Team in Training

[Hill Slug]

Just wanted to post this info as requested by another user.

From http://www.teamintraining.org/hm_tnt
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team In Training® is the world's largest endurance sports training program. The program provides training to run or walk a whole or half marathon or participate in a triathlon or century (100-mile) bike ride. Since 1988, over 220,000 volunteer participants have helped raise over $500 million.

By helping to raise funds for leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma research and patient services, you'll receive:
Personalized fitness training by certified coaches for a period of four to five months
Training clinics
Your own personal Web site for online fundraising
A supportive group of teammates
Lodging and airfare to more than 60 accredited events in the United States and abroad.


On a personal note, I joined the team last year as a total novice. I wanted to get into cycling in a non-intimidating manner, and this really was the way to go for me. There is fundraising, and it seemed daunting, but I was able to do more than I thought. The team in Sacramento has two riding events to chose from this year. First is America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride around Lake Tahoe in June. Which I did for the first time last year - wow.... And the second choice is the Group Health Seattle to Portland Ride in July. I don't know what events other chapters are doing this year, so if you're interested go to the website listed above and input your zipcode to locate your nearest chapter. Contact them and they can give you the scoop.

I know some folks who really aren't into this group, and that's fine. I needed the support and resources. We had seminars on basic bike maintenance, nutrition for endurance training, event day nutrition, and fundraising. US Cycling certified coaches are available for consultation on just about anything. And mentors are assigned to each rider for whatever support is needed. Our first team ride is this weekend, wahoo!

[SadieKate]

Hill Slug, I know you've been around a while. Why don't you post on the "Getting to Know You" page? I was checking out your website. My dad had non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and my aunt (my middlename namesake) died of Lymphocyctic Leukemia (I think that is the correct term). Tell us about yourself. I think doing the Tahoe ride as a novice is a pretty good accomplishment. Pat yourself on the back!

[Trek420]

Hill Slug and all, first off congrats on TNT, a worthy cause. I lost my dear cousing Marvin to Leukemia a few years back. As I drove to his memorial I heard on the radio news that new treatments had been found that might have helped him. But too late for this wonderful man.

We have a lot of TE'ers doing charity rides: the Top Hat, AIDS Rides, even the Cindy benefits charities. We may need a thread for TE'ers to share fundraising tips, reviews of the various rides etc? :o :cool: :rolleyes:

[CorsairMac]

Hey Admin: maybe we need a "fund-raising" forum? A place for everyone to post their fundraising needs, rides, goals, whatever?? Give us all 1 place to go for that info?

[Hill Slug]

A Charity Ride forum sounds good. I'd be happy to share tidbits I've learned in the last year.....

[Michelemarrano]

Hi Ladies!! Last year we formed MS Team FedEx Ohio to ride in the Pedal to the Point from Cleveland to Sandusky and back. One of my FedEx co-managers has MS, rides on our team, but had such a terrible setback before the PTTP she was bedridden. As show of our support, we raised $12,000 for the Buckeye Chapter of the National MS Society.

I'm always inviting folks to join our team. You do not have to be a FedEx employee, although the core group of our initial 2004 team of 32 riders were a bunch of couch potatoes from Columbus, Ohio.

While one of our Canton couriers got members of the Stark County Cycling Club to join us (they're "real" road cyclists), our Columbus folk rode on garage-sale/hand-me-down/Wal-Mart bikes, wore borrowed black padded shorts, and the coolest jerseys in town!!

We are so thrilled with the MS society folks with the SAG support, rest stops and gratitude! They ROCK!!

Does anyone know of any other charity rides near Columbus? BTW--I have a FedEx tractor trailer driver starting an MS Team FedEX near Chicago...Any takers? Let me know. Here's a link:
http://biketeam.fedex.org/ebt/

Feel free to contact me for further information as I'm the Ohio Team Captain, Den Mother, etc..... XOXO

[Michelemarrano]

Folks--here's my webpage and a photo of myself, my hubby (who will ride at the PTTP in 2005--He now has a recumbent!!) and daughter, Kathryn.

https://www.nationalmssociety.org/OHA/personal/default.asp?pa=44547302&pd=OHA1EMS120050820BER

[MM_QFC!]

Hiya Hill Slug -
Sending an early welcome your way before the STP in July! I'm in the Seattle area and have done the STP 5X and am planning to ride it again this year. So, if you have any questions about it, just give a shout out, ok?
Glad to support another TE rider!

Team in Training does a great job of supporting and prepping riders and I have met plenty of folks over the years who enjoyed the experience. It's great to not only enjoy riding, getting fit and healthier, meet great folks but to have your efforts make a difference is pretty awesome too, eh? Good for you!
Mary


P.S. Also, given your handle, you may be pleased to know that you'd be better served to train for mileage rather than hills, as the STP route is not a hilly one. Sure, there are gentle rollers and long pulls that usually have headwinds, but nothing gnarly at all. Regardless of whether you ride it in 1 day or 2, you'll still be in the saddle for a long haul - either a 1 day double century or back-to-back centuries, so get your saddle time in and besides, a lot of it, especially towards the end, is all a mind game anyway, right? I usually use the last 50 miles to ride strong towards the finish, envisioning a hot shower, massage and cold brewski!

[KTeach]

I did a TNT event this fall - met lots of nice people - had a great time at the event - and raised almost $6000! However ... "buyer beware" or something like that! The coach was a SUPER nice guy as were all the assistants and mentors. Yet the "training" was pretty simplistic... we rode together once a week and got "tips" but that's about it. It is hard because there are people with so many different levels of ability in the same group - we did eventually split into 2 groups, but that happed late in the training. I met other people at the actual event from different parts of the country who'd also trained with TNT - some had similar experiences, others had excellent coaching. It is a worthy cause, and was fun! but my advice is to talk to riders who've ridden with your particular group before making such a big commitment (I found many people were doing TNT events for their 2nd and 3rd time and they were great resources for the inside scoop on how things in the group would go). Also, find out where the training rides are from the coach! At the info session I attended I was told they'd be in a variety of places in my county - but they ALL turned out to be 45 - 80 minute drive from my home.

[UpNorth123]

Hi Hill Slug!
I, too, am participating in TNT this year...a first timer, two weeks into training for the Lake Tahoe ride. At 46, and not having been on a bike in ummmm, well, a loooong time, it's quite the challenge. The first day I rode two weeks ago (23 degrees), I thought, am I nuts?? But today (50 degrees) and 170+ miles on my new bike, I'm thinking, hey I can do this!

For me, TNT offered the ultimate combination of getting in shape again (me), support and coaching from a certified trainer for a newbie, rejoicing in my dad's good health as a survivor of non-Hodgkins lymphoma, and raising funds for continuing research to support those who are battling blood cancers every day. Plus, I get to meet new people and peddle around the backroads in rural Wisconsin...and buy new toys! :)

Fund-raising is going well so far, but if anyone is willing to support a very worthy cause, here's my website: Cycle4aCure (http://www.active.com/donations/fundraise_public.cfm?key=Cycle4aCure)

Look forward to reading through the threads on this forum and picking up tips, techniques and encouragement.

Happy cycling!

-UpNorth123

[Hill Slug]

Welcome UpNorth!!!

Congratulations on joining the team and getting your mileage in! I was basically in the same place you are for my first year in TNT. I started out on a heavy hybrid, and used my tax return to get a lighter road bike - Specialized Sequoia Comp. The training was hard, and I also thought what the heck am I doing here.....But I knew.....so I kept going. Our coaches are pretty good. They make the effort to reach each person and provide any assistance needed. As a mentor this year, I'm providing tips to folks on fundraising and some very basic training stuff. Just the kind of stuff that I learned. The Tahoe ride was awesome last year. The weather was perfect and everyone had a great time. I did have to walk some of the climbs....Emerald Bay is short but steep, and Spooner is an 8 mile climb. The company, bikethewest.com that puts this ride on does a great job with it. The rest stops are well stocked with good stuff. The CHP and Nevada state troopers did a great job keeping us safe.

Get as much hill work as you can.....you'll need it. I was out there all day because I did some walking, but it wasn't bad because there were others walking too. You're not really alone. And there are riders of all different levels. So have fun with your training, and know that you CAN do it..... :D

Please feel free to PM or email me if you have any questions...

Where are you traveling from for the ride????

[UpNorth123]

Hi Hill Slug-
Thanks for the warm welcome! Training is perking along...although we're really hoping for spring to arrive soon, yesterday on our 60 miler we were all still in long pants and sleeves and shells and ear muffs at 42 degrees. Ugh. We figure it just makes us tougher :)

I've met my goal for LLS and am now trying to make my personal goal of raising 5K or more. The following weeks will be challenging as the mileage gets longer, but now that I've fixed my first flat tire all alone (left the cell phone and potential 'rescue' sitting on my kitchen counter :mad: ) I'm feeling good.

Hope your fund raising and training are going well. I hear from other team members that those participating in charity rides, particularly TNT, have been labeled the Purple Menace. I do feel for those that have been training for speed, records, etc. for these events, but seems like there should be a way to allow everyone to meet their needs...like starting the racers 1/2 hour before the charity riders. Ah well, I'll just try to stay out of the way of the speed demons!

Only had a few minor aches and pains ... knees (temporary), ulnar nerve tinglees, so far so good for an over 40 broad!

Go Team!

Oh, and flying from Milwaukee to Reno. Our group is from the Fox Valley/Green Bay area of Wisconsin...there are also groups in Madison and Milwaukee we'll be meeting for our final training ride prior to the event.

Happy pedaling!

UpNorth

[Hill Slug]

Purple Menace, huh??? I like it..... :D

America's Most Beautiful Bike Run is TNT's primary ride on the West Coast, so out of the 3500+ riders, around 3000 are TNT. So.....we're at all levels. Some of the faster riders do go out early. And some of the slower ones do too so they're not out there aaaallllll day.

Our particular team stresses safety as much as possible. Last year we had 3 riders end up in the ER with broken collars or shoulders - one was at Tahoe... We are really into safety and so far we've had a couple of biffs, myself included, but nothing ambulatory!

We did 58 miles yesterday in 75 degrees....Hill work, my fave... :rolleyes:

I hope your weather clears up soon. Although the day after we did Tahoe last year, it started raining then snowing, so the weather up there can be unpredictable at times.

Have fun!

[Jamis]

Team in Training has been such a wonderful experience. You can learn more by going to my TNT page: http://www.active.com/donations/fundraise_public.cfm?key=tntilJKomros

Thanks!!

[Hill Slug]

Hey TNT Riders: America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride is THIS coming weekend!!!! :D :D :D :D
Hope you're all ready.
Just a few things to pass on if you haven't already heard:
- There are around 3,500 riders. That's a lot of folks on a 2 lane road all day. So please be mindful of those around you. The California Highway Patrol and Nevada State Troopers were great last year. But they will not hesitate to ticket the hotdog riders, so again please be careful.
- If you're not used to riding at altitude, between 6,000 and 7,000 feet, you may want to ride at a slower pace to try to get adjusted.
- Careful on the narrow shoulders. They use sand/grit on the roads because of the snow. There will still be sand/grit on the road, and sometimes the shoulder is not a wide as it appears. I almost took a fall sliding into some of that grit....would have had major road rash.....
- There are a lot of newbies on the road, and they don't always use signals or alert you they are passing. On your left gets old after awhile, but it's nice to know when they are there.
- On the Nevada side, there are long drain grates that stick out almost 3 feet into the traffic lane. Some were marked with orange cones so you could go around them. And some were not marked. The holes are just the right size for a tire to get caught in. Also, if one's not marked, please point it out to the riders behind you, they (I) will appreciate it!

Otherwise, have a good time. It's a really nice ride with beautiful scenery, so don't forget your camera!!!!

See ya up there.....The Sacramento team will have gold nuggets on their helmets, and we're going to start early, like 6am :eek: .....PM me if you want to try to meet up some time.....I won't be up there till very late Saturday, because I'll be seeing the Lion King when you're at the pasta party!!!! I'll be up there till around Monday noonish...

[UpNorth123]

Hi TNT'ers!
WOW! Sign me up for next year...that was an awesome ride and experience!! Even if the wind was howling like crazy and the Spooner downhill was the scariest thing I've ever done in my life thanks to swirling cross winds, it was all still amazing...scenery, riders (I liked the 'Peeps' on the helmets of the Lehigh Valley, PA, riders...who knew they made those inedible Easter treats there?!), support.

For my first century ride...ok, first organized ride ever outside of our training rides, that was the way to go. Plus, the warm and fuzzy feelings of raising money to help beat blood cancer can't be beat.

A few tears on the ride...seeing the little girl holding up a sign saying "You are my hero," hearing people cheer "Go Cheesehead" (yep, we had cheese wedges on our helmets), seeing the photos on peoples bike's or Camelbaks of loved ones fighting or lost to blood cancers, and seeing all the shapes, sizes and ages participating and realizing that each and every one had in some way been touched enough by cancer in someone they loved to pedal for 100 miles. Awesome.

I'll be back next year...in better shape and having raised more money this year!! :)


GO TEAM-

UpNorth

[CorsairMac]

Way to go UPN!!!..........I always catch my breath when I read about the people on the side of the road. What an awesome story - thanks for sharing!

[BikerJeanne]

I started out scheduled to do the Baltimore Marathon when my back started to give out only after about 5 miles. I had major back surgery 3 years ago. My husband is a road biker and really wanted me to get into that with him. Well...here I am riding my new Specialized Dolce Elite and LOVING it with NO back problems. I am addicted. I switched my Team in Training event to ride the Sea Gull Century www.seagullcentury.org (http://www.seagullcentury.org) on October 8, 2005. Team in Training has given me the team support to ride...found some women to ride with (since my husband still blows me away but not for long) AND I am raising money for a wonderful cause. It really hit home for me when my dog who is like a child to me was diagnosed with myeloma just recently AFTER joining TNT. Before joining TNT, I didn't even know whay myeloma was and now I am riding for that cause.

Overall, the experience is wonderful and I would suggest it to anyone since it is so motivational. Here is my link for your reference:

Jeanne's TNT Website (http://www.active.com/donate/tntmd/tntmdJBalch)

[MM_QFC!]

Way to go, Jeanne! I'm out in Seattle area and have done quite a few rides in various states to raise funds for AIDS research, but I did the Sea Gull a couple of years ago for pure fun, with some family and friends. In fact, my cousin is one of the organizers (at Salisbury State)...it's a beautiful, easy, flat ride, unless of course you have stormy, rainy, very windy weather like I got to slop through!
I had a great time though, and I'm sure that you will too...the pre-ride breakfast wasn't anything to write home about, but the beer garden and dinner were a yummy aftermath and the Sunday ride to the crab-feed was great!
Enjoy and tailwinds to you!
Mary

[BikerJeanne]

It sounds like you have really traveled and biked which is great. That is interesting that you have been in the Sea Gull and you are related to an organizer. We are training north of Baltimore on the hills so I should be set for the flat lands...the wind/weather is the only thing to look out for.

Anyhow, this site has been so interesting hearing about the many places people have biked and where people are from. One of the links above was from a cheesehead in Wisconsin which is my home state!!! Our Team in Training at Tahoe had crabs on their heads unfortunately I found out too late about TNT to be a part of that adventure.

Any chance you have done any biking in Italy? My husband and I are wanting to take a all-inclusive bike journey in Italy next year and I am looking for recommendations. Hey, maybe we can even get a group together! :)

[Hill Slug]

Good Job Jeanne on getting into TNT!

Tahoe was fun, but very windy & cold. Good luck at the Sea Gull!

30 or so riders from Sacramento are leaving for Seattle this weekend for our TNT event the Seattle to Portland ride. There will be 6 TNT chapters there. Should be fun, I can't wait......

Bike Goddess is carpooling with me tomorrow, so we'll hit Seattle on Friday.

[preeder]

I too joined TNT last November to force myself to stay in shape over the winter. The training period was great because I was part of introducing a group of novices to cycling. My motivation for joining was pretty selfish, but over the 6 months of training for Tahoe, I heard many incredible stories about relatives and friends with blood cancers and came to realize that I had remarkable health and fitness and owed it to myself and others to push myself more. As a result, I finished America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride at the beginning of June and have gone on to train for two triathlons (sprints). The first is this Sunday and the second is in August. The TNT concept is a great entry point for people who want to get into endurance sports and those of us with experience to lend can help a good cause and bring along the newbies. I am however, enjoying riding and eating with my usual bike buddies after chasing 27 year olds up hills all spring. I was the team mother at 53!

[Ivy Goldberg]

I'm also a TNT'er in NY and plan to do the Tucson century ride in November. This has very special meaning to me as I lost my mom to leukemia last year. This ride is to honor her memory. It's been no easy task getting far back into shape but it feels both painful and delicious. If anyone is doing this ride, let me know.

Also, I wouldn't turn down $ if you are so inclined: catnipt@optonline.net and I'll respond.

[Trek420]

Hillslug,

Can we get a total at some point for the TE board of pledge goals for all you gals on

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=2831&highlight=fund+raising

[Melodylynn]

Hill Slug
I am a newbie from the Lincoln area that would be interested in this wonderful cause. I am currently looking for a new road bike, I currently ride a Giant MTN bike. Could you direct me to more information on the Sacramento Chapter?

I could really use the help in the form of basic bike maintenance, nutrition for endurance training and support from someone other then my Fiance. He leaves me in the dust all the time!

Thanks,
Melody :cool:

[Hill Slug]

Welcome Melody.....Our TNT season is basically done, but alot of people are still riding together. I have to admit it's nice not getting up at the butt crack of dawn for a team ride!!!! :D But I still do some minor stuff and spin at the gym.
We'd love to have you on the team. They'll start doing informational meetings in Dec and Jan, then we'll start riding the end of Jan and beginning of Feb.
Here's the contact info:
Lonnie Biehl
Campaign Manager
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
4604 Roseville Road, #100
North Highlands, CA 95660
Ph. 916-348-1793 ext. 29
Fax 916-348-6812
www.teamintraining.org/sac
www.lightthenight.org/sac2004

We had a few folks on mtn and comfort/hybrid bikes, so don't feel like you have to get a new bike. The coaches also help out with bike fit, and they do a general inspection on the bike.

A few of us are going to do a ride in Woodland in September. It's for Yolo County Habitat for Humanity. It's a flat 43 miles. If you're interested PM me.
http://habitatforhumanity-yolo.org/workstatus.html

[SadieKate]

A few of us are going to do a ride in Woodland in September. It's for Yolo County Habitat for Humanity. It's a flat 43 miles. If you're interested PM me.
http://habitatforhumanity-yolo.org/workstatus.htmlIf that day turns out really hot, I highly recommend the Monticello Freeze at Steady Eddy's coffee/juice bar in Winters - a blended mocha with dark chocolate. Has worked really well the last two weekends as a nice cool break before heading for home (at least that's MY excuse :D ).

[gretassister]

:) Well, after reading all these posts, here is my reply. Team in training is awesome !! I did Cyclefest in West Palm Beach last October. Plan to get back into it and do Tahoe in '07. I , too, found the training a little simplistic. Basically just ride, ride, ride, increasing your distance each time. The comradery was good when you got discouraged though. My coach was great, my mentor not so much. But a lady mentor took me under her wing and we still email each other. I think women should mentor women; we know what our needs are. Men do not understand. :D

[Huniebee]

Hey how are you? I will be walking the marathon in disney this year then doing the bike in montauk. This is all new to me and i am trying to get donations so i can go to the event. It is not easy i love to train though evean if im slow as long as i make it across the finish line i will be happy. If you can give me any advice on how to raise money it would be great. Good luck on your ride and have fun!!!

Melissa TnT member

[Huniebee]

Hi everyone I just want to let you know i am not doing the tnt in Disney. I just transferd my donations and i am going to do the montauk centry ride in May. I have just did my first bike tour for MS and i did 20 miles so now i want to bike with TNT!!!! Is anyone going to do the Montauk ride? Please let me know thanx.

Melissa

[GypsyAngel]

I know this is an old thread but I read through it and thought I would bump it up with a reply.

I have recently joined Team In Training (Central PA Chapter) and am preparing for this year's Sea Gull Century in MD.
I still consider myself a cycling newbie because I've biked for a number of years but not consistantly. I decided to make a commitment to a fund raising group to help keep me faithful to training and I've thought about TNT for 7 years. I lost my Mom to Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma in 1999.

Anyway... I am new to the forum and this is my first post. I look forward to reading through the threads and getting to know y'all.

If anyone is still around that has cycled with TNT and has any words of advice please post! I'm an out of shape newbie... But I love to cycle and I'm ready for the challenge!

:D Gypsy

[Tri Girl]

I joined TNT a year ago and did the Nike Women's Marathon in Oct. 2005. Both my husband and I joined and raised the money (NOT something I would recommend- husband and wife fundraising at the same time :D ).
I then became a mentor for the OKC Memorial Marathon. I would love to do the Tahoe ride one day (when I get better on the bike and I've let my friends/family recover from my fundraising efforts).
Just wanted to say congrats on doing the Tahoe ride!!!! A good friend of mine (who also works for TNT) just did the fundraising and rode Tahoe. She said it was absolutely amazing!!!
I can't wait to try it one day!:)