The Godfreys: 1/2 Marathon

I finished my 1/2 marathon in 2hrs5mis! I reached my timed goal that I had for myself and I couldn't be any more prouder of myself. Hats off to me!

The morning started off with me getting up at 3:39 a.m. (I set my alarm for 3:30 but I must have pushed the snoozed button) to get up and get dressed. I got dressed and headed downstairs to eat a piece of toast and then sit on the good 'ol toilet. I gathered my iPod, watch, camel back,sweatshirt and kissed Brandon goodbye. I met my friend and her neighbors in her cul de sac and we were headed off to Provo. We parked and walked to catch the bus and it was so cold. There was a slight breeze which meant it was going to be a lot colder up in the canyon. We were all shivering and shaking and I was regretting wearing my running shorts. When we get to the spot we had to be there were tonz and tonz of people. I couldn't believe how many crazy people were up at this time in the morning running a race and I was one of them. It was 5 a.m. when we get to the riverwoods. After missing 4 buses we finally get on one and were off up the canyon to the start of the race. As we were driving up the canyon I couldn't help but realized that this was a long bus ride. I couldn't believe that I was actually going to run this far. What the heck was I thinking?! When we get to the starting point there were tonz and tonz of people already there and the buses still had another round to go. We got off and headed straight for the bathrooms only to realize there was a long long line. I'm talking about a long line that you would wait for at a new ride in Lagoon or Disneyland. It was long and I was about ready to go in the bushes. As we were trying to find the end of the line for the bathroom I found a lady that I knew and chatted for a tiny bit and I lost my group. I was so scared that I wouldn't be able to find them again. I walked around and searched and nothing. I decided that I would stand still and eventually I would find them. I stood still I moved a bit and I found them. Oh I was so glad because I would have never been able to find them in that crowd. The line was actually going pretty fast for the bathrooms and we stood and went. We were all a little disappointed when no of us but one went #2. I decided that I was going to take off my sweatshirt now because I didn't want to have to hassle with stopping to take off my camel back and then my shirt so I stuffed it in my friend's trash bag that they give you. When they started the race I was just amazed by how many people there were. My friend told me it looked like there were more here than the St. George marathon. Once we stepped across the chip start (starting line that starts your time) it was on. We were told to take it slow the start of the race because it was a steep downhill and they were right. As you run the trail it's kind of funny how you see people come out of bushes or off up a steep trail because they had to go to the bathroom and there wouldn't be another toilet for another 2 miles. There were water stations and toilets every 2 miles. I think it was between mile 6 and 7 I saw Brandon and the kids waiting for me. Brandon didn't even know it was me til I waved. I ended up passing my friend and one of her neighbors and one of my friend's neighbor passed me and I never could catch up to her. After going up this very long hill you come back down and I saw Brandon and the kids again. I don't think the kids saw me that time. When I had to run the 10 miles for training I felt fine so I thought I would be feeling fine after 10. I was so wrong! Between mile 11 and 12 I started to get tired. My feet were hurting and I had to go to the bathroom bad! I'm a little bit competitive and I hate stopping to walk for any reason so I just keep going. As many times as I've passed bathroom breaks I never once stopped and I was sure not going to stop now. I don't ever want to stop because there is always a long line for the toilets and I had a time that I wanted to make. I ate another shot block and kept on running. Once mile 12 came and we were headed to the riverwoods I got another burst of energy cause I only had one more mile to go. Seeing all those people lined up by the finished line pumped me up even more and I went a little faster. It's the best feeling strangers cheering you on clapping telling you good job was so awesome. I knew I was almost done. I finally see the "FINISH" line and from out of the blue some guy, who had a full one beard (Brandon saw him when he first saw me and calls him the transient) yells "Now is the time to pass her pass her now." I go ok, and pass like the girls into the finish line. I stopped my watch and my watch clocked me in at 2hr5mins but the finish line clock said 2hrs8mins. There was a 3 minute difference. I need to check the final results but I'm going with my watch. I was so tired after crossing that line. I got my chip clipped off, grab a cup of water, and a piece of cantaloupe and headed for the bathroom. I had to go so bad and there was a stinkin line (no pun intended). I was finally relieved when I went but now I had to find Brandon and the kids and I wasn't sure how I was going to do that. I couldn't see them along the finish line ropes and I didn't have my phone so I wasn't sure what I was going to do. I turned and there was my hubby and my wonderful kids looking for me with flowers in hand. Brandon asked where I was and I told him I had to go to the bathroom. He gave me the flowers and a card and took a picture of me and the kids with my flowers. After we headed to IHOP to grab some breakfast. I was so tired and pooped I wanted to sleep forever and thankfully Brock took a long nap for me and the girls were semi good while I slept. The only think that sucked was I ended up having to go to the bathroom constantly and I swear I lost like 10 pounds because of how much I had to go.

I am so proud of myself for running that much and it was just an amazing experience. To go and see all these people running was awesome! I have to give thanks for my husband who has given me nothing but the best support and praises. I honestly don't know if I would have done this if he didn't support me. I also have to give thanks to my kiddos. They have to get up early in the morning to be able cheer me on. I love it when I see them and they are cheering for me. Thank you guys. I love you!

Saying hi while getting a drink