

We are continuing our series on the blog with interviewing current Team In Training (TNT) participants. Today we are chatting with Jim Hogan of Fort Worth.  He is an avid runner who has completed several marathons, ultra-marathons and triathlons. Jim has been involved with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) since 2009 where he currently serves on our North Texas Board of Directors, the Links for Leukemia Golf Tournament committee and is an active participant in the Light The Night Campaign.  Jim is currently training with Team In Training for the 2017 Boston Marathon and will be one of only two TNT participants representing Texas!

1. What made you decide to run Boston Marathon?

As an aging “injury prone” marathon runner, The Boston Marathon is the most prestigious marathon you can participate in.  I lost my mother to brain cancer last year and that inspired me to really start training again so that I could complete this final run, and what a marathon to end on! 

Jim's mom, Judy Hogan

2. What does it mean to you that you secured one of the coveted spots for this race?

As a runner it’s achieving Mt Everest! I am honored and blessed to be able to participate in one of the world’s greatest sporting events.  It’s very hard to be able to put into words how it feels knowing that in a few weeks I will be able to say that I am a Boston Marathon finisher.  I have come close to qualifying several times so knowing that it’s actually happening is quite surreal.  To top it all off I not only get to check off one from the bucket list, but get to do it representing a cause that I have been a part of for 8 years. I am so honored to get to run and represent LLS and TNT.

3. What got you involved with Team In Training?

I was introduced to TNT through work associates.  Being a runner for many years I really enjoyed the idea of being a part of a team and running for a cause.

Jim running the Rock 'n' Roll San Antonio Marathon

4. Finish this sentence, I do “TNTBecause…”

I do TNT because others are not able to. And what I mean by that is as I got more involved with LLS we get the opportunity to visit hospitals and meet children and parents who are affected by blood cancers.  I run for them!

5. Anything else interesting that you would like to tell us?
 

I have 3 awesome boys who keep me insanely busy.  I am surrounded by family and a great group friends who support me in all of my endeavors and craziness.  I am a very lucky man!

Jim's sons

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It's not too late to join Jim and the TEAM this season.  Register for an event today.
www.teamintraining.org

#TNTBECAUSE: Meet Dana Howe

Here is our fifth in a series of posts leading up to the BMW Dallas Marathon. Today we are interviewing Dana Howe.  Dana has been involved with LLS since 2010 when she was diagnosed with Stage IV Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma.  Read on to hear why she is doing the Dallas Marathon.

1. What made you decide to run the BMW Dallas Marathon?

I was training for the Big Dam 100 Century ride and a staff person (Mariel) came to our training and asked if anyone would be interested in the relay.  Several of us said yes – in fact, five of us said yes.   So we formed a marathon relay team from five cyclists.  This will be my third Triple Crown and my son’s (Donnie Constantine) first Triple Crown.  I crossed the finish line with the cycling team and began training with the marathon team the following Saturday.

2. What does it mean to you that the BMW Dallas Marathon has been named a national event for Team In Training?
 I am so proud to be part of Team in Training knowing the impact they have made on the lives of so many cancer patients and their families.  The LLS staff works tirelessly to provide the best event options, fantastic coaches, and an overall amazing experience for every participant.  I am very pleased that this marathon has been designated as a national event.

3. What got you involved with Team In Training?

I was diagnosed with Stage IV Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in October of 2009.  While I was undergoing treatment my brother-in-law registered and trained for America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride.  After he successfully completed the ride he challenged my husband and I to join him the following year.  Six months after I went into remission I began training and fell in love with the people and the mission.  I have since completed two marathon events, four century cycling events, and three triathlons.  TNT has become a family mission.

4. Finish this sentence, I do “TNTBecause…”
 I want to pay it forward.  LLS funded research for a drug called Rituxan.  Rituxan was one of the drugs that saved my life and has kept me in remission.  Someone was training and fundraising years ago before I had ever heard of TNT.  Those individuals were directly responsible for the drugs available to me that allowed my recovery.  I am grateful and want to help someone else who is diagnosed.   I am committed to participate in at least one event per year until we have a cure.

5. Tell us about the team you’ve formed to run the relay with.  
My relay team consists of my good friend, Teresa Keenan, my son, Donnie Constantine, his fiancé Ana Valdez Moeller and her sister Daniella Valdez Moeller.  We just couldn’t finish one event without having our sites on the next.  We are already looking to 2017 for a TNT event to follow the BMW Dallas Marathon.  We have named our relay team “Team Kristen” in memory of a friend’s daughter who passed away from a blood cancer.  While there is so much positive news about survival rates and improved treatments we have not won the battle.  We need to stay focused and encouraged until we have a cure.

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Did you know?

• BMW Dallas Marathon is the longest running race in the state of Texas
• More than 40 different bands are on the course for your entertainment
• Stay 2 nights at the TNT hotel and you can skip expo lines and have your packet waiting in your hotel room!
• Earn Awesome Fundraising Incentives

Join the Dallas Marathon TNT Team or join the 5 Person Relay!  150 people have already taken the challenge.  Contact Mariel Bongiovanni for more details. 

www.teamintraining.org/ntx

#TNTBECAUSE - Meet Chris & Cheryl

Here is our fourth in a series of posts leading up to the BMW Dallas Marathon. Today we are interviewing Chris & Cheryl Berg.  The Berg's have been involved with LLS since 2008 when their son was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL). Read on to hear why they are doing the Dallas Marathon.

1. What made you decide to run the BMW Dallas Marathon?

North Texas is our home and we enjoy running and training in the fall in order to take part in the BMW Dallas Marathon.  This will be Cheryl's 8th marathon and it will be Chris' 7th with TNT.

2. What does it mean to you that the BMW Dallas Marathon has been named a national event for Team In Training?

We are Texas proud!  There is nothing better to see than the sea of Team In Training participants in purple running in Dallas and hearing "Go Team" echo through the downtown buildings. We look forward to seeing all the TNT participants from across the nation joining together for the same cause.

3. What got you involved with Team In Training?
Our son James was diagnosed with ALL in April of 2008, just prior to his 5th birthday.  After a year of intensive treatment and many hospital stays, his health stabilized.  At that point, we wanted to do more to make sure no child would ever have to go through what James had to endure. This year marks James 5th year from being done with the chemo treatment that lasted 3 1/2 years.  James is our hero and our motivation to come back year after year.

4. Finish this sentence, I do “TNTBecause…”
Because if we don't who will.

5. Tell us about the team you’ve formed to run the relay with.
We have not done the relay but the two of us are a team.  Together we have had sleepless nights worrying about James, stressed about how to make all of the right decisions about his treatment and struggled wondering if there will be another shoe that is waiting to drop with his health.  Together we plow through the 26.2 miles each year hoping and praying the efforts of Team in Training members and great researchers make more discoveries to help the next James Berg.

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Did you know?

• BMW Dallas Marathon is the longest running race in the state of Texas
• More than 40 different bands are on the course for your entertainment
• Stay 2 nights at the TNT hotel and you can skip expo lines and have your packet waiting in your hotel room!
• Earn Awesome Fundraising Incentives

Join the Dallas Marathon TNT Team or join the 5 Person Relay!  150 people have already taken the challenge.  Contact Mariel Bongiovanni for more details. 

www.teamintraining.org/ntx

#TNT BECAUSE - Meet Sheila Jackson

Here is our second in a series of posts leading up to the BMW Dallas Marathon. Today we are interviewing Sheila Jackson.   She has been involved with LLS since 2015 when she made a promise to herself to complete one TNT event per year.  Read on to hear why she is doing the Dallas Marathon.

1. What made you decide to run the BMW Dallas Marathon?

I started participating with Team In Training in 2015. My initial promise was to participate in one event per year.  2016, one event did not feel like enough. I completed the San Diego Rock N Roll Half Marathon in June. December's BMW Dallas Marathon is here at home and perfect fit for my second event this year.

2. What does it mean to you that the BMW Dallas Marathon has been named a national event for Team In Training?
I'm thrilled this event is being included in the list of national events for Team In Training.  North Texas is my home. It's time the power of purple runners and walkers rally together to end blood cancer in Big D. 

3. What got you involved with Team In Training?

 My dear friend and Honored Hero,  Don Armstrong.

4. Finish this sentence, I do “TNTBecause…”

It's my duty. I believe GOD put us here to help one another. I am physically able to participate, raise money and share a message of hope that every step represents, helping one more person beat cancer.

   

5. Tell us about the team you’ve formed to run the relay with.

IDLife is a Health & Wellness Company. We put people and their long-term health first. Simply put, each one of the team members participating is committed to supporting causes that end human suffering.  Team In Training is aligned with our personal and professional mission. My team is made up of Joe, Ann Marie, Bo & Lizzy!  Together we will complete the race in December.

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Did you know?

• BMW Dallas Marathon is the longest running race in the state of Texas
• More than 40 different bands are on the course for your entertainment
• Stay 2 nights at the TNT hotel and you can skip expo lines and have your packet waiting in your hotel room!
• Earn Awesome Fundraising Incentives

Join the Dallas Marathon TNT Team or join the 5 Person Relay!  150 people have already taken the challenge.  Contact Mariel Bongiovanni for more details. 

www.teamintraining.org/ntx

Team 5 Alive: The Decision to Fight

David Nesbit during treatment.

Team 5 Alive is on its way to raising $250,000 for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) through a full year of fundraising with Team In Training (TNT).  David Nesbit, the team's honored hero and inspiration, thinks back to his days in treatment and how it motivates him now.

"Six years ago, August 2010; I was enjoying the summer like everyone else.  I wasn't thinking much about my leukemia because the wait-and-watch period which I was in simply was not that bad.  My body was doing a good job of keeping my levels in check naturally.  Every month since I was diagnosed in 2009 became a little easier mentally.  Maybe, I get to do that wait and watch thing for years, I would tell myself.  I started to talk about it more freely, my confidence was building, and I didn't feel like a sick person.  That summer, I was training with TNT for my second event, had gotten healthier, shed some pounds...life was OK.  Then, in August, my cancer turned aggressive. 

In a matter of days I was having excruciating neck pains, little bumps were popping up under my skin, extreme fatigue, and night sweats.  I got scared, again.  That same pitted deep in the gut feeling of mortality was poking its ugly head up again in my mind.  Now it seemed real.  

People die from leukemia, what if it takes me?  
What if chemo ravages my body and I can't be present for my family or I can't work? 
What if I lose my hair?" (I was really worried about that!). 

After a couple of days of processing these kinds of questions, I remember asking myself, 'David, what are YOU going to do about it?' And just like that, I decided to fight.

It was very much like a boxing match.  Chemo was coming.  And every round of chemo was a round in the ring.  I could go on the defensive and take the blows and just try to get through. Or, I could fight back.  I chose to fight back.  Everything that chemo and leukemia would want to do with my body, I would do the opposite.  If I felt nauseous, I would still go to work. If I felt tired, I would spend more time with my girlfriend (who is now my wife, Kelly Nesbit!) and family, and push through.  Many times immediately after chemo treatment, I would go running.   I was going to show leukemia and chemo who was boss of this body.  Me.   

That part of my journey reminds me constantly of our amazing Team 5 Alive.  They push through, they don't stop.  Summer is a tough time to train and fundraise.  The heat and humidity right now is simply awful to run in.  There are vacations, kids off school, etc.  There are so many things that can distract.  But somehow, every week we see the Team fundraising total going up.  And every Saturday morning I see Facebook and Instagram flooded with selfies and team pictures of our Team out training in the heat.  They don't stop.  They don't give up.  Team 5 Alive is relentless.  I have a TNT shirt that has the word 'relentless' in big red letters on the front. It reminds me of our Team. That is my favorite word to describe our Team 5 Alive: Relentless.

Oh, and I never lost my hair.  Go Team!" 

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Kelly and David Nesbit are the co-team captain of Team Five Alive.  The Nesbits and their teammates will be posting monly as they work to raise $250,000 for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in honor of  David's fight.  

Meet the Coach: Bandi Kapka

Brandi Kapka is not new to Team In Training but she is dedicated to finding ways to keep the weekly trainings fun and exciting for her participants.  She is the co-coach for the Fort Worth marathon team during the SPRUMMER season.  She answered a couple of our questions so you can get to know her better.

What brought you to Team In Training?  
Back in 2009 after first moving to Fort Worth, I found myself wondering if I could ever run or walk any kind of distance event. Well, after watching one of my friend's journey, a real couch potato type, through Team In Training, I decided if she could do it, so could I!  So I signed up, scared to death, thinking I would definitely have to walk.  There was no way in the world I thought God would give me the gift to run a half marathon.  I was wrong... and after that 1st event, I was hooked!

Why did you want to become a Team In Training coach?
To be honest, I'm not sure.  Funny huh?  I knew I loved training with the team.  I also knew they had quickly become my second family and the best friends ever.  So of course, I became a mentor first.  Then the opportunity was presented to me to coach, and I thought "Why not?"  It was sort of a given that I would take that next step.  I"ve been told I have a natural teacher like personality, but with Team in Training, it was more about encouraging others to achieve something I once never thought was possible for myself.  Not to mention a pretty great common goal that we were all running, and fundraising for together.

What should people know about your coaching style?
I'm silly, quirky, and unusually loud and funny on early Saturday mornings.  I often have been told that I am so passionate about Team in Training in general, that I will just go on and on with coaching tips and constantly pushing team mates to go a little further, or give it a little more.

What advice would you give to somebody who is intimidated by fundraising?  
I'd say.... "Fundraising? Of course it's intimidating!"  But if you lean on your coaches and mentors that have experience for support, there is no way it should become too intimidating to try.  Start early, get it over with fast, talk to EVERYONE you bump in to, and most of all, don't be afraid to hear a NO THANK YOU.

What advice would you give to somebody who is concerned about training for an endurance race?  
I'd share my experience and struggles but always mention the TEAM aspect to the participant. I think for most, the biggest encouragement comes from the people you are training with.  Leaning on them for support and company makes each training easier.


Best training/race tip you have ever received.
You've heard "don't try anything new on race day" right?  Well, how about "don't try anything new on race WEEK"!  Stick to what you know and is familiar in those final days before a race.  And absolutely, 100%, don't do what I did once (and only once).... Don't donate blood one week before your event!

It's not too late to join Brandi and the TEAM this season.  Register today at www.teamintraining.org/ntx

Meet the Coach: Sergio Chavira

Sergio has a great time at every race with Team In Training.

Sergio Chavira likes to have a good time.  He really likes to have a good time when working with Team In Training (TNT) as a coach and helping people reach their physical and fundraising goals.  Below he talks about why watching other people finish races is so rewarding and how fundraising can be as simple as slipping into your TNT gear.

What brought you to Team In Training?

I was intrigued by one of those purple flyers I used to find whenever I went to the YMCA. The fundraising part seemed a little hard for me at the time, so I postponed coming to an information meeting for a few months, maybe a year. But when I finally came to the first meeting and found out what TNT was all about, I was sold! 

Why did you want to become a Team In Training coach?

I was a volunteer at Ironman Texas last year and came across Rachel Joyce, a world class triathlete who had finished the race third that afternoon. She came back to the finish line just before midnight, after racing for 9 hours in the Texas heat, this was May, and to give medals and congratulate the last finishers. I told her: "Rachel, this is great, you came back to the finish line after your race" Her reply: "Are you kidding me? This is the best part!!!"

I feel like Rachel in a lot of ways. Yes, we have to wake up really, really early on Saturday mornings and pretty much forget about having a social life on Friday evenings but in the end it is incredibly inspiring to see our participants on race day. Their struggles, their smiles, the satisfaction on their faces when they finish their event!

There are a lot of great things about being part of TNT, choosing the best is hard but coaching is high on my list!

What should people know about your coaching style?

This is your season, this is your event. Ask me any question that you may have. I will run by your side, push you to through your training, give you a break if you need one and help you in any way I can. Come prepared to enjoy the journey throughout our season. Hint: we will have muffins!

What advice would you give to somebody who is intimidated by fundraising?

Make sure to tell everyone you know, and even people you don't, about what you are doing and why you are doing it. People love to help! Oh, and wear your Team in Training shirt or something with our logo everywhere you go. 

I know of a participant who got a $100 donation from a gentleman who had been a TNT participant over 15 years ago simply because he saw her purple shirt on a training run on a Saturday. She didn't even have to ask.

I shaved my head when I did my first event in 2009 and I stayed bald until I reached my fundraising goal, 4 or 5 months later. It was out of respect for our Honored Heroes. It was great advertisement! I wouldn't necessarily encourage everyone to try this approach, but it did wonders for my fundraising.

What advice would you give to somebody who is concerned about training for an endurance race?

We have all been there; we've all had doubts about our limits! But it's all worth it. Nothing compares to the feeling you get when you cross the finish line! 

And, like I heard somebody say once, "A race  is just a catered workout!, you get food and drinks while you run, there is sometimes live music around the course, and even more food and drinks at the finish line. Did I mention the massage tables? Oh, and have you seen the finishers medals lately? Everybody in the office will want to hear about it, I guarantee it.

Best training/race tip you have ever received.

A coach once told me:  "Strong and steady Sergio, strong and steady!" as I was getting ready to start the bike portion of a 70.3 triathlon, commonly known as a half Ironman. It did wonders for me and is something I remind myself every time I enter a race. 

High on the list too: always remember to wear body glide or your favorite anti chafing product; you'll only forget to bring it with you once. 

Scrambled eggs with ham and toast before training? You'll get in trouble with Eve Pearson! 

Meet Sergio at an upcoming training for Team In Training's NEW Sprummer season.  He is one of the coaches for the Fort Worth marathon team.  Check out the complete roster of events for this season at www.teamintraining.org/ntx

Meet the Coach: Connie Martin

Connie still smiling at mile 26 of the
Portland Marathon.

Meet Connie Martin, the newest Team In Training coach in North Texas.  During the upcoming season, she and Tim Harlow will be coaching the Dallas Marathon team together.  While it took some convincing to take on this new role, Connie is fired up and ready to help participants meet their goals.  Read below to find out why Connie understands the challenges of fundraising and how she can help participants overcome their fears.

What brought you to Team In Training?  
I had been living out of the country for a number of years and had just moved to Texas, knowing no one in the area other than my sister and brother-in-law, Honored Hero David Nesbit.  David knew I was athletic, a runner, and felt I needed to meet some like minded FUN people and told me with no doubt, I had to be a part of Team In Training.  We both signed up for the next season and ran our first half marathon together, Dallas Rock and Roll in April 2012

Why did you want to become a Team In Training coach?  

In all honesty, I think I was set up!  While mentoring the fall season 2015, Coach Tim Harlow was scouting me.  He and Coach Karen Rankin were actively dropping hints of me coaching, that I was politely ignoring. Mostly because I felt there were so many great coaches out there and the shoes would be big ones to fill. Tim approached me one day, asking my interest to coach. When he sensed my apprehension he presented me with an idea of co-coaching with him.  I thought I had conjured up a great response, for us to speak with our family members assuring their support, as this would have Tim and I working on back-to-back-to-back seasons.  I thought for sure this would have bought me some time!  By the end of that day Tim had contacted me, informing he was getting full support from his end.  Long story short, I have come to embrace the idea of coaching.  The components of being a part of a team and sports have always been something I excel and thrive in.  I am thrilled with the opportunity I have been given to motivate people, help them to their goals, fundraise for a cause that is dear to my family and for the most part having a great time while doing so.  I AM ALL IN!

     What should people know about your coaching style?

I will push you as far as you want to go (of course avoiding any injuries or health issues.)  If you tell me you want to complete a 5K or a full marathon, then we are going to get you across that finish line!  If your goal changes, you better tell me and don’t become upset if I question your reasons for changing it.  I am a gentle however, VERY enthusiastic motivator. 

     What advice would you give to somebody who is intimidated by fundraising?

I would tell them I GET IT! (I would rather train double, if someone would fundraise for me.)  I would tell them to tap into their creativity and have as much fun as possible with it.  I would strongly encourage them to do their staff one-on-one to set a game plan their fundraising goals, as well as put them in contact with one of the many people who have been so successful in their fundraising endeavors.  Lastly, I would tell them just like we train as a team, fundraise as a team.  Get your running buddy, best friend, sister, whomever on board to do it with you.  Your confidence will be much greater and your experiences much more rewarding. 

     What advice would you give to somebody who is concerned about training for an endurance race?

I would tell them YOU GOT THIS! People ask me all the time, how can you run a marathon? I tell them it's pure determination.  If you really are determined and follow our training schedule, it’s a done deal. It really is as simple as that.  All we have to do, is put in the work to get you there. 

Best training/race tip you have ever received.

There are two that are prominent in my race day regime.  First is NOTHING new.  Whatever you ate in training, you eat on race day. Whatever you wore in training, you wear on race day.  (I think you get the idea!)  The second is to put out everything the night before.  Have all your gear ready, race bib pinned on, music, and timing devices charged. You will be anxious enough on race morning, so take all that “stuff” to stress about, off your mind.  Do all of this, so all you have to do is wake up, put on your things, show up to the start line.  Race day is your payoff for all your hard work so enjoy the heck out of it.  

Meet Connie and get signed up for the Summer Team In Training season at the Kick Off on February 6th at 1:00 p.m. at Whole Foods at 8190 Park Lane, Dallas, TX 75231.  If you can't make it but would still like to learn more about the program, visit www.teamintraining.org/ntx

Meet Staci Brode

Playtri owner, Staci Brode, has been involved with The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society for over 15 years.  Staci says, "I continue to be involved with Team In Training because I love everything about it.  Losing my dad in 2012, brought me back to LLS because I now have a very deep personal connection."  Sarah Sherman, Team In Training Campaign Staff, sat down with Staci for a little walk down memory lane.  Here's their conversation. 

Why did you originally get involved with LLS / TNT?

     I had recently moved to Dallas and I received a flyer in the mail about the Hawaii marathon.  I was new to the area, looking to get in shape, and meet people.  I went to the info session and decided that 26.2 miles was a long way to run.  Then the Triathlon coach stood up and started talking about the triathlon options and I thought that sounded more fun.  I didn’t really know much about the sport but was anxious to learn.   I didn’t even have a bike yet.  At the season kick off, they gave us a list of everything that we would ever need for a triathlon and off I went to the bike store. I met our team captains there and they fitted me on an entry level road bike and loaded me up with everything imaginable for the sport. I went out and rode a bike for the first time in about 18 years.   

Why is LLS important to you?

     I participated in the St. Anthony’s Triathlon in 2001 with TNT and had an unbelievable experience with all of the training and all the people that I met. I then fell in love with the mission by meeting the people that were literally dealing with these blood cancers.  It was an amazing combination of getting in shape, meeting new people and feeling great about myself.

     Getting to meet the honored heroes throughout the season was key for me connecting to the mission. It made it so much more personal.  At the time, TNT was the only game in town. I didn’t know of anything else like it. They were the crucial to the growth of the sport. The timing was right and TNT was doing great things. 

     I finished my first race and I immediately signed up for my next event.  Over the next few years I served as a mentor, captain and then a triathlon coach. It seems like everyone who has worked for me at Playtri (race coordinators, volunteer coordinators) all started with TNT. It’s amazing to me how many people have been touched by TNT in the sport of Triathlon.

      I lost my dad in 2012 to Multiple Myeloma so LLS became very important to me because I now was personally impacted by a blood cancer.  That is why I enjoy working with LLS  now.  I want to give back and support the mission because it has affected me on a very personal level.  The sport has changed but I still think LLS play a crucial role in the sport and giving back to those patients.

  

What experience does TNT offer that you can’t get anywhere else?
All the triathlon clubs now are social. Everyone likes to feel like they belong to a group when they go to an event. Training partners are a nice bonus also. TNT gave all that meaning. TNT gave us the ability to do something that you love and get to give back to others at the same time. Nobody has duplicated that even though many have tried. TNT has been around for so long and they know how to do it so well. I think that TNT was the pioneer in that style of fundraising.

What exercise / training product could you not live without?

Favorite exercise product is my bike.  The QR PRSix.  It’s fast and looks pretty.  It’s way faster than I am but I can look good even if I’m at the back of the pack. 

Favorite flavor of GU is Salted Carmel

Favorite drink is Gu Brew Watermelon Flavor