State #9: Ohio, Flying Pig Marathon

I ran the Flying Pig Marathon in Cincinnati on 5/1/11, the day after the Kentucky Derby Marathon. I wasn't too nervous at the beginning of the Flying Pig because of the great company I had!! Stephanie Arango who recently completed her 50th state in Boston this year hosted me for the marathon.  It was so much fun to see her and her mom again and to meet her boyfriend and friends!  Thank you Stephanie for convincing me that I could complete a double marathon weekend and still have a fun time!! Stephanie's mom, Mary and I finished the Pig together!  It was our first double!  A big shout out to her boyfriend Justin who finished his first marathon at the Pig!

The night before the Pig, Stephanie organized a dinner in  downtown Cincinnati at the Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery at Fountain Square.  It was a fun dinner and I had the chance to meet other Marathon Maniacs and share my story!

Marathon Maniacs at dinner

Mary and I

Marathon Maniac Divas

Cincinnati skyline shot...myself, Juli, Mary, and Dave!

52.4 miles. 2 in 2 days. 

52.4 miles in 2 days...did it hurt?? Well, my legs weren't as sore as my feet were and I took both marathons very slowly.  I had so much fun during both of them.  It's all about the fun for me because that's the way my dad was.  There wouldn't be much of a point in running 50 states if I wasn't having fun and enjoying it all along the way.

Earning 2 medals in 2 days made me a bit emotional.  It made me think of my dad and everyone who has had to go through the grieving process.  Running has been my outlet.  It has made me the person that I am today and it has introduced me to great people and has also allowed me to reconnect with old friends.  I am so thankful that I was able to experience this double marathon weekend and I plan on doing a few more doubles throughout my 50 state quest! 

I was able to share my story with many runners throughout the weekend and hopefully inspired many along the way.  I hope my 50 state quest informs and inspires other people to take a proactive approach to losing a loved one.  I can't thank the Center for Grieving Children in Portland, Maine enough for being one of many places where I could go for a piece of mind and to talk to others going through the same pain and grief.  Thank you everyone for continuing to follow and support my journey!