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!

—-
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).

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/

—-
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).