When Pigs Fly

I've decide to attempt the Flying Pig Marathon in Cincinnati this spring. If you know me at all and have stopped laughing enough to read on, this is a big deal. I've always loved sports and remained active. I will work myself to exhaustion trying to put a ball in a hoop or landscaping the yard, but I don't enjoy driving 26.2 miles. Unless I'm being chased by something big or scary, I don't run. Well, here's the scoop...

• I'm actually going to walk the Pig. I didn't know you could do that until last year, which is when I started thinking about it. Due to past injuries, my joints can't withstand the pounding of long distance running. Walking works for me, even though it still sounds like a terrible way to spend 6+ hours.
• I turn 50 later this year. If I'm gonna do it, I'd better do it quick. Of all the desperate things guys do to cling to their youth, this seemed less pathetic. It's definitely a last minute write in for my bucket list, ...but why not?
  
• I'm bored with the grind of the gym. After 10+ years of lifting the same bars up and down or walking to nowhere, I need a new challenge. I've probably lost 1000 lbs over that span (& regained 1005 lbs).
• Discipline is contagious. I'm not going to put all this effort into training for the Pig then keep eating like one. I've also seen the boost from my new routine in other disciplines.
  
• The Flying Pig actually looks fun -- apart from the actual running, of course. Who wouldn't want to brag about completing a marathon? And you get a t-shirt!
• I need to attempt something I'm likely to fail. Still trying to sort this one out in my mind, but it's not good for me to always be in control. Don't get me wrong; I've had plenty of failures in my life. I'm just not in the habit of choosing those situations for myself. I suppose it has something to do with pride or insecurity. I'm a competitor who always wants (needs?) to win, ...yet I'm not sure that's how I want to shape my character.
  

So, off we go. I've got a training routine, a new pair of shoes, and a strong inclination that I'll never do this again. Having just completed my latest round of PT on my knee last fall, the likelihood of injury ending my quest seems high. But I won't quit. I'll use this blog to update you on my training miles and experiences. My only goal is to finish... hopefully before they shut everything down and are sweeping up.

I know, coming out with my silly dream increases the pressure. That's the point. If I fail, you might as well know it too. But if I make it, I expect you to be at the finish line cheering me on. You might need a flashlight.