About
Team Transplant is a comprehensive training/exercise program that started at the University of Washington Medical Center in 2001 to promote fitness as well as organ donation awareness. Led by 3-time Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier, Alysun Deckert, a registered dietitian at UWMC, the team’s goal is to train for and complete the Seattle Half Marathon. The group consists of UWMC staff, transplant recipients and their friends and family members. The first year, the team had 35 members. Five were transplant recipients. Since its inaugural year, Team Transplant has grown to over 180 participants, including 30 transplant recipients.Participants start training in mid-August, gradually building up their mileage over a 4-month period, to prepare for the 13.1 mile event. During this time, they are also encouraged to participate in informational clinics on stretching, strengthening, sports nutrition, walking technique, and hill running technique. In addition, they receive weekly motivational e-mails with team updates and training tips and are encouraged to attend group practices, held at various locations in the Seattle area on Saturday mornings.
