"Patty loved to run," Smith said. "In fact, she joined me and her sister, Sandy, in running the 1979 Honolulu Marathon. That was three months before her cancer was diagnosed — and 18 months before she died."

With 14 marathons under his belt prior to joining TNT, Smith, a retired business writer for The Honolulu Advertiser, first became aware of the program in 1997 after receiving a mailer from the LLS, informing about the Mayor's Midnight Sun Marathon in Anchorage, Alaska.

Smith and his wife signed up for the TNT/Anchorage program, and participated in the race.

"Margie did it as a 'love gift' to me," said Smith, as the race took place on their 38th wedding anniversary.

"I have found much fulfillment in encouraging first-time marathoners, as well as experienced runners seeking to improve their performances," he said. "I have made many lasting friendships through this program."

As an avid runner, Smith said he was not training properly prior to joining TNT, as it was his habit to train alone.

"After the Anchorage Marathon in 1997, I was hooked on TNT," he said. "Getting a day-by-day training schedule provided me much needed discipline ... and for the first time I understood the need for speed training."

Smith's third-place finish in his age group at Anchorage, "rekindled (a) passion for marathoning," he said.

Under Jonathan Lyau's coaching, he was inspired to qualify for the Boston Marathon, "and since then, I have run two Bostons — in 2000 and 2002," said Smith, who ran a 3:39 in 2002.

Smith's improved performance continued after Boston, as he had never won an age-group division until the 2004 Honolulu Marathon, where he crossed the finish line in 3:49:34.

Smith also is a member of a gym, which he visits once a week.

"I'm convinced that building upper-body strength helps with overall fitness and helps me in my running," he said.

However, Smith finds the camaraderie in TNT very important to maintaining his enthusiasm, compared to going to the gym alone.

Smith is very forthright when it comes to recommending a group.

"Join a group that provides you at least weekly opportunities to train with others," he said. "It's amazing how well you can get to know someone on a run of an hour or two."

Reach Oscar Hernandez at oscar_photography@yahoo.com

Training clubs: Finding one that fits your needs

Here we are still early in the year, and perhaps you, like many others, are seeking to fulfill your New Year's resolution by lifting yourself off a couch that has molded to the shape of your body.

Perhaps you considered joining a gym, but don't want to be pressured to sign on a dotted line that will ensnare you like a cell phone plan.

But you lack one important factor that prevents you from lacing up your fitness shoes: motivation.

Well, procrastinate no more. In the following weeks, you will be introduced to a few training clubs/groups that will cost you less than a gym membership, and the only contract you have to deal with is your own will to succeed with your New Year's resolution.

TIPS

• A good way to find information on fitness clubs/groups is to check out fliers at your local sporting goods store. Most groups have informational fliers that provide a brief description of the types of fitness activities they offer.

• When considering a group or club, ask if it offers a free trial period (most clubs offer this) to see if the training group is a perfect fit for your needs.

THE SERIES

The Advertiser will be profiling the following fitness/running clubs on O'ahu.

Jan. 14—Try Fitness!

Jan. 21—Team Jet Hawai'i

Feb. 4—Jonathan Lyau's Personal Best Training

Feb. 11—Brian Clarke's School of Running

Today—Team in Training

UPCOMING