Vacation for a Cause

Sept. 8, 2010 - PRLog -- The summer days are cooling and the leaves are starting to change, but it’s not too soon to plan your late winter or springtime getaway.

Why not combine your vacation with an opportunity to do something good for somebody else? The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training, the leading endurance sports training and charity program, has some great travel destinations offered for its spring roster.

TNT participants can chose to participate in The Avenue of the Giants Marathon on May 1, 2011. Staged on “The Avenue of the Giants” in Humboldt Redwoods State Park, ‘The AVE’ runs through old growth redwoods and follows a natural creek in the middle of the state park and has been called ‘one of the most beautiful courses in the country’ by Runners World Magazine.

And who doesn’t love the Santa Monica Pier in springtime? Next March, 30,000 runners will follow the spectacular Stadium to the Sea route in The Los Angeles Marathon. Participants will again run through four cities and the federal VA property on the way from Dodger Stadium to the Santa Monica Pier, passing a variety of landmarks including Los Angeles City Hall, Grauman’s Chinese Theater, the Capitol Records Building and Rodeo Drive.

Or maybe a visit to take in the natural beauty of Southern California.  Set against this beautiful March backdrop, the inaugural San Diego Triathlon will challenge competitors through the rolling hills and vistas of Mission Bay, Pacific Beach, La Jolla, and Clairemont. Long bike climbs will reward cyclists with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean while the run course will treat participants to the white sandy beaches and bright blue waters of Mission Bay.

Beautiful Lake San Antonio along California’s Central Coast is the site for the 2011 Avia Wildflower Triathlon, often referred to as the “The Woodstock of Triathlon”.  Since its beginnings in 1983, the Avia Wildflower Triathlons Festival has emerged as the largest multi-day triathlon event in the world, attracting more than 7,500 participants, 35,000 spectators and one of the largest professional fields in the sport.

Since TNT began in 1988, more than 440,000 participants have raised more than $1 billion to help LLS fund research to find cures for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and provide critical education and support services to patients and their families. Participants have the option of running or walking a full or half marathon, cycling a 100-mile century ride or completing a triathlon. In addition to weekly training sessions under the guidance of a certified coach, TNT offers clinics on nutrition, equipment, injury prevention and safety. Participants are also given tools to help them fundraise.  LLS arranges airfare and lodging to send participants to the event of their choice.

TNT is recruiting now for its spring season. Info Meetings begin October 28, 2010.  For additional TNT information, call the Greater Sacramento Chapter at 800.410.8170; or visit: www.teamintraining.org/sac.

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About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society ® (LLS) is the world’s largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world and provides free information and support services.

Founded in 1949 and headquartered in White Plains, NY, LLS has chapters throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more, visit www.LLS.org or contact the Information Resource Center at (800) 955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET. www.lls.org.