Todd Toffoli
Age Group
30-34/30-39 (31, 32 in August)
Sports Bio
My career as a runner started in 2007 when friend and fellow FMRC member Mike Barnard convinced me to run my first half marathon, followed a few months later by my first marathon. Prior to the completion of that first 26.2 at the California International Marathon in 2007, I hadn't any notion of a life in running beyond that single event. The experience of training and running a marathon was a life-changing process. As my fitness level increased and my collection of running friends expanded, running evolved into something I positively enjoyed, and not just something done grudgingly for exercise. My lifestyle and diet shifted to accommodate the demands of my running. My confidence, quality of life, and ambition increased steadily as my running grew from one initial doubtful goal into a full-on obsession. Since my humble beginnings, I have completed 10 marathons, 18 half marathons, and dozens of 10Ks, 5Ks and other odd distances. My speed has increased drastically, as has my enjoyment. I have raced on street and trail, over mountain and through creek, in the heat and the rain and even in the frost. I have felt physically rushed and mentally uplifted, and loved most every experience. Being a runner is now an indivisible part of my identity.
Highlights of past season(s)
Setting my marathon PR of 2:59:45 at the 2011 Boston Marathon
Setting my half marathon PR of 1:20:42 on my 31st birthday
Winning the Trail Hog Half Marathon
Earning the title of Overall Champion of the Run in the Park 10K Series
Running my first 50K
Favorite race experience
I don't imagine I will ever top the experience of finishing my first marathon. Crossing the finish line that day was such a transformative event for me that I classify that race as one of the most important events of my life. In reality, there is nothing magic about the distance of 26.2 miles. But, for me, completing the 2007 California International Marathon had such a profound impact on my sense of what is possible given the right amount effort and discipline that it will always keep a charmed place in my heart.
Worst race experience
At the 2008 San Diego Rock and Roll Marathon I succumbed to extreme dehydration just after the 25th mile marker and would have fallen flat on my face but was caught by another runner. I managed to finish the race one impossible step at a time with my arms over the shoulders of that runner and a nearby volunteer. After an hour in the medical tent I was forced to move around to regain circulation. Very scary, no fun for anyone involved.
One unique or interesting fact about you or your life
My wife and I have know each other since kindergarten and our parents houses are around the corner from each other.
Best training advice ever received
Take an ice bath after long runs to speed recovery. Sooooo unpleasant, but what a difference it makes.
