Team in Training

[dthogue]

Does anyone have any experience with Team in Training? I am going to a informational meeting this week, but I'm not sure what to expect. I know they are you to fundraise in exchange for training, race fees and travel expenses. Is there a minimum that you have to raise or it specific per race? The race I'm looking at is only about an hour from my home - I would love to be part of a training group, but am afraid I won't be able to raise the money. I would love to hear from others who have worked with TNT in the past.

 

[JillPTFLA]

I did my first marathon with Team in Training 11 years ago. I have to say that while it was great to train and travel with a group, the fundraising was very stressful (way harder than the actual training, I thought!). The amount does vary based on the race, I had to raise $3300 for my race but the Disney races (I live in South FL) only required a commitment of $1500. These days, they make you sign a commitment form where you give a credit card if you don't meet your fundraising.

For my first race, I do think it was good to have the support, etc but I would not do it again (especially now where a lot of people are in financial crises and are less able to donate). I am looking into a marathon training group for my next race and think it is more worth me paying $100 for the support rather than all of the hours I spent raising money (I happily donate to charities where more of the money goes directly to the people in need rather than to people travelling to a race)

Just my 2 cents!
Jill

 

[stampingoddess]

I don't have any experience with TnT, but when I decided to do my first full marathon, I did it with Joints in Motion (mostly because 2 sisters-in-law have very bag arthertis) In exchange for fundraising, the amount of which is related to the race you choose to run, they gave me group training, gear, race registration, and travel to the race.

For a first marathon, it was invaluable training, companionship, etc. I've done the rest of my full and halfs on my own, with the fundraising. However, if I felt more passionately about one to these team causes I would be do it again.

 

[Saylan]

I think it depends on the race and distance to travel needed. I live in Canada, near the US border but for me to do Disney TnT was asking a minimum 4200 raised for this year's Princess. You have a certain amount of time to raise money, without committing. Then about 2ish months out, they ask you to committ by giving your CC number and a certain amount towards your total (I believe this amount is only if you haven't raise a certain number already). By your race date, you're charged whatever you haven't raised but you still have up to a month after your event to raise the remainder and be re-imbursed.

I didn't think 4200 in this economy was doable (and I only had about 3-4 weeks to raise it in before the commitment date) plus there was no in person group near me so I'd have had only a virtual team which is what I have in WiSH for free.

 

[verticalchaos]

Personally I wouldn't do anything with them. It's just been general not-so-great experiences with groups of TNT runners in the park and other than the NYC Half Marathon where they cheered for everyone, their cheering squad needs to learn some race-cheering manners like cheering for everyone (don't get me started on the stretch of road at the WDW Half where there were people who were absolutely silent until they saw that darn purple TnT shirt, ignoring those of us working just as hard going by). But people are right that the cost depends on several factors: your distance from the race, how much travel is involved, how popular the race is, etc.)

I don't like that you're not allowed to make your own travel arrangements and have to add the amount (I suspect and then some even beyond the charity contribution) for their arranged travel onto your fundraising. I'd rather get to the race and arrange my lodging on my own (also avoiding the annoying 'we must stay together'-ness of it where they're in a block of rooms) and have most to all of the money I raise going to the charity. I'm not a control freak, but I want a darn say in how I travel there and where I stay.

I don't like the being tied down to their plan and their group for training. I am one of those who actually likes the solitude running can provide and the thought of having to run with a little group and a "mentor" chirping at you all the time would make me want to quit. Apparently they're introducing a "flex" program this year where you get the program online...but basically I'm far too independent to be as groupy-groupy as they are. (I've also known a few people who ended up with major too-much-too-soon issues because they were taken way too fast from barely doing anything to training for fulls. So it's not always the most sound coaching for someone who's never run a step in their lives - though it seems to depend on your little groups cheerleader, um, I mean mentor.

I'm not anti-charity at all, in fact I'm already planning to run Boston in 2013 for a charity because I know I'll never qualify on time. But it'll be one I pick, and given that I live in NYC I'll be doing it on my own with the help I might ask from from my running club friends and coaches.

Just my thoughts on it.

 

[Saylan]

On topic with what Vertical said, I've encountered the same mentality on cheering. I was wearing a similar shade of purple as TnT when in the Princess and they started to cheer for me in a stretch that was a little boring but once they saw I wasn't a TnT member, they quickly silenced. I'd have almost preferred that they didn't cheer at all. I was running 100% alone, my DBF still asleep, and my parents in another country, in my first race ever and it was just such a downer to not be worth a couple of cheers, words of encouragement, or even a 'You can do it!'.

Maybe others have had better encounters, Vertical mentioned one, but that mentality has pretty much certified I won't be supporting their group. I'll donate the money myself instead of encouraging such an 'us vs them' mentality.

 

[mla1977]

Personally I wouldn't do anything with them. It's just been general not-so-great experiences with groups of TNT runners in the park and other than the NYC Half Marathon where they cheered for everyone, their cheering squad needs to learn some race-cheering manners like cheering for everyone (don't get me started on the stretch of road at the WDW Half where there were people who were absolutely silent until they saw that darn purple TnT shirt, ignoring those of us working just as hard going by). But people are right that the cost depends on several factors: your distance from the race, how much travel is involved, how popular the race is, etc.)
We all know how you feel about TNT and in all my experience I've found that they cheer for everyone, not just for their people.

I don't like that you're not allowed to make your own travel arrangements and have to add the amount (I suspect and then some even beyond the charity contribution) for their arranged travel onto your fundraising. I'd rather get to the race and arrange my lodging on my own (also avoiding the annoying 'we must stay together'-ness of it where they're in a block of rooms) and have most to all of the money I raise going to the charity. I'm not a control freak, but I want a darn say in how I travel there and where I stay.
While this may have been the case in the past, many chapters now allow you to select a No Airfare option. Additionally, if you choose to stay somewhere other than where the team is staying, you can be reimbursed for your room. Many people who participate in TNT are first timers and like the support that you get by traveling with the team.

I don't like the being tied down to their plan and their group for training. I am one of those who actually likes the solitude running can provide and the thought of having to run with a little group and a "mentor" chirping at you all the time would make me want to quit. Apparently they're introducing a "flex" program this year where you get the program online...but basically I'm far too independent to be as groupy-groupy as they are. (I've also known a few people who ended up with major too-much-too-soon issues because they were taken way too fast from barely doing anything to training for fulls. So it's not always the most sound coaching for someone who's never run a step in their lives - though it seems to depend on your little groups cheerleader, um, I mean mentor.
People are not obligated to go to the group workout and there are many people I know who will fundraise the whole season and the first time that you see them will be at the dinner before the race.
I'm not anti-charity at all, in fact I'm already planning to run Boston in 2013 for a charity because I know I'll never qualify on time. But it'll be one I pick, and given that I live in NYC I'll be doing it on my own with the help I might ask from from my running club friends and coaches.

Just my thoughts on it.

I've added my responses above. You have made it very clear that you do not like TNT in the past. It's not for you. We get it. No one is asking you to join.

I for one enjoy being a part of it. Even though I am not fundraising, I still have the coaches inviting me to join them on the weekend workouts. No body is pressuring me to sign up and fundraise again either. Even with me planning on Goofy this year, whether or not I mentor or coach with them, I'll still be welcome at their workouts and I'll be able to get my training done with them.

 

[verticalchaos]

I've added my responses above. You have made it very clear that you do not like TNT in the past. It's not for you. We get it. No one is asking you to join.

I for one enjoy being a part of it. Even though I am not fundraising, I still have the coaches inviting me to join them on the weekend workouts. No body is pressuring me to sign up and fundraise again either. Even with me planning on Goofy this year, whether or not I mentor or coach with them, I'll still be welcome at their workouts and I'll be able to get my training done with them.

And this is a public forum and she asked for people's experiences (she did not say "only positive experiences please reply"with them. I shared mine.

If you've always run with them, obviously you're going to hear them cheering and assume it's for everyone. At least two of us have had and shared the experience of seeing crowds be silent or become silent because there were no TnT runners.

 

[ironz]

And this is a public forum and she asked for people's experiences (she did not say "only positive experiences please reply"with them. I shared mine.

If you've always run with them, obviously you're going to hear them cheering and assume it's for everyone. At least two of us have had and shared the experience of seeing crowds be silent or become silent because there were no TnT runners.

More than two of us, for certain. The only cheering for the "team" is one huge thing that bugs me about their race efforts. It happens A LOT.

The other was a coach, who while walking 4 abreast on one of the narrow roads of the WDW half marathon (not even one mile into the race--they had clearly started in a corral sooner their abilities should have put them in), blocking the road (it was a ramp to an overpass, so you couldn't run off the edge of the road to get around them), fussed at me when I asked if they didn't train their 'team' better than to block other runners.

These two issues have nearly kept me from doing WDW races. Now I just make sure I get good corral placement to avoid the blocking and sometimes when I hear people who stand silent on a race course, only to cheer for "team" members...I say, "And go Everybody Else!"

They don't have a good rep in the triathlon world, either...disregarding pacing rules and such.

That said, I have donated to LLS on racer's behalf on occasion.

 

[monte]

My step son has battled Leukemia twice and praise God is doing well.
I decided to join the TNT in 2008 for the WDW full marathon and I had to raise $4,000. which I thought I could never reach. TNT was such a positive experience for me and I was able to raise $10,025. for the cause, which I couldn't believe. I live in the Rockies and unfortunately could not attend the training sessions as they were all in Denver, but the mentors and coaches called me on a regular basis to see how my training was going and to give me pointers. I did not travel with the team, but my airfare was reimbursed and I had no problems whatsoever. Since that time I have walked many marathons on my own and I don't wear the TNT shirt, but I still get a high 5 from TNT and never had one bad experience with the team. Thanks for helping in such a great cause!

 

[Sarah_Rose]

On topic with what Vertical said, I've encountered the same mentality on cheering. I was wearing a similar shade of purple as TnT when in the Princess and they started to cheer for me in a stretch that was a little boring but once they saw I wasn't a TnT member, they quickly silenced. I'd have almost preferred that they didn't cheer at all. I was running 100% alone, my DBF still asleep, and my parents in another country, in my first race ever and it was just such a downer to not be worth a couple of cheers, words of encouragement, or even a 'You can do it!'.

Maybe others have had better encounters, Vertical mentioned one, but that mentality has pretty much certified I won't be supporting their group. I'll donate the money myself instead of encouraging such an 'us vs them' mentality.

I'm not sure what race you're talking about, but the Disney half in 2011 is the only place where I've ever encountered the "exclusionist" cheering. Every other race I've run (including Disney in other years), TnT seemed to be cheering for everyone. Maybe I just wasn't paying as much attention in other years, but 2011 Disney was not the TnT that I was used to.

Seattle is a HUGE TnT city (we have a large cancer research center here, as well as just being a very running-centric city) and I have had nothing but positive interactions with TnT here. I run with Joints in Motion for the Arthritis Foundation and we end up at the same training location as a TnT group almost every week. I quite often end up running with a TnT-er (or two or three) who is running the same pace as me, and the group often invites us over to come share their snacks and chat, when our groups finish around the same time. The team mentality seems to be very supportive and inclusive, but you have to want to join that kind of team.

And speaking to the thread...

I run with Joints in Motion because I do enjoy being "part of something". JIM's minimum fundraising requirements for local events is a lot lower ($500) and we really like having the support and training group. Some years we meet our minimum requirement, and some years we foot the bill for the shortfall. We do it because we enjoy it, and because we like raising money for something we care about.

Anyway, that didn't really answer the question at all. If it's something you think you want to support, I'd go for it. Fundraising is not easy at all (particularly with the economy the way it is) but if you're the kind of person who is motivated by a cause and a group to train with, it can be a lot of fun.

 

[Saylan]

I'm not sure what race you're talking about, but the Disney half in 2011 is the only place where I've ever encountered the "exclusionist" cheering. Every other race I've run (including Disney in other years), TnT seemed to be cheering for everyone. Maybe I just wasn't paying as much attention in other years, but 2011 Disney was not the TnT that I was used to.

This was at this year's Princess as I mentioned.

Honestly, any group is going to be different regardless of affiliation and I suspect many people have had great experiences with TnT (as well as other groups). Go to the info session and see if they are a good fit for you. They weren't for me (I did check them out since that's how I found out about the Princess and the DisBoards, but they wouldn't stop calling me till I had their number blocked after I told them I wasn't interested in the program).

 

[Sarah_Rose]

This was at this year's Princess as I mentioned.

Honestly, any group is going to be different regardless of affiliation and I suspect many people have had great experiences with TnT (as well as other groups). Go to the info session and see if they are a good fit for you. They weren't for me (I did check them out since that's how I found out about the Princess and the DisBoards, but they wouldn't stop calling me till I had their number blocked after I told them I wasn't interested in the program).

Sorry, I didn't connect your two posts on the thread, and didn't see you mention what race you ran in the post that I quoted.

I agree that different chapters and going to be very different and different charities are also very different.... no way to know if it'll work for you unless you check it out!

 

[stampingoddess]

I find the obvservations on TnT cheering to be very different from my experiences. I do not run with TnT, I do not wear purple, but at my pace I'm generally in the thick of the "purple people eaters." I have always found the cheerleaders to be supportive and cheering for everyone passing by and have had my named called out by them on more than one occassion.

My best and most memorable experience was during the 2007 Marathon. For those who ran that year, this was the unseasonably hot year (temps in the mid to uppers 80s) and several water stops out of water. We passed a TnT group on the overpass by the big McDonalds. They had gone down and gotten boxes of ice from McD and were giving out handfuls of ice to anyone passing by who needed some. I was feeling desparate for water and am very greatful that they were giving ice to anyone passing by and asking.

 

[dthogue]

Thank you everyone for your input - I am going to attend the informational meeting and see if it is right for me. I am new runner and really would like to have the support of a team of both coaches and fellow runners - my DD's are runners, but I can't keep up with them.

My 2 goals this year are to lose weight and get in shape and to help others - I was hoping with TNT that I can accomplish both at the same time. I would also like to look into the Make a Wish Program - maybe that would be a better match.

I am sorry that some of you have had a bad experience with the TNT supporters and that what you describe is only a select instance and not the norm.

Happy Running everyone - hope to see you at Disney in January!

 

[fashionista311]

The other was a coach, who while walking 4 abreast on one of the narrow roads of the WDW half marathon (not even one mile into the race--they had clearly started in a corral sooner their abilities should have put them in), blocking the road (it was a ramp to an overpass, so you couldn't run off the edge of the road to get around them), fussed at me when I asked if they didn't train their 'team' better than to block other runners.

you are my hero, that is freaking awesome that you spoke up like that

I really think with team in training it all depends on who you get for your coach. I've seen team in training do some pretty inconsiderate things in central park (blocking narrow paths and stopping abruptly with their run/walk intervals instead of moving to the side so other runners don't trip over them, practice drinking water from the tables and leaving the trash all over the park without cleaning up are two examples off the top of my head). I've also heard some horror stories where the coaches unwisely encouraged runners to do an event on an injury when they really should of sat out and resulted in making the injury that much worse.

But then again, my dad's old tri coach/family friend who is an ex-elite ironman athlete - decided to volunteer with her local chapter as a way to give back now that she can't compete any more. She obviously rocks.

It certainly doesn't hurt to check the informational meeting to see where your local chapter falls and see what it's all about

 

[cynomologus]

Personally I wouldn't do anything with them. It's just been general not-so-great experiences with groups of TNT runners in the park and other than the NYC Half Marathon where they cheered for everyone, their cheering squad needs to learn some race-cheering manners like cheering for everyone (don't get me started on the stretch of road at the WDW Half where there were people who were absolutely silent until they saw that darn purple TnT shirt, ignoring those of us working just as hard going by). But people are right that the cost depends on several factors: your distance from the race, how much travel is involved, how popular the race is, etc.)

I know it's popular to put down TNT as a whole because their supporters "don't cheer for you", but mainly that is because a lot of TNT runners are running their first race. That means a lot of their supporters/cheering section are cheering at their first race. They may not know that all runners need the support no matter which shirt you are wearing during the race.

That is not the fault of TNT, but I can see where your frustration may lie....

I don't like that you're not allowed to make your own travel arrangements and have to add the amount (I suspect and then some even beyond the charity contribution) for their arranged travel onto your fundraising. I'd rather get to the race and arrange my lodging on my own (also avoiding the annoying 'we must stay together'-ness of it where they're in a block of rooms) and have most to all of the money I raise going to the charity. I'm not a control freak, but I want a darn say in how I travel there and where I stay.


I have done a couple TNT events and that was not my experience at all. I "deviated" from the "team flight" everytime, and booked my own accomodations at 1 of the 3 events I did with them.

I actually liked the "stay togetherness" of the team being at the same hotel, because the TNT'ers from my chapter became friends of mine during our training together, and we wanted to "be together". You also get to meet a bunch of "like minded" individuals from all over the country. I have met some "race buddies" from TNT events that have ended up doing other events that I have run as well.

i do understand that the "social aspect" may not be for everyone, but I think it plays a large part for "first timers" to have some support from people who are going through the experience of a "first race".


I don't like the being tied down to their plan and their group for training. I am one of those who actually likes the solitude running can provide and the thought of having to run with a little group and a "mentor" chirping at you all the time would make me want to quit. Apparently they're introducing a "flex" program this year where you get the program online...but basically I'm far too independent to be as groupy-groupy as they are. (I've also known a few people who ended up with major too-much-too-soon issues because they were taken way too fast from barely doing anything to training for fulls. So it's not always the most sound coaching for someone who's never run a step in their lives - though it seems to depend on your little groups cheerleader, um, I mean mentor.


I wouldn't say that you are ever "tied down" to a training plan. I followed their plan for my first race, mainly because I was not a runner, and their plan was better than the one I had before joining TNT (which was none!).

The other times that I have run TNT events, I followed my own plan(s) and ran what I thought I needed to/wanted to. I have never had a TNT Coach or Mentor "chirping" at me or any other participant in my chapter. They are very supportive, especially to first time runners, and the goal is to get you to complete your event, not browbeat you into submission.

BTW... mentors and coaches for TNT are 2 different things. Coaches are involved with the training aspect of the event. The Mentors are "TNT Alumni" who help participants with their fundraising and provide support. It's a lot different getting advice about TNT from someone who has "been there" and done the fundraising and training. That what the mentors do....



I'm not anti-charity at all, in fact I'm already planning to run Boston in 2013 for a charity because I know I'll never qualify on time. But it'll be one I pick, and given that I live in NYC I'll be doing it on my own with the help I might ask from from my running club friends and coaches.

Just my thoughts on it.

That's great that you will be doing a charity race for Boston. It's also great that you have a running club and friends to help you. I think that one of the best parts of TNT is that they provide support to runners who don't have an established network of support. A lot of runners are very "solitary" with their running as on race day, it really comes down to you against yourself. It's sometimes hard to get started and stay motivated without someone their to support you.

When I started running, I had no one that I could turn to for advice or support. TNT provided that for me. I would not have finished my first race without them. Now, because of TNT, I have a large network of "running friends" that I can call on to train with or compete with in events together.

So, I guess my advice would be to go to the information meeting, and ASK QUESTIONS. Ultimately, it will be your decision as to what is best for you.

In full disclosure, I have participated in a couple TNT events in the past few years as a "fundraising participant" and a few events as a "mentor" to other participants. I still am active in my local chapter as an "alumni" and plan to run the Goofy Challenge this year as a "fundraising participant".

John

 

[ironz]

In full disclosure, I have participated in a couple TNT events in the past few years as a "fundraising participant" and a few events as a "mentor" to other participants. I still am active in my local chapter as an "alumni" and plan to run the Goofy Challenge this year as a "fundraising participant".

John

First...I'm going to clarify that I don't really care if people run for a charity or not...glad to see people getting off the couch, good causes, etc.

But...with this post...have YOU educated your friends and supporters and your teammates about the cheering issue? You say they don't know that other people need support....how about this organization doing a little good-will education on that? And really, is it that hard to tell that a person running alone who is obviously working hard (FOP, BOP, no matter) might need a little boost, even if they are not wearing purple? Even a "Go, Red Shirt!" would give him or her a boost more than just staring down the road and waiting for the next purple shirt to come around a corner.

I've been running for 13 years and doing triathlon for 12 years. I cheer at lots of events, and you don't know tired from cheering until you go watch an Ironman and are outside cheering from 7 am until midnight. But I really don't think anyone ever had to tell me to not limit my cheering. It's not that hard, is it, to just say generically, "Go, runners!" with a few extra "Go Team!" if that's your preference. I train with a group in town that has 3 or 4 'other' training groups....I don't exclude them from my cheering, even though there is a friendly rivalry between some.

Also, please make sure your group knows something of race etiquette. See my previous post, where a TNT COACH (clearly labelled on his shirt) facilitated blocking the 1/2 marathon course with his walkers who had quite clearly started in a earlier corral to make sure they didn't get swept.
And though the pacing rule doesn't apply to running events, the TNT coaches at WDW races (for several years now) seem to think they 'own' the section through the World Showcase, running back and forth on the course without regard to non-team runners.

So, yes....just like so many things...the actions of what is hopefully a minority of the group affect the perception of the group as a whole.

 

[stargazertechie]

Also, please make sure your group knows something of race etiquette. See my previous post, where a TNT COACH (clearly labelled on his shirt) facilitated blocking the 1/2 marathon course with his walkers who had quite clearly started in a earlier corral to make sure they didn't get swept.

Full disclaimer: I interned with TNT/LLS and I am a TNT alumni

That being said- while I love team, and I love the support, I hate the fact that SOME CHAPTERS have started encouraging participants to embellish their projected finish and do WHATEVER THEY CAN DO to get to the front of their corral to give them extra padding so they don't get swept.

 

[ironz]

[