Listen. If you're here reading this because you're unsure about joining Team in Training (TNT) for whatever reason, just go ahead and pause reading, sign up with them, and then return to find out all the amazing things you've just registered for.
Having been a dedicated runner for the past few years now, I decided I wanted to try my hand at becoming a triathlete. I knew of a couple people who had done the NYC Triathlon and swore up and down it was an amazing experience. "Excellent", I said. Now, how the hell do I train for one of these??
The people I knew who did the tri had done so with Team In Training. They sung nothing but praises about the organization, promising that it would be an incredibly memorable experience. I did my research and found that I would have to fundraise a hefty amount (at the time it was $2900, this may or may not change for upcoming seasons). In fundraising that amount, you are given all the coaching you can handle in preparation for the tri.
While there were other options such as a JackRabbit training program, or just full on going it on my own like I've been doing with just running, I decided to take my friends advice and join the team. I am *SO* glad I did.
TNT was unbelievable from beginning to end. For the 2014 triathlon, we had Scott, Mike, and John as our primary coaches, with several team captains helping them out as well. We met three days a week (one swimming day, one running day, and Saturday mornings for biking/running). On top of that we would receive detailed weekly training instructions for the days when we trained solo. You are also paired up with a mentor who is there for you whenever you have questions or panic attacks.
By the time the triathlon rolled around, I was more than ready to kick the course's ass, and kick it I did! I blasted away my anticipated finish time by nearly 20 minutes, and solidified my love for the sport, taking on the title of Triathlete. More importantly, I have made some amazing life long friends out of my teammates. It's now a month since the triathlon and we're all still active on the Facebook page. We really did become a family, and many of us are still meeting up for runs and bikes.
Let's touch on the fundraising. I was really apprehensive about raising such a large sum of money. I was also promised I could do it, and sure enough I was able to meet the minimum. You're given a recommitment date about halfway through training that allows you to either A. Guarantee you'll raise the funds, or pay the remaining balance yourself, or B. Back out of the program with no cost to you, but all funds raised go to the organization.
Speaking of the organization, you'll be raising funds for LLS to fight blood cancers. During training you'll hear from many of your teammates and special guests about how much their lives changed thanks to the continued research into a cure. What seems like a large sum of money to raise at the beginning becomes completely worth the time and effort in getting there, knowing you've possibly saved someone's life, while participating in a sport you love.
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