In The Moment Running: All Star - Cincinnati Flying Pig

So much to do, so much to see
So what's wrong with running the back streets?
You'll never know if you don't go
You'll never shine if you don't glow

Hey, now, you're an All Star get your game on, go run

Hey, now, you're a Rock Star get the show on, go run
And all that glitters is gold
Only shooting stars break the mold

Smash Mouth

Ironically, Smash Mouth was the headliner for the Raleigh Rock n Roll Marathon a few weeks earlier. Of course, the headliners appear mostly for the half-marathoners since these Competitor events are staged for half-marathoners and marathoners are a second act. By the time I get to the finish line, the clean-up act is on stage. I'm not discounting half-marathoners as I love the distance but Competitor group could somehow plan it differently. Yes, maybe I should just run a little faster! However, the song goes directly with the theme of the Cincinnati Flying Pig marathon this year - All Star - since Major League Baseball's All Star game is being played there this year.

It was another fine weekend in Cincinnati with Bree, Jaxon, Korey and me running races. Some year, ALL of us are going to run one of the myriad of races - 5K, 10K, Piglets, half marathon, full marathon, flying fur. This was Bree's second Piglet's run receiving her second medal. Jaxon and Korey were both All Star's too with Korey being the All Star of his group running away from all the other kids. Jaxon had a bad patch in the middle of the run but pulled himself up and finished strong. Bree was her swift self running to the finish and beyond. She's competitive and wants to run farther and faster than the other kids.

At some point in our running life, our goal as runners is to be a Bree or Korey - to run faster and farther - outpace the competition. Its this way in life too. Korey has been an underdog since birth but on this day he was a real runner, even if his motivation was to get away from the other kids. As runners, we all use different motivating factors. But the real lesson in running and life is evidenced by Jaxon. Sometimes you just don't want to do something, sometimes you hit a bad patch and fall down, sometimes you don't want to go for a run and sometimes you just need a little help from a friend. How many times have we been there?

Korey ran with Grandma as they streaked the 25 yards from start to finish being awarded his first running medal at age 21 months. Although I had received many ribbons for my running in high school track - 100, 200 meters and relays - my first real medal is from the 1994 NYC Marathon at age 34. I didn't even know running was a sport until I got to high school let alone organized community races. Jaxon blazed new territory with his Mom, Becky. Although, he had mid-race challenges, with a little help, he picked himself up and ran through to the finish earning his medal. We all go through bad patches in runs, particularly marathons. It is important to recognize it, persevere, lean on faith and friends, know it will pass, and finish the race that God has put before us. Hmmm, sounds a bit like life? Bree ran with me for the second year in a row. I figured I would be 70 when she is old enough to run the marathon, 64 to run the half and 62 to run the 10K and any age to run the 5K. It would be great to continue this tradition as Bree, Korey and Jaxon bloom as runners. Bree was tired at the start (as was I) standing in the hot sun waiting to run. But when it was time, she did her best like the All Star she is. So many times, we feel tired at the start (of anything really) and then become energized as we do it. It is the same for running. Of course, a race would not be complete without fans cheering us on - Dad Charlie and Granddad Kevin were there cheering every step!

For me, the Flying Pig Marathon went well, not as good time-wise as last year but still a decent run in 4:25. It is a true party in Cincinnati throughout the course with few exceptions. Tailgating on front lawns, impromptu beer stops (yes, I had some at mile 14), jammed streets with fans downtown, cheer and charity groups and more music than the Rock n Roll events. Its also a weekend party with many organized events - even the dogs get involved!

So, I will run it until I can't and hope to do some of the other races with the family but ultimately would love to run the marathon with Bree, Jaxon or Korey!