Thoughts on Team In Training?

dani2480 · December 2010

I'm thinking about signing up for Team In Training to run the Nike Women's Marathon in October (I'd probably do the half marathon). I've never run anything like that before (and would be a very beginner runner). I know that Team In Training makes you raise money in exchange for training, support, entry fees, etc.

Does anyone have any experience with Team In Training, and/or any advice, thoughts, concerns, etc?

Passanie · December 2010

Do it!!! I've never done it, but many of my co-workers have and they all seem to have great experiences.

legaleagles · December 2010

I think it is a great organization and if you're not a runner the coaching and training can be invaluable. But raising money can be hard and I think it's a pretty significant chunk of change and I think (at least when I did the Avon 3-day in 2001) if you didn't raise all the money you had to pay the rest out of pocket. I think it's over $2k you have to raise. Kfishie has done it a couple of times and can probably chime in on this.

I'd love to do it sometime to work on time and get some real running coaching, but I have too many friends who are unemployed or underemployed and would likely have a hard time fundraising all the money needed.

kfishie · December 2010

I have done TNT a couple of times (specifically for the Nike Women's Half Marathon). Last year I was a mentor/running coach as well. I have blogged about it in my blog (link in siggy). IMO, Nike is one of best runs to do with TNT! There is so much TNT support along the entire course and it is an amazing feeling to run with so many other women throughout the country who are all training for the same purpose and for an amazing cause. And many, yes many, have never run before signing up for TNT!

I have a lot more that I can say (about training, your mentor, fundraising, etc) but am running out the door. I will try to get on again later and share some more details!

leolyns · December 2010

I've also done it and Nike was my first half marathon.

I say do it - I've met great people, fell in love with running and felt like a I served a purpose with fundraising. I think they have changed a few things, like you can choose not to have the hotel cost built into your fundraising goal but book the room yourself (you'll want to do this the night before your race, trust me) and your minimum is lower. With raising money, which is for a good cause, you can ask anyone and everyone, you'd be surprised who will donate. Go to an information meeting if you can.

kfishie · December 2010

Yes, you can stay on your own and get reimbursed (I always did this because I wanted to stay with DH and we have a favorite place to stay during race weekend).

Typical TNT--you get a training schedule which outlines your workouts. They have a weekday workout that typically focuses on form, speed drills, hills, etc. The weekend runs are your long runs. In addition, you will learn a lot about proper fueling, hydration, stretching, injury prevention, proper form, pacing, etc. In addition to your coaches, you will also have a mentor assigned to you. Your mentor is someone who has completed various TNT seasons before and has been a successful fundraiser. Your mentor is your go to person...they will answer your questions, be your support system, and will help you with your fundraising ideas. Fundraising can be struggle and can be easy. I was scared to ask people for money. However, when I finally bit the bullet and wrote a passionate letter as to why I was training with TNT, I was so surprised at how GENEROUS people were. I far surpassed by minimum fundraising goal.

If you decide to do TNT, I can answer any questions you have along the way. Feel free to ask me any questions as well!

dani2480 · December 2010

Thank you for the info!

kfishie, do you remember approximately what your fundraising goal was? I've been trying to research, and it seems all over the place for different people.

Also, how long were the training sessions on the weekends? And was it every weekend? For how long (like how many months)?

And do you have to stay in a hotel? I live across the Bay and could easily just come over from home if that doesn't seem crazy.

I may have some "luck" with fundraising from my dad's side of the family because my uncle died of lukemia almost 30 years ago. I never met him, but it still feels like a more meaningful cause for me. Plus, my employer matches donations I make, so if I have to make up some of the goal, I can get my work to split it with me.

I've heard about Team In Training over the years, but have never been a runner. However, I'm feeling really inspired and motivated to make some big, positive changes in my life next year (after having a very craptastic year this year). I figure this would allow me to kill many birds with one stone -- get in better shape, volunteer for a great cause, learn a new hobby (running), make some new friends, and give me something to feel excited and good about.

kfishie · December 2010

dani2480:
Thank you for the info!
kfishie, do you remember approximately what your fundraising goal was? I've been trying to research, and it seems all over the place for different people. It depends on your location to the race and what TNT chapter you are training with...ie: if you are far away, the fund raising goal is more since TNT has to factor in your transportation (plane) costs. If you are within driving distance, it is always much less. For the Sac Chapter, it varies between 2000 and 2400 depending on fall vs. winter seasons, etc.
Also, how long were the training sessions on the weekends? And was it every weekend? For how long (like how many months)? Weekend training sessions depend on the distance you are running that week, so the longer the run, the longer the training. They are usually every weekend for about 4 months (if you join the Fall Team. Are you obligated to attend every session? NOPE! Of course, it is always great to run with your fellow running buddies, but if you are out of town, tired, want to run by yourself at a different time/day, etc, that is totally fine. Some folks even virtually train in that they sign up but are far away from their "local" chapter so they train on their own. (I mentored a lady who lived in Redding and coming to Sac every weekend was just to hard. So, I virtually coached her).
And do you have to stay in a hotel? I live across the Bay and could easily just come over from home if that doesn't seem crazy. No, you don't have to stay in the Team Hotel.
I may have some "luck" with fundraising from my dad's side of the family because my uncle died of lukemia almost 30 years ago. I never met him, but it still feels like a more meaningful cause for me. Plus, my employer matches donations I make, so if I have to make up some of the goal, I can get my work to split it with me. That is great that you already have a "head start" on possible fundraising donors!!!!
I've heard about Team In Training over the years, but have never been a runner. However, I'm feeling really inspired and motivated to make some big, positive changes in my life next year (after having a very craptastic year this year). I figure this would allow me to kill many birds with one stone -- get in better shape, volunteer for a great cause, learn a new hobby (running), make some new friends, and give me something to feel excited and good about. Great goal!!! :-) I hope 2011 is better for you!

SDgirl22 · December 2010

I did TNT based upon my sister's and BFF's experiences. I ran the 2006 San Diego R&R marathon while living in San Diego. It was AMAZING and actually probably life changing, because I realized what I was capable of! I now have NO excuse for not being able to run. It was SOOOOOO much fun, I met great people and it's such a great supportive organzation. The training program is well structured, layed out so that people of any level can do it (there was always an A, B and C group to run with. A being easiest no experience and C being running to a PR and experienced runners). I never NEVER felt slow, even though I was. I am NOT a runner by nature, I don't look like a runner and so people are shocked when they learn I've done a marathon! I learned so much about running and training, as well! It's SO fun to have that purple jersey on marathon day. GREAT support throughout the run from coaches from all over the country. I still always cheer on the TNT folks when I go see marathons.

I'll answer some of the questions, too, so you get other answers:

do you remember approximately what your fundraising goal was? Mine was $1700, and I ran in the same city so I didn't need a hotel. It was hard work, but I think that with social networks like FB, it makes it easier than when I did it. My sister had done TNT several times and she "tapped" out our family, so she did resaturant fundraising nights, and also hosted a raffle dinner with a few friends. I know some other people that sold goodies, t-shirts, etc.

Also, how long were the training sessions on the weekends? And was it every weekend? For how long (like how many months)? Training last from early Feb. until the first weekend of June (when the marathon was). The "long run" was on Saturday, and would last from 1 hour until 4 or 5 based on the length. I tried to make it up on my own if I missed a weekend, but it was every weekend. I looked forward to it though. I usually ran on my own during the week after work, from 2-4 miles several times a week.

And do you have to stay in a hotel? I live across the Bay and could easily just come over from home if that doesn't seem crazy. Since I ran in the same city, my fundraising didn't include a hotel. I lived about 20 min. from the start of the race so i got dropped off and my XH and family met me at the finish line (and along the way)

"I've heard about Team In Training over the years, but have never been a runner. However, I'm feeling really inspired and motivated to make some big, positive changes in my life next year (after having a very craptastic year this year). I figure this would allow me to kill many birds with one stone -- get in better shape, volunteer for a great cause, learn a new hobby (running), make some new friends, and give me something to feel excited and good about."

These were all the reasons why I did it and it was sooooo amazing! It's the BEST feeling to say you've done it!

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