Jay Larimore has become addicted to running.

He figures it beats the alternative.

Larimore, 30, a 1994 Butler High School graduate who has returned to his hometown, is training to compete in the P.F. Chang's Rock 'n Roll Arizona Marathon and Half Marathon Jan. 15.

The 26.2- and 13.1-mile courses wind through Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe, Ariz. This will be Larimore's first-ever marathon.

"I'm trying to break three hours," he said of his goal. "But, honestly, I don't know what to expect.

"It feels good just to have my body back in shape again, to be back in control of my life again."

For a good while Larimore had lost control of his life.

A member of the Butler High cross country team, Larimore competed in the state meet all four years. He was the first freshman to finish the PIAA tournament course in 1990.

Also a track and field performer, Larimore competed in the 1,600-and 3,200-meter races and qualified for the WPIAL meet on a regular basis.

After graduation, he spent three years in the Army and served as a peacekeeper in Kuwait.

"I always toed the line in high school," Larimore said. "I never did the drinking thing, never did drugs, was never a partygoer.

But he began partying after graduation.

"I guess I felt like I missed out on that lifestyle and decided to make up for lost time," he said.

Larimore began going to parties. He got into drinking, dabbled in drugs — and lost control.

"I got a little loose — too loose," he admitted.

Convicted of driving under the influence a few times, Larimore spent three separate stints in prison, including a five-month sentence.

Two years ago, he decided enough was enough.

Enrolled at Butler County Community College and working at a restaurant, Larimore has regained control of his life.

And running has helped.

"Once I got out of prison that last time, I was just tired of being in trouble," he said. "I quit drinking because I knew I couldn't control it. I thought I would die if I tried it again."

Larimore needed a substitute, so he went back to his roots — his running roots.

"I took up running again as a hobby," he said. "I had forgotten how much I enjoyed it. It's quality, productive time by myself.

"I use my running as a resource. It's become a motivational tool for me to gain back trust. I had grown distant from my family. Getting trust back — it takes forever," Larimore added.

Larimore's girlfriend, Marcy Bernstein of Butler, said he runs three to eight miles per day and fully supports his enthusiasm for it.

"He's definitely addicted to it," Bernstein said. "But this is a good addiction. It's making a positive difference in his life."

Larimore learned of the marathon in Arizona through a pamphlet at a running equipment store.

As far as future goals in the sport, he admits he's setting them low.

"I don't want to set anything that's out of reach," he said. "I'm trying to start small, go one step at a time and just lower my time."

Larimore will be one of 30,000 runners and walkers at the starting line in Arizona come Jan. 15.

"I'll be focused and I'll be driven — and I'll be running," he said.

And he'll be thrilled about all three.