The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Team In Training

Running a marathon has been one of my life goals, but I never thought I could actually do it. Before joining Team in Training (TNT), I never ran more than 2 miles at a time. Now, with the help of TNT, I ran a half-marathon (13.1 miles) in the San Diego Rock ‘N’ Roll Marathon. I’m sure that if I wasn’t injured, I would have been able to complete the full marathon. My experience with TNT has offered me SO much. I’m in better shape than I’ve ever been, I’ve learned important information about training and nutrition, I have many great new friends, and I contributed to a wonderful cause (The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society). It was such an amazing experience that I am now a mentor for TNT and will be running in the summer season. I hope you get as much out this experience as I did. Don’t hesitate to ask me for any help; I am here to support you in your journey. GO TEAM!

Congrats on joining Team In Training! You have made one of the most amazing decisions that you will ever make in your life. Before I joined last year, the most that I had ever run in my life was about five miles. I went to an informational meeting on a whim and decided to sign up. I quickly discovered that running gave me confidence that I had never had before in my life. I became full of so much positive energy and realized that I could do anything as long as I put my mind to it. Helping to raise money for blood cancer research and aid taught me a great amount of invaluable life lessons. I grew to love coming to practice every week, being surrounded by people that wanted to make a true difference. I am here to help you in any way I can. I am here to help share my experiences with you and help you in any way that I can. GO TEAM!

Age: 25
Status: I’m taken
Occupation: Future Firefighter
Hobbies: Grappling, Judo, Jujitsu, Working out, Video Games, Cooking, Eating

I never thought I would be running marathons and saying “only” to 5,8,10 and even 12 miles. Thanks to Team in Training, I run with a purpose, I run for those who can’t, to bring awareness to others, and to remember those we lost to the battle.This past Summer 2009 was my first season with TNT. I ran the Santa Barbara 1/2 Marathon and Arizona Rock and Roll Full Marathon.

I loved it so much that I came back for more. So here I am, a mentor for the SGV Summer 2010 Team. This season I will do my best to make sure you are having fun and want to come back for more. GO TEAM!!!!

Hi, my name is Melissa Castruita. I live in La Verne, California. I work as a Consumer Services Coordinator for Inland Regional Center. In my spare time I love to play with my 7 month old nephew, hang out with friends and family, do yoga, and of course go running! When I first decided to run a marathon I, along with my family and friends, were very surprised by this decision. I was never much of an athlete, and definitely not a runner. However, when I found out about an organization that raised money for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society I thought of my friend who was in remission from Leukemia and thought “well maybe I can do this.” As I began my training I was unsure if I would ever complete a marathon. I thought I would run a little, raise money, and if I didn’t make it to the event at least I did that much. To my surprise I loved running! As someone who never ran more than 2 miles prior to training, the thought of completing 26.2 miles seemed impossible. However, with the support of my teammates, my mentor, and the knowledge of the coaches I pushed myself beyond my wildest dreams. The feeling of crossing the finish line at mile 26.2 lead me to immediately sign up for a second season. I have now completed 2 marathons with Team in Training, and am now a mentor for my third season. I want to motivate others to feel the same sense of accomplishment and fulfillment that I did from running a marathon and from raising money for such a worthy cause.

Phone: 818-445-2012

Hello, my name is C.J. Foster. If you’re reading this it’s because you’ve just joined the Team In Training (TNT) SGV Marathon team. Welcome to our Family!!! This upcoming season is going to be my 8th with the team. I’ve done 8 full marathons with the team; my last one being the Nike Women Marathon, San Francisco (October 30, 2009). This season will be my sixth season on staff. I’ve been around the block as they say, when it comes to TNT, so please feel free to ask me any questions you have.

I joined the team about four years ago, out of shape, drinking all the time, and looking for something positive in my life. I had no idea that I would meet such inspiring and incredible people like yourself! This team has changed my life and I know it will change yours also. Can’t wait to meet you and see you out there on the trails. GO TEAM! YEEEAAH!!!!!!

I joined Team in Training because I wanted to do something positive with my life. During college, I had made a big commitment to volunteerism and giving back to the community, but after entering the workforce, felt like I never had enough time to do anything outside of work, including exercise. Turns out joining the team not only combined the best of both worlds, I had the unexpected benefit of meeting a group of motivated, amazing people who felt the same way! It wasn’t easy—week after week I sweated it out, but it’s been more than worth it. I’ve now completed my first marathon, raised money for a fantastic cause, and have had such an amazing first time runner’s experience that I’ve come back as a mentor. I can’t wait to share my experiences with the mentees and give them the fantastic kind of support I got as a first time runner. Looking forward to a great season, GO TEAM!

Welcome to Team in Training! You are about to embark in the greatest experience of your life. Congratulations for making this rewarding commitment. I never thought or even had the desire to complete a marathon but just over a year ago I completed my first full marathon in Phoenix in January of 2009. Since then I have completed three other full marathons, a half marathon and jumped on various courses to accompany my friends completing their own events. I was the fundraising captain on this wonderful SGV team in the Summer of 2009 and now I am back as a mentor. I am excited to be reunited with my amazing TNT family and get to meet new participants. I look forward to getting to know each of you and assist you however necessary, so do not hesitate to reach out for any questions or concerns you may have. I guarantee you this will be an unforgettable experience as well as an interesting journey. Good luck. GO TEAM!!

I started down this road a year ago when my dog slipped his leash disappearing into the wilderness (eventually he turned back on the path, presumably, looking for me.) I swore he would never distance me again; that it was time to turn this nearly 40-year-old frame back into a fit and healthy form. Now, as I am accomplishing that goal, I can be here as your confidante, your inspiration, your words of caution, and your outlet for sharing new discoveries. If you had told me 4 months ago I would run 6 miles, I’d have laughed and said that running is for crazies. And now here I am, one of those crazies preparing for my first marathon, passing miles without a care, enjoying the camaraderie of running partners, and the surprise of a shouted “Go Team!” from strangers and friends alike. Being a mentor gives me the chance to share all the crazy ideas in my head and to be here for all of yours as you begin this journey toward the finish line and your new life.

Hello, my name is Mindy Weiss and I am honored to be a mentor for the Summer 2010 season. When I first signed up for TNT, I could never have imagined what a life changing experience this would be. I met wonderful friends and improved myself all while contributing to an amazing cause. With the help and support of the outstanding coaches and inspirational mentors, I completed my first half marathon in January 2009. I look forward to making new memories and sharing this life changing experience with you. GO TEAM!