TNT Bookmarks

We are selling TNT beaded bookmarks for $10 each. They are all in the TNT colors (purple, green, and white), approximately 12" long and can fit a book up to 9.5" tall. You can either purchase them in person or go to our fundraising page:
http://pages.teamintraining.org/il/chitri10/lgilberuxg

Let me know that you are purchasing a bookmark and which one you would like. They are all numbered and you can view them at our Flickr site:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lnmgilbert/sets/72157624149972276/

We can also take special requests - if you'd like one to fit a larger or smaller book, just let us know.

First Team Training

Last night was our first training with the team, at the Health Tracks pool in Glen Ellyn. We swam about 1200 yards - we did drills where we had to swim on our side, do exaggerated arm movements, swim freestyle but with one arm always in front, etc. These were done for 25 yards, or one length of the pool. Then we did regular freestyle swims for the 25 yards back.

Matt did awesome. Of course. As always.

Me? Well, I was feeling pretty good (just slightly nervous) as I got in the pool. Then the coach had me swim 50 yards, and the panic set in.

Apparently, I am no longer comfortable with my face in the water. I kept feeling like I was going to drown. Not to mention that I haven't swam freestyle since high school: I always keep my head above water. Every time I picked up my head to breathe, I breathed in water, I swallowed water, I got water up my nose. I just couldn't believe how panicked I felt.

At least for the actual race I can swim however I want. I don't HAVE to do freestyle. Right?

I think I'm going to head over to Target and buy a kiddie pool and just practice my breathing in there. Turn head to the side, breath, exhale in the water, repeat.

Swim Bike Run for TNT!!!

We are raising funds for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) as participants in their Team In Training program and we are asking you to help by making a donation to our fundraising campaign.

As many of you know, we both have had friends and family who have passed away after a long fight with blood cancers. We participate in honor of these courageous people who were unable to overcome their battles with blood cancer.

Last April we ran the Illinois Christie Clinic Half Marathon and, thanks to our donors, we successfully raised $3155 dollars - much more than our goal! Since then, we have remained active with TNT, not only volunteering at events, but also mentoring the Spring Marathon team. This year we are running the Chicago Triathlon on Sunday, August 29, 2010. Our goal this year is $3600. If you could please help with a small donation of $25, we would really appreciate it.

Please use the link in this email to donate online quickly and securely, plus learn more about our progress. You will receive a confirmation of your donation by email and we will be notified as soon as you make your donation. (You may also send us a check.)

http://pages.teamintraining.org/il/chitri10/lgilberuxg

In addition, we will be making and selling beaded Team in Training bookmarks for $10 each (100% of the proceeds will go towards our fundraising) - purchase them for your friends and family!

To keep up to date with our experience with Team in Training, please visit our blog at swimbikerunfortnt.blogspot.com And, if you want to come cheer us on at the race, we would love your support! Just let us know and we'll give you details as soon as they are made available to us.

Over 75% of each donation goes directly towards research, education, and patient services, with the rest going towards administrative costs. Therefore, every donation helps accelerate finding a cure for leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. More than 823,000 Americans are battling these blood cancers. We are hoping that our participation in Team In Training will help bring them hope and support.

On behalf of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, thank you very much for your support. We greatly appreciate your generosity.

Sincerely,
Lynette and Matt Gilbert

p.s. If you’d like to contact us directly, you can email Lynette at lynette.gilbert@gmail.com or Matt at matthewagilbert@gmail.com. Thanks!