From the Couch to a Half Marathon
by Ondine Brooks Kuraoka

Leslie Cloud’s energy is palpable; she feels better than she has in years. In January 2008 she walked a half-marathon, something she wouldn’t have been fit enough to do a year ago. Cloud, 43, is a mother of two and works full-time teaching computer classes at Mesa College. “I’ve never been a big exercise person,” she says.

One day, Cloud learned about Team in Training, a 20-year-old organization affiliated with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The organization provides support, coaches and group training for fitness events such as marathons, triathlons and 100-mile bike rides. There is no cost to participate, but team members set goals to raise donations for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Cloud attended an informational meeting and was impressed with the organization but nervous about making the commitment, unsure she could walk thirteen miles. The coaches explained that with training she would be ready.

But the decision was easy after she heard an 11-year-old boy speak about his experience with leukemia. “The tears started and I tried to put myself in his mother’s situation,” Cloud says. “I had been focused on getting myself in shape but I knew this was so much bigger. I would probably pay $400-$500 to hire a personal trainer, so why not raise money for an organization that helps people instead?”

Cloud attended trainings each Saturday for more than four months. Mid-week trainings were also available. “Building those friendships and being in a group was extremely helpful,” she says. “They were expecting me to be there on Saturday.”

The coaches’ expertise and support were key as well. There were shoe clinics, advice on nutrition and injury prevention. “They can take you from being a couch potato to achieving your fitness goal, step by step,” Cloud says.

Cloud asked those who donated if they would like her to walk in honor of someone with cancer. She wrote their names on ribbons and attached them to the back of her jersey. “Just knowing that 13 miles is nothing compared to what they’ve gone through gave me extra motivation,” Cloud says.

Cloud has set a goal of participating in two more events with Team in Training this year.

Get off your couch!
teamintraining.org