Joining Team in Training

Initially, I planned on training solo, but decided to check into some of the groups providing group training sessions for triathlons. After looking around at some of the different groups I decided to check out a team in training information session. I had known of them tangentially before, but never really knew what they were all about.

For those of you who don't know, Team in Training is an organization that provides fundraising for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. They form teams to train for endurance events such as marathons, century bike rides, and triathlons. As part of the process, they provide coaches, group training sessions, some equipment and for the out of town events, travel and entrance fees for the events. While I was there for the NYC triathlon team, they were also fielding teams for the San Diego Rock n Roll marathon. Apparently a different band plays at every mile! Sound like it could be a lot of fun. Maybe next year, but first I'll get through a triathlon.

To provide the training and everything else, the team members agree to raise a set amount of money. The minimum for the Triathlon is $2500. The way TNT is set up is that 75% of all money raised goes to the society and not for administration. That's a pretty good percentage compared to many other charitable organizations.

After learning all about TNT and its purpose, I decided to sign up that night. Time to start training.

You're doing a tri-what?

It all started one morning at work. I received an e-mail from equinox offering early registration to the NYC Triathlon before the public registration started. I had considered doing a triathlon before, but had never done any type of race beyond a 10k running race. So of course I signed up right away before I had too much time to think about completing a 1500m swim, 40km bike ride and 10km run.

So why am I doing it. Well, I guess the primary reason that I signed up for it was as part of my get in shape plan for 2007. It's always good to have a goal to train for. Especially one that forces you to get in shape. For example, training for my Muay Thai instructor test gave me good incentive to get in excellent cardio condition. Of course, while I won't have a Navy SEAL nicknamed "the Punisher" trying to take my head off, the idea of the swim, bike and run all together can seem equally daunting. Time to get started training.