SKMers Go the Extra Mile for the Run Of It

What’s your running experience?
I have always been into sports. I played lacrosse from middle school through college and also ran indoor track in high school for two years. This year was the first year I ran a half marathon.

What went through your head just minutes before the race started?
My music better last for this race or I won’t make it.

Once you were a few miles in, how were you feeling?
I felt awesome a few miles in. My adrenaline was flowing, but I definitely went out too fast; by mile 11, I was completely shot.

What surprised you during the race that maybe you didn’t plan on?
I really didn’t see anyone walking which definitely kept me going.

Were you able to enjoy any of it? The crowd, scenery, weather?
The route was great! I really loved having my family, boyfriend and friends there to cheer me on and the weather was perfect for running.

Is the “runner’s high” real?
Yes, I felt towards the end I sort of blacked out. The finish line was a blur. Running in races like these is definitely addicting and this is for sure not my last half marathon.

What was the funniest sign you saw a spectator holding?
Honestly I didn’t do much looking around. I was more focused on when the next water station was coming up.

Did you have any regrets along the way?
I went out too fast. I should have paced myself better in the beginning so the last two to three miles weren’t torture.

What kept you going?
I’m actually really hard on myself with everything I do whether it’s sports or work. At first my goal was to just finish but then I knew I wouldn’t be satisfied with that so I had to finish under two hours which is what I did.

Describe the feeling crossing the finish line.
I MADE IT!!!!

Would you do it again?
Yes. And maybe one day try a full…maybe…

What’s your advice for someone wanting to run a half or full – or any distance?
Definitely cross train. I think that helped me the most. Get in the gym or on a bike and do something you love so you don’t burn out. It keeps things fun!

What’s your running experience?
This was my first full marathon. I have been running for a couple years now, but I wouldn’t consider myself a true “runner.” I tend to fall off the bandwagon a lot.

What went through your head just minutes before the race started?
I should really stop committing to things when I’ve been drinking.

Once you were a few miles in, how were you feeling?
It felt good to be a part of something so big.

What surprised you during the race that maybe you didn’t plan on?
I wasn’t expecting anyone I know to be a spectator. We were lucky enough to have a couple co-workers (Mary and Lauren) on the sidelines cheering us on. I also had friends surprise me at mile 20 and at the finish line. It completely changes your mindset when you see people you care about supporting you.

Were you able to enjoy any of it? The crowd, scenery, weather?
It was great weather for running and I always enjoy reading the signs that spectators make. Plus, Buffalo is a beautiful city – how can you not enjoy taking a tour (although I prefer it not to be 26 miles…on foot).

Is the “runner’s high” real?
Yes. Whether it’s a burst of energy or a change in your mindset, it just all of a sudden hits you.

What was the funniest sign you saw a spectator holding?
“The Kenyans are drinking all the beer. Run faster!”

Did you have any regrets along the way?
I wish I put more time into training.

What kept you going?
I’m too young to die.

Describe the feeling crossing the finish line.
Relief. And appreciation for everyone who was cheering and motivating me to finish.

Would you do it again?
Definitely. I think half marathons agree better with me, but I would do another marathon again…maybe…

What’s your advice for someone wanting to run a half or full – or any distance?
Prepare mentally for it. I truly believe that while physical fitness it important, running is mostly mental. If you say it’s only 13 miles and believe it, it doesn’t seem so terrible.

What’s your running experience?
Eight years of recreational long-distance running.

What went through your head just minutes before the race started?
My leg feels like it’s going to cramp up. I hope my leg doesn’t cramp up.

Once you were a few miles in, how were you feeling?
I felt great at 5K. I thought, “I really need to run in more 5Ks.”

What surprised you during the race that maybe you didn’t plan on?
I didn’t plan on my right leg feeling like it was being pressed by a junkyard car crusher.

Were you able to enjoy any of it? The crowd, scenery, weather?
I really love the scene. The bands at the lighthouse turn were a great pick me up. Shout out to the Weezer “Say it ain’t so” cover.

Is the “runner’s high” real?
I think it’s more of a lack of oxygen and complete delirium.

What was the funniest sign you saw a spectator holding?
“Hi five if you peed a little.” Also, every year I see some folks holding up a “Go Boron” sign and I say to them, “No love for Tungsten?” They never laugh.

Did you have any regrets along the way?
Just the six months of training completely wasted because my legs attacked me and I had to stop at 16.

What kept you going?
Nothing.

Describe the feeling crossing the finish line.
Now you’re just being mean.

Would you do it again?
I have to, to finish. So, I’m miserable.

What’s your advice for someone wanting to run a half or full – or any distance?
If someone approaches you at a party and suggests that it would be a good idea to run a marathon, stop speaking to that person immediately and leave the party.

What’s your running experience?
I’ve been running track or cross-country since grade school. Over the last five years or so I’ve run dozens of races, including 5, 8 and 10Ks, three half marathons and now three marathons.

What went through your head just minutes before the race started?
Find my pace and lock in.

Once you were a few miles in, how were you feeling?
Amazing. I was fresh and ready to tackle the race. I was averaging 7 to 7:15 minutes/per mile until mile 17. If only I knew what was to come…

What surprised you during the race that maybe you didn’t plan on?
Leg cramps. It was absolute torture from mile 19 on. In all of my years of racing, I’ve never experienced leg cramps. It’s like my legs froze. With all the hydrating I did in the days leading up and morning of, then even during the race, I still cramped up. It was so disappointing.

Were you able to enjoy any of it? The crowd, scenery, weather?
What I love most about the Buffalo Marathon is the crowd and the scenery for the first half. Running through the city to the Albright Knox, looping back to the waterfront, around the arena – it’s a pretty amazing route. The second half isn’t too shabby either, but the pain made it a little less enjoyable. This year, just like 2014, the weather was perfect, too.

Is the “runner’s high” real?
Yep. It’s legit. But sometimes you need to rein in that high when you still have another 13 miles to go. At least that was my issue this time around. Too fast and too much runner’s high to start.

What was the funniest sign you saw a spectator holding?
Sam mentioned my favorite. My second favorite was: “Worst parade ever.”

Did you have any regrets along the way?
Yep. Likely going too fast to start. A 1:30, first half was great. A 2 hour, second half was not..

What kept you going?
My family at Mile 19. And I had to pee.

Describe the feeling crossing the finish line.
Euphoria. Only another tenth of a mile to the massage tent.

Would you do it again?
I’ll answer this when I can feel my legs again. Right now I’d say yes, but 17 weeks of training, including our crazy Buffalo winters…maybe I’ll run more fall races and train during the hot summer?

What’s your advice for someone wanting to run a half or full – or any distance?
Running is more mental than any other sport I’ve played. It’s you against your mind. Sure, there’s the physical part, but that can be perfected in training. The voice inside your head can be your biggest motivator and equally largest detractor. It’s cliché and corny, but honestly, positive thinking can carry you for miles.