20 Years of Team In Training in North Texas: 2007

2014 is a special year for the North Texas Team In Training (TNT) campaign.  It is celebrating 20 years of running, biking, and hiking to raise money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and it's mission to find a cure for blood cancers.  Saturday, Feburary 8th TNT will kick off a year of celebrating.  To honor the thousands of North Texas TNT alumni and the millions of dollars they raised in that time, we are going to count down each year of the program leading up to the TNT Alumni "Celebrate You" event on Feburary 8th. 

2007

Four million dollars.  Team In Training athletes across North Texas raised $4 million in 2007 - making it the highest raised in one year in the history of North Texas.  2007 was also the year Don Armstrong first laced up his running shoes for TNT.  He has since been a participant, coach, mentor, honored hero and organizer of the Honored Hero Run to benefit LLS.

What is your favorite memory of TNT?

I don't really have one memory that is my favorite.  My lasting impressions are the purple race shirts (on event day) from around the United States and Canada, the cheers of GO TEAM!, and the inspiration of the Honored Heroes.

What brought you to TNT originally?

I am an AML survivor.  In the spring of 2007 I was searching for a way to become involved with LLS.  I found TNT on the LLS website.  I signed up for an event information meeting in South Fort Worth.  I attended the Kick off for the Summer Season and signed up for the San Diego Rock n Roll marathon.  That event was amazing and I haven't stopped doing events and raising money since June of 2007.

What about TNT makes you keep coming back?

I am optimistic that a cure will be found for blood cancer will be found in the very near future.  I am aware that a cure will be found if we (TNT collectively as a group) continue our fund raising efforts.  The answer to cancer is research and research is driven by the number of dollars we can raise.   

What do you want to see in the next 20 years for TNT in North Texas?

I would like to see continued awareness of TNT in North Texas.  I am confident that we (LLS as an organization) can raise more dollars if additional folks know about our mission.  My 20 year stretch goal is be a part of funding and finding a cure for blood cancer.

What was the best part of the 2007 San Diego Rock N Roll Marathon?

The overwhelming support and encouragement from folks around the United States.  

How many events have you done with TNT?

I am training for my 18th event!

20 Years of Team In Training in North Texas: 2005

2014 is a special year for the North Texas Team In Training (TNT) campaign.  It is celebrating 20 years of running, biking, and hiking to raise money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and it's mission to find a cure for blood cancers.  Saturday, Feburary 8th TNT will kick off a year of celebrating.  To honor the thousands of North Texas TNT alumni and the millions of dollars they raised in that time, we are going to count down each year of the program leading up to the TNT Alumni "Celebrate You" event on Feburary 8th. 

2005

Robert Bateman joined Team in Training in 2005 to help fulfill his mother's wish.  After just one season, he was hooked and has fully immersed himself into the North Texas program as a participant, mentor and coach.  Read more about Robert and his affinity for Saturday morning trainings below.

What is your favorite memory of TNT?

Many people would say the early Saturday mornings are tough but that’s actually my favorite part.  Each Saturday I get the opportunity to challenge myself, enjoy the outdoors and exercise with some truly amazing people.  I actually get excited each Friday night because I get to train with the Team in the morning.  When the season’s over I feel like something is lost.

What brought you to TNT originally?

My mother found out she had melanoma in 2000 and we went to MD Anderson for treatment.  We saw a lot of kids and their families come through there who showed incredible strength which encouraged us to fight and gave us hope.  She often wished that those kids could have their childhood back and not have to experience cancer.  In 2001 she lost her battle. In 2005 I got a flyer for TNT in the mail and signed up to fight for her wish. 

What about TNT makes you keep coming back?

The amazing people I meet each season are what keep me coming back.  TNT participants, mentors, coaches and staff are a diverse group of people but each share compassionate spirits and over the years I have gained many new friends who enrich my life regularly.

What do you want to see in the next 20 years for TNT in North Texas?

Closed down and working different jobs because a cure has already been found.

What was the best part of the 2005 White Rock Marathon?

The support I got along the race was heartening.  This was my first marathon and I was very nervous about being in that race.  Even though I’d trained hard, Dallas White Rock is a large marathon and looking around at the other competitors in my starting corral I felt like an imposter who didn’t belong.  Running in my purple Team in Training jersey there were so many people cheering for me and yelling out “Go Team!” that lifted me through that race.

How many events have you done with TNT?

Dallas White Rock Half Marathon 2005 Participant

Disney Full Marathon 2010 Participant

San Antonio Full Marathon 2011 Mentor

Grand Canyon Hike 2012 Coach

Yosemite Hike 2013 Coach

Las Vegas Cycle 2013 Participant

Currently assistant coaching NW Cities Marathon and Grand Canyon Hike 2014

20 Years of Team In Training in North Texas: 2002

2014 is a special year for the North Texas Team In Training (TNT) campaign.  It is celebrating 20 years of running, biking, and hiking to raise money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and it's mission to find a cure for blood cancers.  Saturday, Feburary 8th TNT will kick off a year of celebrating.  To honor the thousands of North Texas TNT alumni and the millions of dollars they raised in that time, we are going to count down each year of the program leading up to the TNT Alumni "Celebrate You" event on Feburary 8th. 

2002

Team In Training revolutionized the fundraising process in 2002 with the introduction of the online fundraising pages.  This streamlined approach to helping participants solicit donations has been instrumental in helping North Texas athletes raise millions of dollars since.  Sarah Sherman, the longest tenured North Texas TNT staff member, also laced up her shoes for TNT in 2002 for the first time.  After that, she was hooked.

What is your favorite memory of TNT?

My favorite memory of TNT is crossing the finish line at my very first event – the Country Music Marathon in Nashville back in 2002.  I was a college student at the time and once I completed my event I was hooked on the mission of LLS.  

What brought you to TNT originally?

One of my dear childhood friends, Anna, lost her battle with Leukemia in 1996.  I continue to work tirelessly for our mission to cure blood cancers in her memory.  

What about TNT makes you keep coming back?

After completing my first TNT event and graduating from college,  I came to work for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  Over the last 10 years,  I have come into contact with thousands of patients who have endured extensive treatment for their diseases.  These patients rely on the research and services that the Society offers to them.  I’ve met so many incredible people who are all working together to find a cure for blood cancers. 

What do you want to see in the next 20 years for TNT in North Texas?

I pray that I’m out of a job sooner than later because we have found a cure for these terrible blood cancers. 

What was the best part of working for Team In Training?

1.      I spent 6 years managing the Triathlon teams here in North Texas.  I had the privilege of supporting thousands of first time athletes as they completed their TNT events all over the globe.    I have so many fond memories of each of my teams and watching these nervous beginner athletes turn into confident triathletes!

How many events have you done with TNT?

I’ve participated in the Country Music Marathon in Nashville in 2002 and the Big Kahuna Half Ironman Triathlon in Santa Cruz, CA in 2005

20 Years of Team In Training: 2001

2014 is a special year for the North Texas Team In Training (TNT) campaign.  It is celebrating 20 years of running, biking, and hiking to raise money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and it's mission to find a cure for blood cancers.  Saturday, Feburary 8th TNT will kick off a year of celebrating.  To honor the thousands of North Texas TNT alumni and the millions of dollars they raised in that time, we are going to count down each year of the program leading up to the TNT Alumni "Celebrate You" event on Feburary 8th. 

2001

Karen Rankin did not intend to sign up for Team In Training when she attended an information meeting in 2001.  Once she heard about the mission of LLS and noticed that it tied directly into the volunteer work she had been doing at Children's Hospital, she couldn't help but sign up.  She started training in 2001 and ran her first event in 2002.  More than a decade later, she is still raising money for LLS through Team In Training.

What is your favorite memory of TNT?

My favorite memories continue to be the friendships I have made over many miles we have run together. Today my closets and best friends are those I have meet through team in training.  We have become like a small family of people who are there for each other.

What brought you to TNT originally?
A good friend asked that I come and support her at the Team in Training kickoff event.  She knew that I volunteered at Children’s medical center working mainly with kids who had cancer.  Nancy’s goal was to get me to sign up, my goal for the day was to be there to support her.  As the event was coming to a close the final presentation was done by non other than Elizabeth and her mom.  Here up on stage was the little girl, I worked with at Children’s, she stood in front of a thousand people, brave and strong fighting for her life.  As her mom finished her presentation Elizabeth looked over the crowd, flashing her adorable heartfelt smile and gave a little wave as she walked off stage to a roaring crowd in front of her. 

What about TNT makes you keep coming back?

The friendships that I have formed over the years, we’ve become a family.  It is also a great feeling to know that every Saturday morning, I have the privilege to get up and help others make a difference in the lives of those with blood cancer.

What do you want to see in the next 20 years for TNT in North Texas?

Besides a cure for blood cancers, an understanding of where the cancer comes from and how we can one day prevent it via a vaccine.

What was the best part of the 2002 Disney World Half Marathon?
The best part of the event was crossing the finish line with my one of my best friends (Valarie Pike) and seeing my family.  This was my first event and the first year team in training offered half marathon training program.  I was amazed and thrilled that I did it, I just ran 13.1 miles but more importantly I made a difference in the lives of so many through my fundraising.  

In 2009, I ran this event again in memory of my father, Bob Rankin.  I raised $12,000 that year for TNT and was the top fundraiser in North Texas.

How many Team In Training events have you done?
12 Walt Disney World Marathons
Anchorage Marathon
San Diego Marathon
Tahoe Century Ride
Lone Star Half Ironman Triathlon

20 Years of Team In Training: 2000

2014 is a special year for the North Texas Team In Training (TNT) campaign.  It is celebrating 20 years of running, biking, and hiking to raise money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and it's mission to find a cure for blood cancers.  Saturday, Feburary 8th TNT will kick off a year of celebrating.  To honor the thousands of North Texas TNT alumni and the millions of dollars they raised in that time, we are going to count down each year of the program leading up to the TNT Alumni "Celebrate You" event on Feburary 8th. 

2000

North Texas' Team In Training program went international in 2000.  The first international team headed to Beijing for a marathon.  Ever since that first year, the international teams have been very popular with North Texas athletes.  Candice Stinnett just completed her first marathon with Team In Training in Paris and talks about the experience.

What is your favorite memory of TNT?

The inspiring sea of purple singlets during a race; that spirit of every TNT'er shouting "Go Team! Whoohoo!!" on the course; the dedicated coaches who are ultimately the reason I finish events; and the roller coaster of emotions that engulf you when cross that finish line. I believe every person should have this experience at least once in their lives. 

What brought you to TNT originally?

Being a blood cancer survivor, I received a flyer in the mail about Team In Training. I set it aside and put it on my list of things to do. I saw photos on Facebook of Team In Training participants but signed up after hearing another cancer survivor's story about finishing a half marathon. I knew that if another survivor was able to put aside the effects of cancer treatments and participate in an endurance event, I could do it too. My only regret is not joining earlier.

What about TNT makes you keep coming back?

TNT has become a way of life for me. I see myself being involved every year whether it be participating in an event, mentoring, coaching, donating to a friend or stranger, or standing at the finish line cheering on my family in purple. One way or another, I will always to be involved.

What do you want to see in the next 20 years for TNT in North Texas?

In 20 years I hope to see people participating in TNT not in hopes to find a cure for cancer but celebrating that we have found our cure for cancer.

What was the best part of the Paris Marathon?

Being in Paris, France was not only an incredibly cultural experience in itself but the lifelong friends I made began the second I stepped inside our team hotel. I met people from all across the world. We were all there for one goal. The Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and the streets of Champs-Elysees were just an added bonus to the most inspiring, motivating and loving friends I made.

How many events have you done with TNT?

Two Team In Training events are in the books for me but I have completed countless other endurance events that I never thought possible because of TNT. My first TNT event was my very first full marathon in Paris, France (April 2013). I ran my second marathon in San Francisco, CA at the Nike Women's San Francisco Marathon where I met and ran the entire marathon with my donor who helped save my life from cancer (October 2013). And, I am currently mentoring for the spring 2014 season. I just signed up to complete my first triathlon in Irving, TX for the summer 2014 season! GO TEAM!! 

20 Years of Team In Training in North Texas: 1999

2014 is a special year for the North Texas Team In Training (TNT) campaign.  It is celebrating 20 years of running, biking, and hiking to raise money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and it's mission to find a cure for blood cancers.  Saturday, Feburary 8th TNT will kick off a year of celebrating.  To honor the thousands of North Texas TNT alumni and the millions of dollars they raised in that time, we are going to count down each year of the program leading up to the TNT Alumni "Celebrate You" event on Feburary 8th. 

1999

The triathlon program started in North Texas in 1999 under the leadership of Coach Todd Codish.  He and the TNT staff took an outline of what the program should look like from the LLS National Office and laid the groundwork for the successful program that it has become today.  The first tri team went to Pacific Grove Triathlon in California.

What is your favorite memory of TNT?

I don't know about my favorite memory, I am going to tell you that no matter what I say, I have SO many! The teams I had all had their moments, as most of the folks were involved initially and then for some years after and then the next faction came in. I probably could not every forget the first tri, Pacific Grove 1999. Leah, our honored hero (who is not with us any longer, unfortunately) was great friends with one of the participants (a lot of us, really) and when she came in to finish, she motioned for Leah to come cross the finish line with her, but the poor dear had a leg amputated and was not able to run, so I scooper her up in my arms and carried her as we ran across the finish line. My best pal and assistant (at that time) coach, Dave Nash was there and took a photo.

I rode back on the plane with her next to me and remember telling her I was going to make her a triathlete, that she could do anything she wanted! I heard months later that she had gotten worse and remember drawing a picture of her coming out of the water and sent it to her. Her mom said she loved that. She later was taken from us. Both a wonderful and a tragic memory, I guess.

What brought you to TNT originally?

I was coaching a running club at The Ranch health club in Irving and one of the members had inquired to TNT about a program and asked about one in that (Irving/Las Colinas) area and Carrie or Tina one told her “No, but we’re looking for a coach, do you know of anyone?” She told them about me and they called and I joined Dick Reeder’s staff of 2 other coaches that summer.

What was it like starting a new sport for the North Texas Chapter?

Interestingly enough, I was in Cozumel at the marathon I had coached folks for and Dennis Allman, the national director at that time, had overheard me saying something about triathlon and he asked if I had any experience in triathlon. I told him that was my sport, I was just running a bunch (ran 20 marathons over a 3 year period) and had been asked to lead a run club at Signature Athletic Club and eventually The Ranch. He asked if I would be interested in helping to start the tri program (San Fran had done a couple as an experiment)  and of course I told him yes, I would be very interested.

So, we did not have internet and I knew all of the greats in the sport, and they told me that Dave Scott would be the national coach and we would get with him to form the program. So  North Texas and about 7 other chapters got together, first in Denver and then again in San Francisco to hammer out details. One of the funny things about it, was that none of the other people were coaches.  When Dave starts giving out these plans for serious physiological adaptation and work and I said, “Uh, Dave, have you ever seen a TNT team? I am not sure what you are throwing down here is applicable for our people!”

Truly great to start the thing. I remember our first Maui team, we signed up 170 people!! Took 82. 

$100,000 and Still Going Strong

Claire Oliver has been involved with Team in Training since 2003. She was connected with the Society after the passing of her stepfather, Tom Hillary in 2000. 

Claire has worked with LLS as a TNT coach and fundraising participant every year since. Claire has completed 17 fundraising events with the North Texas Chapter, and is currently raising money for America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride in Lake Tahoe. This event will complete her 4th Triple Crown Award. She has raised over $100,000 for LLS in the last 10 years!  

Although Claire only had one connection to the Society and the disease, she has seen the impact of the work of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and the difference it makes in the lives of people and families facing blood cancers. Every time Claire thinks she might be competing in her last Team in Training event a new story, patient or family becomes apparent and the fact that there is no cure encourages her to compete one more time.

Claire is relentless for a cure. The difference that is made in the lives of patients and their families pales in comparison to the difference Team in Training has made in her own life. 

Mission Monday: Celebrating Team In Training's Rich History



Commemorating a 25th anniversary is a timeless tradition.　 And the North Texas Chapter of Team In Training invites you to celebrate this extraordinary milestone at the Team In Training 25th Anniversary Gala on Sunday, June 30, 2013 at the Westin Galleria.

Over the last quarter century Team In Training and its thousands of athletes have raised more than $1.3 billon, funded countless new programs and lifesaving drugs, touched the lives of thousands of families, while creating an organization of lifelong friendships. Now that is something to celebrate!

So leave your workout shoes at home, put on your finest clothes and join us for a beautiful evening that includes a delicious three-course dinner and a silent auction benefiting TNT.

Tickets are $85 per person are available now from your local Team In Training Staff.

Get a group together, buy a table of eight, and make it a memorable evening with teammates.　

We look forward to seeing you soon!