FW and I traveled to Cincinnati for the Flying Pig last weekend. Last year, FW did the 5k and I did the 3 Way Challenge (5k, 10k, half). I skipped the 10k this year so I could sleep in for the Saturday 5k. FW was pretty nervous about this one as she has not been able to train much this year. Her goal was to simply have fun and come in under an hour.
The weekend started comically as we got to the expo on Friday as it was closing. We had trouble getting out of Mansfield and sped down to Cincy. So we literally had to race to get our packets and shirts. That was different. When they say the expo closes at 7:00, it closes at 7:00!
The weather was not comical as there were reports of thunderstorms for both days. The race organizers did a great job of communicating weather reports and how the race would be run if there was bad weather.
Race morning was windy and cool as we made our way from our hotel to Great American Ballpark for the start. We stretched out and tried our best to keep warm. Last year was very warm which shows you can't even take May for granted in Ohio. FW just wanted to start the race so we made our way to our corral. Here's our report:
The course was the same as last year as we started with a long straightaway with one slight hill at the end. FW started out walking at a brisk pace that was much faster than what she's been doing at home. She was looking good and having fun. As we crested the one hill, she even jogged some down the other side. This was a pleasant surprise! We rounded the bend and started down the next long straightaway. Her first mile came in at 17:58.
The second straightaway ends with us heading north near downtown. There's a long uphill here and FW slowed down just a bit. But she again powered down the other side with some light jogging. The rain started just shy of the two mile mark but it stayed light. We started heading back to the start by finishing the loop. Her second mile was 18:14.
There's a long section during the second mile that's under a highway overpass. It's longer than it looks but it is a quick section of the course. FW sprinkled a bit of jogging here and kept up her steady pace. We both knew she would come in under an hour, so we focused more on enjoying ourselves. The rain did start to pick up some as we made the last turn to the finish. The finish area at the Flying Pig is maddening as the straightaway is much longer than it appears. FW jogged a bit into the finish with a final time of 57:02.
I'm proud of how FW did at this race. She has been unable to train for so long, so to come out and do the 5k, with some jogging throughout, is a great accomplishment. The rest of the weekend was very full and she wound up logging over 17 miles walking around. She should be ready to sprinkle in more jogging as we boost her cardio.
My half marathon report is coming soon. But I want to give FW a chance to share her own thoughts on the race!
FW Report
The race was very fun and very challenging this year. I had some health issues this winter, but I am doing better now and plan to get back in fighting shape. FH (future husband) is a great coach and helped me through! Even though the weather this year wasn't the greatest the post race festival is awesome. You can even get free pancakes, muffins, and yogurt from First Watch. I highly recommend the 5K for anyone new to running or looking to get back into shape.
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