May 1, 2005

The Flying Pig - Bonus Marathon

Linda said I was nuts to run the Flying Pig Marathon in Cincinnati today in the midst of my 7in7on7 quest, but how could I pass up the hometown race? Actually, I came up with ten good reasons to run it:

1. I can sleep in my own Mt. Adams bed until 5:30am, read the paper, have coffee, take a shower, and still be at the starting line in time for the 6:30am start.
2. I estimate that a third of the crowd, both runners and spectators, wear pig-related paraphernalia – and that’s just fun to see.
3. Is there anything more inspiring than coming around the corner at the Eden Park Overlook and hearing a 50 member barbershop choir singing “America” as the sun rises over the Kentucky hills and mist rises from the Ohio River?
4. The music – it’s everywhere and every type.
5. The volunteers – how can that many people all be in such a good mood?
6. The medal is the best in the world – hands down.
7. The goodie bag is actually full of good stuff– a very cool duffle bag and two t-shirts and a stuffed animal (?) and tons of other useful items.
8. I’m a founding board member and slated to be chairman next year.
9. I saw a girl walking a pig at the 24 mile mark – and I was spiritually uplifted like never before at the 22 ½ mile mark when I came upon that 80 voice gospel choir singing a rousing hallelujah hymn.
10. The finish “swine” is a blast – tons of fans and music and dozens of people congratulating you – and then you hit the food and drink offered. You could gain weight if you stayed too long!

I know I probably should’ve passed on this one, but I took it easy this week and was just so ready to run this morning. Nothing was hurting or aching. Miles 16 to 22 provided the usual body vs. heart struggle, but the heart and spirit are so energized by this race. I was under two hours at the halfway mark, but typical for me, slowed somewhat on the back half, but I had fun today. It was enjoyable. There were so many people with signs that reminded us runners to savor the experience – and I forced myself to do just that.

The next three – Great Wall of China on the 21st of this month, Mt. Kilimanjaro on June 26th, and Brisbane, Australia on July 3rd, are going to be battles, but today I had fun at home.