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The Motorola was my first marathon and a great run it was. It was quite cold
at the start line. That all changed when I got nearer to the starting area
and found the 9:25 group. There were so many people milling around creating a
great deal of body warmth.
I was quite suprised at how fast the first 1/2 went by. I had a friend
running with me the whole way who was doing the relay. He was a previous
marathoner, so he helped keep my spirits up and my pace steady.
I felt good when he took off at mile 12 to head for the finish of the relay.
He ended up getting a new PR for his 1/2.
That feeling began to change around mile 14 heading out 6th St to Lake Austin
Blvd when the winds began howling. I tried to find bigger guys to draft
behind, but that wasn't working. I felt a great relief when the turn around
finally came and knew the home stretch was about to begin.
At mile 20 I had a friend meet me to pace me to the wall and beyond. She was
an absolute blessing. At the hardest part, she had fresh legs and just kept
moving, motivating me to follow. She peeled off at mile 23 and I knew I could
make it to the finish. I kept telling myself, "It's just a 5K, and you've
done plenty of those."
The hills were a bear, but the home stretch was great. I took a sip of beer
from a guy in devil horns and was reenergized by the metal band out front of
the Steamboat. I took off my vest for the first time (I was too cold at any
other point) after I crossed Congress, revealing my name tag I had forgotten was
covered up. As I did a chorus of angels began shouting "Way to go Matt!"
This continued all the way to the finish
line where I sprinted (I think) under the banner as they were counting down
to the 4:30 mark (4:25:19 was the actual chip time).
My wife, family and friends were just awesome, showing up at mile 6, 8, 13,
14, 20, 23 and the finish. I couldn't have done it without them. Thank you so
much.
Thank you's also to Austin Fit, especially the awesome 9:25 group, for giving
me the knowledge and training needed to accomplish this awesome feat. Three
days have past and the tightness is leaving my legs and I'm already
contemplating another.
Matt Jankowski-Marathoner
A/F class of 2003
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