Nichole Stemberger

Austin Motorola Marathon

February 16, 2003

I’m not a runner. Or at least, six months ago I wasn’t a runner. In fact, the first day I went to the UT Marathon team practice I thought that 3 miles was a long run. I just came across the team while checking out different UT clubs and thought that running didn’t sound too bad and I’d give it a shot. I can still remember the first day Luke went around and asked everyone what their goal was for the year. After hearing several “half marathon” and “Motorola Marathon” answers I figured what the hell and shouted out “Marathon” also.

At mile 18 of the Motorola Marathon, just as my legs started to go numb, I thought back to that fateful day and laughed. I had no clue what I had gotten myself into. What started out as something to try, became an obsession. After crossing the finish line of my first race ever, a 10k, I was hooked. I actually started looking forward to waking up early for long runs and the marathon became more and more attainable.

After months of dedication the marathon was finally here. I was so excited as I heard the gun go off that all I could think was “I’m running a marathon!” Ben and I ran together all the way through mile 22. I had a great time. Honestly, it was fun. We spent all our time provoking the crowd to cheer, screaming and giving “Hook ‘Em Horns” signs that we couldn’t even think about being tired or in pain. Friends along the way provided extra encouragement. I had a blast up to mile 22.

Mile 23 proved to be different. Ben’s foot started to hurt so he slowed down just as the course started an uphill slope. So there I was, alone and fighting my way uphill. It was also then that I realized my hands were too swollen to close, my stomach was extremely upset and my legs were in incredible pain. Just as I was about to tell myself that it was ok to slow the pace down a bit, I saw a man pushing his three kids in a stroller pass me. That’s all the encouragement I needed. I told myself that there was no way in hell I was going to let a middle-aged man pushing three kids get a better time than me. So I sucked it up and picked up the pace.

The man at mile 24 shouting words of support brought tears to my eyes as it started to hit me. I was going to finish a marathon! The adrenaline and emotions grew as the finish line came into view. As I started to pass the people in the stands I was so excited that I started screaming and waving my arms, encouraging them to cheer me on. I passed the finish line with the crowd cheering and my arms in the air. I instantly started crying and no words can express the emotions of joy and pride that came over me.

This was truly one of the most rewarding experiences of my life and I’d like to thank my family, friends and of course the UT Marathon team for all of their support. Without them, I wouldn’t have been able to find the strength in me to achieve such a goal.

And after all that, I can now say I am a runner.

-Nichole Stemberger