Westside LA Team In Training - Winter 2009 Marathon & Half Marathon Team

Name: Aubrey Walton
Team: Westside Marathon (Greater LA)
Number of TNT Seasons: 2
Last TNT Event: 2009 San Diego Rock N Roll Marathon

Why did you join TNT?
I joined TNT to accomplish one of my life goals of completing a marathon. I also joined becuase I had just moved to Los Angeles from Ohio in April 2008, so I did not know more than five people in this city. I knew I had to get out and do something to make some new friends, so I put the two together and joined TNT! When I moved to LA, I also met some cancer patients at UCLA, and their drive for life made me want to join TNT in their honor.

What was your best fundraiser?
The best fundraiser I did was to nominate one of my guy friends for the Bachelor auction. He ended up selling for $350 and all that money came directly to my fund. It was great and so much fun! I also sent a ton of letters out to everyone I knew, while also updating my personal website every Sunday after our long runs to let people know what I did that week.

Most memorable TNT moment?
There are so many fun moments with TNT that it’s hard to choose just one. My most memorable would have to be running the actual marathon and being with all your new best friends doing something so amazing, together. The entire weekend was a blast, and after the race, celebrating with all your amazing new friends, in ONE hotel room, was definitely a memorable night. The 80’s Party was another fun event. Hilarious.

What would you have done differently during the season if you could start over?
I really wouldn’t have done anything differently as I am really pleased with how my first season went. If I had to choose,one thing I would have done differently was to actually watch what I eat and change my diet. Your body changes so much and your appetite grows out of control, I only seemed to crave food items that weren’t the “healthiest” of options. Boy, they were good though!

Do you have any other words of wisdom for our participants?
HAVE FUN!!! You will meet people that will become your best friends. You spend so much time with your teammates, you get to know them very well. Go to as many midweek runs, strength & conditioning practices, hill training, track training, etc. becuase it will help you tremendously come race day. Be creative with your fundraising and it the money will come easily. Be dedicated to what you are doing! It’s about to change your life forever!

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