Happy Birthday American!

Last night we headed out to the Great American Ballpark to watch the Reds play the Brewers.  The Cincinnati Pops were also at the game, they did a special performance at end of the game and provided the sound track for the Friday night fireworks shows.

This 4th of July we enjoyed relaxing around the house at BBQ, watched baseball on TV and watched our neighbors set off fireworks.

I am proud to be an American and thankful to live in the United States.

When I moved to the Cincinnati area a year ago, everyone told me I needed to run the Flying Pig.   I was not sure if I really want to run it or it, but I signed up.   When the weekend came, I was not sure if I was going to actually run or just go to the expo, pick up my runner’s packet and then talk myself out of the race Sunday morning.

After work on Friday, I went to the expo and got my packet. During the expo something strange happened, I became excited about the race.

Sunday morning I headed to downtown Cincinnati for the race … ran … and set a personal record of 2:17:17!!!

THE EXPO …

The Expo was one of the biggest that I have been to. There were a ton of vendors and it was one of the best race expos I have attended.

I started by picking up my bib and all the goodies.   Besides a bib and t-shirt, all runners received a poster and backpack.

After I had all of the race goodies I went through the aisles of vendors.   The Flying Pig had a shopping area, sponsored by Asics with commemorative marathon items. I picked up a t-shirt and stuff “flying” pig.

There were also booths for all of the local running stores and running related products.

The expo also had a good mix of informational vendors, giving samples away or promoting upcoming marathons or runs.

The other thing I really liked about expo was how everything was all in one big room, there was a places for people to talk/hangout and all of the pig décor.

This was a neat social experiment …
I fly with the pig because  …  TO PROVE TO MYSELF THAT I CAN DO ANYTHING!!!!

HALF MARATHON …

Sunday morning, I left our house super early thinking that parking would be a problem in downtown Cincinnati, but it was not. I actually ended up getting a little nap in the car before it was time to head to corals. The parking garage we choose to park in was perfect because it allowed Allyn to have the prefect spot to see the race begin and take a few early pictures.

The course was filled with lots of hills and bridges.

This was probably the hilliest course I have ever run.

What I loved about the race was all of the people that lined the streets and were cheering on the runners.   From band, to nursing home residents, to community organizations, there were people everywhere cheer on the runners.

The hardest part of the race for me was mile 10 to end, as I was coming down off the highest part of the course, my feet wanted to run fast, given we were going down hill, but my upper legs and hips didn’t want to. In fact, I ended up walking the last mile because upper leg muscles were not happy. I think one thing that gave me extra boost at the end was all of supporters cheering as you neared the finish line.

I did manage to run the last quarter of the race and run across the finish line.

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I was not planning to set a PR and was totally shocked when I discovered my time was 2:17:17. My goal was to finish within 3 hours. Honestly the race just went by really fast. All I remember at one point is seeing marker for mile 8 and wonder how I got that far.

My biggest mistake of the race was that I kept my jacket on. I should have taken off and handed it to Allyn when I passed him. Instead I kept my jacket on through the whole race, I think by the time I crossed the finished line I was over heated.

There were tons of goodies to eat for the runners just past the finish line. The one thing I really like about the finish line area is in addition the normal backdrop for finishers photos, they actually had pigs that you could take your picture with.

 

There was actually an after party, which lasted well into the afternoon, but we didn’t hang around for it because we had other obligations in the afternoon.

The Flying Pig has become of my favorite races.   The course was great and there was lots of support on the sidelines, which made it a great race to run. In the coming years I might make it a goal to do the 3 or 4 way challenge, which includes the 5K, 10K and half marathon / marathon.

I have to start by saying this post is MONTHS over due!  I wrote it a few days after the marathon weekend and never posted.   In mid-February, we went to down Florida to spend time with Allyn’s family and for me to partake in the Glass Slipper Challenge, which is part of the Princess Half Marathon Weekend.

This was my first Disney race so I was super excited to get there, get my run packet, and run. We arrived at our Disney World Resort on Wednesday morning. Got checked in and then made our way to Disney World. Thursday was packet pick up. Friday evening was the Pasta in the Park Dinner at Epcot. Saturday, was the  first race, the 10K. Then Sunday was the half-marathon.  Allyn and my mom joined for the weekend.  This was also my mom’s first visit to Disney World, so in between the all of the running events we made our way through all four parks.

Packet Pick Up and Expo

  

Like with any running event, pack pick up and the Health and Fitness Expo is the opening event. Packet pick up started on Thursday morning. I had high expectations for the packet and the expo. However, the packet just consisted of your event shirt and your bib. I guess I was expecting something more. Other race packets I received have included coupons, or free sample. There was nothing extra.

The packet pick and expo were split between two buildings in ESPN Sports complex. The Expo was more of a big sales floor for runners. Every vendor for women’s running accessories was there. New Balance and Champion were the two main athletic clothing/running shoe vendor, since they both sponsors.  No, Brooks, Asics, Nike or Reebok. Disney had two areas for commemorative items (one in each building). When I was at the Expo, about an hour and half after the expo open and the merchandise was already picked over. Aside from all of the places to shop there was plenty of places to get your picture taken behind special RunDisney signage. There were a few vendors giving away run signs and paper tiaras.

Going into the expo I expected to see some Disney characters but there was none. In true Disney style, there were lines and people everywhere. People were going crazy of anything RunDisney or princess related. The Expo was definitely geared towards the Disney enthusiast the serious runner (such as myself) would probably find little value in the Expo.

10K

The 10K started at 5:30 am on Saturday morning. To catch bus at the resort and make it to the starting area on time I had to get at 3:30 am and was waiting for the shuttle bus at 4:00 am.

The morning of the race was unseasonably cold (upper 30s). I was in the last coral, which meant between I had to stand around in the cold. I kept moving and tried to keep my muscles lose and my body warm. Regardless what i did, my legs were cold and starting to cramping from having to wait so long.

Once I started running the cramping went away and I settled into a good pace. I ended up running about a 11:38 pace through out the race. My goal was not push myself and not run at my fastest pace, but to run steady. I was please that I was able to maintain a steady pace through out.

I really enjoyed the 10K course; the course taken you through the back entrance to Epcot, through Epcot’s World Showcase, then along the back part of the Boardwalk resort and back into Epcot to finish line. I have to say I enjoyed the 10K course over the half-marathon course.

I finished the race in one hour and eight minutes from the time I started running. However, the official race clock said around 2:00 hours (because it was the time the race started).

Along the course there were plenty of drink (hydration) stations. At the end of the race they gave you full size bottles of power aid and water along with a snack box.

Half-Marathon

Like the 10K, the half-marathon started at 5:30 am. After my experience of waiting for the shuttle bus the morning before Allyn volunteered to drop me off. I am not sure if this was a smart move or not. Between the closed roads and others trying to get to race, it taken almost 45 minutes to get drop off point. From the drop off area it was about a 3 mile walk to the coral area.   There was about twice as many people running the half marathon as the 10K the day prior.

Most of the half-marathon course was on the back and side roads and parking lots of Walt Disney World and Epcot.   The course was actually very narrow in places given the number of runners on the course.

Running through the Magic Kingdom was not the magical experience I thought it would be. My pace slowed down from a 10 minute pace to 16 minute pace. Between people stopping at take pictures and the course getting even more narrowing through the park it was hard to stay at consistence running place.

After I got through the Disney Park I was able to pick my pace back up and finish the race in about 3 hours.

The biggest disappointments with the half-marathon was that there were so many walkers on the course and that the tracking chip did not register correctly so my family ended up getting incorrect pace times and did make to the finish area in time to see me finish.

What made running Disney a great experience?

Disney is a magical place and I think that is what made this a running experience to remember. I mean where else can you have the Fair Godmother and Prince Charming see off at the start line. There was something interesting to see at each mile, from bands, performers, Disney Characters, and cheer squads.

The opportunity for a challenge also makes it a great experience. Many times you go out of town for a race weekend and you have to be there to pick up the run packet and attend the expo a few days before. Running two races back to back is different type of challenge. Running the half-marathon the day before helps energize you for the half-marathon. I was also able to get a sense of what the course was like. Getting an extra medal for my efforts was not bad either.

The bad and ugly (side) of the Princess Half Marathon Weekend?

Not to be a downer but I can think of a number of bad or ugly things about the Princess Half Marathon Weekend.

Getting to the race takes a lot of work and I don’t mean just training. The training is the easy part.   If you are lucky enough to get registered for the race (you have to do it exactly at the time race registration opens), you must start planning for your trip to Disney immediately. It take a good chuck of time to get all of arrangements made.   Not only are resorts expensive but the good ones in proximity to race fill up fast.

The races are early … meaning they start at 5:30 but you have to be up at 3:00 am to catch the shuttle and get to your coral.

There are tons people at the races, both in terms of runners and spectators. This makes for lots of crowds and some times crowded running path, which can slow you down.

One thing that helps sale the Run Disney races, is the characters along the course. You see these great pictures of runners posing with various Disney characters on the Disney website. Basically if you plan on completely the race don’t plan to stop to get your picture taken. The lines for pictures witch characters along the course are long and eat into your race time.

The weekend can push you to your limits, both mentally and physically.  You are at Disney so way not take in the parks while you are there. Because of time we decided to do the parks before the race.  I was mentally and physically exhausted, before the race started, due to running around the parks the days before. This is was not a smart move. One thing you must do, especially if trying to complete a challenge, is pace yourself.

Was running Disney and participating in the Princess Half Marathon Weekend worth it?

Overall, YES. It was very memorable in so many ways.   When I had the three medals hanging around my neck the moment was priceless and all of training and planning had paid off.

When I started focusing heavily on running and working in 2010, I was mainly doing it for wellness reasons but what I came to release was that running was something I really enjoyed . Not only was it a good way to stay in shape and relieve stress, I also discovered that running could be very social and it allowed me to see places in a new light. Additionally, running was something that could be done anywhere and at any time!

The first “race” I ever ran was a 5K in Dallas – the Seton Soles 5K walk/run, which was sponsored by my church, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church.   I don’t remember my time or other details about the race but what I do remember is the people I ran with. After that race I became a part of a running group that met at different parks in the Dallas. It turned out to be a great way to meet people and learn area.

Later that year, while visiting Prague (Czech Republic). There was a flyer about a morning running group for tourist, in my hotel room. I meet up with the running group each morning I was there and got to see parts of the city I would not have otherwise seen, I got meet and talk to local runners, in addition to running and meeting people from all over the world. Running over the St. Charles Bridge, seeing the sunrise above the Prague Castle is an image that will be forever etched in my mind.

Over the next couple few years I would move several times. Running became my social icebreaker. I met people and made friends through running. Daily runs allowed me to explore new areas, leading to the discovery of restaurants, store and plenty of amazing sensory.

It was not until I was at the running expo for the Flying Pig Marathon, this past spring that and I saw a medal board that said “Run 50” that I got the idea I should run a half marathon or greater in each state.   I was already collecting run magnets for states I ran in, so why not make this a goal, I told myself.  So I did!!!

So, it is my goal to run at least a half marathon or longer in each state. I hope to complete this by the time I am 45 (giving myself 11 years, to do so). Since I have already completed half marathons in several states and I am going to count that towards my goals 🙂

My motivation for doing and completing this challenge is to see parts of America I would not otherwise see. Additionally I have friends all over the country, many who also run, this will give me a chance to run with friends and make new friends along the way. Plus this is great motivation to stay in shape.

I am hoping to recap all of my runs on here. This will help me track my progress, in addition to capturing my thoughts and feelings on the race.    Be sure to check out my site for my bucket list of races, pictures, recaps, running stories and much more!

Guess what today is? It’s National Running Day!!!

Since national running day occurred during the work week, I only went for my normal 5 mile run tonight.  This weekend I am hoping to get in a couple longer runs.

To celebrate running day here is a little running survey 🙂

1. Why do you run?

I run because …

Running helps me stay in shape

Running allows me to eat

Running keeps my happy

Running has given me mental fortitude

Running has allowed me to see places in a whole new way

Running clears my mind

For the medals 🙂

2. How do you plan to celebrate National Running Day?

By running of course!!!

…I also registered for a few fall races.

3. How many miles have you run so far this year?

785 miles

4. What big events do you have on the race calendar so far this year?

This past winter it was Disney Princess half marathon which I completed in February.   In the fall, the big race will be the Rock N Roll Half Marathon in Vegas.

5. Before you leave for a run you must have:

iPhone charged, water and a piece of gum

6. Do you have one favorite app to track your runs?

Not really apps but my Garmin or now my Apple watch are my go to tracking devices.

7. Who is your favorite running partner?

I really don’t have one.  I honestly enjoy running by myself, it helps me relax.

8. What races have you ran so far this year?

Disney Enchanted 10K

Disney Princess Half Marathon

Bockfest 5K

Little Kings Mile

The Flying Pig

9. If you had to give someone one piece of advice about running what would it be?

It doesn’t matter how fast or slow you run, what matters is that you are out there running 🙂

10.  Describe your relationship with running in one word:

Fulfilling

Well, we are almost through the first month of 2015, which is hard to imagine.   First off, I have been a bit quiet on the blog because lots of things have been happening and are in the works. As a result, the blog has taken a back seat as I settle into 2015 and focus on upcoming projects and adventures.

But here is a recap of what’s been happening …

#1 Making Holiday Memories …

The 2014 holiday season marked the first holiday for Allyn and I as a married couple and in our new home in Kentucky. For Thanksgiving, we filled out home with family, enjoyed a great feast and a weekend of family togetherness. In the weeks that followed we explored and taken in the holiday sites and traditions of Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati area. We did a quick trip down to San Antonio where enjoy Christmas with my mom and members of my extended family. We rang in 2015 from the comfort of our home.

#2 Marathon Training …

With my first running challenge of 2015 fast approaching (in 23 days). I have settled back into a daily running and exercise routine; along with healthy eating. So far I have run 106 miles in 2015. Back to training also means back to counting calories, cooking healthy and meal planning.

#3 Winter Weather …

While we have not had many heavy snowfalls this season we have had our share of cold temperatures. The first full week brought temperatures in the single digits and below zero (a first for me). The ponds were frozen over and learning how layer has become a common practice for me.

#4 Organization and Planning…

As we said good 2014, I said hello to the organization of new trips, adventures, and projects for 2015. The first project I tacked in 2014 was the organization of the kitchen pantry. Some however the pantry was the one thing that didn’t get organized after the move and after the holiday was in state of disarray, which I could no longer stand. After a trip to the Container Store and several hours of rearranging all of the pantry contents – it is now completely organized. The organizations of several new projects are also on the horizon both at work, home and academically. If all goes plan 2015 will year of expanding my horizons, learning and new collaborations.

New adventures are being planned for trips near and far. This year we plan to incorporate various members of our family into our adventures, as we explore both coasts. Travel to foreign lands may also be on the horizon. Now that we are settled in Northern Kentucky / Cincinnati I plan to explore my new local area.

While 2014 was year of change and rebuilding, in so many ways; I look forward to many new adventures in 2015, along with new ways of growing, news ways of learning, and sharing my knowledge with the world.

Here’s to a great year!!!!