Tag Archives: Cincinnati Flying Pig

E-V-O-L-V-E

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“If you gettin off track and you wanna get back
It may take a lot of work won’t break your back
If you wanna revolution the only solution
Evolve, gotta evolve”

~Evolve, Kevin Quinn

It is now February 20.

This is significant because now, I can tell you that I am running again without fearing   the pressure of a New Year’s resolution and its ultimate demise.

Since law school, running and I have had an on and off again love hate relationship.  This was most likely my fault because more often than not, I simply neglected it.   Then on those warm spring mornings or cool fall nights when I would feel a pang of guilt and try to reunite, it would lash out like a scorned lover, leaving me scarred for days.

But no matter how much it hurt, I missed it.  I just didn’t know how to win it back, quite frankly I didn’t think I had the time to win it back.  So, instead of committing, I played the field.

Then over Christmas break, a friend texted me and asked how I felt about being part of a Flying Pig marathon relay team.  There are 4 legs and each person runs anywhere from 5-7 miles each, totaling 26.2.  At first I was hesitant since last time I trained to run 26.2 at the Flying Pig my plans were disastrously derailed, but then I thought, “this might be exactly what my relationship with running needs.”  ”Yes,” I texted back. “Count me in.”

Over break, I knew that when I got back to school I wanted to make running a priority.  Not only would it be a good time to start with a wedding coming up in the new year, but I missed being in shape.  But like before, I was hesitant, not sure if I could keep my promise.  This was just the push I needed.

The relationship is still young, but I think this time it’s going to stick.  The difference…people to run with.  Anyone who runs knows the hardest part of doing it is getting your shoes on and heading out the door.  Or heading to the gym after a long day of class.  The good news is that my teammates are law students as well, same busy schedule, same list of excuses, but this time, I’m not letting it get in the way.  They’re not, so why should I. I love that after a busy day, instead of going home to bury myself in books, I run.  And I can’t tell you what a difference it makes.  I didn’t run because I didn’t think I had the time, but running has made me so much more productive.  Who would’ve thought ;)

The other fun thing about this race is that 1) it will be my first run in Cincinnati, and 2) I’m going to actually try to race it.  Since getting back into running, I’ve always trained to simply finish and run farther than I had before.  But this time, instead of my goal being to just make it to the finish line, I want to really see what these legs of mine can do.  I want to break my time goal, not a distance goal this time.  And even that change of pace and change of focus is invigorating.

I’m starting slowly, building my base, and trying to follow my own advice when it comes to adding in cross training and yoga.  And in the meantime, I am falling in love with running again.  I love the point in your run when you suddenly fall into your stride, I love the refuge running brings, the time to think and even relax as your legs carry you.  And this time, I love the camaraderie, pulling each other along for just a few more minutes than we thought we could go, and I love the change of pace.

I missed running and being in shape, but somehow forgot that the only way to change that is to just get out there.  Instead of complaining that I didn’t have the time, I just had to make it.  We make time for the things we really care about right? I’m so glad I made time for this, I’m so thankful for the friends to do it with, and the goal to beat.

Oh and for the new running playlist.  It’s hard to beat a good running playlist.  And Jay-Z.  Can’t beat Jay-Z.

Great Job All You Flying Pigs

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“Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up, snow is exhilarating. There’s really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather.”

Here's what I wish I was doing today...

I hated not being able to pound the pavement with the rest of the pigs today in Cincinnati for the 12th annual Flying Pig Marathon but that didn’t mean I wasn’t reloading facebook constantly this morning to see how the runners did.

Marathon winners:

Men: Brian List 2:31:56, Tilahun Abebe 2:34:39, Rob Morwood 2:36:05.  All three are members of Earth Drummers Running Club in Cincy.  Who do they think they are? East Nasty? ;)
Women: Cynthia (Lauren) Arnold 2:55:02, Marnie Staehly 2:58:26, Rachel Bea (Cincy native) 3:02:27

Here's what I was doing :) Thanks a lot Piriformis...I'll be back next year ya pigs

Half marathon winners:

Men: Ben Foley (Cincy native) 1:12:34
Women: Leslie Kraus (Cincy native) 1:24:20

I love how many Cincy natives ran today! Great job runners, and especially since you were running in the rain! I’ll be with you next year.

Speaking of rain…if you haven’t heard, Nashville is experiencing severe flooding.  Davidson county is in a state of emergency and roads in and around the city are shut down because of flooding.  The Boy and I decided to stay in Cincy for the night to be safe and make the wet trek home tomorrow morning…or at least try.  Schools are closed and even T Nels decided to close.  It’s odd being away from home while all this happens to your city.

After talking to my roommate, thankfully, our place is ok now.  I just hope my pup is doing ok.  That sucker doesn’t even like to go to the bathroom in the rain so I just hope he’s behaving himself at the kennel and not giving them too hard of a time!

To all of those in Nashville, stay safe and dry.  Keep me updated about this crazy weather!

Here’s a great link from a fantastic organization, Hands on Nashville, where you can sign up to get involved and help out in the flood relief effort.  Help here.

Change of Plans

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“Once you are a runner, it’s always there in the back of your head.” ~Bill Rodgers

So proud of everyone! Photo by Ian White

I’m a planner, a goal setter, I set my mind to something and accomplish it.  I love trying new things and changing it up, but if it has to do for a goal I set for myself, I have a REALLY tough time.  All that said, I’ve had a really tough two weeks.

I hope I haven’t griped too much. Please know anything I’ve written here is to help people.  I have found  so many running blogs that deal with products, training and races, but not many when it comes to injuries, when your sidelined. Instead of going into it, you can see here, where it started to go  downhill and then the diagnosis that has be sidelined and doomed me to weeks of cross training, here.  It’s been tough and at times embarrassing because I feel I’m not meeting my goal.  I was ready for the full marathon. I felt good and I was excited, but life had different plans. There’s a time to be stubborn and run through it (which is my natural reaction) and a time to be smart and take the detour so that you can make it to the final destination unscathed.  I am learning to do the latter.

Yes, this man is juggling while running a MARATHON. Oh the people you see while watching.

Recently, I have been religious about doing my stretches, PT and strength training but getting to the gym to cross train by myself just wasn’t happening. These past two weeks, there was no way that I was going to do the elliptical for two hours.  I think I was throwing myself a little pity party. Well…the party is over.  Time to get down to business.

I hated not racing. I hate that I will not be participating in the Flying Pig  this weekend after training since December and that no matter how long I cycle, elipticize or swim, I will lose some fitness.  I hate that my plans to do speed work this summer are now derailed. But you know what, it is what it is and there’s not a thing I can do.  I’m going to do everything I can to get back into running and focus on having a great attitude about it.

I don’t want to sound cliche but you really do learn so much about life from running.  Whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger right?  Well…pretty sure piriformis won’t kill me ;) Next marathon, I’ll be stronger and smarter.

The one great thing about not racing is that I could cheer on all the runners.  Being part of a running community means you cheer other on to do the best they can.  I felt lucky to be able to cheer on these amazing runners who I’ve not only put in miles with but learned so much from.  Even though I didn’t realize it then, these runners, even that day were teaching me to take a reroute and even a detour in stride.

Check out what the wall says in front of the church I went to watch at. Priceless.

For those of you who don’t know, Nashville was under a tornado watch the whole race.  At mile 22, marathoners were diverted to the half course and not allowed to finish the full 26.2.  Sure it was disappointing, especially for some in the group for whom this was their first one.  Sure it sucked, but you know what, it happens and I love that these runners are not looking back but looking forward to the next race, and I’m going to join them! We have a couple of options and in the next couple of days I’d love your advice and suggestions on what marathons you’ve liked running.  If I need to cross train for awhile, so be it.  This is merely a detour, a change of plans, a bump in the road.  Instead of stopping, I’m going to keep on running.

Since I don’t have a great post race report, here are some great ones from my friends. You all did an amazing job! I am so proud of you all! I’ll be with you for the next race!

  1. Rod- A fellow EN, Rod PR’ed at the Country Music 1/2.  Read his race report and how his training this year set him up for success.
  2. Miss Chatterbox- The requested title for this is To Stubborn to Stop. She is a runner after my own heart.  After perfect training she just didn’t have the race she wanted to…but she STILL PR’ed! She kept going and finished the race.
  3. Dear Abby Leigh- After fainting at the finish line last year, she came back with a vengeance this year, and some salt in her pocket. You’re welcome for being the drug mule.
  4. Knight- I can’t believe we still haven’t met but this lady is amazing and had a great race. I am so proud of her and love how her post race report was thanking those who watched her.  What if everyone cheered others on in life like they were running the half.  Congrats Knight! Once I can run, you and me are going to go for a run so pencil me in.
  5. Annie- Annie, Annie, Annie. The displaced East Nasty comes home. Look at that face. Who can look that cute after they run 13.1 miles.  I know I don’t! Congrats on your 9 minute PR! Even though we only met in passing, ha, I consider you a dear friend.
  6. I had to save this for last. Christy, my training partner, fellow EN and one of my biggest supporter and one voice of reason that said, I know how stubborn you are but take a step back, get better then go for it. She, like me, didn’t get to run the first marathon she trained for either. This year, her marathon was cut short but the attitude she had about it is exactly what I’m talking about here.  In her post race report she uses one of my favorite quotes, “I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it.” We are already planning the next full.  The cool part is, this one we’ll be able to run together!

I also want to thank those of you who have encouraged me and helped me through this from the Boy, my training partner, Christy, all of the EN’s and you!  I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it.

Have you ever been derailed, detoured or had to change plans mid-route?  How do you handle it?

My Blind Date

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“The woods are lovely dark and deep, but I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep, and miles to go before I sleep.” – Robert Frost

I'm official! I signed up Friday!

13.5 miles. That’s the longest distance my legs have carried me and the the duration of my first blind “date.”

After two weeks of dreading my weekend long runs because I had to do the high mileage alone,East Nasty saved me again. I wrote a post a little bit ago about how sometimes you just can’t do it by yourself. This group has been great for my training! I love the people, the support, and how every time they run, it includes eating/beer or both. These are my people. I can’t wait for our Wednesday runs. It’s a highlight of the week. But after that, the dread of the Sunday long run would start. Most of my friends and those running with the Nasties were training for the half marathon so I was starting to experience what happens at mile 11 here in Nashville for the Country Music marathon. Come mile 11, there’s a huge split where the crowd goes left to complete the last two miles for the half and the few, who lack better judgement, go right to do it all over again to complete the marathon. My training runs were starting to get longer, and I found myself alone on the road. I know, I could pay to be part of a marathon training group but honestly, I have a hard time paying to be in a running group for someone else to set out water and map out a route. No thanks. I’ll save my money and squirrel it away for my next pair of running shoes. Why are those suckers so expensive anyway?

This past week after a great Wednesday run I knew I had to do something because my Sunday long run was going to be 13 miles. The longest I’ve ever run was a half marathon and I’ve only done that twice. This was going to be brutal. So in desperation I went to East Nasty’s blog and on the Sunday run post and asked if anyone in the group was doing the marathon and wanted to go longer. What did I think this was? The e-harmony of running? I hoped I didn’t sound to desperate but seriously people, I was terrified of doing it alone.

Enter Christy.

Within the hour she responded saying she was in training for a marathon too and would love a partner for the long runs. Perfect!

One of the many bridges I will see for my first marathon in Cincinnati...hoping I won't want to jump off of it.

In my excitement, I would be telling people how happy I was about my weekend plans and having a new running buddy, people were amazed at the fact that we would be running together having never met. “It’ll be like a blind date, aren’t you nervous?” Ha! I never thought about it that way. Now I’ve NEVER been on a blind date, and for good reason. I love getting to know people one on one but to be stuck for 2 hours with someone you’ve never met? No thanks. Wait…wasn’t that what I just signed myself up for? Guess they were right. I was going on my first blind date and I was a little nervous.

I got to Percy Warner at 8 (an hour before the Nasties got there so we’d have plenty of time for an easy 5-6) and anxiously waited. Normally you don’t meet new friends and run 13.5 miles but that’s exactly what we did. I had a blast. Not only was it so nice to have a partner to run with but she was great! For the first 5 she bestowed all her marathon knowledge upon me which I so appreciated! She gave me tips on things this marathon newbie wouldn’t even have thought of. Then we met up with the Nasties for a hellaciously hilly 5.8 through Percy Warner park where we kept each other trucking up the hills. After that we ran with two other friends of Christy’s who were equally as great for 2 miles.

Don’t get me wrong, the miles were hard, it’s the longest I’ve ever gone, but I felt great! Never being on a blind date, I’m not sure how people feel after a successful one but I know that after this long run with a new friend, I was thrilled.

It’s funny how many of my friends are ones I’ve met while running. Before I started running, I was in that weird place that a recent grad finds him or herself in after graduating where friends move away and you are stripped of that common language of experience. For the few friends I’ve lost in the shuffle after college, the ones I’ve kept are getting stronger and I’m meeting so many great new ones like Christy through running. More than running, I’ve learned that those who stick it out and do these distance together have so much more in common. As I was running with Christy, I realized that just like her and I, many runners I’ve met share a passion for life, a determination to make a difference and not become an onlooker but a participant in what’s going on around them. Runners work hard and play hard, always with a smile on their face and always cracking each other up and cheering you on during the tough times. It’s a community where you never stop learning, you always look out for each other and constantly share. What more could you ask for? I am so thankful for new friends like Christy that running has allowed me to meet.

So as for compatibility…we are a match! Ha. I mean come on, she also wants to do the Great Wall marathon!

The run was great and we are already scheduling out second “date.”

Have you ever had a running blind date?