Ogden Marathon!!

The time had finally arrived for the Ogden City Marathon, which I had registered for over 6 months earlier!  It's funny, because my sister in law, Joslyn said we should do it.  And I wasn't fully on board, especially committing so far in advance since we had to register early because it fills up quickly, but I went for it anyway.  Sadly, Joslyn called to tell me she wasn't going to do it, only to have me tell her I already registered! So she registered also, saving me from having to do it alone!!  Hahaha! So like it or not, we were running the Ogden City Marathon. 

It was a long hard road training over the winter.  Cory was traveling way more than I expected and it was really hard to get my runs in with 4 kids and no husband around.  But I did the best I could!  The kids and I drove down to Ogden and picked up our race packets the day before.  There just happened to be a cool bounce house obstacle course thing.  The kids had fun!

 They went over and over and over again!!

 So unfortunately we had to be at the buses by 5 am!  So I left at 3:45 am!  Then I froze my little hiney off waiting for the buses.  Listened to some awesome conversations on the nice warm bus ride up.  Then we had fun waiting at the starting line for another hour, also freezing!  It even started snowing a little!  I will tell you though, those emergency blankets are the bomb!  They seriously work!!  Who knew?? Anyway, I was for sure grateful that they were handing them out for free because I was seriously unprepared! 

Here we are at the starting line. 

 Once the race started, so did the rain!  And it was a constant downpour the entire time!  But let me tell you, that marathon course is so awesome and gorgeous!!!  It is a lot of downhill and absolutely beautiful scenery!!  The last mile was awesome, passing the temple! I would recommend that marathon to anyone who lives in Ogden, or is going to stay the night in Ogden.  :).

 Despite the rough time training, the fact that I had to get up so early to get there and the massive rain storm during the whole thing, I am very glad that I did this marathon.  It reminded me that I can do hard things.  I was also very motivated by this awesome lady by my side!  I don't know how she does it, but Joslyn is amazing in all aspects of her life! 

 When we finished we kind of went into hypothermic shock!  It's like my body suddenly realized it was wet and cold! (Photo Cred goes to my awesome brother, Devin, who showed up at the wet finish line and loaned me his coat so I could stop shivering!)

When I got home, the kids had decorated the house and made me a cake!  What awesome kids!  They had sent me a few text messages throughout the race.  They are the best cheerleaders and fan club of all time!  I'm so glad they're on my team! 

 These are the official marathon photos, that I can't believe Joslyn had the energy to heel click for the camera!  One amazing lady!

 I am going to keep this encouraging picture forever!!  When I'm having a bad day, I'm going to remember these four little people who are cheering me on, saying go, mom, go!  Go, mom, go!  They believe in me and that is all that matters!