I did it!

I ran the Ogden Marathon today! My day started bright and early after a pretty sleepless night. We had to be in Ogden at 4:45am to catch the bus up to the starting line. I had to get up at 3:30am!!!! I have never been up that early and never want to again! I think that was the worst part for me. I rode up with my friend Camille and her sister. We got on the bus about 5am and drove about thirty minutes up the canyon to a large field. I wish I would've had my camera, the field had AT LEAST 50 port-a-potties lines up! It was quite funny to see. I have never seen so many in one place, and they were ALL being used. We stood around for 1 1/2 hours and about froze to death! Luckily they had big fire barrels to help keep us a little warmer. At 7am we lined up and started the race. The course was beautiful and the weather was perfect. We started up in Huntsville kind of up a small canyon. We passed along the river for the first few miles and then we turned into town and ran along the back side of Pineview Reservoir. We ran along the Reservoir until mile 18, then we turned to run down Ogden canyon. The last eight miles were awesome because they were mostly down hill. We came out of the canyon at about mile 22 and headed for the Odgen River Parkway. It was a small walkway, but by then everyone was so spread out that there was plenty of room. The Parkway dumped us out onto 25th street at about mile 25. I could see the finish line, a VERY exciting moment! As I approached the finish line I heard Jeff calling my name. I teared up when I saw him, my mom, and the kids cheering me on. It was a great moment! I shocked myself and finished the race just under four hours. I finished in 3 hours 57 minutes. I was thrilled with that! My dad was at the end taking pictures. I can't believe I am posting these because I look SO HOT, but it was totally worth it. Jeff was so sweet and brought me flowers! I am so proud of myself for accomplishing such a HUGE goal. I actually quite enjoyed the race and will probably do another one. Crazy, I know. I'd heard it is quite an addictive hobby, but never understood until now. Now I know it's the feeling of accomplishment you get when it is all said and done that's addicting. What a great feeling. I think everyone should do it at least once!