My Starting Line as a Mentor

Tonight I attended the Mentor Kickoff meeting. There are five of us that will lead the three Team in Training groups that will be racing in the spring. I'll be mentoring the people that signend up for the Wildflower Olympic Triathlon (the race that I will also be participating in), and also the group that will race in the St. Anthony's Triathlon in Florida just a week before ours. (No, I won't be racing at that one.) There is also a group that will be racing in the Wildflower Half-Ironman, a 70.3 mile race that is twice the distance of the Olympic distance.

I'm really looking forward to being a mentor. Our role is significantly different than the coaches of the teams. While coaches will advise on technique, training and nutrition, I'll be able to coach my team on how to successfully raise money for this good cause. I'll also be with the team every step of the way, attending the practices, meetings and other activities that are scheduled throughout this venture. Perhaps the most important part of my role, though, is really as my team's psychological sofa. I want to be there for them as they celebrate their successes and persevere through their struggles. The Team in Training program is a lot of fun, but it isn't always easy. The key is to keep up the enthusiasm, start early in the fundraising, stay the course, and never, ever, ever give up.

It's my hope that those that sign up for these races will create the same awesome experiences that I have had through the TNT program. It really is something special, and to think...it's ALL for a great cause.

Let the season begin!

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Help me in my mission to raise $4,000 in the fight against cancer!
Check out my progress at my new web page!!
http://www.active.com/donate/tntmi/andi

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