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

Posts Tagged ‘featured’

Name: Sheila Estaniel
Team: Westside LA Marathon Team
Number of TNT Seasons: 2
Last TNT Event: 2008 Rock N Roll San Diego Full Marathon

Why did you join TNT?
Completing a marathon was something I wanted to cross off my life list. I joined TNT to help me prepare properly, and I also liked that they raised money for cancer research.

What was your best fundraiser?
We did a pub crawl, which was a lot of fun, but I had the most success with picking up the phone and personally letting family and friends know why I needed their support. Make sure to either get their credit card number on the spot or arrange a time to pick up their checks. The easier you make it for people, the more willing they’ll be to help.

Most memorable TNT moment?
Crossing the finish line at the 2008 Rock N Roll Arizona marathon. It was my first event, and my family drove from California to cheer me on. It was also the weekend I really got to know my teammates.

What would you have done differently during the season if you could start over?
Definitely attend more hill training and Sunday practices. I skipped one too many, and I felt the burn on race day.

Do you have any other words of wisdom for our participants?
Start your fundraising efforts EARLY! You don’t want to make those frantic last minute phone calls hours before deadline. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. And get to know your teammates. Some of the most inspiring people you’ll meet are part of TNT!

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This will be an ongoing series, where we will feature an alumni so you, our readers, can learn some new things from people who has done it before. If you’re a Team in Training Alumni, please fill out this form (or please spread the word).

Name: Marvin Tabangay
Team: Westside LA Marathon Team
Number of TNT Seasons: Currently on 4th
Last TNT Event:2008 Rock N Roll San Diego Full Marathon

Why did you join TNT?
Previous to my first marathon, I completed the Long Beach half marathon without training and I felt I could do a lot better if I had a structured training program. I’ve always heard about Team in Training, so I gave it a shot. I was supposed to join the South Bay Team, but I chose the Westside Team because I wanted Sunday morning practices. I joined not knowing one person, but since then it has changed my life.

What was your best fundraiser?
So far my current fundraiser has been my best one
http://pages.teamintraining.org/los/anchor09/mtabangay

It was an idea from my friend from the New York Chapter of TNT. I contacted friends who own businesses, blogs, and websites and had a “Sponsor A Mile” fundraiser. 27 slots (26 + 0.2), each at $50 or more in exchange for their website links on my fundraising page. I still plan to mass market my site, and with their links displayed, it could be all worth it. So far I’ve made over $1900 from it.

Most memorable TNT moment?
Last summer’s San Diego Rock N Roll Marathon was my most memorable. I beat my previous marathon (Arizona Rock N Roll) time by 40 minutes at 5:08! I’m not really sure how I did it, but it really helped running with a good friend of mine the majority of the way. It was a great finish not only because of the time, but my parents and sister was there at the finish line – it was their first marathon experience, and they loved it!

What would you have done differently during the season if you could start over?
I definitely would have gone to more mid-week runs, and do more strength training on my own.

Do you have any other words of wisdom for our participants?
Make sure you have fun out there! Meet people outside of your pacegroup, meet people outside of your mentor group. Get involved in group fundraisers, support your teammates’ fundraisers. I believe the best part of TNT is the social aspect – take advantage of it.

Check out my running blog too
http://www.runningwithoutmusic.com

And follow me on Twitter
http://www.twitter.com/sketch678

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This will be an ongoing series, where we will feature an alumni so you, our readers, can learn some new things from people who has done it before. If you’re a Team in Training Alumni, please fill out this form (or please spread the word).

Name: Ross W. Prout
Team: Westside LA Marathon Team
Number of TNT Seasons: 3
Last TNT Event:Honolulu Marathon

Why did you join TNT?
I wanted to achieve a bunch of goals at the same time. They included 1) Running a marathon 2) Visiting Alaska (during the midnight sun) 3) Meeting new people and 4) Doing something charitable.

I knew I would do all those but didn’t know how many friends I would make or that I would end up being a mentor for two more seasons.

What was your best fundraiser?
I’m a big fan of the PubCrawls… They get everyone out of their running shoes and in a festive mood. They also can raise a lot of money for the cause without much overhead.

Most memorable TNT moment?
At the end of my first season as a mentor, I ran every step of RNR San Diego with three of the participants that questioned if they could finish. I took great pride their accomplishment and it was much more special than “my” marathon.

What would you have done differently during the season if you could start over?
My first season I was reluctant to use a water belt. I thought they looked kind of goofy and uncomfortable. It turns out that a water belt can be your savior. I now find it more difficult or at least awkward to not run with one.

Do you have any other words of wisdom for our participants?
When I started TNT, I mainly used it as a training program and rarely did any non-running events with the team. Towards the end of the season and beyond, I realized what a great core group of people I was getting to know. Now many of the people from my original season (and subsequent ones) are still my closest of friends. Get out to the events and have fun. The training is great, but but it’s only one component of TNT.

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This will be an ongoing series, where we will feature an alumni so you, our readers, can learn some new things from people who have done it before. If you’re a Team in Training Alumni, please fill out this form (or please spread the word).

Name: Marie Schneider
Team: Westside Iron Man Team
Number of TNT Seasons: 5
Last TNT Event:Currently on the IronTeam

Why did you join TNT?
I am not going to lie, when I first join the TNT Marathon Team in July 2006 I was doing it for selfish reasons, I was lucky enough not to have any connection to cancer; I just wanted to get in shape, I had never ran more than 6 miles and wanted to complete a marathon. I fell in love with the cause and more importantly with the people I met through my first season, I totally got hooked and did 2 more seasons with the marathon team, one as a mentor and one as a team captain.

In 2008 I took on another challenge and joined the Triathlon team, I did not know how to swim and bike so it was a totally different ball game. Once again I got addicted to the sport and I am now the Fundraising/Mission Captain of the Ironteam! Trust me when I first joined TNT I never thought I could do a marathon and especially not one at the end of an Ironman… anything is possible people!!!

What was your best fundraiser?
During my 5 seasons with Team in Training I have participated, organized and attended many fundraisers…
I would say my favorite one to organize is the Bachelor Auction, it’s a blast each year, but my more lucrative and fun was the pub crawl I did in march 2008

Most memorable TNT moment?
too many to list… each event I did with Team in Training was a blast, it is always emotional to cross that finishing line because you worked/trained so hard for it..
but I would have to say that finishing my first marathon was one of the best feeling ever

What would you have done differently during the season if you could start over?
to be honest nothing, I met the most amazing people ever, completed races I never thought I could do and I am currently working on my lifetime dream to become an Ironman… I don’t think it can get any better!

Do you have any other words of wisdom for our participants?
HAVE FUN!!!!! do not go for a time, each time I did that I had a horrible experience, hit the wall or was disappointed… just enjoy each race, especially if it’s is your first marathon, finishing is all that matters, if you have no expectations you will end up doing better than you even thought you could!

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This will be an ongoing series, where we will feature an alumni so you, our readers, can learn some new things from people who has done it before. If you’re a Team in Training Alumni, please fill out this form (or please spread the word).

Name: Carlos Tarcisio Pineda
Team: Westide IRONMAN Team!
Number of TNT Seasons: 4
Last TNT Event: Oct 2008: Nike Women’s Marathon in San Francisco

Why did you join TNT?
I joined TNT to stop running and training for marathons by myself, meet new people and attempt to make a difference in this world. TNT & LLS seemed like a GREAT organization to combine my passion for running with my desire to help others and do some good in this world.

What was your best fundraiser?
Pub crawl I did with Veronica Diaz on Main Street in Venice. It was DA BOMB and we raised nearly $1100 for LLS. Great turnout, smiles all around and cold beverages to enjoy the summer…what could be better.

Most memorable TNT moment?
This is a hard one. There are too many. One is bonding with my teammates during marathon weekend in San Diego for Rock N’ Roll Marathon. That was my first season and the one that got me hooked. Another one is standing at the finish area of the Nike Women’s Marathon after I finished and watching my mentees cross the finish line one after the other. Watching the emotion on all their faces as they finished was priceless.

What would you have done differently during the season if you could start over?
I would have attempted to attend more of the socials and fundraisers. I was very busy with work but looking back I COULD HAVE made the time. DO IT! You will not regret it and you will meet some of the coolest people in your life. I also would have been more social at practice…instead I zoned out on my runs.

Do you have any other words of wisdom for our participants?
NEVER give up! KNOW you can do it! TRUST that any limit your mind has set was MEANT to be broken and shattered.

“Pain is temporary. Quitting lasts forever”–Lance Armstrong

Lastly, know you WILL make a difference and help save lives.

GO TEAM!

Carlitos
http://www.ironmancarlitos.blogspot.com/

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This will be an ongoing series, where we will feature an alumni so you, our readers, can learn some new things from people who has done it before. If you’re a Team in Training Alumni, please fill out this form (or please spread the word).

Name: Emily Conlon
Team: Westside LA Marathon
Number of TNT Seasons: 5
Last TNT Event: Santa Barbara Half Marathon

Why did you join TNT?
I was new to Los Angeles and wanted to try running a marathon. The Team in Training program seemed like a great way to train while doing some good in the world.

What was your best fundraiser?
The highest one-time donation I earned was working as a committee member for the Bachelor Auction during the Summer ‘07 season. It was organized by our fundraising captain, and it was really successful.

Most memorable TNT moment?
Running through the Alaskan wilderness as fast I could during the Mayor’s Marathon in Anchorage, AK. Perfect weather, beautiful scenery (two moose!), and an amazing group of coaches, teammates and staff to share the experience with.

What would you have done differently during the season if you could start over?
Attend more social events! Our team is as committed to curing cancer as we are to meeting for happy hour!

Do you have any other words of wisdom for our participants?
Completing endurance events with Team in Training is about so much more than crossing that finish line. From the first practice and your first donation received, to the final taper week and fundraising above and beyond what you thought you could do, TNT is such a powerful experience.

And I can’t think of a better way to spend my Sunday mornings than jogging at the beach and spending time with my teammates, people who are taking action to change others’ lives.

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This will be an ongoing series, where we will feature an alumni so you, our readers, can learn some new things from people who has done it before. If you’re a Team in Training Alumni, please fill out this form (or please spread the word).

Name: Leslie Ryan
Team: Suncoast (Tampa Bay, FL) Marathon
Number of TNT Seasons: 4
Last TNT Event: RnR San Antonio

Why did you join TNT?
I joined TNT for a variety of reasons… finding a cure for blood cancers, folks to run with, and making tons of great friends.

What was your best fundraiser?
A fun one… raising $$ at work… folks cutting down on soda during the day and then having them give me the money they would normally spend.

Most memorable TNT moment?
Crossing the finish line in team purple at RnR San Antonio

What would you have done differently during the season if you could start over?
Gone to more weekly trainings with the team

Do you have any other words of wisdom for our participants?
Keep training, keep believing that you can complete the event, and know that what you are doing is a fraction of what the folks going through treatment.

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This will be an ongoing series, where we will feature an alumni so you, our readers, can learn some new things from people who has done it before. If you’re a Team in Training Alumni, please fill out this form (or please spread the word).

Name: Javier Rivera
Team: Westside LA Marathon
Number of TNT Seasons: 5
Last TNT Event: 2009 Walt Disney World Full Marathon

Why did you join TNT?
I joined TNT to help find a cure for blood cancers and to meet some exciting new people.

What was your best fundraiser?
My best fundraiser has always been letters and emails. After that, I am a big fan of karaoke fundraisers.

Most memorable TNT moment?
Finishing my first marathon and having my mother and family at the finish line.

What would you have done differently during the season if you could start over?
I would definitely attend all of the mid-week trainings and happy hours.

Do you have any other words of wisdom for our participants?
Focus on your fundraising early and try to meet (and surpass) your minimum as soon as you can. After that you can turn your focus to training. =)

Also, if you are looking for those awesome TNT track jackets you can purchase one at www.shopit.com/tntgear.

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This will be an ongoing series, where we will feature an alumni so you, our readers, can learn some new things from people who has done it before. If you’re a Team in Training Alumni, please fill out this form (or please spread the word).

Name: Stacey Levine
Team: Westside LA Marathon
Number of TNT Seasons: 2
Last TNT Event: Honolulu Marathon 2008

Why did you join TNT?
I joined TNT to meet people, challenge myself, acheive a goal, help people and to feel like I was doing something good in the world!

What was your best fundraiser?
I set up a table at my workplace (a concert venue) and collected small donations from concert-goers. I also helped secure gear for a battle of the bands fundraiser and got to use part of the proceeds toward my fundraising goal.

Most memorable TNT moment?
Crossing the finish line with a giant smile on my face, and celebrating with my new friends for a few days in paradise!

What would you have done differently during the season if you could start over?
I would have made it to more social events and more team members’ fundraisers.

Do you have any other words of wisdom for our participants?
Your teammates are awesome. Get to know them!

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This will be an ongoing series, where we will feature an alumni so you, our readers, can learn some new things from people who has done it before. If you’re a Team in Training Alumni, please fill out this form (or please spread the word).

Name: Veronica
Team: Westside LA Marathon
Number of TNT Seasons: 3
Last TNT Event: Nike Women’s Marathon

Why did you join TNT?
I had just broken up with my boyfriend and didn’t have any close friends who weren’t running the LA Marathon so they brought me to practice and tricked me into running a marathon. Then I tricked myself into running another one. Then I think something went very wrong in my brain and now I’m back for a 3rd season. (No joke, true story).

What was your best fundraiser?
PUB CRAWL! With Carlos on Main Street in Venice.

Most memorable TNT moment?
The victory party for Nike – they announced all the chapters and our Westside team got up on our chairs and started dancing when they said our names. Then they had to come tell us to get down. We didn’t.

What would you have done differently during the season if you could start over?
Maybe controlled my libations on Saturday nights a little better? Hm… no I wouldn’t change anything.

Do you have any other words of wisdom for our participants?
HAVE FUN! Make friends, don’t rely on the one or two people you may have signed up with. Go to fundraisers and team events and just allow yourself to have a good time during the season.

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This will be an ongoing series, where we will feature an alumni so you, our readers, can learn some new things from people who has done it before. If you, or anyone you know is a Team in Training Alumni, please fill out this form.