How I Crossed The Finish Line #LLSTNT #Spon

Jul 12 2013

As you know, I’ve been running now for over 5 years and I’ve run several 5k races, one half marathon and I’m training for 2 half marathon races in September. Crossing the finish line is always my goal no matter what the race is. I am honored to share my story in this sponsored post for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and Team In Training (full disclosure at the end of the post.)

Crossing The Finish Line

I used to think that running was something that everyone else did and never me. I never imagined that I could enjoy running. What I love about it, is that it is both a solo and team sport. No one else can run for you. You can run with a team, but no one can carry the load for you. You alone have to do the work and you alone cross the finish line.

When I trained for my first half marathon, I learned a very valuable lesson…..it really helps to have a trainer who knows what they are doing to help you train for a long distance race. I probably did everything wrong, but in the end, I did cross the finish line. My goal for every race is to cross the finish line. Yes, I’d like to improve my time, but if I finish, I feel like I’ve accomplished something and earned my medal.

I’m about to finish running my first half marathon and crossing the finish line.

Training With Team In Training

So, what do you do if you want to train for a long distance race, but aren’t sure where to start? Contact your local Team in Training and you will have both a team to train with and 4-5 months of personalized training by TNT-certified professional coaches in exchange for raising funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, (the world’s largest voluntary health agency dedicated to finding cures for blood cancers.)

The hardest part about training alone is staying motivated. There were so many days where I got up and just didn’t feel like running. Sometimes I gave in to that feeling, but I know if I had a team counting on me, I would be more accountable. If you are having problems or doubting yourself, there is always a team member or coach to guide you and support you.

Having a team behind you when YOU cross that finish line is an awesome feeling!

Running Tips from TNT Coaches

Make the most of your warm up and cool down: remember that the purpose of the warm up is to slowly elevate your heart rate and respiration, while the cool down does the opposite.
Treadmill training – especially padded ones to reduce injury – is an effective way to train for a race if weather or safety is an issue.
To prevent blisters and chafing, avoid 100% cotton. Make sure your socks don’t have irritating seams and wear correctly sized shoes. (Note: This was a big one in my first half marathon. I have since changed my socks and have been fitted for shoes and I don’t get blisters anymore.)
For nutrition, take in about 100 calories after about an hour of running and then another 100 calories every 40-45 minutes after that.

Team in Training Facts

At its 25th Anniversary milestone this year, TNT has trained more than 570,000 people and helped LLS invest more than $875 million in research to discover and deliver breakthrough cancer treatments that are saving lives today.
Runs throughout the year, TNT gives participants a choice of more than 200 accredited national and local events in the United States and abroad.
The flagship fundraising campaign of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Facts

The world’s largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer.
Mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.
This year alone, LLS is supporting more than 300 research projects with one goal in mind: discovering life saving therapies for blood cancer patients.

Team in Training Giveaway

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Disclosure: I was compensated through The Motherhood to participate in this campaign for Team in Training for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. All opinions are 100% my own.