Texas Gulf Coast

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding TNT Hike Adventures

Q: How long is the hike and what kind of terrain should I expect?
A: Multiple trials of varying length, terrain, and difficulty are available.  Hikes range from an easy 3 mile paved path with little elevation change to a rugged 13 mile hike with over 6,000 feet of elevation change.  Each trail is unique in its length, difficulty, terrain, and destination to ensure the participant gets their desired experience.  

Q: What if I have never been hiking before?
A: Don't worry!  We have a training schedule that will ensure you are well-prepared.  You will have a coach who will start your training at your current level of fitness and build it from there.  You will train within a noncompetitive, supportive team atmosphere, and you will follow a solid training schedule that will help you develop the skills, endurance, and motivation to succeed.  You also have the opportunity to attend clinics covering equipment and apparel, nutrition and injury prevention.  They will provide you with information to help you get started and stay healthy throughout the season.

Q: When and where are the trainings?
A: During the week, you will follow your daily training schedule and train on your own.  The team has a mid-week workout led by a coach to focus on strength training and endurance.  Your long coach-led training hikes will take place on Saturday mornings at one of our Team In Training practice locations (local and nearby state parks).  You will receive the training schedule and the group-training location schedule when you sign up for the program as well as in a weekly coach email. 

Q: Do I have to purchase all of the gear required for a triathlon?
A: As a nonprofit, we try to minimize expenses in order to spend as much as possible on the mission. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the participant to supply most of the equipment needed to complete the event.  You may want to consider making an investment if you don't currently have hike-specific equipment, including trail shoes/hiking boots, backpack, and trekking poles.  These key pieces of gear will ensure you are comfortable and confident during your training and ready for your hike in the Grand Canyon.  We will have an equipment clinic at the beginning of the season to discuss proper gear.

Q: What happens if I can't do all of the workouts on the schedule?
A: You want to aim to do as much of the schedule as you can, but the training sessions are not mandatory. The people who have the best experience and are the most successful in our program are those who stick to the schedule as much as possible. If you miss a day here or there due to illness, injury or scheduling, don't worry about it. Your coaches will work with you to modify your training schedule.

Q: How do I stay motivated?
A: Attend the weekly trainings with your teammates.  Sometimes your teammates may event want to meet for weekday workouts. Going through this experience with a team makes it more memorable and makes you accountable to others. And, don't forget to think about your Honored Teammates! They are blood cancer survivors or patients who will remind you why you are participating in TNT.