Flying Pig
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I will be there in some way/shape or form, as it's the local race for me! Most likely pacing the 3:10 group, and perhaps running the 10k the prior day. It's a wonderful race for those who haven't done it - several different distance options, a kids' race, etc. The course is fair - about on par with Philly but perhaps a little faster (some early bridges and hills, but the second half is pretty fast - one minor bump but the rest FAST). I've done the race every year but the first when I was injured so any tips you'd like, let me know.
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Chris - Been there and run it twice myself <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Smile"> -<br><br>
Back in 2001 and 2002 -<br><br>
If I don't make Boston it is High on my list of possibilities, as long as Jenna lets me back in her city <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Smile"><br><br>
With the other races, Adrienne (Cailin Deas as she is now!), can also get a decent run in too <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Smile"><br><br>
Liam
Back in 2001 and 2002 -<br><br>
If I don't make Boston it is High on my list of possibilities, as long as Jenna lets me back in her city <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Smile"><br><br>
With the other races, Adrienne (Cailin Deas as she is now!), can also get a decent run in too <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Smile"><br><br>
Liam
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hi all,<br><br>
i'm seriously considering of running this race. my running club is doing a road trip down there so it would be fun and easy to get down there.<br><br>
my concern is that i keep reading about the hills from the reviews in marathonguide.com. i am looking for a flatter course to really push myself this spring.. i ran a decent race in NYC but i feel like i could have run a more aggressive one if it hadn't been so darn hilly.<br><br>
PC- any thoughts/comparisons to NYC?
i'm seriously considering of running this race. my running club is doing a road trip down there so it would be fun and easy to get down there.<br><br>
my concern is that i keep reading about the hills from the reviews in marathonguide.com. i am looking for a flatter course to really push myself this spring.. i ran a decent race in NYC but i feel like i could have run a more aggressive one if it hadn't been so darn hilly.<br><br>
PC- any thoughts/comparisons to NYC?
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Pish posh...the hills aren't too bad and in fact I think they scare people into running a smarter race.<br><br>
3 main climbs to consider - Taylor Southgate Bridge (maybe 1/3 mile followed by 1/3 mile down) in mile 1.5 or so<br>
Clay Wade Bailey Bridge in the 4th mile - similar to TS<br>
Climb to Eden Park - stair steps up a few times so not a constant grind - mile 6-8 or so<br><br>
After that you're at the highest point on the course. There's some enjoyable gentle downhills, maybe 2 short steep hills (as in less than 100 hundred meters) and flat. If you train for hills, you'll consider this an easy course compared to NYC which I think has similar hills but they come late in the race. Far easier than NYC, in my opinion.<br><br>
Plus I'll be there - if that ain't reason enough I don't know what is!
3 main climbs to consider - Taylor Southgate Bridge (maybe 1/3 mile followed by 1/3 mile down) in mile 1.5 or so<br>
Clay Wade Bailey Bridge in the 4th mile - similar to TS<br>
Climb to Eden Park - stair steps up a few times so not a constant grind - mile 6-8 or so<br><br>
After that you're at the highest point on the course. There's some enjoyable gentle downhills, maybe 2 short steep hills (as in less than 100 hundred meters) and flat. If you train for hills, you'll consider this an easy course compared to NYC which I think has similar hills but they come late in the race. Far easier than NYC, in my opinion.<br><br>
Plus I'll be there - if that ain't reason enough I don't know what is!
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<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/cool.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Cool"><br><br>
i never said i don't like/love hills. i am just concerned that if it was as hard as NYC (with hills late in the race.. theres nothing more demoralizing than running uphill for 1/2 a mile at mile 23 and then finishing ON A HILL), then it might not be a good choice for me, that s'all <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Smile"> its def still in the running.. pun intended <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/biggrin.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Very Happy">
i never said i don't like/love hills. i am just concerned that if it was as hard as NYC (with hills late in the race.. theres nothing more demoralizing than running uphill for 1/2 a mile at mile 23 and then finishing ON A HILL), then it might not be a good choice for me, that s'all <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Smile"> its def still in the running.. pun intended <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/biggrin.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Very Happy">
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I've had great experience with this race. I marathon PR'd here in both 2005 (first BQ) and 2007.<br><br>
In my experience, the Pig's hills are more help than hinderance. The inclines in the early bridges are negligible. There is one steady climb from miles 6-9 but after that the course is a net downhill race. The hills come early enough in the race that if you are well trained for the marathon you will have little difficulties. As PacerChris mentioned, I can attest that the early hills help to temper early pace and avoid the easy mistake of going out too fast.<br><br>
Add to fact that this race is one of the most fun and well supported events I've ever run adds to its appeal. For marathon performance, having 25 water stations (nearly one every mile) helps a runner stay well hydrated. There are literally 50 volunteers at every water station. No excuses for dehydration.<br><br>
Good luck with your choice. You can PR at the Flying Pig!
In my experience, the Pig's hills are more help than hinderance. The inclines in the early bridges are negligible. There is one steady climb from miles 6-9 but after that the course is a net downhill race. The hills come early enough in the race that if you are well trained for the marathon you will have little difficulties. As PacerChris mentioned, I can attest that the early hills help to temper early pace and avoid the easy mistake of going out too fast.<br><br>
Add to fact that this race is one of the most fun and well supported events I've ever run adds to its appeal. For marathon performance, having 25 water stations (nearly one every mile) helps a runner stay well hydrated. There are literally 50 volunteers at every water station. No excuses for dehydration.<br><br>
Good luck with your choice. You can PR at the Flying Pig!
I'm almost positive I'm doing the whole pig. At the very least I'll be doing the half if school is a b!tch.....<br>
See you all there. Jenna, will we finally hook-up to par-tay?? Greaters is on me in Clifton. Janice <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Smile">
See you all there. Jenna, will we finally hook-up to par-tay?? Greaters is on me in Clifton. Janice <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Smile">
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The hills? It's all relative.<br><br>
I kept hearing about how "bad" the hills were at the Pig. Once I ran them I was like that's it? If you're used to running hills they'll be nothing new. If you train all day where it's flat it may be tougher.<br><br>
It was my first marathon and a great weekend - one I'll never forget.<br><br>
P.S. - Having also run NYC I can say NYC is WAY harder.
I kept hearing about how "bad" the hills were at the Pig. Once I ran them I was like that's it? If you're used to running hills they'll be nothing new. If you train all day where it's flat it may be tougher.<br><br>
It was my first marathon and a great weekend - one I'll never forget.<br><br>
P.S. - Having also run NYC I can say NYC is WAY harder.
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I think I financed the building that the Graeters in Clifton is on. I'm up there all the time and always try to remember where your brother lives.<br><br>
We'll definately hook up to party. We have a hash in the afternoon after the Pig, and most of the hashers run the whole thing and then hash, so you'll have to come along. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Smile"><br><br>
It's been awhile, we're due to hang out. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Smile"><br><br>
Jenna
We'll definately hook up to party. We have a hash in the afternoon after the Pig, and most of the hashers run the whole thing and then hash, so you'll have to come along. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Smile"><br><br>
It's been awhile, we're due to hang out. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Smile"><br><br>
Jenna
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The can't have a Pig without me.<br><br>
I'm a streaker.<br><br>
By that I mean I've run all 9 of them, and I am going to sign up shortly for my tenth Flying Pig.<br><br><img alt="" src="http://i10.tinypic.com/6pk4zlt.jpg" style="border:0px solid;">
I'm a streaker.<br><br>
By that I mean I've run all 9 of them, and I am going to sign up shortly for my tenth Flying Pig.<br><br><img alt="" src="http://i10.tinypic.com/6pk4zlt.jpg" style="border:0px solid;">
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OK.....I've just signed up for #10!
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What a fine race to have such a streak. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/notworthy.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="notworthy"><br><br>
You da man, Dan. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/biggrin.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Very Happy"><br><br>
Does anyone ever tire listening to how much I love the Flying Pig? If anyone is riding the fence for their first Pig, don't hesitate. It's awesome. And you can meet DanQ at the staring line!
You da man, Dan. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/biggrin.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Very Happy"><br><br>
Does anyone ever tire listening to how much I love the Flying Pig? If anyone is riding the fence for their first Pig, don't hesitate. It's awesome. And you can meet DanQ at the staring line!
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I was signed up but injured for the first one - I till kick mself for not just jogging it (I could have done that at the time - I was recovered enough to cruise it). Other than being a spectator for the first one and running the 2004 edition as a 2 person relay (I ran the first leg and then finished up with my wife), I've been there for all of them as well. Love it - I'll have a dilemma if the Pittsburgh Marathon comes back with a Heinz Field finish on the same weekend in 2009!
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