This past Sunday was the 2010 Buffalo Marathon, and I was one of thousands who ran it! I know what you’re thinking: “Gee whiz Allie, 26.2 miles sure is a lot, however did you do it?”

Well, I didn’t. I chose to run the equally daunting 13.1 mile Half Marathon, and believe it or not, it was fun!

My cousin came to a family party a few months ago and announced she was running the half and invited anyone who wished to join to tie up their runners and come along! I was the only one to really jump at the offer.

I have been running for a few years now, I was on the track team in High School, but mostly stuck to sprinting (the idea of running three+ miles at top speed was too much for me to handle in my adolescence). This past November I ran the Turkey Trot, and was not in any condition to be doing so, but I still had a blast. Now seemed like a good time to push myself a bit (or a lot) further.

I trained hard for a little over a month, and trained less hard for a few weeks after that (life just always seems to get in the way!). By Sunday I was more or less ready!

The race itself was amazing. The energy created by everyone running was truly unique. Much to my surprise, I felt GREAT! I mean that. I honestly felt like a couple million bucks, a runner’s high is no joke! By no means am I chomping at the bit to run the full marathon, but I am already making plans to run another half in October.  If my legs would quit their protest on all movement, I’ll be out running again soon.

For anyone considering running the marathon next year, I HIGHLY recommend it.  It is surprisingly fun to push yourself and accomplish something, especially before 10am!

You can check out my very professional form in this photo and at sportphoto.com.

I HEART RUNNING

Til next time, with less lactic acid,

-Allie