Flying Pig Half Marathon - RunHalf Marathon

My goal time was to finish under 2 hours, roughly a 9min/mile pace. I really thought it would be more like 2:10 because I have had a hard time with my 10-11 mile runs over the last couple of weeks. This is a hilly course so I really didn't expect to break two hours.

The start was really hyped and everyone was excited. Took me about 2-3 minutes to get to the start line, then let the fun begin. The first mile was frustrating because people clearly did not seed themselves well. I passed about a thousand people the first mile including many walkers who were walking 4-5 abreast. First mile took 9:43 and I thought, crap there goes my goal time already. I thought it would be too much to make up with all the hills coming up. I just decided to pick up the pace and slowly chip away at it since there is 12 miles left.

Took the first bridge over into KY and wandered around over there for a bit. Over another bridge in KY then back over a 3rd larger bridge back into Cinti. I had picked up the pace and was feeling very good, but still hadn't hit the big hill on Gilbert Ave yet. The race was still packed with people and really remained that way until the 1/2 and full marathoners split at mile 8.5. Didn't bother me much though as I usually stayed way to the right and found open room to run.

After getting back to OH we continued up through downtown then at about mile 6 is where the hills really began. I took a gel with water at mile 5.5. I tackled the hills with short quick steps and just took off. I passed a lot of people through those hills and there were a lot of cheering spectators including my parents that kept me motivated. My mile splits did slow down from what were upper 8's/mile to mid 9's/mile, but that's to be expected. I continued through Eden Park which could best be described as rolling hills. I was starting to do the math and was figuring my finish time to be around 2:02 roughly. Didn't think I'd make two hours since I typically slow down as the race goes on. Took another gel at mile 8.5. Took gatorade or water or both at every aid station except 2 or 3 of them. Usually just took a few sips though since it was not too hot and I didn't want to overdue it.

At mile 9 we started into a decline. It went back up slightly one more time, then at mile 10 there was a long downhill section. I decided to really turn it on here and if I was going to make up time, this would be the place. Everyone else clearly did too because I started to get passed by pretty many people here. Miles 10,11, 12 were all about 8:10-8:30 pace and I was feeling great. Ran shoulder to shoulder with another guy for about the last two miles as the couse flattened out. We were really pushing each other to the finish.

I meant to take a gel at mile 11 but it didn't sound too appetizing so I skipped it. Skipped the final water station as well and just headed for the finish. The other guy and I talked a bit and he thanked me for pushing him (and I thought he was pushing me the whole time). I was feeling really good down the last stretch, hit the chute with tons of screaming spectators. I felt like I was winning the darn thing, because people were going crazy! It was great and really helped for a strong finish. I made it across the line, got my medal and felt great about my new PR time of 1:56:38! Yes!

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After the race, got some water and fruit and tried to stretch a bit. My brother was running the full marathon, so I went to get my mountain bike and took off backwards down the course to find him and help cheer him on. Waited at mile 22, got some photos, then leapfrogged with him to keep cheering him on. Road next to him for a minute but didn't want to interfere with any other runners so I kept it brief. Then took off ahead to meet him at the finish. As it turns out, I think the biking really did me some good and kept me loose. My bro finished his first marathon in 3:28:38! I think I may have to give it a shot next year!


Don't think I could've gone much faster. I guess more speed/track work over time might help me get faster.


First class race with all the amenities. Unbelievable amount of cheering spectators, bands, and great volunteers. Water/Gatorade every mile and tons of volunteers. I will be back to this one, possibly the full marathon!