For Tuesdays with Toyota, we are spotlighting some of USATF's most dedicated members with a short feature on USATF.org and our social media channels. Here is our feature with USATF athlete Jeff Moffitt, a member of the USATF New Jersey Association from Waldwick. Why are you a member of USATF? Being a USATF member is an integral part of my passion for running and competition. The thrill of participating in USATF races not only challenges me physically but also fosters a sense of camaraderie and community. The email communications and updates keep me informed about exciting events and opportunities within the running world, adding an extra layer of engagement to my journey. Sharing this experience with friends who are also USATF members strengthens our bond and enhances the joy of running together. Through USATF, I've not only deepened existing friendships but have also forged new connections, creating a network of like-minded individuals who share my love for running and the pursuit of personal excellence. What is your "why"? The driving force behind my motivation stems from a relentless desire to challenge and elevate myself. Each day becomes a personal competition, an opportunity to surpass my own limits and enhance my performance. The thrill of self-improvement fuels my dedication; I am constantly pushing to refine my times and increase my speed. Being a self-motivated individual, I find inspiration in the pursuit of excellence, turning every challenge into a chance to outdo my previous best. It's not about competing with others; it's an internal race against the person I was yesterday, a commitment to continuous growth and self-discovery. What is something that helps you focus while you train? Maintaining focus during my training for running races is a deeply personal and invigorating journey. Whether I'm pounding the pavement alone or sweating it out with a group on the track, the act of pushing myself to new limits serves as a powerful preparation for future running events. The solitude of a solo run allows me to delve into my thoughts and discover untapped reservoirs of determination. Conversely, the shared energy of a group run at the track fuels a collective motivation that propels me forward. The sense of accomplishment and euphoria that accompanies each training session is unparalleled, creating a profound connection between effort and achievement that keeps me centered and focused on the path toward my running goals. The obstacles and injuries of 2023 presented formidable challenges, starting with a bout of plantar fasciitis and a severe ankle sprain early in the year. Subsequent setbacks included a pulled back and a strained hamstring in the summer, significantly impacting both training and races. Compounded by excruciating pain in the right ankle, a lingering consequence from a misdiagnosed broken ankle in 2000, the journey seemed fraught with adversity. Despite the odds, the decision to resume running in 2019 after nearly two decades proved transformative. Enduring the persistent pain, I ran 57 5K races in 2023, covering a remarkable 176.7 miles of racing. The goal of matching the number of races to my age was a resounding success, proving that with a second chance, one can overcome life's curveballs and hit many more home runs. How has USATF impacted you? The impact of being a part of USATF on my running journey is immense. The regular email communications serve as a crucial link, keeping me informed about upcoming events, enabling me to plan and participate in races efficiently. Tracking points for mini races and cross country events adds an exciting element of competition to my training, pushing me to continually improve. Engaging in discussions with fellow USATF members about upcoming races and courses not only enhances my race-day strategy but also creates a sense of unity and shared enthusiasm. USATF, in essence, brings us all together, fostering a community that thrives on mutual support, encouragement, and a collective passion for running. Outside USATF how do you spend your time? Beyond my involvement with USATF, my time is richly spent with my wife Karen, my son Ryan, step daughters Talia and Serena, our friends, and our cherished dogs, Max and Wolfie, at our lake house in Dingmans Ferry, Pennsylvania. A music enthusiast, I find solace in playing the guitar and crafting my own songs. Engaging in various activities like cornhole and poker adds a touch of fun to our gatherings. As an independent actor, I dive into the world of creativity, working on short films, commercials, and hosting gigs. I am not just limited to the screen; I enjoy the hands-on satisfaction of building and fixing things, from carpentry, running electrical wiring to plumbing and much more. Tinkering with my two 1965 Mustangs is a passion, and I take pride in handling most of my auto repairs and brake jobs. Being both productive and extending a helping hand to others holds a central place in my values, making my time outside USATF diverse and fulfilling. What is your favorite USATF memory? My favorite USATF memory undoubtedly revolves around the exhilarating experience of running the Haworth 5K (700-point race) with our North Jersey Masters 50 to 59 age group. The collective energy and shared determination within the group made the event truly special. Being part of something bigger than an individual effort, each stride became a testament to the power of teamwork and camaraderie. The race not only marked a personal achievement but also emphasized the strength that emerges when athletes unite toward a common goal. The memories forged during that event are a constant reminder of the profound sense of community that defines the spirit of USATF. Is there an athlete or person who inspired you to join the sport? In 1993, my journey into running was sparked by a friendly challenge from my friend Brent. He dared me to run the Boston Marathon, despite never having participated in a 5K, 10K or any running event before. Undeterred, I crafted my own training regimen starting in January of that year. Come April, I found myself behind nearly 9,000 runners at the Boston Marathon. I ran the race as a bandit, proudly donning my Lodi, NJ tee shirt. The experience ignited a passion for running within me. As I delved into the running world, I discovered the stories of legendary athletes like Steve Prefontaine and Dave Wottle. Watching their old races online, I'm consistently overcome with goosebumps and a profound sense of inspiration, forever grateful for the unexpected journey that began with a simple bet in 1993.