LLS Team in Training!

So after a wonderful Race for Faith 5K last month I realized that before I take on another 5k I really need to get my butt in gear and start to train better.  I have completed 5Ks before, but my recent lack of training was evident during that event.  Long walks with the pups and an occasional "slog" will not cut it when trying to finish a 5K as a runner, not a walker.

I had been considering joining the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS) Team In Training for their training program, but I wasn't really ready to commit to running in a half-marathon, much less a full marathon.  I also wasn't sure of the fundraising commitment, and if I could reach my goal. Instead of TNT, I started researching "couch to 5K" programs, figuring I needed to start back at the basics, so that I could have a good foundation and properly build up my endurance.  I had found a great 5K training schedule through the Race for Faith website and was ready to start following it, but then about a week ago I received an e-mail announcing TNT Lite, a way to join the team and participate in a 5K rather than a 1/2 or full marathon.  The timing could not have been more perfect; I signed up right away.

Saturday morning I attended my first Team in Training group workout.  I was greeted by a beautiful sunrise, which made me realize that getting up that early on a Saturday morning (my usual sleep in day) was worth it for such a great cause!  I felt a real difference working out with a group, the camaraderie is very helpful; and not at all intimidating as I thought it would have been since I am such a slow runner.  Everyone is at different levels, but we are all working towards a similar goal.

The training goals are very similar to those in the schedule I had found.  I am hoping that knowing that I have a group run every Saturday morning until the event keeps me motivated to train during the week.  It has only been 4 days, but so far, so good.  Amazing what being accountable to someone else can do for motivation.

As for the cause... The mission of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.  My brother-in-law, who has done many a breast cancer event with my sisters and I, is a survivor, so I have an extra special reason to support this cause.

I am looking forward to reaching both my training goal and my fundraising goal.