Derek Trainer, Austin Coach
The reason I got in to running can be summed up with one word, Cancer. In 2008 I was
diagnosed with Large B-Cell Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. An amoeba shaped malignant mass
behind my right eye was attached to my brain, optic nerves, sinus cavity, jaw, and face. While in
treatment, my wife discovered Team in Training through a brochure while waiting for me at one
of my many hospital appointments. She vowed to join, run, and raise money to give back to the
organization that assisted us financially as well as helping to develop the main treatment that
helped save my life. Before cancer, neither one of us had ever been a runner. In 2009, she ran
her first marathon in San Francisco – the same one we will be doing later this season! In 2010, I
was off treatment and vowed to complete my first race. In November of that year I ran the New
York Marathon and I haven’t stopped running since. Since then I’ve completed multiple
marathons, halfs and other endurance events. I’ve helped as a training captain and coach with
TNT for the past year.
Contact Info:
Email: derektrainer@hotmail.com
Cell: 512-796-7435
Elena Perales, North Austin Coach
I have been involved with Team In Training since 1998. There was no personal connection, no desire to run a
marathon or cycle a century. BUT – what I heard from these amazing people was that I
COULD accomplish something that I had never done before – any they were going to train
me to get thru the physical challenge. Sounded easy enough – and as I learned, if you just
ask others to support you in your efforts, they will; and if not, well, you just move on to the
next person. J I have cycled centuries, run marathons, and even completed a half iron
distance triathlon – ALL thru Team in Training. I enjoy what I do with the Team. They are
a second family for me and I have been rewarded so much for the little I feel I have given.
Why stay involved season after season, year after year? Because the research
accomplished by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society not only benefits blood cancers,
but as you will learn, so many other forms of cancer including, but not limited to: breast,
brain, lung, and colon cancer, sickle cell, pediatric solid tumors, arthritis, transplant organ
rejection prevention, etc. AND because we are helping the neighbors in our community
with information, emotional and financial support when they need it most; AND
because when we find a cure...how AMAZING will it be to say that you were a part of it all?
Nothing to lose, everything to gain
Contact Info:
Email: justagirltexas@yahoo.com
Cell: 512-426-4267
Jeff Barnett, Assistant Coach - Austin
Jeff started running in high school and continued during his college years at UT
Austin. While at UT, he got to where he ran the Longhorn Dam loop (MoPac to
Longhorn Dam and back) three times a week. It was during that time that he set the
goal to "someday" run a marathon. When Jeff went off to law school in Des Moines,
Iowa for three years, he stopped running for a while. "With all the ice and snow, I
found it very hard to run outside for several months of the year and I despise running
long distances indoors or on a track." Upon his return to Austin, he slowly got back
into running and ultimately stumbled upon an advertisement for a marathon training
group called, Austin Fit. Remembering his goal to run a marathon, he signed up. At
registration, he could not even complete the 2-mile pace run. But 26 weeks later, he
completed his first marathon. Because of how this experience changed his life, he decided to become a marathon
coach and he since has dedicated himself to helping others attain the same goal. He has been a coach, head coach,
and organizer of Austin Fit. Jeff has since run 28 total marathons and one ultra marathon, along with many half
marathons and 10K's and 5K's.
Contact Info:
Email: jbarnett@civil-law.com
Cell: 512-796-5297
Emily Cadic, Training Captain
Originally from Atlanta, Emily moved to Austin in 2010 to become a Longhorn. She
joined TNT in June 2012 and has never looked back! She has participated in both half
and full marathon events as a member of TNT and is looking forward to someday
doing a triathlon. When she’s not running, Emily enjoys cooking, catching a flick at
Alamo Drafthouse, and challenging people to pull-up contests. Emily can’t wait to start
helping you reach your goals this season!
Contact Info:
Email: emcadic@gmail.com
Cell: 770-265-3054
Ashley King, Training Captain
I got involved with TNT in 2002 to train for a triathlon and when I attended
the information meeting I realized what an amazing organization it is. I got
back involved with TNT last year and continue to stay involved because of
the great comraderie, training partners, wonderful resources for gear,
injury prevention and nutrition and first and foremost to help raise money
to find a cure for cancer. I have participated in many triathlons ranging
from sprint distance to half ironmans, done around 12 open water swim
races, have run 2 marathons and about 10 half marathons.
Contact Info:
Email: shasvb4@hotmail.com
Cell: 770-265-3054
Tracy Borrel, Training Captain/Training Assistant
Welcome! I joined TNT in 2009 as a way to honor the memory of my father, who
lost his battle with cancer. I was very intimidated at the prospect of joining the
group … not only was I committing to fundraise a lot of money, but I was training
to run a marathon. With the guidance of TNT not only was I able to exceed my
fundraising goal, but I completed my first marathon and make some amazing
friends along the way. Since then I have trained with TNT and I have completed 6
marathons, a Half Iron Man and in June I will complete my first Century Bike Ride.
I can’t wait to help you reach your goals, cross the finish line smiling and have an
unforgettable experience along the way.
Contact Info:
Email: tborrel@austin.rr.com
Cell: 512-970-9316