Monday, February 4, 2013

From 5k to Marathon

Running a marathon is a common find on the average person's bucket list, but the idea of running a marathon is much easier to grasp than actually beginning to train. Where do I start?? 26.2 miles?? Four months of training?? For many of our beginner TNT participants, the 5k is recommended as an excellent starting point, where our supportive coaches and teammates will help you learn to love to run before attempting to tackle the marathon. The 5k training plan is manageable and basic, it is a shorter time period and provides participants with the confidence that they can accomplish anything they set their mind to. In 2012, TNT participant Jo-Anne Serydynski began with the 5k Race for a Cure in May and went on to cross "marathon" off of her bucket list by October. Read Jo-Anne's story and be inspired to start your journey to the marathon distance!

I am a non-athlete, and was nearing my 50th birthday. The round of family and friends celebrating this same milestone had begun and I found myself searching for a more meaningful and significant way to mark the occasion, beyond the customary celebration of over indulgence of course.

Team in Training is the best, providing me with a great cause to request birthday gift donations to, while training me to become an athlete. I set out to run the Cox 5K, using the training plan developed by my coaches, and with the support of team members. By May I was runner, and still only 49, I set my sights on a marathon. After the Cox 5k, I rejoined the team as a marathon hopeful.

With the guidance of Coach Doyle, and the support of the team and everyone in the LLS office, I finished the Nike Women’s Marathon in October. When I fell behind in my training, Coach Doyle provided me with individual attention, and was right there to help me alter the plan to catch up safely.

A marathon is a huge undertaking, but with TNT, I was able to go from a non-athlete to a 5K runner and then to a marathoner in just a year’s time.

~Jo-Anne Serydynski


Go Team!!!

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