Total Basset Case: When Pigs Fly...

May 5, 2014

When Pigs Fly...

....used to be my response when people asked me if I would ever become a runner.
My, my, my how the tides have changed.

This weekend marked my 4th half marathon in the books and it was none other than the Cincinnati Flying Pig.
The race of races here in the 'Nati.
I've heard about the Pig for years and never in a million did I really think I'd ever run it.
I had heard it was a great race, but a tough, hilly course.
And you know what, they weren't lying.
It was very tough and hilly and the type of course that wants to take you out for the count.
But, I didn't let it take me out.
I won't lie, it wasn't the easiest or best run I've ever had.
And there was a moment or two I wanted to die.
And my brand new, really awesome Spotify playlist wouldn't work (grrrr)
BUT I did it and I'm happy to say that I conquered it.
My legs still aren't real happy with me but that's nothing that can't be fixed!
Expo | Day of goods - bib, honey stingers, jolly ranchers, Luna bar

2 states (KY and OH) and 13.1 miles later, it's another half for the books!

This was the first 'big' race I had participated in and it was leaps and bounds above the other ones.
Even at moments when the race wasn't going all that great, the crowd support, fans, hysterical signs and spectators to look at really made all the difference in the world.  I mean how bad can it when you see a sign that says 'I like pig butts and I can not lie'?
And a special shout out especially to Mister who was my early morning driver and met me at a couple different spots on the course to cheer me on!  Seeing a familiar face among thousands of strangers really puts an extra pep in your step.

And even though I didn't PR, I did do it in 2:06 and that wasn't too far off from my goal.
I'll admit, at first I was slightly disappointed in myself and my time but the more I thought about it, the better I began to feel.  It is a very tough course and on that particular day and the conditions (music not working, not having a running buddy), I did the best I could and that's all that matters.
As I've said before, there are good running days and bad ones and you just have to take them as they come.

The earlier part of our weekend was spent primarily in our yard.  We hit up Lowes, stocked up on plants, flowers, mulch and veggies to plant and got to work!
I'll have a full report soon on what all we've planted and how it's doing.
I may not have the best green thumb, but I sure do like experimenting out in the soil.  With gloves on of course, I hate for my hands to actually be dirty.

Running in beautiful weather and flowers out in our yard; it was a really great, Spring, sunshine filled weekend!

16 comments:

Renee said...

Congrats on another half marathon!
I would literally die if I couldn't listen to msuic. Yup, I would have to stop and turn around in the other direction! So running a half marathon without it, is pretty impressive in my books! :)

Sarah Tucker said...

You are rockin' those half marathons! And Chris and I need to start planting flowers, but we are in a Stage 3 drought here, so we can't water anything anyways! I am dying without some color in my yard!

Shelley said...

weren't those hills awful?! you still rocked it though! i'm glad mister was able to meet you at different places throughout the course!

Anonymous said...

You finished in 2 hours??? Uhm...that is AMAZING!!!! You should be super proud of that time, I know I am!!! :)

Katie said...

congratulations!! that time is awesome!!!

Brittney, Breaking Free said...

Right now I can barely complete a 5k I hope to work myself up to do a half or full some day

Anonymous said...

Congrats on your race! That's an awesome time on a tough course. I think the Pig will always be my favorite half marathon.

Lisa @ Naptime Chai said...

I can barely do the Cincy turkey trot because it's so hilly, 13.1 sounds awful! I'm definitely more of a flat-course type of runner, haha! Congrats on another half :-)

Erin LFF said...

You're AMAZING and I would love to get that time one day :) Those hills are killer... you rock! I've heard that people from all over say the crowd support in Cincy is some of the best!! I loved it!

Ashley said...

So awesome!! I think I would pass out if I ever tried to run one :) Congratulations!

The Lady Okie said...

Congratulations! I've heard that's such a fun (but challenging) course. The medals are so fun, though. Maybe some day I'll get up there and run it!

Casey said...

Woo hoooooo! You rock!!!! Now I know where Floyd gets his paw issues from....LOL

Kayla MKOY said...

OMG your time was amazing! Go you!!! :) I'm so happy you stuck it out, and how sweet of your man to meet you along the course. I think I picked the right course for my first, I loved all the crowd support and hilarious signs!! "Smile if you peed a little" made me crack up!

Anne said...

Sounds like our weekends were remarkably similar... except my flowers came from Home Depot :)

Way to stick out that race despite the conditions. Maybe not the course for a PR, but isn't it cool to be a part of the big event? You'll be back I bet :) Though I'm absolutely still saying "when pigs fly" about the full marathon...

Unknown said...

Congrats on your mini marathon! Good job! And I love seeing geraniums in your cart, too! :)

Lauren said...

I'm loving that running skirt! Where from!?!