JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Michelle Krueger was midway through the River Run in 2007 when she suddenly felt dizzy and slowed down.
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“I just felt off, like a feeling I never felt before,” Krueger said. “Things just started to feel like they were spinning, and I really slowed down because I just didn’t know what was happening.”
When she crossed the finish line in just over an hour, race director Doug Alred helped her to the medical tent. At the medical staff’s suggestion, Krueger bought a pregnancy test at a nearby store. It was positive.
In November that year, Krueger and her husband welcomed a son, Reed. Several years later they had a daughter, Stella, and the River Run became a family tradition. Krueger, her husband Dean, and Stella are scheduled to compete in Saturday’s race.
The event also attracts expectant mothers. Reigning River Run champion Kelly Hauger Thackery plans to return to defend her title at 16 weeks pregnant. Organizers encourage women with uncomplicated pregnancies to continue aerobic conditioning and strength exercises before, during and after pregnancy.
For Krueger, learning she was pregnant at the race is among her most memorable moments. “It was the best reason to feel bad,” she said.