Howard County 'TNT' Members Race to Benefit Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

Running hurts.  But not nearly as much as chemotherapy, radiation and bone marrow transplants.

Such is the thinking behind the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training, known to its participants as TNT. The group enlists walkers, runners, cyclists, triathletes and hikers to take part in races locally, nationally and even internationally, all the while raising awareness for the fight against cancer. 

In their trademark purple jerseys, TNT members stand out from the rest of the pack in their appearance, but they also stand out because of their cause.

TNT athletes raise money in the months leading up to a race and contribute the proceeds for cancer research. According to their website, TNT has been around since 1988, and “more than 420,000 TNT participants have raised more than $1 billion for lifesaving cancer research and services.”

Members of the Howard County TNT Chapter described a number of ways the group fundraises, ranging from sponsoring miles, yard sales, and even writing a person or organization's name on a runner's body as they compete in an event.

TNT members train for races with the aid of coaches, mentors and teammates and fundraise with the organization's help. They are given access to training regimens, nutrition advice, clinics and tips on injury prevention as well as a personal fundraising website. Members meet weekly for team workouts that provide both motivation and encouragement.

On a recent Saturday I joined a local TNT training session at  in Ellicott City to find out more about the group. When I arrived, I met up with run/walk coach Jonathan Wilson and Howard County TNT Campaign Coordinator Karen Rafala, both of whom were stretching to join with the 15 TNT athletes who had come out for the morning run.

Wilson describes his training style as highly individualized, with training plans targeting each athlete's personal goals and ability levels. On this particular morning he was dealing with an experienced group of TNT runners, so his pre-run comments focused more on motivation than onstride or form.

"Always come up with a game plan, even if it comes with training or at the event," said Wilson. "The game plan is, 'What is your goal?' Set your specific goal. What are you trying to accomplish that day?"

These types of tips help the runners stay motivated and focused on their physical goals. A team of mentors helps newer runners overcome obstacles and also help with fundraising, an issue many people have never had to deal with before.

"Team in Training provides help with every part of the process," Rafala said. The "whole-person" approach provides new TNT members with the ability to succeed and gives experienced TNT members the chance to build on what they've done before. 

Colleen Kilchenstein, a TNT campaign coordinator, noted this approach "makes it ideal for a novice athlete to participate. We also have strong athletes [who] participate, doing something to give back or to support the cause."

TNT's emphasis on helping people meet their goals is evident in the attitude of the group's staff. When speaking of her job, Rafala said, "The best part is seeing people progress and finish races.  People who couldn't run a mile when they started end up saying things like 'I only ran 10 miles today' by the end of training." 

According to Kilchenstein, TNT is "the largest fundraising training program. We have a lot of resources to get novice athletes across the finish line and we make it fun!"

TNT offers programs and coaching for events ranging from hiking and running to triathalons and cycling. TNT chapters are located in most Maryland counties as well as Baltimore City, making it easy to find a group nearby.

So if you're interested in helping to raise money to fight cancer, looking for motivation in your training, want to visit cities like San Diego, San Francisco or Frederick, or simply want to become the next local  or , come to TNT's next information meeting in the  on Tuesday, April 26 at 6 p.m., or check the Events section to find a time and place that works better for you.

You'll be glad you did.