Dolphin South End Awards Ceremony & Gala

Ever wonder what Endorphin Dude looks like before he jumps into the that port-o-potty and transforms himself into the Marathon Caped Crusader?

Yup, by day, E-Dude is just another Clark Kent suit wearing citizen blogging away on EndorphinDude.com, his version of the Daily Planet.  Ok, maybe that's a slight stretch.  This marathon caped crusader wears boxers and a t-shirt when he's typing away these race reports!

I threw on this suit for the Dolphin South End Awards Ceremony & Gala. I love DSE.  I woke up at 7am every Sunday I wasn't running a marathon or half last year so that I could hang out with these folks.  These people have made my life better in so many ways. When I received my first DSE ribbon, I gushed like a little kid who just won an award.  I absolutely loved that ribbon, and I proudly displayed it on my wall! Until the 2009 San Jose Rock & Roll Half Marathon, my first 13.1 miler, I had never won any award for any sporting event. I was that fat kid who always got picked last in PE, so any award I received for running, big or small, is cherished.  Since that first race with this cool running club, I have collected many more ribbons as well as 35 half marathon and 7 full marathon medals.  I have come a long way with my running, and I owe a lot of it to the folks at DSE.  There is definitely a sense of community here.  The support I receive from them helps me to improve.  I know that I am always in the back of the pack, but I work hard to finish, and it's so nice to have cheerleaders on the sidelines encouraging me when I cross that finish line at every race.  I am very lucky to be a part of this awesome club.

I picked up two trophies at the gala, one for logging in the fourth most race miles and the much coveted Mongo Award.  Engraved on that trophy is "Tony Nguyen: 2011 Ultra Marathoner."  If you had told me two years ago that I would be holding these two awards, I would have laughed in your face.  I am honored.  I am proud. 

For all you new runners out there, I highly recommend that you join a running club.  You'd be amazed at how your life will change.  DSE, thanks for welcoming and accepting me.  I am very fortunate to have you.  It's been a wonderful year, and I look forward to many many more!