Minnesota

Sara Anderson
Duathlete, Marathoner



Day Job: Volunteer

Events:
2008 San Diego Rock 'n' Roll Marathon
2008 Light The Night
2009 Aflac Iron Girl Duathlon
2009 Light The Night
2010 San Diego Rock 'n' Roll Marathon

Why TNT?
"In 2007, a friend of mine told me her daughter McKenna had relapsed with ALCL (anaplastic large cell lymphoma).  McKenna was original diagnosed  at age 2½ but had been in remission until then (age 9). McKenna was in for a fight for her life.  I become really close with McKenna, going to visit her and get her little gifts to see her beautiful smile while she was in the hospital. In August of that year, I had the privilege of being at the hospital when McKenna was getting a bone marrow transplant. The transplant was even more special because McKenna's sister, Jayden, was the marrow donor.  Unfortunately McKenna lost her battle to ALCL on November 27, 2007.  After going to the funeral and seeing McKenna's family in such anguish I knew that I needed to do something to help find a cure.  I never wanted to attend a friend's daughter's funeral again or see a child suffer so much."

Why Sara returns each year:
"It is addicting; I have made many great friends through the team.  Also, another friend's daughter was diagnosed in May 2008."

Favorite TNT Memory:
"TNT sticks together no matter what.  In San Diego, I was off my pace by a lot and my coaches were looking for me.  A coach from another city found me and ran with me a bit to make sure that I was ok and did not need anything.  TNT ensures we all get to that finish line. "

Advice to new participants:
"Ask for help if you are scared or nervous about something.  As alumni we have probably been there and know how to help."

Josh Bertelson
Triathlete



Day Job: Loss Prevention/Risk Management - Nashfinch

Events:
2008 Life Time Fitness Triathlon
2009 Pacific Crest ½ Ironman
2010 Life Time Fitness Triathlon

Why TNT?
"I joined TNT because in 2007 I was diagnosed with chronic mylegenous leukemia (CML).  For the two years prior, I had participated in triathlons for self satisfaction.  After being diagnosed, I realized that I could still participate in triathlons and find a greater reason for doing it.  While participating, I could fundraise and raise awareness to someday find a cure."

Why Josh returns each year:
"I return because of the friendships that are formed & knowing that someone else here is fundraising, training, and giving hope to others who are suffering and battling cancer.   Everyone here has their story of why they joined, participated and choose to battle this disease.  Sharing those battles with one another makes us stronger as a team and gets us one step closer to our goal."

Favorite TNT Memory:
"My favorite memory has to be our trip to Oregon to participate in the Pacific Crest 1/2 Ironman.  From the plane ride out, to our condos we stayed in, to race morning and race day, and finally the after party.  We had a lot of fun as a team and it made every moment that much more enjoyable.  Oh, and of course the views of the mountains and the course itself was spectacular."

Advice to new participants:
"Just take the leap and you will never regret it!"

Mark Bliven
Marathoner



Day Job: Corrections Program Director - MN Department of Corrections

Events:
2004 Vancouver Marathon
2004 Twin Cities Marathon
2005 Anchorage Mayor's Midnight Marathon
2006 Twin Cities Marathon
2007 Anchorage Mayor's Midnight Marathon
2008 adidas Dublin Marathon
2009 Rock 'n' Roll Seattle Marathon

Why TNT?
"I had done one marathon and wanted to do my second for a cause.  I attended the TNT information meeting and signed up with trepidation.  Could I train again and raise money?"

Why Mark returns each year:
"It was an amazing experience especially learning so much about the progress towards blood cancer treatment and cures.  The experience and stories of the participants and honorees really makes the effort so worthwhile.  I have connected with so many friends and relatives whose connection to leukemia and lymphoma I had never realized.  The participants have become friends and truly family with our shared experiences.  My reconnection to friends and relatives is invaluable."

Favorite TNT Memory:
"My first TNT marathon was in Vancouver.  It was a great training and fundraising experience but it all came together at the pre-race banquet.  The featured speaker's personal story really brought everything together with clarity.  I was inspired and she truly got me through the marathon the next day.  I felt invincible."

Advice to new participants:
"Follow the program design whether it is for training or fundraising.  This is a great experience so just jump in and enjoy the journey.  Take one step at a time but make sure you do take that first step since the second one can't happen without the first.  Work with your coach, mentor, teammates, and TNT staff.  Everyone wants this to be a successful, strengthening, and enjoyable experience for you."

Terry Rawlings
Marathoner



Day Job: Barefoot Blossoms - Owner

Events:
2007 Mayor's Midnight Marathon
2008 adidas Dublin Marathon
2009 Rock 'n' Roll Seattle ½ Marathon

Why TNT?
"For some time I had wanted to fundraise for a good cause.  What appealed to me about TNT is that I could get physically fit AND raise money for a great cause.  It was a win-win for us both."

Why Terry returns each year:
"I loved the camaraderie that the team provided, I got to meet more wonderful people that were there week after week working towards a common cause and it kept me in shape."

Favorite TNT Memory:
"I have a few memories that are etched in my mind, such as the first day of my run it was 14 below zero.  I thought I was the only person who was going to show up to run around Lake Calhoun and low and behold, there was a group of other crazies standing there shivering too.  I was so out of shape I could only run about a block, then I had to walk for a bit before I started running again.  There was a mentor by the name of Rick who stuck by me and gave me encouragement the whole run/walk (5K).  That meant so much to me that I could not wait to come back the next week and the week after.  I finished my first marathon in June of 2007.

The other memory was at the end of the marathon in Alaska when I rounded the corner and saw the whole team standing there cheering me on.  They were so wonderful and it just brought tears to my eyes to see them all.  Sam, my coach, ran out on the track and handed me a rose before I crossed the finish line.  It was so emotional (and I told myself I would not cry) and such a satisfying moment that I could not wait to sign up for the next event."

Advice to new participants:
"Show up for the runs and get to know the rest of the team.  There are some wonderful people that are there to help you achieve your goals.  Do not give up.  Reach out to the mentors when the going gets tough.  They too want you to succeed."

Betsy Vanderpoel
Cyclist, Marathoner & Triathlete



Day Job: Finance Manager - Hennepin County Medical Center

Events:
San Diego RNR marathon 2006
Maui Kings Trail Triathlon 2007
Walt Disney World Triathlon 2007
Maui Kings Trail Triathlon 2008
Pacific Crest Half Ironman Triathlon 2009
America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride 2010

Why TNT?
"My mom called me and asked if I wanted to go to an info meeting.   I had heard of TNT but like many other 1st timers, I figured you already had to be a good runner and I didn't think that I could ever do a marathon. We got caught up in the excitement & energy at the information meeting & my mom & I both signed up for the Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Marathon that night! 

The organization was initially appealing because my brother died in 2000 at the age of 20 from AML.  We had done Light the Night and The Relay for Life and were looking for another way to raise money to fight blood cancer."

Why Betsy returns each year:
"I keep coming back because the events are all amazing. I can continue to challenge myself athletically and travel to beautiful race venues while fundraising for a cause I believe in. I also come back because the people on my teams are always equally amazing.  I love meeting the new people each year and knowing they are as nervous about the training & fundraising as I was and then celebrating with them at the victory party after accomplishing something huge!"

Favorite TNT Memory:
"Walking into my very 1st pre-race Pasta Party at the HUGE national event!

Having someone talk to me about TNT every time I wear my purple and green to a race; I've had survivors run along side me, parents thank me for raising money that helped save their child, race announcers acknowledge the good work TNT does & participants from clubs in other states & cities who want to chat about the events they've done.  People recognize that you are out there doing more than just competing in an event!  It's great to be running or biking along and hearing 'GO Team!' from someone you don't know!

The gorgeous mountain views & bubbling brooks in Oregon & the sense of accomplishment of completing my 1st Half Ironman with TNT & many of my very best friends!  Especially knowing that if I hadn't joined TNT 4 years ago I wouldn't have the awesome friends I have and I probably wouldn't be a triathlete today much less a half-Ironman!"

Advice to new participants:
"Nothing worth accomplishing comes easily.  There will be moments when you wonder what you signed yourself up for.  The training and fundraising at some point will seem daunting but you have nothing to be afraid of!  You will exceed all expectations on both fronts, I guarantee it!  Be prepared to be addicted to both Team In Training & your sport!"