INFORMATION AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Team Wellness?
Team Wellness is a charity marathon training team, for which participants raise money for The Wellness Community, an international non-profit organization dedicated to providing free support, education and hope for people affected by cancer, in exchange for receiving a comprehensive training program to help them prepare to participate in a marathon or half marathon.
What are the benefits for team members?
Team members receive the following benefits:
Training
• 16-week comprehensive personalized training program - $200
• Support and motivation in our group environment
• Presentations on injury prevention, nutrition, etc.
• Tips on form, technique, apparel and equipment
Team Apparel
• Team Wellness training and marathon day t-shirts
Social Gatherings
• Kick-off and send-off parties
• Post event victory party
• Regular updates
• Fundraising tips and guidance to help reach your goal
• Pledge forms and samples for letter writing campaign
Where is the 2010 Team Wellness marathon destination?
What does membership on Team Wellness include?
We’ve made a concerted effort to keep the fundraising requirement as low as possible during this challenging economic time. Therefore, Team Wellness will be participating in a race in our backyard, beautiful Los Angeles, CA. The LA Marathon 5K is on Saturday, March 20, 2010 and the full marathon is on Sunday, March 21, 2010. This year, Team Wellness will not provide transportation, travel or accommodation but will include: pre-race pasta party, team apparel, group training and more.
Will anything be organized for my family and friends?
Team Wellness will designate specific meeting and cheering areas for friends and family of team members. Details will be provided closer to the race date.
What does the training program include?
For expert and up to date training tips and data, please go to: www.lamarathon.com/training-info/. For 5K walkers, please join us with Nancy Coleman of Shapeshift Pilates for training every Thursday at noon. Nancy has perfected the art of walking through the techniques of pilates. Learn how to walk with correct posture, burn more calories and rehabilitate your body while walking. Discover how to apply awareness to your walking and inspire yourself to increase your mileage. Our team also meets on Saturday mornings at Veteran’s Park at 9am.
What kind of time commitment do I need to make?
Making a commitment to the training is vital to enjoying a successful marathon or 5k experience, but it doesn’t require as much time as you might think! It is recommended that 5K racers walk or run two-three times a week, for 20-60 minutes each. Full marathoners will walk or run three to four days per week, with relatively low mileage mid-week (3-6 miles) and longer mileage on the weekends.
Thursday’s workout is for approximately an hour, if you would like further training through Nancy, please refer to: www.shapeshiftpilates.com for the WalkAbout schedule. Longer, group workouts are scheduled once a week on Saturday mornings. Most of the long workouts will take place through Redondo Beach and Palos Verdes. Long workouts begin at 9:00 in the morning so you can get the training in and get on with the rest of your day.
I have run a marathon before, is the program just for first-time marathoners?
Our experienced coaches, Robert and Euri, are veteran marathoners and coaches. They can design a program to help experienced marathoners train for their best marathon or set a personal best record. They will work with you to design a program to meet your marathon goals.
I run, but not more than a few miles, how can I run 26.2 miles?
With the right attitude, commitment and a solid training program, anyone can complete a marathon. If you are already able to run 30 minutes at a time, you are at a great place to start a marathon training program. With the help of our coach, you will be able to complete a marathon.
What is The Wellness Community? Why should I raise money for them?
Celebrating its 22th anniversary in April 2009, The Wellness Community is an international non-profit organization dedicated to providing free support, education and hope to people with cancer and their loved ones. Through participation in professionally-led support groups, educational workshops, nutrition and exercise programs, and mind/body classes, people affected by cancer learn vital skills that enable them to regain control, reduce isolation and restore hope regardless of the stage of their disease. Today, there are 24 Wellness Communities around the United States plus 56 satellite and off-site programs, two centers abroad in Tel Aviv and Tokyo, three centers in development, and online at The Virtual Wellness Community. For more information, visit www.thewellnesscommunity.org.
How much money do I have to raise?
Many of us have been impacted by the economic situation, and so we’ve reduced our minimum fundraising requirement this year. Team members will register for the race on their own for both the 5K and the full Marathon, and either way you will have a fundraising commitment of only $300 in donations. A very small percentage of the donations will be used to cover costs of the training program , team apparel and team pasta party. The majority of funds will be used to directly support programs and services at The Wellness Community-South Bay Cities. 100% of the donations are tax deductable to the extent of the law.
That sounds like a lot of money, how do I raise it?
Fundraising is easier than you might think. When you share your commitment and dedication to supporting people with cancer with your friends and colleagues, you’ll be pleased by the generosity of others. Veteran Team Wellness team members have been surprised by how relatively easy it is to raise money for a cause that touches so many people. Many past team members have fundraised much more than the minimum fundraising goal by doing nothing more than sending a letter to their family and friends! A complete fundraising packet and letter writing campaign materials are provided upon registration to help you meet this goal and our experienced fundraising staff will be available to help you with fundraising suggestions and support.
When does the money have to be turned in?
Fundraising deadlines will be followed throughout the program. We advise that you periodically send your money to The Wellness Community. We would like you to have your goals met by the time of the race.
What kind of financial investment do I have to make?
You will need to invest in personal mailing supplies for your letter writing campaign. You may also need to purchase some training items including running/walking apparel, athletic shoes, water bottle, etc.
Can I participate in honor of memory of someone with cancer?
As you begin this personal challenge, your inspiration is in knowing that your commitment will support people with cancer as they face their own personal challenge of fighting for recovery and improved quality of life at The Wellness Community. You can participate in honor or memory of someone you know who has been touched by cancer, or we can partner you with a cancer patient who would be honored to serve as your inspiration during your training.
I’m a cancer survivor; can I participate to celebrate my survivorship?
Many cancer survivors have participated in Team Wellness as a way to celebrate their survivorship. Your participation will not only be a personal accomplishment but also provide inspiration and hope to others living with cancer. Celebrate your survivorship by joining our team! Again, we request that you consult with your physician prior to joining Team Wellness to obtain approval for participation in the training program.
I’m still not sure, how can I find out more about the program?
For more information about Team Wellness, please call The Wellness Community at 310-376-3550. We would be happy to arrange a meeting to tell you more about the program. If you decide to join the team, you can register by calling the office or by mailing in the attached registration form. Please go the LA Marathon site for more details. www.lamarathon.com
I want to join the team, how do I sign up?
To register for Team Wellness, please complete the registration form and return to the address below. Please also enclose a $50.00 payment (made payable to The Wellness Community) to reserve your spot on the team today (please note that this $100.00 “commitment” payment will count towards your goal and is non-refundable). Upon receipt of your registration and payment, you will receive a complete fundraising packet and detailed information about the training program. If you have further questions about Team Wellness, please call The Wellness Community at 310-376-3550.
For a registration form click here.
