Western North Carolina

Team In Training (TNT) has more than 1,500 coaches working throughout the United States and Canada to help get participants in proper shape to complete a marathon, half marathon, triathlon, or century ride.  They are a resource for every facet of the TNT experience, from purchasing the right apparel to improving racing technique and nutrition.  A coach also travels with their team to each even and are along the race route to encourage and guide the athletes.

If you are interested in becoming a TNT coach, please contact Kelly Alley, TNT Director, at 704-998-5012 x202 or kelly.alley@lls.org.

Metro Charlotte

Garrett Deacon
In the spring of 2004, Garret heard about TNT through a co-worker and thought it would be a great way to learn how to train for a major endurance event while helping out a great cause.  At that time, the longest distance he ever ran was about 3 miles and had never competed in any type of organized race.  Through the help of the great coaching and the encouragement of friends and family, he completed his first marathon, the Marine Corps Marathon in DC in October of 2004.  He was very moved by the whole experience that he became a Mentor, Fundraising Captain, and now Coach!  Also, he has completed a century ride, America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride in 2006.

Angela LaForty
Angela became involved with TNT after losing her uncle to Lymphoma in 2002.  Her personal goals were to complete a marathon and help honor the life of her uncle and his family.  In 2003 she completed the Chicago Marathon.  Since then she is happy to report that she has completed 3 marathons!  She has been active with TNT as a participant, Mentor, Lead Mentor, and now Coach!

Bryan Russell
Bryan first became involved with TNT because he wanted to run a marathon and knew he couldn't do it alone.  He completed his first marathon in June 2004 and knew he was coming back to do another!  "Nothing can explain the feeling you get when you're at the pasta party the night before your event and you hear the stories of the people whose lives are touched by all the hard work you've done." 

Darren Steinhilber

North Charlotte Marathon

Jackie Duncan
Jackie joined TNT after viewing the video at an information meeting in 2000.  He didn't think he could do it, but was so motivated to help researchers find a cure for cancer that he was willing to try.  He completed the 2001 Mayors Midnight Marathon in Anchorage, AK.  He is amazed that 'marathoning' has become his hobby especially since his former goal was to eat all 31 flavors of Baskin Robbins ice cream in one night.  His new goal is to run a marathon in every states and so far he's up to 28 states.  His motto is 'Run Happy' which is the only way he can run.  "It's about fun while helping to find a cure for a horrible disease."

Kenny Faust
Kenny joined TNT in 2003 as a runner looking to move up to the next level.  He knew that he needed coaching and that to be part of a team was the right thing to do.  He has been a mentor and coach since 2005.  The cause of TEAM, plus the opportunity to help others achieve their goals makes it special to Kenny.  "At San Diego Rock n Roll Marathon in 2006, witnessing our 'athletes' complete their first runs or walks was one of the most moving things I've ever seen.  I was able to re-live my first finish line experience many times during the day.  To see so many purple singlets all day long and to realize what was in their hearts and minds, well it just makes me appreciate what a special thing I'm a part of.  Wouldn't it be wonderful to still be a part of TNT when leukemia and lymphoma are cured?"

Mari Fisher

South Charlotte Marathon

Scott Sartwell
Scott ran the Boston Marathon twice with the Boston TNT Chapter.  He has been affiliated with TNT as a Water Boy, Mentor, and now Coach for our new South Charlotte Team.  He was a Division 1 collegiate soccer and lacrosse player and for a while after college continued to play soccer at the professional level.  He is a passionate Red Sox and Patriots fan.  Scott is extremely competitive and likes to help others achieve their milestones.

Deanna Rutherford
As an over 40 female who had never run a day in her life, Deanna joined TNT in 2006 after being inspired by her honored hero, Sarah.  After attending the KickOff Celebration, she was ready to run even though she had not ever done so.  She completed the Nike Women's Half Marathon in October 2006 and has been running ever since because the event was the best thing she has ever done.  "The support that was provided by TNT was awesome.  Running has become an addiction and what better way to raise money for blood cancers."

Jay Reid
Jay became involved with TNT in 2004 when he completed his first marathon, the Mayor's Midnight Marathon in Anchorage, AK as part of the D.C. National Capital Chapter.  Since that time, he has completed three additional marathons, most recently the P.F. Chang's Rock n Roll Arizona Marathon as a member of the Western North Carolina team.  He became involved to honor the memory of his wife's sister, who lost her battle with Leukemia in 1989, and to conitue fighting for a cure to end this disease that causes so much tragedy.  He is continually both amazed and inspired by the sea of purple he sees at every race he attends.  Without the support and encouragement of the TNT coaches and staff, he never would have been able to complete his first marathon.  His goal now is to provide that same level of support and encouragement to every particiapnt in the program, making certain that their experience is as rewarding as possible.

Charlotte Triathlon

Steve Hightower
Steve has been with the TNT program since 1999 as a participant, mentor, assistant coach, and now the Triathlon Head Coach for the Charlotte area.  He has competed in numerous marathons and triathlons including the 2001 and 2004 Ironman USA in Lake Placid, NY.  Steve's coaching credentials include USCF coaching certification as well as a USAT Level 1 coaching certification.  Steve is a high-energy guy who will prepare you and motivate you to the starting line!  Just be ready to give a big 'WHOO HOO' when you see him as you will no doubt hear one from him.

Kevin Collins
A native of scenic Owensboro, KY, Kevin relocated to Charlotte in 1996.  He joined TNT in 2004 after competing in a local triathlon; seeing how much fun the Team was having and the amount of support they received made him want that experience.  He has been a participant, Mentor, Fundraising Captain, and now Coach!  He has competed in numerous cycling event, road races, and triathlons including two Ironman USAs.

Jenny Patza
Jenny began with TNT in 2004, completing the Kings Trail Triathlon in Maui, Hawaii.  her experience with TNT dramatically changed her life for the better.  Since her first triathlon, she has competed in countless other triathlons, marathons, cycling events, and the 2007 Wisconsin Ironman.  She strongly believes in working hard and doing it with purpose.  She brings forth a strong athletic background with a passion to encourage others to succeed at achieving their goals.  She will coach you along the way to becoming an official 'triathlete'.

Alice Watson
Alice first became involved with TNT in California in 2000, and then joined the WNC chapter in 2005.  She has 20 years of running experience, and has personally completed marathon, triathlons, and long distance bicycle touring.

Tricia McCord
Tricia is originally from the greater-Philadelphia area, but moved to Charlotte in January 2003.  Her first TNT event was the Latta Plantation sprint triathlon in June of 2004 - and that was the beginning of the end, she was bitten by the triathlon bug and has been dragging her husband to early A.M. multi-sport events ever since.  She joined the Tri team coaching staff in 2006 and after a 2 year hiatus to Ireland and the UK, she has returned to the States and is thrilled to be part of the Charlotte TNT family once again.  Tricia has completed many races, from half marathons to sprint & Olympic distance triathlons, in the US, Ireland, and Scotland.  She completed her first half-Ironman race last year in Switzerland, and is currently training for Ironman Rhode Island 70.3 and Ironman Arizona.  Thanks to TNT, she has learned that anything is possible - and that a good cause and great people can provide LOTS of motivation.

Dave Ybarra

Charlotte Cycle

Dennis Upton

Asheville Marathon

John Squires
John joined TNT in August of 2002 with the South Florida Chapter to train for and complete the 2003 Disney Marathon.  He felt it was something he could do to help fight this terrible disease that infected his daughter Lauren, who is now in remission and completed with her treatments.  Crossing the finish line for his first marathon was one of John's most fulfilling life moments.  As a coach, he truly enjoys sharing that experience with so many first time marathoners as they too cross the finish line for their first time.  John hopes that some day soon there won't be a need for TNT, but for now he is glad to be part of a group that helps so many lives.

Brenda Canter

Denise Retz
Denise did her first marathon at the young age of 43 with TNT at the Mayors Midnight Marathon in 1997 as a walker.  She started coaching in 1998 for the Indiana chapter and stayed with them until 2004.  She then moved to Wisconsin and coached with their chapter from 2004-2006.  In 2006, Denise moved to Asheville, NC and is coaching our Asheville walkers.  She has coached around 900 walkers, completed 24 TNT marathons, and around 20 half TNT marathons.  She has done 5 international marathons (4 were TNT events) so far, and a total or 32 full marathons to date.  To celebrate turning "50" Denise did her first ultra 50 mile marathon!  One mile for each year!  Her next goal is to do one 100 mile ultra marathon!!

Asheville Cycle

Eileen Buecher

Asheville Triathlon

Linden Veillette 

Triad Marathon

Mike Clark
Mike is a native of Mobile, AL and has lived in the Triad since 1993.  His first marathon was the 2003 Rock n Roll Marathon in San Diego.  Since then, he has been a participant, Mentor, and Coach.  He didn't start running until he was 32 and particularly enjoys working with the 'running newbies' to help them achieve their goals.

Triad Triathlon

Matt Clancy
Matt is a valuable triathlon resource for triathletes of all levels.  He relocated from Wilmington, NC where he was the head triathlon coach for five sessions with TNT.  Over the past 11 years, Matt has competed in over 70 triathlons, includings 4 Ironman races, across the US and Europe.  He enjoys guiding both novice and experienced participants to have the best race possible.

Elliot Blue
A native of High Point, Elliot ran cross country in High School, but never thought about doing a full marathon.  He joined TNT in 2003 to run the Walt Disney Marathon, in memory of his wife who lost her battle to Leukemia that May.  He initially thought he would raise some money for a cause that was close to her heart.  What he found were great people who really inspired him to get life going again.  He since has completed a century ride, triathlon and multiple marathons - making him a TNT Triple Crown!  "The thing that keeps me coming back is the people.  TNT attracts great, positive people.  I love helping people accomplish goals they never dreamed they could.  You watch people become more confident about themselves and what they can do in life.  I love it!"

Triad Cycle

Brent Lester
Brent is a native of Upstate NY and has lived in Greensboro since 1997.  After graduating from Elon University with a degree in Exercise/Sport Science, he continued his education in the field and recently became a Certified Strength and conditioning Specialist from the National Strength and Conditioning Association.  He became interested in the fight with leukemia on a personal level because of his late brother Michael's battle with the disease.  His involvement with TNT started with a flyer in the mail and that was all it took to start him on his journey to 'get involved and help the cause'.  Along with his passion for cycling, his practical and patient coaching style allows riders of all abilities to cross the finish line with a smile and maybe even some new lifelong friendships.

Roz Lamberth
A long time recreational cyclist, Roz joined TNT in 2005 to support her sister who joined the South Texas team to complete her first century ride as well as honor her dad, who lost his battle with cancer in 1982.  While his cancer was not leukemia, she still felt a special connection with the cause.  She loves TNT not only because it supports such a great cause, but also because it helps individuals find their own potential in the process.  She began coaching in 2007 and looks forward to many years of TNT fun.  Roz also teaches yoga and spin classes, which she says are the perfect match.  She brings elements of yoga into her cycle coaching to help people become more relaxed and comfortable on the bike and to reduce injury and fatigue.  She wants everyone to find that perfect 'bike-Zen' moment when the bike is no longer a piece of equipment, but rather a natural extension of the rider.  When she's not riding or doing yoga, Roz spends time with her two daughters, Ally and Zoe.  In her spare time she works as a consultant developing training programs and providing support for system implementations.