Racey Runner: Tim Christoni

Tim Christoni, Rancho Cucamonga, CA, 47, Distribution Manager

What inspired you to start doing races?

I wanted to look good naked and training and racing helped me to that end.

Do you walk, run or run/walk, swim, cycle, do obstacles?

I usually run as much as possible. But in longer races, such as 50 or 100 milers, walking/hiking the bigger elevation gain portions of the course is sometimes both strategic and necessary.

What distances do you do?

I’ve done everything from 5k to Tough Mudders to Ironman to 100 milers and everything in between.

How many have you done?

I’ve done 26 half marathons, 30 full marathons, two 50k, two 50 milers, one full Ironman and one 100 miler. I have four 100 mile races currently scheduled in 2016.

What do you feel is your greatest race accomplishment?

My greatest race accomplishment is always to start a race. Anything can happen during a race, but getting to that starting line is always a great accomplishment.

Favorite Race and why?

My favorite race is currently AC100 because of the incredible level of difficulty, challenge, and beauty of the race course. The volunteers there are also amazing.

Do you travel for races?

Absolutely! I’ve raced here in the United States, Canada, England, Belize and Greece.

Does your race schedule become expensive? How do you afford to make it happen?

It can be very expensive. My wife and I both work very hard in order to be able to play hard. It’s about balance for us. We enjoy the traveling and seeing new places so we work hard in order to put ourselves in a position to be able to get to them.

Must-have gear on race day: 

Orange Mud hydration pack, Beats Bluetooth Headset, Apple iPod Nano.

Weirdest place you’ve ever chafed: Near my armpit from a cooling arm sleeve. It left a scar.

Do you prefer to run in warm weather or cold weather?

Cold weather is like rocket fuel for me.

Favorite pre-race meal/snack:

One packet of oatmeal with dinosaur eggs. 😉

Weirdest/funniest thing you’ve ever experienced at a race:

Tacos are my favorite food. But at mile 75 of the AC100, my wife brought me tacos to inspire me to finish. I looked at them and wanted to throw up. Weirdest thing ever. I still wish I had those tacos back and could eat them right now.

Worst experience during a race:

This is a tie between rolling my ankle at mile 33 of SD100 and the painful onset of plantar fasciitis at mile 20ish of Kodiak 100, both in 2015. Both injuries ended my attempt to finish those two races, but I will be back attack both of them again in 2016.

Most awesome moment you’ve ever had at a race:

Three way tie: My first sub three hour marathon in Ventura Marathon, Finishing AC100 in 24:12 and finishing Ironman Arizona in 11:44.

Your favorite part of participating in races:

Seeing everyone push themselves and crushing their goals.

Do you wear costumes? If so, what’s been your favorite?

No.

How important are awesome medals to you?

Not at all.

Best medal you’ve earned so far:

My AC100 buckle.

Do you prefer to run alone or with a buddy?

I usually run alone because not many people share my schedule or want to run that fast, but I love to run with my wife and friends and do it as much as I can.

Favorite song on your playlist:

Blitzkrieg Bop – The Ramones (Or the cover by The Go-Getters)

Who is your race hero and why?

Meb Keflezighi, because he is an American success story. His life has been tough, and yet, he has worked so hard for all of his success and he remains a genuinely kind & humble person. I have raced with him (Boston 2014 where he won), seen him race live at the Olympic Marathon Trials in LA 2016. I have also just witnessed him being a spectator; giving out high fives and taking selfies at the USA Half Marathon Invitational in San Diego in 2015. He is a rockstar.

What is the top race on your bucket list?

London Marathon, so we can see all of our friends in England again.

What has been the best physical side effect of your participation in races?

Looking sooo much better naked.

Your advice for others who might be intimidated by signing up for a race:

You are only racing yourself. No one else. No one can judge you and no one can beat you if that’s the way you look at it. Just put one foot in front of the other and race to beat your own goals each time. You will learn, get stronger and find that you can do things you never thought possible. You will meet great people and be a part of an awesome and positive community. Most importantly though, it will change your life.

Anything else you’d like to add?

Keep pushing forward. Never stop trying and never quit. And remember, a DNF (Did Not Finish) is not quitting or failure. It’s just an opportunity to regroup and safely get your ass back out there to go after the finish on another day.

Wanna know how Tim Christoni lost 90 pounds while on his way to becoming an uber-runner? Read this. 

Tim Christoni Before and After
Fitzness.com