GEOFF MATHEWS

Motorola Austin Marathon 2000

The marathon started out great (besides the confusion as I tried to find people from the team... we really need to remember to have big banners and such in the future) I thought it was hilarious how guys were stepping into the woods three minutes in!

I ran with Apurv, which really helped me out. We reminded each other to keep the pace slow, and making jokes and talking really helped the miles fly by. As we reached the corner of 45th and Shoal Creek I kept my eyes peeled for TMTT groupies, and I saw Angela's husband.

The best part of the marathon (besides the Hooters girls, of course... :-) ) was when I saw my dad at 45th and Duval. I spotted him after I'd already passed, and I shouted at him. He started running after me! He had a gatorade bottle for me, but I didn't really need it since I'd been getting Powerade at all the water stops, so I told him to stay there. This encounter did let me know what he was wearing though so I'd have an easier time spotting him at the end of Longhorn Dam.

I went ahead and stopped and stretched when I ran into him there. It felt pretty cool to take a break and chat a bit with my dad as I stretched out those left leg muscles that've been giving me trouble since the 30k... The ironic thing is they didn't bother me until around mile 18 when I displayed some hubris - "My leg's not bothering me at all!" and "Hey Apurv, we've only got 8 miles left! Man, we can do 8 in our sleep now!" Note to self - Don't tempt fate.

It was awesomse seeing Chris and Anil several times along the way, and a friend from one of my classes was out near my dad. Karthik - you are the man. Seeing you around every corner kept me feeling more pumped than I had any right to be.

All in all I'm very happy with the marathon. In the span of 6 months I went from couch potato to marathoner, and when I crossed that finish line I felt like I was on top of the world (with wobbly legs, but that's to be expected...) The run was fun, the weather great, and the food at the end was probably the best I've ever had in my life! (but then again, I suppose that's to be expected, too)

Training with the Marathon Team was great, and now I'm looking forward to the summer marathons and helping more people come to know the joy of running!