Meet the Coach: Maria Minter

Maria Minter is a longtime supporter and coach for Team In Training.  This season she is taking on a new challenge - coaching the Moms In Training program.  Moms In Training is an 8-week training program designed specifically for new moms looking to get back in shape and meet other moms looking to do the same.  The Moms In Training team will be participating in 10k length of the Rock N Roll Marathon in Dallas.  Read why Maria might be the best coach to help you get started running again.

How long have you been coaching with TNT and what was your first event?
I have coached two seasons, Winter 2011 and Winter 2012, for the Northwest Cities Marathon team.  I am excited to be coaching again!  My first TNT event as a participant was the Nike Women's Marathon in 2006.

What is your style of coaching?
I wouldn't say I have one style for everyone.  I tailor my coaching based on the needs of the participants.  In all circumstances I strive to ensure that participants have a safe, successful and meaningful experience.

Some people are intimidated by the idea of getting back to training after have a child.  What advice would you give them?
Starting anything new can be a little scary but Team In Training provides and incredible support system and we'll be with you literally every step of the way.  Runners and walkers of all fitness levels take part in the program.  So whether you are a beginner or a life-long athlete, you'll find common ground with other participants.

Is there an Honored Hero who has left a lasting impact on you?  Who and why?
I joined TNT in 2006 to run in honor of my sister-in-law, Stephanie Henkel.  One month before my first TNT event, Stephanie passed away.  I continue to run in Stephanie's memory and I also run in honor of the wonderful Honored Heroes I've met including: "Mascot Dave" Eckberg, Frank Payne, Brooke Suarez, Roxanne Maham and Dana Howe, just to name a few.

What is the best kept secret about TNT?
I'd definitely say the meaningful and lasting relationships you'll form with fellow participants.  If you're a Team In Training alumni reading this, you're nodding your head in agreement, aren't you?!?  :)TNT is how I met some of my dearest friends and wonderful husband, Ryan.

Interested in learning more about Moms In Training?  Watch this video and get inspired by the program and its participants.  Learn more at www.teamintraining.org/ntx/moms.  Go TEAM!

Moms In Training: Meet the Coach!

To say that Tara Thornberry is a busy woman would be an understatement.  She juggles a full time job, a busy family life that includes twin daughters, and dedicates her Saturday mornings to Moms In Training.  Below she talks about why she believes in this program, new to the North Texas Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, is worth other busy moms time as well.

"I started my journey with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team in Training (TNT) in the Fall of 2006 when I decided to spruce up my workout routine with an attempt at triathlon.  After 6 months of training with TNT, I completed my first quarter iron triathlon with a smile on my face and immense gratitude in my heart.    After having such a memorable experience and meeting so many wonderful people I decided to continue on with TNT as a fundraising participant, a mentor, captain, assistant coach and eventually coach.

After a brief hiatus from TNT, to have twin girls in 2010, I needed my team again when I had a friend from high school lose her battle with cancer in November of 2011. One year later at the Nike Women's half marathon TNT provided the outlet I needed to celebrate my friends life and contribute to helping find a cure. I’ll admit though, as a new mom, it was hard balancing training for an endurance event and maintaining familial and work balance.

In the summer of 2013 TNT started recruiting help to get their newest aspiration, a Moms in Training 10k program, ready for launch.  I was beyond excited to get involved.  The prospect of being able to help other women be able to justify time away from their kiddos to stay healthy and help cure blood cancers sounded like a match made in heaven.  Participants could get all the benefits of training with a team, but it would be much easier to maintain a healthy balance with the rest of life.  

This past March our dreams of having a team like that came to fruition when I had the privilege of helping coach 8 ladies across the finish line for the relay portion of the Rock and Roll Half Marathon. It was amazing to watch with their friends and family as they crossed the finish line."

Moms In Training is currently forming a team now with the season kicking off this Saturday.  Join Tara as she trains with another group of incredible moms.  REGISTER TODAY!