Northern Ohio

TRAINING

Q: I have to work on the weekends and may not be able to make all the trainings.

 

A: That's okay! Our group trainings vary between Saturday and Sunday mornings in various locations throughout the Cleveland-metro and Toledo-metro areas.  We offer three trainings per month, so that you can make it to the majority of the trainings but also allow for work and family obligations. The mentors also offer several buddy trainings during the week throughout the area at a variety of dates and times.

 

Q: I'm nervous because I'm not in shape and this seems like a lot to take on.

 

A: We understand the anxiety you might feel before entering into a new fitness routine! The good news is that the Team In Training training schedule for all sports is created with beginner athletes in mind. Meaning, we will start you off slowly and allow for natural progression throughout the training season so that you not only enjoy training, but remain injury-free.  We also have multiple clinics in fundraising, stretching and injury prevention, shoe fitting as well as nationally certified coaches that can help you find the most appropriate training level and equipment needs.

 

Q: I travel a lot for work and don't feel as though I will get enough coached training.

 

A: I can see where that might be a concern.  One of the best things about training with TNT is that we are a national organization.  The staff can help you to meet up and possibly train with a current team in the city you are visiting out of town. Of course, when you're in town you will not only be able to join in on the coach led training but will be able to participate in a buddy training (run/walk/cycle/swim) with your mentor and follow team mates!

 

Q: I really don't want to do a full triathlon/marathon/cycle event.  Can I put together a relay?

 

A: If you are not mentally ready to dive into the training for a full triathlon, marathon or cycle event, we do offer alternatives to meet your needs.  For example, you can do a sprint triathlon or a half marathon.  The training time is substantially less than what you would endure for the full event, but you still have the coach supports, community and event experience as a whole event.  However, at this time we do not offer a relay option.

 

Q: I am an accountant & Spring is my busiest time of year.

 

A: The great thing about training for an event during your busy time of year is that it gives you a great way to stay "on top of your game" by giving you an outlet to stay healthy during these stress-filled times.  You can work your daily training schedule around your schedule and then make the group training sessions as you can.  Once your busy time is up you?ll be able to take advantage of more group practices.

  

FUNDRAISING

 

Q: I don't know many people that have money to give.

 

A: We understand that asking for donations can make some people uncomfortable. Just remember that you are not asking for you; you're asking on the behalf of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and those which we serve. As soon as you sign up with TNT, you'll hear our staff constantly talk about fundraising early and fundraising often. The earlier you start, the more often you can create opportunities to fundraise! The TNT staff will help you develop a fundraising plan so that you not only ask everyone with confidence but also re-establish relationships with old friends, former co-workers and roommates while you update them about your incredible journey at hand. We have multiple fundraising clinics with the TNT staff throughout the season and our mentors and coaches are experienced fundraisers as well. All you have to do is ask!

 

Q: I am concerned because I have never raised this much money.

 

A: Whether you are an experienced fundraiser or haven't raised funds since the Girl Scouts in grade school, the TNT staff will support your efforts from start to finish.  We host Fundraising Clinics weekly to meet your schedule and also offer one-on-one fundraising meetings to collaborate on a personalized fundraising plan that meets your personality and outside interests.  We provide countless templates in which to jump from so you don't have to recreate the wheel either.  In addition, each participant will be matched with a mentor during his/her campaign.  The mentor is an experienced alumni, so he/she has also fundraised just like you are!  In addition to the support the TNT staff provide, you have a personal fundraising coach to guide you along the way!

 

Q: I'm fresh out of college and don't think I will get much money from my slacker friends.

 

A: Being fresh out of college is a perfect time because you probably have a ton of Facebook, My Space and/or Twitter friends!  We can also help you plan out your fund raising strategy plan to include some "FUNdraisers."  We can show you how others have done it in the past and I'm sure your friends would come out to support you if you planned a fun night of pizza and beer! 

 

Q: I'm scared that people I ask for money will think I am just doing it for the vacation.

 

A: Most of our TNT events are actually local, so this is a great way for the individuals who have supported your campaign financially to actually participate in the weekend experience by cheering you on throughout the event course.  Should you select an event that is out of town, you can rest assured that a minimum of 75 cents of every dollar goes to our mission, to helping fund blood cancers, to helping Northern Ohioans reach another tomorrow. You aren't participating in TNT for the vacation or glory of crossing the finish line -- you are participating to help blood cancer and cancer partients live longer!

 

OTHER

 

Q: None of these events interest me. Can I go to Hawaii?

 

A: Team In Training Northern Ohio offers a wide selection of events throughout the country and in our own backyard.  There are so many wonderful events to select, but we can not participant in all of these offerings.  Should you find an event in which you would like to participate, contact us!  A viable option for your participation might be our Virtual Team In Training (VTNT) program. Virtual TNT participants receive similar benefits as the 'regular' Team In Training participant; however, all of your support is delivered online. You'll be provided a walking or running coach, a mentor as well as VTNT staff support.

 

Q: I'd like my money to go to my neighbor's kid who has leukemia.

 

A: How generous of you!  Thank you for your support and advocacy for this child!  The money you raise through TNT will go to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  The money from LLS provides valuable research, patient services and patient aid.  We can not allocate your funds to a specific person, but rather then entire blood cancer research and aid effort.