Westside LA Team In Training - Summer 2009 Marathon & Half Marathon Team

Name: Maria del Pilar Toro-Ortiz
Team: Westside Marathon (Greater LA)
Number of TNT Seasons: 1.5
Last TNT Event: Rock n’ Roll San Diego

Why did you join TNT?
My cousin Jorge passed away of brain cancer when he was 45 (6 years ago) I started running on my own, found TNT by accident one day and decided to join. I had never spoken about Jorge until I saw the courage and love that my fellow teammates, mentors and coaches had about about their experiences. It was then that I knew what had brought me to the team. There is very little that can be done for brain cancers but there is so much hope for blood cancers. I wanted hope.

What was your best fundraiser?
I had a lot of success with letters, more so than emails. There is something about that paper reminder that made it easier for people, and especially large companies, to write a check and mail it back. I also coordinated a ‘turtle-a-thon’ with a friend from the triathlon team. We had a good turnout for the turtle races and were able to finish our fundraising.

Most memorable TNT moment?
When I ran 20 miles. I sat down, took off my sneakers and as I was nursing my tired feet I thought: “OMG I just ran 20 miles!”. Coach Chris just looked at me and smiled (after he gawked at my blisters!) If I could run 20miles, I could do this. And if I can do this, Anyone can. It gave me a surprising moment of clarity and hope.

What would you have done differently during the season if you could start over?
Aside from learning to love the GU from the beginning, figuring out which socks work, discovering about toe taping and finding out about bodyglide earlier, I guess nothing. It was an experience that I would love to re-live from the beginning, blisters and all!

Do you have any other words of wisdom for our participants?
Some of my best friends up to date are participants and mentors. I was never shy to reach out but getting to know them made the experience all the more memorable. This group has some of the most happy, kindhearted, wonderful and selfless people that you will ever meet. Reach out, they will be your friends for a lifetime.
If you want to hear more about my experience, you can email me at maria.toroortiz@gmail.com. I’m always connected!

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