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

Archive for the ‘featured alumni’ Category

Name: Scott Slutzky
Team: Westside LA
Number of TNT Seasons: 1
Last TNT Event: San Diego Rock N Roll Marathon

Why did you join TNT?
I had decided I wanted to run a marathon, and my family had previously been involved in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, so it seemed like the perfect fit.

What was your best fundraiser?
Ninety percent of my fund raising was just done through email. If you write something funny, meaningful, and most of all, that would resonate with you if it were from someone else, and is something you enjoy reading rather than reading out of implied obligation, then you will connect with people and make them realize that every little donation makes a very big difference.

Most memorable TNT moment?
I think it goes without saying that crossing the finish line is a moment in most people’s lives that they will never forget. I do still laugh however at the thought of 50 TNT’ers running down through Venice in costume during our final taper run. It’s not an easy task to “out-strange” the Venice boardwalk, but that run was absolutely priceless.

What would you have done differently during the season if you could start over?
Although my work schedule was something I could not control, I do wish I could have stayed consistent with the Wednesday group workouts and the mid-week runs. I felt prepared for the marathon, but if I were able to include those more often for my next run, I feel like I would make a vast improvement in my time.

Do you have any other words of wisdom for our participants?
Trust your coaches, get involved with as many of the group activities as possible, step back every so often to acknowledge your progress, and most of all, don’t forget to have some fun.

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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: Peter Vu
Team: Westside LA
Number of TNT Seasons: 1
Last TNT Event: 2009 San Diego Rock N Roll Marathon

Why did you join TNT?
I joined TNT because I wanted to help a good cause and accomplish one of my life’s goals. In the fight against cancer, I was hoping my running would honor my uncle who successfully battled nose and throat cancer and my cousin who is currently battling thyroid cancer. In running a marathon, I wanted to achieve something that I never thought was possible, since I could barely run 5 miles at the beginning. I could not think of a better way to do both simultaneously and with the amazing support of the wonderful TNT folks and fellow participants.

What was your best fundraiser?
I relied mostly on e-mail and personal connections, which I found to be very effective. The main thing was to follow up with people, make your emails personal, and provide a people with a convenient way of tracking your progress (either through a blog or posting updates on your fundraising page). I reached my goal the last week before the marathon, and it is a really incredible thing to see friends, family and work colleagues believe in your efforts despite a challenging economy.

Most memorable TNT moment?
My most memorable moment was when I saw Coach Chris Wilno about 200 meters before the finish line of the San Diego Rock ‘N Roll Marathon and he ran me in. It was in that moment that the summation of all the fundraising, training, and significance of what you were about to accomplish finally hits you. You realize: “OMG, I am to about to finish a marathon” (me of all people who is just an average person). Coach mentioned that your life will change after this, and he was right. TNT is addictive and now I am here in my second season, trying to share my tips and offer encouragement to the lucky, prospective half-marathoners/marathoners.

What would you have done differently during the season if you could start over?
While the fundraising and the running were my main reasons for joining TNT, I was amazed at the wonderful people that I met throughout the course of the season. The season goes by fast, and I wish I would have made an effort to go to more of the social events or meet as many fellow TNTer’s at the Sunday and weekday practices. They are truly wonderful people!

Do you have any other words of wisdom for our participants?
Believe in the cause, the coaches, the training and most importantly yourself! You will make it to the finish line.

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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: Erin Shulsinger
Team: Westsiiiiiiiiiiiiiide
Number of TNT Seasons: 4
Last TNT Event: 2009 San Diego Rock N Roll Marathon

Why did you join TNT?
5 years ago grandmother passed away from a blood cancer. It was devistating because she was like a second parent to me. I wanted someway and prevent anyone from going through the pain of losing someone. I wasn’t sure how..
Additionally, I’ve always been involved in sports LOVE a challenge. Endurance training seems like a natural fit for both those parts of me.

When I found I could combine these two very important parts on my life I signed up quicker than a Boston marathoner.

What was your best fundraiser?
The Bachelor or Bachelorette auctions. Thought I LOVE the Mr. & Mrs. TNT Pageants.

All of them really. Some are best for $$, others for memories. I just love fundraising!

Most memorable TNT moment?
Hitting my findraising deadline my first season and every finish line I cross.
Runnin’ 4 Susu.

What would you have done differently during the season if you could start over?
My first season I would have gotten involved in the TEAM activities (i.e., social outings and group fundraisers) sooner. My teammates are my BEST friends now. My family. To think, I could have stated all these night of fun sooner! Ay yiyi..

Do you have any other words of wisdom for our participants?
You are amazing and make a difference. What you set your mind to you can and will complete. Ignore the naysayers and concentrate on everyone in your court and your internal determination because YOU ROCK!

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO TEAM!

Find me on facebook: Erin Shulsinger
Twitter: AdventuresWErin

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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: Rommel Calderon
Team: Westside Marathon (Greater LA)
Number of TNT Seasons: 1
Last TNT Event: 2009 San Diego Rock N Roll Marathon

Why did you join TNT?
Last year my doctor told me I was in bad health and recommended, no, insisted, I start to diet and exercise. My roommate and other friends had joined TNT and I was impressed by how much they loved it and had a great time, so, I figure running a marathon would be a great way to get exercise and meet new people. I can easily say that joining TNT was one of the best things I’ve done. Ever. In the end it wasn’t about the exercise, but the people. I’ve made some great friends and I believe in the cause and how it affects the lives of so many. And its why I’m going to come back!

What was your best fundraiser?
As a whole, a pub crawl through 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica that a few of us organized netted the most money, and was the most fun. I also made a good amount of money when I partnered with renowned comic book artists and creators The Luna Brothers. They offered an opportunity to win signed artwork and rare comic books for anyone who donated to my fund raiser. It helped that they were my roommates in college and I had things I could use to blackmail them. But in all seriousness, they’re great friends and were honored to be able to help out.

Most memorable TNT moment?
Finishing the San Diego Rock N Roll Marathon. At mile 19 I suffered through some serious cramps on both of my legs. When they hit I almost collapsed. I was in so much pain. A TNT coach from another chapter was there to help me stretch it out and I managed to get going again. I finished an hour longer then I had targeted for, but I finished. If it weren’t for TNT Alum Byong, all the awesome mentors, and even my brother-in-law, I would have given up at mile 20. When I crossed the finish line I was nearly in tears. I had never considered myself athletic, and here I was finishing 26.2 miles, and the feeling of camaraderie and the amount of support I got from everyone just made the whole thing so emotional for me. And I have to say, after all that, beer never tasted so good!

What would you have done differently during the season if you could start over?
On the training side of things: I probably should have done more mid-weeks, but in retrospect, I would have cramped up regardless of the amount of training I had done.

As for fund raising: I would have pushed a little harder on my fund raising. People tend to wait until the last minute to donate, so next time I’ll start planning event fund raisers earlier on.

Do you have any other words of wisdom for our participants?
Don’t hold off on starting your fund raising! It’s better to go over your minimum early then have to collect at the end. And do your mid week trainings!

And if you’re on Facebook, be prepared to see your friend network grow, you’re about to make some new friends!

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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: Danielle Hanes
Team: Westside Marathon (Greater LA)
Number of TNT Seasons: 1
Last TNT Event: 2009 San Diego Rock N Roll Marathon

Why did you join TNT?
I wanted to train for another marathon, and I heard so many great stories from Coach Kelley about the Westside TNT team. My first marathon I trained on my own, and that is no fun! Training with a team and raising money for an amazing cause sounded so much better. After one season I can say it is so much more than I expected. Supporting the cause and meeting so many amazing poeple has brought me back to another season as a Mentor.

What was your best fundraiser?
My best fundraiser was the Pick Up Line Party. Supporters came to South with their favorite pick up line printed on a shirt. We played beer pong and handed out prizes.

Most memorable TNT moment?
Hmmmm… there are so many! The whole San Diego marathon weekend was perfect! Crossing the finish line at the marathon knowing I had made a difference was great. Many good times at Sunday practice, and Sunday Fundays.

What would you have done differently during the season if you could start over?
I had a lot of problems after the season was over with IT band issues, so I would have stretched and used my foam roller a little more diligently during season. And ICED!

Do you have any other words of wisdom for our participants?
Listen to your coaches, mentors, captains and good luck! I promise this will be a memorable experience.

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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).

It’s another new season, and in the coming weeks we’ll feature some TNT Alumni for the next round of participants to learn from! The previous season was our first time trying it out, and had positive feedback. Not only do we feature from the Westside LA team, but we also feature others from different teams as well. As a new participant, I encourage you to read the archives and learn from others who already went through this life changing journey!

You can view Featured Alumni archives here.
(It will take you to last season’s website)

If you are a TNT alumni and reading this post. Would you be interested in being featured on our site? If so, please fill out this simple form!