Marathon Training: Meet Alla Byrne
| Read more about Alla and Julie's Marathon training. Marathon Training Blog Meet Julie D. Andrews |
I experienced my first marathon during my freshman year in college—as a spectator, not a runner. It was tradition for the women of Wellesley College to cheer on Boston Marathon participants as they ran past the school at mile 13. As the athletes sprinted through the so-called Scream Tunnel, welcoming our high fives and homemade signs, I was so inspired that I vowed to run the race before graduating.
In my senior year, I started training, albeit somewhat haphazardly. When I had a couple hours between classes, I would go for a run. Full disclosure: Since I'd never done a marathon, I hadn't qualified for the Boston race, so I was a "bandit runner," meaning one of the thousands of people who run without registering.
A friend who planned to run with me injured herself just before the race, so I was on my own. But that's the great thing about marathons, there's a certain camaraderie among people who've endured so much training and who are pushing themselves through 26.2 miles. A little more than half-way through the race, doubts began to surface. Was I crazy to think I could do this? Seeing I was struggling, a fellow Wellesley student, who I'd never met before, jogged up beside me and asked how I was feeling. As we talked, I forgot about my aches, pains and fears and stayed on pace with her for the remainder of the race. I crossed the finish line sore and cold, but proud—and a total stranger helped me get there. It was my 22nd birthday and the intense rush, overwhelming support and huge sense of accomplishment was the best birthday gift I could've received. I was hooked!
Now I'm training for my fourth marathon and have learned so much since that first experience, which I can still stay was my favorite. I've tackled Vancouver and Los Angeles; next up is the New York City Marathon! I'm especially pumped about this race because I've wanted to run it for years and was finally accepted through the lottery this summer. Plus, I get to share my experience with all of you. So whether you want to attempt your first race or improve on your previous time, let's take the journey together. Time to hit the pavement...
