Racing the Queen City: My Flying Pig Marathon Experience

My recent trip to Cincinnati for the Flying Pig Marathon was a whirlwind of great conversations, unexpected logistical hurdles, and a deep dive into the history of the "Queen City." Here’s a look back at the weekend.

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The Journey and the People

The trip started on a high note with a flight featuring two fascinating co-passengers. I met Karl, a technically adept tech lead at Zillow from Ohio, and Karla, a Portland resident working in the hydroelectric energy sector. Discussing tech and infrastructure at 30,000 feet was a refreshing way to kick off the weekend.

Fun Fact: The Cincinnati airport is actually in Kentucky! The Ohio River serves as the majestic dividing line between the two states.

Pre-Race Exploration

I stayed at the Radisson on the riverfront, which was perfectly situated close to the start line at Rosa Parks St. On Saturday, I headed to the expo to pick up my bib. While the architecture is beautiful, I opted for a short cab ride rather than walking across the bridge due to the high winds and a pedestrian path that didn't feel extensive enough for a pre-race taper.

Saturday was a sports fan's dream as both CSK and Arsenal registered emphatic wins. Post-game, I visited the Cincinnati Art Museum. The lush park and views outside were breathtaking, but the artifacts inside stole the show—from the incredible Damascus Room and a rare dancing Gnanasambandar to modern greats like Van Gogh and Monet. I also spent time learning about the city's history; it was largely formed by German and Irish immigrants, which explains the prevalence of various "Haus" names throughout the city.

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Race Day: Highs, Lows, and 26.2 Miles

The Morning Scramble: Despite the pre-race jitters and little sleep, I made the "cardinal error" of not booking an Uber overnight. Luckily, a group of ladies at the Radisson graciously offered me a lift. Due to road closures, I still had to walk the bridge mid-way to reach the Section E start line.

• The Start: I began at a breakneck speed, averaging 8:50 to 9:20 until the half marathon mark by following pacers and tailing fast individuals.
• The Middle: I settled into a decent rhythm, chatting away with a fellow racer named Makenna, a dentist from Kentucky.
• The Wall: Everything was fine until Mile 23. Mild cramps forced me to walk for a bit—a mistake that killed my pace and rhythm. I eventually huffed and puffed across the finish line with a time of over 5 hours.

Why the "Pig" Flies High

The organization was top-notch—major props to local giants like Kroger, P&G, and GE. This was the first time I saw volunteers offering wet towels, tissues, mints, and even cookies along the course. The local support was so loud and encouraging that I didn't even listen to my AirPods; I was fully immersed in the vibes.

The weather was perfect: cool and windy early on, turning into beautiful sunshine for a finish along the stunning riverfront with views of the riverboats and bridges.

Final Verdict: I highly recommend this marathon! Staying close to the course was a great decision for a cheap and quick Uber, and the food options—Mexican, Thai, and Mediterranean—were all fantastic. Check out my photos on Strava!

Thank you, Cincinnati, for the hospitality.

This was a satisfying 5th marathon for me - https://strava.app.link/OxNu1giIQ2b

Holistic pillars of good life

**Holistic Approach to Health and Longevity** Health and longevity are multifaceted goals best approached holistically. Here's how: **1. Fasting and Calorie Deficit**: Intermittent fasting not only aids in weight management but also enhances cellular repair and reduces inflammation. Whether fasting or not, maintaining a calorie deficit helps manage weight, but this should be balanced with nutrient-dense foods to meet essential nutritional needs. **2. Cold Exposure**: Regular exposure to cold, such as cold showers or ice baths, can boost metabolism and improve circulation. It’s also known to enhance mental resilience and reduce inflammation. **3. Quality Sleep**: Prioritizing sleep is crucial. Aim for 7-9 hours to allow your body time to repair and rejuvenate, impacting everything from cognitive function to physical health. **4. Muscle Building and Cardiovascular Workouts**: Strength training builds muscle mass, which is vital for metabolic health and longevity. Complement this with cardiovascular workouts to enhance heart health, increase stamina, and boost overall well-being. **5. Balanced Nutrition**: Regardless of fasting or dieting approaches, a balanced intake of nutrients is essential. Focus on whole foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support bodily functions. **6. Happiness and Social Connections**: Happiness is amplified by a strong social circle. Engaging in community or volunteering can foster a sense of purpose and belonging. Activities that promote relaxation, such as spirituality or hobbies, and keeping the mind engaged with productive work, also contribute significantly. **7. The Healing Power of Nature**: Spending time in nature can reduce stress, boost mood, and enhance overall well-being. Regular exposure to green spaces is beneficial for mental and physical health. **8. Family Bonds**: Family should be a priority. Foster these relationships by being present, setting aside devices, and practicing mindfulness. Acts of consideration, selflessness, and willingness to compromise build stronger, healthier family bonds. Incorporating these elements into your lifestyle fosters a more balanced, fulfilling life, enhancing both health and longevity.

Power of few words

### The Art of Saying Less: Why Concise Communication Matters In today's fast-paced world, it's often more effective to speak only when necessary and keep your words few. Lengthy speeches, even when delivered with passion, can alienate your audience. They might not share your enthusiasm, time, or perspective, which can lead to misunderstandings or worse, a skewed perception of you. Here's why it's crucial to be concise: 1. **Respect for Time**: Everyone's time is valuable. By speaking briefly and to the point, you show respect for your listener's schedule and attention span. 2. **Clarity and Impact**: Fewer words often convey a message more powerfully. Brevity ensures that your key points stand out, making your communication clearer and more memorable. 3. **Avoiding Misunderstandings**: Lengthy explanations can sometimes confuse rather than clarify. Keeping it short reduces the risk of misinterpretation. 4. **Maintaining Interest**: Long-winded discussions can become boring. A concise approach keeps your audience engaged and interested. 5. **Professionalism**: In professional settings, clear and concise communication is often seen as a mark of efficiency and intelligence. Remember, it's not the quantity of words that matters, but the quality and relevance. So, next time you feel the urge to embark on a passionate monologue, pause and ask yourself if it's truly necessary. Your listeners will thank you.

Fathers day wake up call

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/itsprashantdesai_fathersday-childhood-health-activity-7208679956732649472-jxkO?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_android

Altruism

In today's world, giving more to our community and neighbors has never been more important. Altruism isn't just about grand gestures; it's about the little things we do daily to nurture the bonds around us. Volunteering your time and energy can create a profound impact that money simply can't match. Whether it's helping a neighbor with groceries, spending time with local kids, or assisting elderly relatives with chores, these small acts of kindness can make a world of difference. By investing in our community, we build a network of support, trust, and mutual care. As we step into this year, let's focus on giving our time and energy to those around us, ensuring that our community thrives through our collective efforts. Altruism maybe hard but inherently rewarding.

New habits

Habits Formation: Incorporating cold showers and doctor-prescribed vitamin supplements, along with intermittent fasting and personal time, can lead to positive changes. Consistently practicing these habits for 21 days helps establish them as neural network-based habits. 🌟

Huberman lab

If you're looking to improve your overall health and well-being, look no further than the Huberman Lab. This cutting-edge podcast offers a wealth of knowledge and resources on topics such as dopamine, cold therapy, sleep, deep metabolism, and intermittent fasting. Science made simple is the ethos at the Huberman Lab, making complex topics easier to understand and implement in your daily routine. Whether you're a seasoned health enthusiast or just starting out on your wellness journey, you're sure to find valuable information that can benefit you. So why not take the plunge and dive into the world of the Huberman Lab? You won't regret the time spent expanding your knowledge and gaining new tools to improve your day-to-day life. Trust me, it's worth the investment for your well-being.

IF results

After six months of following an intermittent fasting regimen, the results spoke for themselves. Not only did I experience an eye-catching weight drop of 30 pounds, but my metabolic panel also had some remarkable changes. My A1c level, which measures average blood sugar levels over a period of time, dropped from 5.9 to 5.5. This was a significant improvement and showed that my body was processing glucose more efficiently. Additionally, my LDL/HDL ratio was at a healthy 2, indicating a good balance of "bad" and "good" cholesterol. My triglyceride levels were at an impressive 50, which is well below the recommended range. These results made me realize that intermittent fasting is not just a fad diet but should be considered the norm for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. With these positive changes in my metabolic panel, I am more motivated than ever to continue my journey with intermittent fasting and set new goals for myself. I m considering going OMAD next. I will keep you posted on my progress as I work towards achieving these goals. Let this be a testament to the power of intermittent fasting and its ability to improve not just weight but overall health.