Running -- and walking and cycling -- for leukemia research Running -- and walking and cycling -- for leukemia research (December 01, 2004)

Many bone-marrow donors say the process is not very difficult. But another way of aiding people afflicted with leukemia is -- in a good way.

Through the nationwide Team in Training program, athletes of all levels train hard to walk or run marathons, half-marathons and triathlons, as well as participating in cycling, skiing and other events. In the strenuous but rewarding process, they also raise money to help find a cure for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma.

Each team is coached by professional trainers and other athletes, and is assigned a particular "patient honoree" who has been personally affected by blood cancer, Team in Training officials say.

Several informational meetings on the program are being scheduled for January in the Bay Area. One will be held at noon on January 18 in the Menlo Park Library at 800 Alma St., intended solely for people who plan to participate in a marathon or other event.

Another meeting, open to everyone, is planned for 6:30 p.m. January 10 at the Avenidas Senior Center at 450 Bryant St. in Palo Alto.

Upcoming events that athletes will be trained for include the Avenue of the Giants half marathon scheduled for May 1 in Humboldt County, the June 12 Kings Trail Triathlon in Maui, and the Seattle-to-Portland Bicycle Classic, set for July 9-10.

For more information, call 1-800-78-TRAIN or go to www.teamintraining.com.

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