Do I have to be in shape to participate in TNT?
You can participate in TNT regardless of your current fitness level. Many TNT participants are first timers! You will be provided with a training schedule based on your fitness level. We have beginners all the way to seasoned athletes, many of whom have participated in TNT multiple times. Our training schedules provide sufficient time for you to get prepared for your event. Coaches will provide feedback to help you improve and reach your fitness goals.
Do I need to work out at a gym?
Not necessarily. However, your coach may advise adding some cross training to improve your performance and complement what your TNT team does together.
How do I get involved?
You can join with friends and family or colleagues from your company as well. A team fundraising page can be provided to make fundraising easier, though each participant is responsible for reaching their individual fundraising commitment.
Generally, the minimum age to be a teammate is 18 years old. Participants as young as 16 years may be able to participate with guardian approval and guardian presence at trainings and the event.
How long do I start my training before my event?
You will start your training 3-4 months prior to your event.
I don't run a lot and I'm not sure I can run all the way. Is that ok?
Absolutely! There is something called run/walk. That is an option to run for a certain amount of time and then walk and continue to alternate between the two. The walk phase allows your body to recover from the run phase enabling you to go the distance.
What do I eat and drink during training? Will I get help with that?
Your coaches will give you advice on nutrition, proper hydration and tips on refueling post-workout. However, it is advisable to make good food choices while training.
Why is there a registration fee?
The registration fee of $100 secures your spot on the team. This amount gets credited to your fundraising account as a personal donation, which essentially jump starts your efforts. The amount will display on your website so friends and family see that you have already made an investment toward your goal.
Will I connect with other team members?
Definitely. You will meet new friends from the moment you join. There will be a kickoff event, fundraising events and team workouts. In other words, you will be supported by plenty of help 24/7.
Will I need a lot of gear?
Once you join, your coaches will advise you as to what you will need - for example, running shoes or workout clothes - and how to get it. If you're joining a triathlon you may need a bicycle, swimwear, etc. Once again, your coach will steer you in the right direction.
Do I need to attend all of the training sessions if local group trainings are offered?
Although you are encouraged to attend as many of the training sessions as possible, it may not be possible to attend all of them. The coaches will provide you with a detailed training schedule so that you will know what to do on your own during the week and on the weekends if you miss a group session. If you are traveling, you are welcome to attend a training session at any of our chapters across the country with advance notice.
I have a family and a full time job, and I'm not sure I have the time to dedicate to training.
No one said it would be totally easy but you'll find once starting the training you'll fall into your own schedule-one that's right for you. You also have the option of TNT Flex, which is the same training but done all online and with your convenience in mind.
Where are the training locations? Why are there no training locations near me?
Training locations are selected based on several factors including number of teammates in the area, permits and accessibility.
Even without local group training options, teammates can still be involved through TNT Flex. Many teammates appreciate this because they don't have to travel for trainings, and still have the accountability and camaraderie with their coach and team members virtually. For the race weekend, everyone meets and gets to enjoy the experience together.
I've never fundraised for that much before - will I be able to do it?
We provide you with all the tips, tools and fundraising support to not only reach your fundraising goals, but surpass them. When registering, you will receive a fundraising website, and we provide you with an online fundraising toolkit and support.
Your online fundraising website can be personalized and we can provide information on how to start an email and letter writing campaign. Most teammates raise a majority of their fundraising commitment through these efforts.
To supplement those funds, you can send fundraising emails and letters, hold local fundraisers, and leverage corporate sponsorship and matching gift programs as well. TNT is the largest endurance sports training program in the world and is set up for you to succeed!
What is the fundraising commitment and is it required?
Team In Training's goal is to raise money for the mission of LLS, which is to find cures for blood cancers. In support of the mission, only fundraising participants are involved in training and event weekends.
To support your efforts, you will receive a fundraising website, fundraising support, a training program specifically for your event, coaching and in some cases group training sessions. You are also connected with a local Honored Teammate.
In exchange, you will receive benefits during event weekend including race entry, race jersey and a pre-event inspirational dinner. Hotel and bike shipment may also be included for some events for a higher fundraising commitment. TNT covers half of a hotel room for you, so you may either share with another TNT teammate or purchase the other half of the room so your friends and family can join you at the event weekend.
When is the fundraising due and what happens if I am unable to raise the funds?
The fundraising commitment is due two weeks prior to your event. Most teammates find their training is progressing and their fundraising is coming along nicely much earlier in the season.
Until approximately halfway through the season, if you decide that the program is not a good fit, you can drop from the team without having the obligation to reach your fundraising commitment. The funds you have raised will still go directly to the mission and you can always join us again in the future.
Where does the fundraised money go?
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is the largest voluntary health organization specifically focused on finding cures and better treatments for blood cancer patients. With the scope and scale to fund many projects at the same time, LLS supports hundreds of cancer scientists around the world.
LLS is committed to funding research to find cures for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improving the quality of life of patients and their families. Monetary donations to LLS are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by tax laws and are invested wisely in cancer research and patient assistance.
How do I get my company involved?
Contact your manager or human resources team to ask if they would be willing to sponsor and consider signing up to be a team captain. Please contact our Corporate Team Managers Joseph.Cassidy@lls.org or Nadia.Wajid@lls.org at Call us at 800.482.TEAM.
Thanks so much for your generous support.
How do I know if my company is involved?
Please contact the call center at 800.482.TEAM and they will be happy to find out if your company has a team.
Who do I contact if I have a friend or a company that wants to be a sponsor?
Please contact Ryan.Hatcher@lls.org with the Sponsorship Partner Team or call LLS at 800.482.TEAM. Thanks so much for your innovative thinking on how to save lives.