Then Justin came down with the flu Friday night while I was at work. Poor Jeff dealt with projectile vomiting for several hours before I got home. I sent him to bed so that one of us would be rested enough to deal with sick babies versus both of us being exhausted. I was up with Justin until 6am when he stopped throwing up every half hour. We went to bed just as Norah and Jeff woke up. 
Jeff's parents were on their way into town so they could watch the kids for us while we ran the race, so we gave them the heads up as we are all about full disclosure when it comes to germs/bugs, etc. By the end of the day Justin was still having a few issues, but was doing much better than the day before. Norah was still all right, but we didn't consider ourselves out of the woods yet. That evening we tried to eat a dinner full of carbs, but couldn't really, both of us felt slightly queasy.
We made it an early night to get plenty of sleep before the race, but it wasn't meant to be. At about 2 AM Norah was vomiting in our bedroom. We got her cleaned up, then I sent Jeff to bed as he started to feel nauseous. I stayed up with her until about 4:30am when her stomach seemed to settle down too. I went back to bed for another hour, then got up and got ready for the race.
Jeff felt nauseous, but thought that was typical of mornings when he got very little sleep. Jeff and I made it to the station, then took the train all the way down to the race venue. It was cold at the venue and we bided our time trying to stay warm and get loose. Since we were standing on wet grass in 40 degree weather, my feet were numb as we headed to the starting line. Finally the race started and we were off!
Jeff was ahead of me in a different group, so I couldn't see him, but with my music playing across my earphones, I was jamming. I started out with a 2:40 pace group, but soon found myself gradually outpacing them as I found my natural pace. The race was great and it was so much fun to see all the people cheering us on, the scenery, and the other runners. I especially enjoyed seeing two men under umbrellas with a sign mounted to a table that read, "Free Advice". I have no idea what they were telling people or why, but the concept was funny.
All was going well until I hit mile 9 and saw Jeff. I started to wave enthusiastically to him, till it dawned on me that I shouldn't see him so soon. He should have been closer to finishing, not back with me. Looking at his face I knew something was wrong, and he confirmed my suspicions when he told me he undoubtedly had the flu. I asked if he wanted to go and was ready to stop at that point to get him home, but he told me to keep going, that he would get a ride to the finish line.
Jeff stopped at a water station and talked to the Medical Aid Assistant. He was told a van would arrive shortly, however they were busy with other people earlier in the course and he ended up sitting on the ground for 30 minutes, shivering and sipping a cup of gatorade as the chill wind whipped across the lake. In hindsight he wished he had just tried to run or walk the remainder, at least he would have been moving and kept warmer and enjoyed the satisfaction of completion.
I kept going, but by mile 11 realized that I was NOT going to be able to eat or drink anything further, as my stomach was cramping. I kept going, determined to finish since I was so close. The spectators at this point were telling us that we only had a little bit further to go, and that it was all down hill, with a tail wind from that point on (which Jeff says is standard race humor, regardless of terrain, mileage or weather conditions). I knew they were lying, we hadn't had a tail wind the entire time, but I tried to believe them anyway!
I am very proud to say I finished my first half marathon in 2 hours 30 minutes. As soon as I was done I found Jeff and we left. He was white as a sheet and obviously didn't feel well. My stomach was still hurting and I knew that enjoying the food and drinks for the runners was NOT a good idea.
It seemed to take FOREVER to get home, but we did, at which point Jeff curled up into bed, too nauseous to care about changing clothes, which speaks volumes. Jeff's parents happily recounted the day's happenings during our absence. While Norah had no further issues, it was apparent that she was still not back to her old self. Justin was doing better, but later had issues that evening. We said goodbye and thank Jeff's family as they headed back home, planning to celebrate birthdays another weekend when we weren't held hostage by the flu. We settled in for the evening, at which point I officially came down with the flu.
The experts tell you that you should have a big meal full of carbs the night before the race, that you should get plenty of sleep, and remain hydrated throughout the race. I learned that I can have a successful race with only six hours of sleep between two nights, and not really eat the night before or after, but I wouldn't recommend that strategy if you have any other choice. Overall it was a fantastic experience and I am very excited to complete something I never thought I could, and I can't wait to do it again!
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