AMBER LAROCHE

Motorola Austin Marathon 2000

Ok I am finally writing this so I won't be hassled anymore.

On Sunday morning I was not nervous at all. I was filled with excitement. The starting line was so full of energy. I saw so many people who were anxious to get the race started. Sumeet and Reid were at the starting line with me. As I crossed the starting line I thought, "Here we go. This is going to be fun!" I was very amused at all of the men going to the bathroom at mile one. Sumeet, Reid and I ran the first six miles together. It was fun having friends to talk to along the way. I was having a blast. As I neared the capital I got excited because that was were my mom and friend were standing. It was at mile 14 where I got my first drink of water (bad move). Around mile 17 I started to get a little tired. I saw my mom here and she encouraged me. I was dreading the Longhorn Dam, but when I got there the hill was not that bad. My friends were cheering me on with posters at mile 21. That was neat because I didn't even know that they were coming to watch me. Karthik was my final encouragement. He was in just the right place to push my motivation. As I entered Zilker Park I picked up speed and got excited, because I was about to finish my first marathon. The finish was great. I felt really sick after the marathon. It was because I didn't drink enough water. I went to a spot on the grass and sat down for a long time. I thought if I moved I would pass out. Oh well, A little pain for a huge accomplishment.