FREE* Workouts Plus Exotic Travel!

raw sewage anyone?

Recently, broke ass writer, Laura, wrote about workout alternatives for winter. In the city I would like to add my two cents about a fantastic way to get in shape while helping out a good cause'and it is all for FREE*!

.

You may have noticed that there is an asterisk on the FREE*.  I will explain.

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is an amazing organization that receives millions of dollars a year to fight blood cancer.  The money they raise goes for everything from supplying vehicles to take people for their chemotherapy appointments to groundbreaking research into a cure.  One of the most profitable ways The Society raises these funds is through the Team in Training program '“ That’s where you and I come in.  Team in Training allows volunteers to workout with a team to prepare for an endurance event.  In exchange for this specialized training, the participants fund-raise for the society.  For your event, Team in Training also pays for race entry fees, travel and accommodation.  So, if your event is, say, the Paris Marathon in April of 2010, TNT will fly you there, pay your entry fees and put you up in a hotel'you just have to raise money based on the costs associated with the trip.

I have done two events with Team In Training, a marathon and last summer the New York City Triathlon.  I signed up for these events because I knew if I was part of a team I would actually exercise. You will be amazed at how much exercise is put into perspective when you are doing it all for cancer.  You simply cannot rationalize laziness.  In addition, TNT has a habit of hiring extremely attractive coaches.  I surprised myself weekly by arriving at Central Park earlier than necessary for Saturday morning workouts'in full makeup no less.  Our coach was not only gorgeous but also a fitness maniac'he often ran to trainings in Central Park from NEW JERSEY.  The tri-training was intense but amazing.    I got individualized training in swimming, cycling and running by awesome coaches.  I got FREE access to amazing pools in Brooklyn and Manhattan.  I got a FREE wetsuit.  I became a ripped triathlete.   Swimming in the Hudson River was just the icing on the cake.

intimidated...or just embarrassed for me?

Here are two Haikus that I wrote during my training process.  The first one was written during the first two weeks of training when my body was being jolted out of its daily routine of ice cream and Golden Girls.

.

I had this idea
To train for a triathlon
What was I thinking?

This second Haiku I wrote when I was a lean, mean, exercise machine, high on endorphins and so proud of myself I could barely choke back the tears:

400 people
Remembering those they miss
Using their bodies.

Gag me with a spoon, right?  Did I mention this is for CANCER?

To learn more go to teamintraining.org/nyc/ and attend one of the informational sessions at which FREE food is served.  If you are intimidated by the fundraising process, TNT provides you with mentors who offer ideas and support to get the job done. If you are wondering if you can complete such a difficult event take heart.  If I can do it, ANYONE can.