Sarah Tobin is without a doubt one of the Dashing Whippets star masters runner. A recent winner of the Whippets Team Spirit Award, she is a force to be reckoned with in the 50+ age category. We recently asked Sarah some questions about all things running related — you’ll love to read what this inspiring runner has to say!
Why I joined the Whippets:
Back in 2011 Matt Wong said I should, and how can you say no to such a nice guy? I had just turned 50, and as a late beginner in all things running, no one had ever asked me to join their team before. I decided it would take me out of my comfort zone, give me a reason turn up to races and keep me accountable. It took another three years before I recruited enough 50+ running buddies to join the team and start making those races count.
Hills or bridges?
I’ll have to pick those NYC bridges – they were the foundation of my running career. I started paying attention to my fitness in my early 40’s. I still remember the thrill of being able to run, without stopping, over the Brooklyn Bridge (I took the subway back that day!) After that I kept adding bridges to my runs. They took me further and further and created my love of exploring this city while on the run.
Marathon or 5k?
I have more endurance than speed. I love and admire those smooth speedy gazelle-like Whippets, it’s a beautiful thing, but my form makes it look like the hard work it so often is – keep on keeping on is my way of conquering those miles. Inspired by my kickass endurance friends and teammates I took on a new challenge last summer and ran the Transrockies Run; 120 miles, 6 days, 20,000ft of elevation. Except for childbirth, it was physically the hardest thing I have ever had to do. I think I will stick to marathons this year!
Favorite Race:
Until now it has always been the NYC Half, this race has provided me with some dream PR’s and kept me encouraged that this old gal was still in the game. Naturally, I am not looking forward to the new course. The NYRR Club points races have become my focus in recent years. I am so proud of what the 50+ Women Whippets achieved in 2017. They continue to turn up and give it their best and are my inspiration! It is not easy to raise enough runners for all 11 races; to quote one of my teammates, “this race schedule is created for millennials, not perennials!” But we are hoping to rise to the challenge again this year.
What I look for in a running buddy:
So much about running is about what goes on in your head. Running has become central to my life, not only has it made me stronger and fitter, but it has introduced me to so many wonderful new and interesting people that I never feel “buddy-less.” My running friends keep me accountable, but more importantly, they keep me in good spirits through the highs and lows of training – these days I’m in it for the laughs!
Most embarrassing running moment:
So many…but I still laugh at the day I “ran into” a pornographic photo shoot on the Manhattan Bridge early one Sunday morning. She was lying down, naked but for a pair of sparkly platform heels and he was on a stepladder filming her gyrations. Once I realized what was going on, I was in the middle of the shoot. I put one foot between her legs and jumped high and right over her head to escape the situation. You’ll be glad to hear coaches, I didn’t miss a beat and maintained my tempo pace. Definitely one of those “only in New York” moments.
Fill in blank:
If I wasn’t a runner, I’d be a: couch potato!
If a crystal ball could tell me what my best running performance would be, it would say: I will be on the podium by the time I reach the 80+ AG!
