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!