We had to get up at 4:00am to get to Ogden. Of course I woke up before the alarm even went off. After getting ready and gobbling down some breakfast we headed out the door. A quick drive to Ogden and we found ourselves on the bus headed to Eden and the start line. We walked through the aid stations stopping for water at each one. By mile 9 I was feeling good and just wanted to run. I gradually pulled away from the group in time to see my family cheering for me.
Ogden was our first one. I have to say that training for a half freaked me out. I mean 13.1 miles is a long way. I would figure out how far that would be and think about driving that far and would panic a little. I mean that is like driving from my house to Target and back. I could not imagine being able to run that far.
Luckily I have some great running buddies who encouraged me and believed in me. Every week we would run a little bit farther including one 13 mile run. I have to say it was all worth it. By the time the race rolled around I knew I was ready. I went to packet pick-up and soon as I got my bib my butterflies kicked in.
Race day we had to get up Pretty dang early to get to Ogden. We rode up with Annie, Teresa, and Dorthy. It was such a fun atmosphere being there with all these other crazy runners. We loaded the buses to take us to the starting line in Eden. We had just enough time to use the port-a potties and warm ourselves by the fire before we heard the gun go off. The were over 3000 runners at the start line so we had a bit of time to get to the front. Once we crossed the line I started running and never looked back. The course starts with a pretty good up hill before descending through Ogden canyon and finishing on 25th Street.
As the race started I had to work hard to keep my feet under control. I didn't want to start out to strong and then burn out at the end. Again my friends saved me. I ran with Kristen, Teresa, Annie, Tausha, and Tiffany. We had such a great run talking and visiting. We would run in to each aid station and then walk while we drank our water. By mile 10 was feeling great and pulled a little ahead of the group. 
I saw my cheering section and it gave me the boost that I needed. I am so grateful for my family and there tireless support of me. Every time I see them at a race, I get a huge smile on my face. The kids made some great signs and cheer louder than anyone. There is nothing better than hearing "Go Mommy" as I run past. 
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| Tiffany and Kristen |
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| Annie and Savvy |
By mile 11 I was tired. I ran/walked the last two miles and finished in 2:26:54. I was pretty dang proud of myself. Unfortunately I was also in a lot of pain. I had developed plantar faciitis in my left foot and it was killing me by time I got done.
Stephanie is a bit slower than me so I waited inside the runners area for her to get done. When she crossed the finish line I just started to cry I was so proud of her. She is such and amazing person and I knew that I wouldn't have done it with out her. Stephanie is always pushing me to do more than I ever think I could. She is always coming up with these seemingly crazy ideas and I say yes, because, well she is my sister. I am so happy that we are able to accomplish these goals together. I know I can do hard things now, because she pushes me more than anyone else to do them.
My cheering section getting a well deserved snow cone.
Now I get to proudly sport this cool sticker on my car. I have two more races this year Top of Utah Half in August and The Pink Series Half in October. In January we are going to Disneyland to run the Tinkerbell Half. I am so excited!!
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