Team in Training

[dthogue]

Congrats on joining TNT! You said you are doing a local race. Which one is it? I'm assuming the Hershey Half since that is supposed to be the Central PA race. Eastern PA doesn't send a team there because we have 3 big local races that everyone attends. I do have a friend who is trying to convince me to go to it though!

Yes it is Hershey - we live about 5 miles from the start - let me know if you decide to do this race - I would love to meet other WISHer's.

 

[ksoehrlein]

Tammy, congratulations on joining TNT. How cool that you're training for Hershey! I'm planning on coming up for that race. My BFF lives in Lancaster County. I hope we can meet up!

 

[fashionista311]

I am a new runner and am I looking for support in my training and my first race. That is why I was looking at TNT.

I went to the information meeting tonight and I was very impressed. I met the running coach and he spend quite a while talking to me aboout their training program. He was very supportive and kept telling me that I can do this - even though I am about 50 pounds overweight and haven't been running very long. Since I am doing this on my own, I need to find others to help me train and support my efforts. I feel TNT will offer this to me, so I signed up.

Now this comes with a warning - because I really don't want to offend anyone or come off as elitist, but that "anyone can do it" attitude that team and training (and some other groups, too) like to give off can be a bit misleading. Sure, anyone CAN do it - you just have to set realistic goals for your current level of fitness. The weight isn't really the issue, but rather experience. In this case, it's only April, and you're planning for a half marathon 6 months out, so as long as you can bring your base mileage up to where you feel comfortable at 6 miles (whether it's run, walking, or run/walking) before you get into the deeper miles and long runs go for it - totally cool, and great for you! But, I think when someone walks into a meeting and wants to run a full marathon in 6 months when they've only been running or walking for a few weeks, and the mentor tells them "sure you can do it!", that's a little dicey. The general rule of thumb for a full marathon is having at least 1 solid year, preferably 2 years, of running behind you, with a weekly mileage base of 25 miles/week. There's a reason for that - not to be exclusionary, but to make sure you get to the starting line, and cross that finish line, healthy, happy, and NOT injured. Otherwise, what's the point of signing up for an event if you end up with a stress fracture halfway through training? You won't be able to exercise at all for weeks or even months on end, you won't get to do your event, and you might even be so discouraged you'll give up all together. Much, much better to set your sights on shorter distances and gradually built up to the marathon when you have some good mileage and experience behind you.

But again - I'm not saying this to be offending - and I think in your case your goal is perfectly reasonable - but just keep it in the back of your mind that TIT is there to sell you a product, just like any other service or business. It's your job to be your own advocate and listen to your body.

Welcome to the crazy world of endurance sports, good luck, I look forward to reading your race report in Oct after your first 13.1!

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

I've always wanted to run Hershey. I hope you have a great time training and a super race!

 

[FFigawi]

The general rule of thumb for a full marathon is having at least 1 solid year, preferably 2 years, of running behind you, with a weekly mileage base of 25 miles/week.

Yikes! That's way more restrictive than any of the training programs I've been involved in as a runner or a coach. When I ran my first one several years ago, I didn't have any running behind me. I started training for a 10K in February, ran it in April, and started in with a marathon training group a month later. The group I train and coach with now, just like the first one, tells people that if they can run 3 miles a few times a week, they'll be able to get through the program and finish their first marathon. It's doubtful they'll BQ their first time out starting from no or a low base, but that doesn't mean they can't finish. Most of them do.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

Yikes! That's way more restrictive than any of the training programs I've been involved in as a runner or a coach. When I ran my first one several years ago, I didn't have any running behind me. I started training for a 10K in February, ran it in April, and started in with a marathon training group a month later. The group I train and coach with now, just like the first one, tells people that if they can run 3 miles a few times a week, they'll be able to get through the program and finish their first marathon. It's doubtful they'll BQ their first time out starting from no or a low base, but that doesn't mean they can't finish. Most of them do.

If those people are in really good shape to begin with, I can see it. But yeah, you really don't want to start marathon training without a solid basis of at least a year and at least 25 mpw.

 

[dthogue]

Now this comes with a warning - because I really don't want to offend anyone or come off as elitist, but that "anyone can do it" attitude that team and training (and some other groups, too) like to give off can be a bit misleading. Sure, anyone CAN do it - you just have to set realistic goals for your current level of fitness. The weight isn't really the issue, but rather experience. In this case, it's only April, and you're planning for a half marathon 6 months out, so as long as you can bring your base mileage up to where you feel comfortable at 6 miles (whether it's run, walking, or run/walking) before you get into the deeper miles and long runs go for it - totally cool, and great for you! But, I think when someone walks into a meeting and wants to run a full marathon in 6 months when they've only been running or walking for a few weeks, and the mentor tells them "sure you can do it!", that's a little dicey. The general rule of thumb for a full marathon is having at least 1 solid year, preferably 2 years, of running behind you, with a weekly mileage base of 25 miles/week. There's a reason for that - not to be exclusionary, but to make sure you get to the starting line, and cross that finish line, healthy, happy, and NOT injured. Otherwise, what's the point of signing up for an event if you end up with a stress fracture halfway through training? You won't be able to exercise at all for weeks or even months on end, you won't get to do your event, and you might even be so discouraged you'll give up all together. Much, much better to set your sights on shorter distances and gradually built up to the marathon when you have some good mileage and experience behind you.

But again - I'm not saying this to be offending - and I think in your case your goal is perfectly reasonable - but just keep it in the back of your mind that TIT is there to sell you a product, just like any other service or business. It's your job to be your own advocate and listen to your body.

Welcome to the crazy world of endurance sports, good luck, I look forward to reading your race report in Oct after your first 13.1!

No offense taken - great points - thank you for your insight!

 

[dthogue]

Tammy, congratulations on joining TNT. How cool that you're training for Hershey! I'm planning on coming up for that race. My BFF lives in Lancaster County. I hope we can meet up!

That would be awesome - seems like there might a a few of us, hopefully we can get together at some point - I'm going to need all the support I can get!

I've always wanted to run Hershey. I hope you have a great time training and a super race!

Thank you - appreciate the encourgaement!

 

[cynomologus]

If those people are in really good shape to begin with, I can see it. But yeah, you really don't want to start marathon training without a solid basis of at least a year and at least 25 mpw.

I understand your point, but I don't think that is necessarily true.

When I started with TNT, I had no running basis at all. I couldn't run to catch a bus, let alone run 26.2 miles.

I started my running in August, and ran my first full marathon that January in Disney.

I really think it depends on the individual on how the training should progress. Barring injury, and having a dedication to training, anyone could run or run/walk a marathon within 6 months. You're time may not be the best, but your goal for your first race should be to finish, not a specific time.

Just my thoughts....

JOHN

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

I understand your point, but I don't think that is necessarily true.

When I started with TNT, I had no running basis at all. I couldn't run to catch a bus, let alone run 26.2 miles.

I started my running in August, and ran my first full marathon that January in Disney.

I really think it depends on the individual on how the training should progress. Barring injury, and having a dedication to training, anyone could run or run/walk a marathon within 6 months. You're time may not be the best, but your goal for your first race should be to finish, not a specific time.

Just my thoughts....

JOHN

What was your age/weight at the time?

 

[FFigawi]

I'm with the other John on this one. I don't think one needs to be running for a year before starting to train for a marathon. To train for a really fast time, that's probably true, but not to train just to finish.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

I'm with the other John on this one. I don't think one needs to be running for a year before starting to train for a marathon. To train for a really fast time, that's probably true, but not to train just to finish.

Again, it depends. If you're starting from zero, if you're overweight and out of shape, etc., you're not going to feel even remotely good finishing a marathon at 6 months.

 

[FFigawi]

Again, it depends. If you're starting from zero, if you're overweight and out of shape, etc., you're not going to feel even remotely good finishing a marathon at 6 months.

That was me, so we'll just have to agree to disagree.

 

[sue2]

One of the most troubling comments I've heard about TNT is that they won't disclose the data regarding how much money goes to research and how much goes to administation.

If one wants to help cure cancer (and who doesn't)...why not raise funds and send $5000 directly to research......not to paying for your trip to Disney?

 

[fashionista311]

If those people are in really good shape to begin with, I can see it. But yeah, you really don't want to start marathon training without a solid basis of at least a year and at least 25 mpw.

Yeah, exactly. Some people were great runners back in the day but gone to seed - they might have some muscle memory from before, and get through ok. Some might play other sports, and are able to transition to running easily. Some may have just won the genetic lottery, and can defy all training "rules" and get by ok. (hell, a good friend of mine barely trains for half marathons, and by barely I mean never runs long and maybe goes to the gym once in a while, and always finishes injury free between 2:10-2:20) But I think these are exceptions to the rules. And, growing up as a daughter to a PT specializing in running injuries, I've heard all sorts of horror stories from training-gone-wrong....I say much, much better to play it safe. Marathons aren't going anywhere - what's the rush?

 

[cynomologus]

What was your age/weight at the time?

I was 34 and weighed 310 lbs when I started running. I had no running basis when I started.

I wasn't running for time, I was running to finish. I really believe that your first race should be focused on finishing not time, especially for novice runners.

JOHN

 

[ban26ana]

I ran the Princess with TNT. It was hands down the best experience of my life. In fact, 5 minutes ago I shot off an email to my mentor asking for the fundraising minimums for the Disneyland Half. 'Cuz I'm crazy like that.

I chose TNT because someone here on WISH suggested it. I had never run before, but I wanted to go to WDW. I started reading about the Princess Half, and I thought it sounded like so much fun. But no way could I afford it. So I signed up for TNT. It's actually a cause that hits very close to home. Dh's cousin was diagnosed at age 7 with lymphoma, and almost didn't make it. And his aunt is currently battling leukemia.

My fundraising minimum was $2400, because I chose to pay for my own airfare. I slacked on the fundraising. In fact, a few before my credit card would be charged, I started a thread on here panicking and asking for suggestions. I never got around to having an actual fundraiser (except selling candy at work) so all of my money came from direct donations. I raised more than my minimum. With very little effort.

I didn't make a single training run. I made it clear in the beginning that my work schedule was crazy and probably wouldn't allow for group runs. They were completely fine with that. In fact, the coach went out of his way to email me constantly and ask where I was in my training, any injuries I was experiencing, explaining nutrition to me, explaining race etiquette, etc. He had a party at his house to decorate our singlets. (I also didn't make that.) There was an informational meeting/sendoff party a few days before we left, and I did make that. That's the first time I met the coach and some of my teammates. And we jumped right into conversation like we were all old friends.

Our team had a few get-togethers that I didn't make while down there. I was visiting family that lives in Orlando and that I hadn't seen in 17 years. Again, no problem. Whoever could make it did. The night before the race, there was an inspirational dinner. Holy cow, inspirational doesn't even describe it. I bawled. Tears streamed down my face from the stories of triump over cancer. It really gave me insight into what I was doing to help people in need.

The day of the race, I got so much support from every TNT chapter, not just mine. My coach had all of our names printed on a list. He ran back and forth to make sure he ran with every single one of us. He even ran part of the race with someone from another chapter who was struggling, and her coach wasn't nearby. I think my coach must have run 30 miles with how much he went back and forth. And his energy...OMG. I was one of the last people he ran with, and he was still flying up ahead of me, waving his arms to the crowd and screaming "let's hear it for Laura!!!" Then he'd run back and come run side by side with me, at my slower than slow pace, and kept a smile on his face. This man is my hero. I didn't know how much the support would mean to me until I actually experienced it.

I did TNT as a means to an end. I wanted to do the race, they would pay for it. I got so much more. I "get" the team mentality now. The support was incredible, and did so much more than I ever expected. I really hope I can do the Disneyland half with them, because it was an all-around incredible experience!

 

[cynomologus]

One of the most troubling comments I've heard about TNT is that they won't disclose the data regarding how much money goes to research and how much goes to administation.

If one wants to help cure cancer (and who doesn't)...why not raise funds and send $5000 directly to research......not to paying for your trip to Disney?

TNT isn't real secretive about how much money goes to research/patient services. They are mandated that 75% of the money raised must go towards research/patient services and the other 25% is for race related fees and administration.

All of the chapters that I have been associated with generally disclose this at the information meeting and when they didn't present it, the information was readily given when asked by people at the info meeting.

I think it would be great if a bunch of people decided to raise thousands of dollars and donated it directly to a charity, there are 2 issues with that though...

1) even if you donated your money direct to a charity, there would still be "administrative costs" taken out, to pay for the charity's infrastructure (salaries, offices, promotional material, etc). Unfortunately, no matter which charity/church you donate to, they all must pay for these fixed costs out of the donations. You can (and should) check with each charity to find the exact percentage that actually goes to the mission of the charity.

2) The odds of someone raising money on their own in support of a charity or a cause (while noble) is very slim. Most people get involved with a charity to have the organization/support to complete a fundraising goal or because they have a personal connection to the charity's mission. I'm not saying that going at it alone would not be possible, just unlikely.

JOHN

 

[cynomologus]

I ran the Princess with TNT. It was hands down the best experience of my life. In fact, 5 minutes ago I shot off an email to my mentor asking for the fundraising minimums for the Disneyland Half. 'Cuz I'm crazy like that.

I chose TNT because someone here on WISH suggested it. I had never run before, but I wanted to go to WDW. I started reading about the Princess Half, and I thought it sounded like so much fun. But no way could I afford it. So I signed up for TNT. It's actually a cause that hits very close to home. Dh's cousin was diagnosed at age 7 with lymphoma, and almost didn't make it. And his aunt is currently battling leukemia.

My fundraising minimum was $2400, because I chose to pay for my own airfare. I slacked on the fundraising. In fact, a few before my credit card would be charged, I started a thread on here panicking and asking for suggestions. I never got around to having an actual fundraiser (except selling candy at work) so all of my money came from direct donations. I raised more than my minimum. With very little effort.

I didn't make a single training run. I made it clear in the beginning that my work schedule was crazy and probably wouldn't allow for group runs. They were completely fine with that. In fact, the coach went out of his way to email me constantly and ask where I was in my training, any injuries I was experiencing, explaining nutrition to me, explaining race etiquette, etc. He had a party at his house to decorate our singlets. (I also didn't make that.) There was an informational meeting/sendoff party a few days before we left, and I did make that. That's the first time I met the coach and some of my teammates. And we jumped right into conversation like we were all old friends.

Our team had a few get-togethers that I didn't make while down there. I was visiting family that lives in Orlando and that I hadn't seen in 17 years. Again, no problem. Whoever could make it did. The night before the race, there was an inspirational dinner. Holy cow, inspirational doesn't even describe it. I bawled. Tears streamed down my face from the stories of triump over cancer. It really gave me insight into what I was doing to help people in need.

The day of the race, I got so much support from every TNT chapter, not just mine. My coach had all of our names printed on a list. He ran back and forth to make sure he ran with every single one of us. He even ran part of the race with someone from another chapter who was struggling, and her coach wasn't nearby. I think my coach must have run 30 miles with how much he went back and forth. And his energy...OMG. I was one of the last people he ran with, and he was still flying up ahead of me, waving his arms to the crowd and screaming "let's hear it for Laura!!!" Then he'd run back and come run side by side with me, at my slower than slow pace, and kept a smile on his face. This man is my hero. I didn't know how much the support would mean to me until I actually experienced it.

I did TNT as a means to an end. I wanted to do the race, they would pay for it. I got so much more. I "get" the team mentality now. The support was incredible, and did so much more than I ever expected. I really hope I can do the Disneyland half with them, because it was an all-around incredible experience!

Glad you had a great experience!!

JOHN