First-time triathletes Ericka Balli and Melinda (Mindy) Blevins have learned that training for a triathlon and fighting cancer have something in common: Both are tests of endurance.
"On those days I just don't feel like running or getting in the pool, I say to myself, 'How was Sarah's day? Did she have a spinal tap or receive chemo or have her port moved? What is she having to endure?' " said Balli, whose niece, Sarah Meeks, was the inspiration for her to join Tucson's Team in Training to raise funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Meeks, a vibrant 15-year-old who lives in Leesville, La., was diagnosed with leukemia in 2008. Her family has received services and support from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Meeks is Balli's "honorary teammate" for the upcoming Amica Championship Triathlon in Phoenix — a designation that provides Balli, 41, with the motivation to juggle training sessions with her busy schedule as a wife and as a mother of a 5-year-old.
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Additional motivation comes from Blevins, who initially learned of Team in Training (TNT) and suggested it might be the ideal avenue for the two women to get fit while contributing to the greater good.
"I've always had the desire to try a triathlon, but I would see triathletes and think, 'I'm not of that caliber.' I also decided I didn't want to just do a triathlon. I wanted to make it count for something if I was going to put my family through the time commitment needed," said Blevins, 39, who has five children ranging in age from 3 to 12.
Training five days a week has been both challenging and rewarding for Blevins after a decade of "mostly chasing kids" for activity.
"I swam in high school but never ran and hadn't ridden a bike since I was young, so it is very interesting to train for running and biking, as well as swimming. I told my friends I'm excited and want to throw up at the same time," Blevins said.
Balli and Blevins credit local TNT coaches Barb Koehn, Jennifer Henderson and Josh Farr with helping them and other "normal people" develop the skills and fitness to compete in a triathlon.
Balli said she has made great strides since her initial near-panic at the thought of a half-mile swim. "When I first started two months ago, I couldn't swim one length of the pool, and now we do 200 (yards) just to warm up," Balli said.
TNT works with beginner athletes as well as returnees seeking support during endurance training for marathons, half-marathons, triathlons, 100-mile bike rides and hiking adventures.
"When you cross the finish line after the event, it is the culmination of not only the training and effort put forth but of knowing you accomplished a goal with fundraising and knowing you did it for more than just yourself. It is really about finding a cure for blood cancers," said Henderson, who is also the campaign coordinator for the local TNT.
Since 1949, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society has invested more than $550 million in research for blood cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma; 74 cents of every dollar are spent on mission-related activities, including education, outreach, research, community services and patient support that includes financial assistance with medications, travel expenses and insurance co-pays.
For their parts, Balli and Blevins hope to support family members and ultimately contribute to saving the lives of the 53,000 people who die from blood cancers each year, all while getting "Michelle Obama arms" and finishing a triathlon.
"We want to have many more people be able to say, 'I have survived,' and raise funds to help with research and patient care —that is the icing on the cake," Blevins said.
Contact freelance writer Loni Nannini at ninch2@comcast.net
Support Team in Training
To help Ericka Balli and Mindy Blevins reach their fundraising goals for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team in Training, visit their Web pages at http://pages.teamintraining.org/dm/amchamp09/eballi or http://pages.teamintraining.org/dm/amchamp09/mblevinvn0; proceeds benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's research efforts and patient services.
If you are interested in Team in Training, visit the Web site at www.teamintraining.org/dm or contact Jennifer Henderson at jennifertucsontnt@hotmail.com
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