This is Katherine, guest blogger, and guest-in-residence at the yellow house (Joan's), here in Nova Scotia! I had the pleasure of being a spectator and fan to support Juleta in the Valley Harvest half marathon. She began the day on a chilly but bright fall day, with a brisk breeze to remind the fans to wear an extra jacket. Juleta, along with about 900 others, started the race on Wolfville's mainstreet, did a quick photo op loop, and then out onto a rolling course circling through the fertile fields of the Annapolis Valley (past apple orchards, pumpkin patches and ocean views. We set up at the 14.5 km mark, and Nathan was the first to run up to give his Mom a high five, and even tried to hug her legs as she ran by- an almost disaster... Juleta calmly revealed that her calf (which had been a problem for a few weeks) was protesting loudly. I had nothing truly inspirational to tell her, mumbling weakly (as I jogged alongside) that it "might get better"? Off she went for the last third of the race, while we got ready in Acadia University's football stadium, at the finish line. There she was! Coming into the stadium for her last 300 meters! Nathan again rushed out to meet her, joining her for the last lap, asking her "how was your run, Mom?" (her answer was "it was hard, Nathan"). Emma raced down the bleacher stairs to make it down to track level, and I snapped some great pictures. I was very proud, and I thought she looked strong and beautiful. Her leg hurt. She went to the physio line-up. I wanted all the details, but had to wait until the next day to hear about them. Juleta was done her first half, with a cold, strained calves, barely post-migraine, and in the wind (and hills). Wow! Congratulations!
24 hrs later- Juleta makes a fabulous turkey dinner and then sits on her couch and blows her nose...lots.
Stay tuned for pictures...
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