Kyle McNeely

Austin Motorola Marathon

February 16, 2003

I ran the half marathon relay last year and that experience was so incredible that I decide to train for this year's full Marathon that day. Having the thought resonating in my head for a full year, increased the sense of accomplishment I felt crossing the finishline exponentially; I almost starting crying like a baby as i grabbed a blueberry bagel. Playing sports from football to golf in school growing up, I can objectely say nothing compares to the feeling of crossing the finishline at marathon. 26.2 miles is the ultimate test of determination and fight in a person.

Fellow competators are friends. You push each other to accomplish your goal. I ran the last 6-8 miles with the 3:30 pace group and I highly recommend running with a pace group toward the end. As my legs started to burn and bad thoughts started sneeking in, I was able to fight the thoughts and just stay with the group. The pace group leaders continued with their supportive words all the way in, "just 8 min. miles the rest of the way. we got it!" " We are there. This is what we set out to do. Let's go!"

The overall experience has left me wanting more. I will definetly run more marathons and time permitting will train harder with an emphasis on speed to work help drop that time so i can qualify for the ultimate marathon, Boston.

-Kyle McNeely