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Stephanie Dreyer
Austin Motorola Marathon February 17, 2002 | |
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Steph's Marathon Adventure
Standard
Disclaimer
I always write my marathon tale shortly after the marathon, while
still experiencing a "runner's high." As a result, it's so full of
proverbial cheese that readers may experience irregularity. Continue at your
own risk. The Start: I arrive an hour before the race (bad planning, I’m wearing shorts and it is COLD!). Since there is nothing else to do, I make two trips through the port-a-potty line. The second time I don’t really need to go, so just a quick in-and-out, then smiles for the people in line who offer compliments for my “efficiency.” Next it’s down to the starting line. I spot the 3:10 pace group (where I am supposed to meet my running buddies, Clea and Professor Doug). I find Clea, and Doug shows up just under the gun. Gu Check – everyone’s good. The horn blows, and we’re off!!! Miles
1-3:
The first mile is all about navigation.
Too many people. One wrong step and a domino effect could take down 10
runners! Doug manages to stick
with the pace group, but Clea and I are caught in the crowd. We see a law school buddy of mine, Steve Q, and enjoy a nice
chat until reaching the end of the first mile.
Steve realizes he’s way off pace and surges ahead.
Clea and I speed up a little, hoping to catch the 3:10 pace group as
the crowd thins. Miles
3-6: Clea and I run faster than goal pace, but
comfortably close the gap. We
haven’t been able to run together in a week, so we use the time to catch
up on gossip. I have to use the
port-a-potty again (I guess I had too much Gatorade and was not really all
that efficient at the start).
I quickly jump in and out for the third time this morning.
Our gradual pacing has done its work.
We catch the Professor Doug and the 3:10 group. Miles
7-13.2:
Just maintaining the pace, enduring Doug’s jokes, and enjoying a beautiful
morning. I almost have a crisis when I drop my “power bracelet” (a
gift from my 6 year old niece, Michaela).
A nice fellow sees my distress, picks it up, and passes it forward.
WHEW! Wouldn’t want to
loose the power bracelet this early in the race!
Clea decides to go on ahead at mile 12 (she’s only in for the
half-marathon relay). We wish
her well. Miles
13.2-20:
I loose Doug at mile 17. Cramps
(be sure to read Doug’s adventure for the tale of how he caught us again
by mile 20). My old friend (and former
boss) Kurt keeps up the conversation for a while. Nicolas, a new
member of the Marathon team this year, also provides friendly company
(Nicolas is from France! -- be
sure to read his story) My boys are
waiting at mile 19 – a slobbery kiss for luck from my dog KC, kind words
from my patient and supporting husband Greg, and I’m on the road again. Miles
20-26.2:
I feel better at mile 20 than I’ve ever felt at that point.
I think I can speed ahead, but decide to wait until mile 22 (just to
be on the safe side). Still
feeling good at mile 22 so I turn on the gas and leave the pace group.
As I pass people, I ask them, “What’s your happy thought?” This is a GREAT distraction technique for me, but I didn’t
get many enthusiastic answers. Mostly
scowls. I run past the UT
Marathon Team Cheering Squad at mile 23 -- thanks guys, you put a
much-needed spring in my step! I
catch up with my buddy Steve Q. at mile 25+.
He looks . . . well . . . focused.
No answer when I speak to him, so I wish him well and continue on
alone. The
Finish Line:
Much better than last year.
It’s so nice not to endure that last long loop in Zilker
Park. People are lined on both
sides of the road and I engage in a little foot race with another young lady
to the finish line (she wins by a hair -- turned out that she was in my age
group and knocked me out of the prize places -- oh well). A news reporter asks, “How does it feel to finish a
marathon?” I smile and
answer, “GREAT!! – it makes me feel like I can accomplish just about
anything.” (warned you about
my goofy "runners high"). The
camera guy grins and says, “I want some of whatever drug she’s
taking.” Overall a Wonderful Adventure: We all gather after the race to celebrate and congratulate. I’m glad to see that Doug and Steve both finished despite their minor problems along the way. Sometimes I think the Austin Marathon gets better because I make so many new friends in training each year. This logically results in more people with whom to share encouragement during the 26.2-mile adventure. Congrats to everyone on the UT TEAM (especially the first timers). Without a doubt, next year will be even better!
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2002 UT Marathon Team | |