There is No "I" in TEAM!

A major part of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team in Training Program is the TEAM aspect. I know I've referenced this a few times, but I'm not sure if I've really explained the whole deal. Really, at the end of the day, it's part of what makes this whole experience so fun and addicting!

Here in Kansas City, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) has a local chapter, which is the Mid America Chapter. We cover a large part of Missouri and a large portion of Kansas. The Team in Training (TNT) team I'm on is under the Mid America LLS. Under our Mid America LLS TNT team, there are several teams training all at once. Each separate "sub" team is training for a different marathon, and one very tough team training for a triathlon. There are also seasons. We are training with the 2010 Fall season, as our events are all in the fall.... (DUH! LOL). Anyway, the team I'm a part of is the Nike Women's Marathon, which will be in San Francisco, CA. There is also a team training for the Waddell and Reed KC Marathon, and the team training for The Nation's Triathlon in DC.

Each team has a fantastic support system, which includes team Mentor's. The Mentor's are experienced in this program and help with training, fundraising, moral, etc... Our Mentor's for Nike is Aimee and Amy. Not kidding! I know very few Amy's (or Aimee's), and now, I know two fantastic ones!!! Tonight Aimee and Amy hosted a BBQ for our team. We all got a chance to bond a little more and to learn more about each other. We gathered with good food, and really had time to share some amazing stories on why we are embarking on this experience. Needless to say, when it was my turn to share - I did the Oprah "ugly cry" thing when I spoke of my dear Michelle and how much I miss her everyday. Regardless, with every mile I log with my TNT Team, I feel I could be making a difference for others who could be in Michelle's position in the future.

SO, as the evening went on the the sharing went on, I sat back and realized this experience is not about myself, or even Michelle. I've now really become a part of something much bigger! Marathon running is an individual sport, but somehow The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society has turned this into a very cool team sport. The camaraderie and encouragement is amazing and I've been blown away by the ease of instant "friendship" and acceptance I've found with my new teammates. I suppose this adds to the addiction of the program. I left the evening feeling like I'm EXACTLY where I'm supposed to be, doing EXACTLY what I'm supposed to be doing!

You can still be a part of OUR Team! You can find out about your local TNT Chapter or you can help us find a cure by visiting http://pages.teamintraining.org/mid/nikesf10/ajohnsotl9 and donating what you can...

Blessings to you!
~AJ