Mile #9

So I ran my first ever half marathon on May 18, 2013 in the Ogden Half Marathon.

I probably shouldn't have considering the amount of muscle I have lost from surgery

and the pain I am still struggling with in my ankle. 

I didn't do any running what so ever 2 weeks prior.

Yes you read that right.

No. Running. 2 weeks out.

I figured this would be a test of the "Nelson" genes.. considering I have some pretty

awesome cousins who can out run anyone I know!

Race Day Breakdown:

3:30am: Wake up, dress, kiss my love goodbye, go pick up James.

I can't eat that early in the morning- it's like the food just sits in my mouth

and I can't chew..

4am: Meet up with the Clegg boys: Dave, Paul, Phil.

Yup my group was 4 boys to 1 girl.

And it's raining.

4:30-5:30ish head up Ogden Canyon and hang out at the park by the

starting line.  It's nice to be there with Ogden Half Vet Dave who

knew a few tricks- like what honey pots to use that made me

the first person to use it, very important info!

The rain stops..

6:30am: the rain starts again!

6:45am: the gun starts and then about 10 minutes later we start- there was

that many people it was better to wait.

Mile 1& 2

Pretty flat, wet. I stuck with James

Mile 3 & 4

The only "hill" which was covered with meme posters to motivate people.

They were hilarious!

Mile 5

I lost James at the first aid station due to him "skipping to the lou"

I caught up to Paul and then left him at the turn by the lake- it was downhill

and I know how to run hills without wasting energy.  And due to my injuries I needed

all the energy I could save.

Mile 6- 8

Nothing of note occurred (still raining).. I just enjoyed pounding the pavement and dodging

the puddles. Paul caught up to me just in time for me to hide behind

b/c a group of my students where working the aide station.

I don't mind seeing my students outside of work, I just don't like them seeing me..

in hot pink spandex..

Mile 9

F'n Mile 9..

for those first 8 miles I was on pace for completing the Half in under 1:45 (hours).

then the muscle atrophy kicked in with it's less than wonderful

15 minute mile.

I've never ran such a slow mile- even when I was freshly cleared to start running again.

My knee killed.

My ankle hurt even worse- but wasn't swollen- weird.

Mile 10-13

a 5k.. the hardest 5k I had ever ran.

James caught up to me towards the end of mile 12

Mile .1

Well, actually it was the last half mile when I started my kick.

I was in so much pain I was ready for it to be over. I felt bad leaving James

behind but I was done.

Coming down the homestretch I saw Derek waiting with his camera

and cheering for me.

I immediately starting crying.

Words cannot express the vast amounts of pain my right leg was in,

but there was my wonderful husband giving me the motivation I needed to finish.

Then I past the parking garages filled with the Clegg Cheering Squad!

Finish

I finished my first ever half- under trained, and still recovery from ankle surgery

2:28 (hours).

They tried to drag me into the med tent but I told them that unless they

are going to give me a high dose morphine shot there's nothing else they can do.

I grouped up with Dave, Paul, and James, took some pictures,

hugged Derek and headed home to a warm shower and dry clothes.

Conclusion: There is a "Nelson running gene". And I wouldn't have traded

that experience for anything!

I'm so grateful for the love & support I received that day :)

And the free scone from Dave later that day! 

(Although my track team I help coach was at day 2 of the state meet that day as well.)