Random 2-day getaway to Cincinnati for the Flying Pig Expo

P&G FLYING PIG EXPO AND MARATHON

A friend, Fefe* (*not really, but that was her name in high school French class and I love it) asked me a while back if I'd like to do a couple marketing gigs with her for some extra income.  I am always down for an opportunity to travel and my bank account is always in need of additional funding so I agreed.  The first job came this weekend in Cincinnati at the Flying Pig Expo, one of many annual marathons happening all across the country.  I worked for a company that produces several marathons a year.  My particular booth was "the Chicago Half Marathon and 5K which is held in Chicago on September 11th.  This is the 15th running of the race which starts and ends in historic Jackson Park and goes along beautiful Lakeshore Dr.  It is a bit South of downtown with a flat course offering both lake and city views.  There will be live music and an amazing post-race party with food (Chicago deep-dish pizza) and plenty of refreshments"  (You like those marketing skills?)  Our goal was to pass out our Chicago Half Marathon fliers and inform the crowds of what our race had to offer. 

Fefe before we opened for the public

Game face!

Now, I was aware that marathons, half marathons, 5Ks, etc existed.  I participated in Race for the Cure 2 years ago and I have friends who had run in a couple local events.  But not until actually working an all-things-running event did I discover the complexity and seriousness of marathoners.  They come in all ages, shapes, sizes, and social backgrounds.  There were participants who were just locals, first timers, organized groups but then there were those who travel from city to city and do multiple marathons a year.  There were men and women in their 60s and 70s who had been running for years, even a guy whose goal was to run a race in every state which he was close to accomplishing.  There were also the marathon snobs that looked down on half marathons and scoffed at our race as they walked by.   Also, I had no idea that the medals that are handed out for completion of a race are also under heavy scrutiny and could be the deciding factor in which race a person might choose to run.  But overall it was this amazing organization of people who shared a common love of running or running for a particular cause which made it a very neat experience.  Many were running for pure enjoyment, others for weight loss, cancer or to just cross it off a bucket list.  Another thing that amazed me was that people pay a significant amount to attend these events.  The Flying Pig Marathon had an entry fee of close to $100.  Add the travel costs of gas, hotel and food.  For those who are traveling from city to city, that would add up into the thousands a year.  But I guess that it is a hobby for many people and instead of spending their money frivolously out at bars or on junk they don't need, they're using it constructively and seeing new sites and meeting new people. 

If you are looking for a hobby, a cause or a kick-in-the-butt reason to jump start working out, work at, or at least attend, one of these expos.  It is eye opening to see so many people in excellent shape despite age, lifestyle or disability.  There were moms with multiple children who had to-die-for bods better than any 20-something I know.  There were hunky men in their 50s with perfectly chiseled legs and calves.  There were people who had lost a significant amount of weight or were still in the process of doing so.  There were individuals with artificial limbs and cancer survivors.  There were groups of women in their 80s with a accomplishment list that put me to shame.

My friend said that after her first expo she went home and started her Insanity workout videos.  Now after working the Flying Pig Expo, I am determined to start working out, running with my dog and D, and hopefully being in good enough shape to run a half by early next Spring.  If I'm really on top of things, maybe even the Indianapolis Half Marathon October 15th.  The other local race sponsored by our company is the Geist Half Marathon which is in May and the very awesome Mudathalon Indianapolis on June 25th.  It is a muddy obstacle course over 3 miles long.  Their slogan:

MUD :) OBSTACLES :) BEER :)   

Enough said!  It doesn't require as much preparation as the typical races so I think that in a little less than 2 months, I can, at least, build up enough stamina to power through it.  I know a couple of my friends are doing it so it should be a "mucking" good time.  This was an interesting experience that gave me a unique look into the lives of runners and marathon enthusiasts.  I am working another event in OH the beginning of June which I am pretty excited about.

MT. ADAMS in CINCINNATI

On a side note, we only had a few hours on Friday after Day 1 wrapped up to explore the city.  On a recommendation, we made our way to the Mt. Adams area.  It is a hilly, historical residential part of Cincinnati with cobblestone roads and unique townhouses.  The winding hill top homes and businesses kind of reminded me of a scaled down version of San Fran.  The close-knit, eclectic vibe was reminiscent of Broad Ripple-ishnnati with cobblestone roads and unique townhouses.  The winding hill top homes and businesses kind of reminded me of a scaled down version of San Fran.  The close-knit, eclectic vibe was reminiscent of Broad Ripple-ish neighborhood.  Restaurants and bars lined the streets and we made our way, after a few trial and errors, to the Teak Thai Cuisine and Sake House.  The old, 2-story structure and the interior decor plus the amazing smells of curry were enough to convince us that we made the right decision.  They offered several authentic Thai dishes: curries and stirfry.  There was also a separate sushi list.  Both Fefe and I chose the Red Curry with Chicken at a Level 6 out of 10.  Teak did not let us down. 

Red Curry with Chicken (I am drooling just thinking about it)

This was hands down one of the best red curry dishes I've ever had and I've tried it in many different cities.  The sweet and spicy sauce fused with the flavors of the veggies and chicken to create the most harmonious dish. There was an abundance of rich coconut milk flavor and the perfect amount of Thai chili heat.  They served a large bowl of sticky white rice, family style to accompany the entrees.  I could've eaten my entire large portion but used self restraint so that I would have left overs the next day.  I had those boxed up and basically liked my plate clean.  Heaven in the form of Thai cuisine!  If you are planning to be in the Cincinnati area, be sure to check them out: TEAK Thai Cuisine.

2 stuffed and satisfied girls!

I am definitely looking forward to taking a weekend (maybe a Girls Getaway) to come back to Cincinnati and really explore what the city has to offer.  It took less than one tank of gas round trip and I was really impressed by the little bit I saw.