Welcome to Alisa's Team In Training (TNT) page.

TNT--20 Years of Running to Save Lives; 1 Mile at a Time--Go TEAM--26.2 miles--Ran Like a Girl--Just Did It!

Those were just some of the themes and mottos of the 5th annual Nike Women's Marathon, a benefit to raise money for the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society (LLS), in San Francisco. It was really great because I ran as part of LLS' Team in Training (TNT). It was my 3rd marathon, but my first with TNT. I have had "Purple" envy ever since my first marathon and now I know it was for good reason. It was an absolutely amazing experience to run with TNT! I hope these little blurps might inspire some of you readers to go Purple.

From the start, the support was phenomenal. Transportation was hooked up for us and we stayed at this cute boutique hotel two blocks from the famous Union Square shopping area--perfect for us girls--it was also the start area as well. TNT also had special dinners for us, the night before and the night after the race to celebrate, dance, and party like girls! This was a "Woman's Marathon" and Nike had everything decked out in pink and pastel blues and yellows. They had free stuff where we could really sport our "girl" power with foot and body massages, make-up, gait analysis so you can buy the perfect pink running shoes, and get your nails done (which I did for the first time since my friend Caryn & Shawn's wedding about 6 years ago). They even had free shuttle service in these cute blue and pastel flowered vans so you could shop like a girl w/o wearing out your legs too much.

RACE DAY: I was poised to make my qualifying time for Boston (3:46-3:47). I was feeling good and had gotten over the intimidation factor nicely. I ran my best half marathon time ever (1:55:51) and was still on track. But the course was so challenging--those hills never let up; in fact I would call the course a long gradual uphill battle that eventually wears you down, punctuated by several steep hills that just pissed you off. It was like that the vast majority of the way. It also didn't help that I had hmm, shall we just say "stomach" issues which caused me to stop three times. Eventually I just succumbed to it and decided to go for my third goal of going faster than 10 min mile pace and enjoy it the best I could--which I did and finished at 4:17:17. And the best sight of the day was the dozen of San Francisco Fire Department's hottest looking firemen lined up in tuxedos holding silver trays with the little blue and ribboned boxes containing our "Tiffany" finishers medals. Yeah, I could have stood there all day...

So I did learn some lessons from this experience.

The main thing was--this was not about me. It wasn't about all the miles I put in, my gaps in training from my transition back from Iraq and my move to Pennsylvania--It was about being part of an event where 20,000 women (oh yeah there were 700 brave/very lucky men out there too) who raised $18+ million dollars to find a cure for Cancer. Listening to the key speaker at the pre-race party was so inspirational and learning that the 22 year old red-head sitting at my table who finished the half-marathon was also an honored patient, and two other of my teammates who did the full and half marathons; one of whom qualified for Boston twice, were survivors just really helped put things in perspective.

I also discovered an organization where I really fit in. People of all running abilities who are really going to be there on the course for you. It was just awesome so I really do advocate that anyone who has ever thought about doing an endurance event--half-marathon (13.2 miles), full marathon, century bike rides, or triathalons--TNT is the way to go. They have chapters all across the nation, Canada, and a virtual TNT; and send teams to some 60 events to include: Marine Corps Marathon, America's Most Beautiful Ride (Lake Tahoe), Honolulu, Dublin, PF Changs in Phoenix, Nashville, San Antonio, Disney World, and more. I guarantee you will never regret it.

I just want to thank everyone who has been a part of my experience with the words of support, prayers, and donations--I could not have done this without you--You were part of Team Purple!

--Thanks to my new commander, Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth for allowing me to take leave to do this event after only having been at the unit for under two months--I'm sure you enjoyed that call from Iraq...

--Thanks to my old commander, Lt Col John Colter for being the first to donate; and roping me into running on the AF Marathon relay team with you. It was great to be with the cadets again.

--My awesome travel agent Mefi Pishori (Journey to Africa) who knows how to get me to spend my money wisely--Mansor and Megan Jacob were in my thoughts on race day.

--Pam Wright; Owner, President, & CEO of Wright Travel--who in a round about way actually got me into this whole marathon thing to begin with 10 years ago.

--Robert Smith from Southpointe Financal who really welcomed me to the new neighborhood and is now my new investment consultant.

--My best friend Annette Harrison—we’ve come a long way together! You're a great lady too..(How’s the new grandbaby?)

--Wes & Laura Osbourne; my dad’s coworkers and competitive board gamers—Happy Anniversary!!

--Chris Stepp & Scott Bradley—20 years & I’m gonna keep on running too! Hey how about taking Athens on Halloween?—It’s my birthday…

--Jeff Vandervoort whom I’ve known since we were twelve and picked on me relentlessly…

--MSgt Tarrah Wiggins (Congrats on the new promotion!!) and thanks for recruiting Jorge Garzaro to donate—he got me over the $1000 mark!

--Edwina Walton--My big sis in Christ living in the Big “D” Texas

--Ashley Wedlund—I see TNT in your future

--The three Daves:

--My uncle Dave Thomas; the best uncle a girl could hope for

--Dave (& Lisa) Edwards—Thanks for driving out from Sacramento to spend the afternoon w/me

--Dave Jr—The donation was right on time…

--To all my friends of coworkers who have supported me at different phases of my training: Sana Hooks—I’ve got to come visit; Pam Mooty—after all these years, we’ve still got it; TSgt Norberto L-V for those long runs around Taji-land-- hang in there you’re almost home; Parker—my guardian angel; SMSgt Ran-D Williams—just glad to be out of Iraq; and Jessica/Steve/Michael Ursell—thanks for making sure I could run in NYC

--And where would I be without Mom and Dad? Your love, support, encouragement, and donations were always there and on time—You’re the best!!!

--Finally for all of you who haven’t donated yet—it’s not too late. I actually have until Nov 21st to turn in any remaining funds. I’m $1940 now and have to get to $4850. That’s still $2910—but if everyone on this list got 4 other people to donate just $25 each, I would reach my goal. Remember all donations are tax deductible. All donations $100 or more will receive a tax payer ID number.

Here is something else to think about if you are still undecided about giving: In the time it took you to read this message, one person was diagnosed with a blood cancer. In the time it would take you to donate, someone will lose their battle. These statistics are alarming but unfortunately real. Each donation helps accelerate finding a cure for leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. More than 823,000 Americans are battling these blood cancers. It could be your dollar that makes the difference.

MILES RUN SINCE 5 MAY to race day: 590.2--& I'm still running!

PURPLE POWER!