surprise surprise in the pig 1/2 marathon

First of all I have to thank my bud for his shout out on his blog.

The following is my account of my Flying pig weekend.

We started off a little behind schedule by leaving 45 minutes late. No big deal I thought. We managed to get to Cinn after at least one pit stop. New rest area. I recommend it. Hands free everything. We were headed to the hotel when I noticed that no one was walking around. I thought that was strange. Come to find out that in my stupidity I did not notice they changed the location of the packet pick up. So we checked in and drove across the river from Kentucky to the Duke energy center. We found our way through the convention getting our free stuff. Picked up the loudest noise makers we could find to bring home to the kids. We had some thick somewhat healthy peanut butter. My wife and I sprinted to the nearest free drink stand. It was like cardboard. The drink was refreshing though. Then we realized our camera wasn't working due to the batteries. Once done with the convention we found our way back to our car and headed back to the hotel in Kent. for some rest.
An hour or so later we headed to Newport area for dinner at Brio's. We love that place. We managed to get right in at the table near the bar so we could see the TV. This was while others sat there waiting. Hee Hee. Their loss. We sat in the bar area to see the TV. I moved my chair around the table to be near my lady, well, plus I wanted to see the TV too. The Kentucky derby was starting. We sat there cheering and waiting with anticipation for the end. A crowd had collected which always adds to the excitement. Then with the horrible ending came the moans and grunts. It was a slight blow to the evening.
Another part of dinner is that the Prom is that weekend. So my wife and I could enjoy the couples coming and going for dinner. Those girls were glad I was not their dad. I would have made them stay home. The guys had just as bad taste in hairstyle and cloths.
This is the way we planned the evening because we had done the same thing two years earlier. After dinner we went to the mall and stone cold creamery. We sat outside enjoying the sounds of a beetles tribute band. (eight days a week) They were great. A little old to be the beetles though.
Then on to the hotel and sleep.

Race day I woke up at 5. Prepared and headed out to walk across the bridge to Cinn. Its dark and I listen to my music. I try to relax during this 20 minute walk.
I get to the start and stretch, prepare, turn in my bag to the check in.
Hit the restroom if you call the row of port a potties a restroom.
To be brief I thought I might have trouble but I did not.
Then I set off for my starting position. Once in the corral we stood there for ever. It turns out there was a fire on the course and they had to figure out what to do.
15 minutes late they started the race. For the first 5 miles I stuck to my plan. Run 8.5 minute miles. Golden! At the start of mile 6 it starts up hill. For the next three miles you just hold on for dear life and try to conserve energy. It seems to have two one mile steep steep hills. Still golden! I had planned to be 10 or 10.5 minute miles on the hills. Went as planned. After the hills and nine miles you do around 1 mile up and down slight hills. I think those are recovery areas. At mile 10 you get to go down a hill that is as good as the one you went up. This year from mile 10 to 13 is all down hill. My pace ranged from 7 to 8.5 minute miles. As planned. When I started I had just hoped to finish under 2 hours. I am a wee bit heavier that my last long runs and my 12 and 13 mile training runs went horrible. I mean bad. I was running down the last 200 yard looking back and fourth for my wife. I eventually found here and I think she would have jumped the fence to get to me if she could. She did two years before. That is another story. When I crossed the finish line my time was 1 hour 53 min. 53 sec.
It turns out it was 5 seconds slower than my best time. If I had known that I would have run a little harder and thrown up at the end. But hind sight is 20/20. I felt the greatest sense of accomplishment. This is the hardest course I have ever run. You know you have worked hard after this run.
After the run we went back to the hotel and checked out. We stopped at firstwatch for brunch. I had a wonderful turkey sandwich. Then we headed off to traders world. We spent around 1.5 hours there and then headed home.
This has got to be one of the best weekends I have had in a long time. I always look forward to my race weekends. They give me something to look forward to and I enjoy the time with my wife. It is relaxing without the kids. Don't get me wrong I love my kids but we only get one night away a year. So we live it up.

When I say that it was the best weekend ever you will just have to take my word for it. We had a river view which went from Paul Brown stadium past US bank arena to the hills of the Park. It was gorgeous at night. Our Camera did not work the whole time.

Enjoy running and everything about it.

Later.