Chris Tulino

I’m sad to report that Team in Training has lost an Honored Hero, Alexis C. Rees. On April 13th, Alexis lost her battle with Leukemia. We all feel deep sorrow that we will be racing in memory of Alexis instead of in honor of Alexis. Alexis was a strong supporter of Team in Training and was helping motivate many of us to get out and make a difference in the world. I am reminded right now of how precious life really is, and how great an opportunity we have to make an impact on others during the short time we are here, just as Alexis’s story made an impact on me. Hopefully, my efforts in her memory will have an impact on others that will further ripple through time to even more people who need help.
I always feel at peace after a long quiet run and I feel the need to get out there right now and take a long quiet run in reflection of Alexis. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers. She will be missed.

I was attending a conference this week in Orlando, and when I returned, I had a ton of work to do in the office and at home.  Consequently, my training suffered.  But I did as much as  I could.

Sunday April 2
30 minute bike ride, easy pace.
Monday April 3
Off
Tuesday April 4
20 minute run at the hotel fitness center
Wednesday April 5
Off
Thursday April 6
Off
Friday April 7
Off
Saturday April 8
55 minute long run over streets and through fields, hilly and in a downpour.  My iPod gave out about half-way through the run.
Sunday April 9
1:45 minute bike ride (was supposed to be 1:15, but I go lost).  I tried to take it easy, but I did push a little, hit some great hills, stiff winds, and went a little farther than my training plan intended.

My shins were hurting a little after running prior to this week, but the rest has helped.  My legs feel better and stronger.

Don’t forget:  I am still fundraising for Team in Training!

Second week of training for the Philadelphia Triathlon on June 25, 2006.

Sunday March 27
On the bike again, for 45 minutes in a mild rain. The bike sure did get dirty, so I decided it was a good time to take it for a tune-up. I’ll be without it for a week, so I’ll be doing my biking on a lifecycle type of trainer. I really hate those things because you sit back so far. I feel like they should have a recliner lever on the side of the saddle.
Monday March 28
Day off!!! Yes!
Tuesday March 29
30 minute treadmill run
Wednesday March 30
1000 yard swim
Thursday March 31
30 minute run on hills using the treadmill
Friday April 1
Off
Saturday April 2
40 minute run through the streets of West Deptford.
Picked-up my bike after it’s tune-up. 

I did a complete bike fitting at the Peddler’s Shop in Deptford, NJ.  This was a triathlon specific fitting based on body measurements that were made in the shop.  We determined I needed longer aerobars to be comfortable in the aero position.  Once adjusted and outfitted, I am much more comfortable and more aerodynamic.  I’ve been on two rides since then and I can feel the difference!

Reminder: I am still fundraising for Team in Training!

This week was the first official week of training for the Philadelphia Triathlon on June 25, 2006. I’m competing as a member of Team in Training to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. My fundraising is going very well! I’ve almost met my target of $2500.

My goal here is to keep a log of each week’s training in order to keep my friends, supporters, cheerleaders, honored heros, and everyone else up-to-date on my progress. Before I begin, I must extend a word of gratitude to Mid-Atlantic Multisport for providing the triathlon coaching for my chapter of Team in Training. Thanks Bill! I’m not going to give away the training program they have provided for us, but I will provide enough information to let you know how I’m doing.

Sunday March 19
TNT Group training run at Cooper River Park (30 min)
Monday March 20
Was supposed to be a day off, but I was off all last week! 30 minutes of treadmill running at Philadelphia Sports Club
Tuesday March 21
30 minute run around the indoor track at Riverwinds, followed by 1000 yards in the pool
Wednesday March 22
First outdoor bike ride of the year! It took be forever to get all my stuff together. And it was cold! 45 minutes on the bike.
Thursday March 23
1000 yards in the pool, followed by a 30 min treadmill run.
Friday March 24
30 minute bike, wore 2 pairs of gloves this time and put hot water in my water bottle mix.
Saturday March 25
500 yard swim followed immediately by 30 minutes of running around the indoor track at Riverwinds.

Hello friends, colleagues, acquaintances and chance encounters!

I am contacting you today for help, hoping you can open your hearts to make a difference.

I am currently training to compete in the Philadelphia Triathlon in Fairmount Park on June 25, 2006, as a member of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s TEAM in Training.  The Philly Tri is a 0.9 mile swim, 25 mile bike and 6 mile run, non-stop.  Over 2,000 athletes have registered for the second year of this Olympic distance race.

I have committed to raise $2,500 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  While I train and raise funds, I am inspired by our Honored Patient Hero Alexis C. Rees (above) and by my cousin Shannah, who lost her battle with Leukemia at age eleven.

Please take a moment to make a donation to support my participation in Team in Training and help advance the Society’s missions.  You can easily and quickly donate online by visiting the following link:

http://www.active.com/donate/tntsonj/Tulino

Donations are 100% Tax Deductible and are usually eligible for corporate matching gifts.

Everyone feels better when they help others, so take a moment and give. Even if it’s a small gift, it does help.

Thank you for your time and for your support.

Nearly 100,000 new cases of leukemia and lymphoma will be diagnosed in the United States in 2005, impacting hundreds of thousands, even millions of friends and loved ones. Over 40,000 lives will be lost. These blood cancers are difficult to cope with, complicated to treat, and painful to try to conquer. You can visit the life mosaic to be touched by stories about those who struggle with these diseases and need help, hope and encouragement.

To learn more about the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or Team in Training, visit the following websites:

http://www.lls.org

http://www.teamintraining.org

If you or someone you love has been a survivor or victim of cancer and you would like to have them honored during the race, please let me know.  I would be honored to attach a photo to my race jersey during the event and to use their experience as motivation during my training.  Please send me an email and tell me about your hero that I could honor during the Philadelphia Triathlon.

PS.  Please forward this to your friends and family.  Everyone feels better when they help others.  Give them the chance to decide for themselves if this is a good opportunity for them to help.