Cincinnati running
Through Running, Scot Finds Joy
Guest post
This past weekend in Cincinnati, Scot Howell was one of thousands who lined the streets, participating in the 20th annual Flying Pig Marathon. Everyone has their own purpose for their long hours of training and mental preparation that culminates in a 26+ mile run. Scot shares why he does it and why this marathon is a personal passion of his.
by Scot Howell
“The Flying Pig Marathon-Cincinnati Organizers asked me why I run. My reply was simple, I run to overcome depression. Looking back though, I 
see that as a cop-out. My depression, along with a couple other diseases are alive and well, dark and powerful. Does running defeat that? No. But it helps.
When I walked my neighborhood thinking I was being healthy, my friend Chris believed in me enough to challenge me to my first 5k. He stayed behind me cheering me on while pushing his daughter in her stroller. That taught me to support others in the running community. My friends Jim, Edward, Jeff, Kim, & Rick took me on a 10k that was all hills. I was third to last, coming in ahead of an octogenarian and a pregnant lady pushing a double stroller. That taught me a couple things. First, to be humble and grateful for the ability to run. Secondly, to make hill training a big part of my runs (and with some pride I admit that I climb hills now without challenge). On my first 10k, my neighbor Brian passed me slowly and steadily, losing me without effort. That taught me to train, to want to grow, to be better.
This was my third full Flying Pig Marathon. When I ran my first full Pig, I was angry and resentful for miles 1-4. All these people lined the course, but they weren’t there for me. No one was there for me. I hate this, I thought. All these people cheering and I hate me. You can see, the disease (s) are quite powerful. What I’ve been taught was that a spiritual experience occurred. A voice in my head fueled by that tingling you feel in your gut, somewhat like a nervousness shouted, “they’re all here for you!” I smiled and wept. Guided by a power greater than I, the entire run was the greatest experience of my life.
When I run I do what I’ve learned from everyone else. I take out my earbuds for each performer I pass because I appreciate their effort. I congratulate everyone wearing a first timer or streaker bib. If we pass each other again I tell them again. When I receive nutrition and hydration I say thank you. I throw my trash in the can versus the ground. You shouldn’t have to clean up after me. (Amusing side note: I was 4 for 26 in making the trash can so many volunteers still had to clean up after me.) I thank people for dressing up, such as Santa with the sign “I believe in you”. I thank fan zone folks, such as the Alzheimer’s Association with the sign “run like the PTO chair is chasing you to volunteer”. That one was this PTO dad’s favorite, btw.
Some years back I chose to travel a short path in life. It wasn’t far, about a dozen steps. Taking that route has made me understand some things about my life. One is that I am where I’m supposed to be when I’m supposed to be there. As I approached the 26 mile flag I knew the timer was near to measure our final mile. I walked out the pain, massaged my quads, said a quick prayer then resumed my run. This wouldn’t be a slow mile, having been beat down by distance and a head full of ill thoughts. I ignored my legs and my knees, one quick hill as we passed the Boathouse. I noticed someone staying with me. She had on the familiar “first marathon” bib. I congratulated her. She thanked me and shared with me her excitement. I wept behind my sunglasses feeling so happy for her. I knew that feeling. Also knowing the crowds get thick and loud at the end I had removed my earbuds. Nothing feels so good as to feel that much energy. We chatted in short breaths. She was so excited and proud. As we passed fans, I yelled to them she was a first timer, to make some noise. They responded loudly each time. She thanked me. I crossed the finish before her and got to see her face as she completed her first marathon. It was amazing. I congratulated her, gave her a bottle of water and thanked God for the opportunity. I was there with her as He would have me and I got to see so much happiness and excitement. There is no greater gift in life.
Why do I run? A three word answer certainly cannot suffice. I run because I want to live and I want to be Happy, Joyous, and Free. I want to be all the things others have taught me to be. Today I am, it’s tomorrow I want. I truly appreciate every single human who helped, cheered, performed, sent kind words, high fives, hugged, and supported me and all the runners this year. With all of you, the sunlight of the Spirit keeps my darkness away and today is great day.”
Nonprofit ‘Girls On The Run Of Cincinnati’ Builds Strengths
Just think about it as Can University – a place where girls learn that they CAN. No limits. No constraints. Only opportunities to be remarkable.
And for 10 years, more than 10,000 local girls have grown physically; in confidence; character values; teambuilding and life skills through this great learning think tank.
Also known as Girls on the Run of Cincinnati, it is part of an international non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of young girls in grades 3 to 8. Its 12-week programs (one in the fall and one in the spring) combine exercise with positive education and encouraging role models. Meeting at various locations twice a week, each 75 minute lesson incorporates running and walking games, as well as teaching participants about healthy eating, leadership, setting 
goals, cooperation and other age-appropriate topics. The culmination has the girls participating for their very own 5K run/walk.
Megan Folkerth is making a difference.
This fall will be the 11th race in which she has volunteered for the organization. Since 2009 she has served on the Race Committee, coordinated the running buddies and been one (an adult matched with one of the girls to run together in the 5K), and a SoleMate fundraiser.
A long distance runner herself having completed 15 marathons, five ultra marathons, various other races and in training now for a 100 mile trail race, Megan understands the value in reaching within yourself. “It is a huge sense of accomplishment when you push yourself to attaining a new goal,” she told me.
Why is Girls on the Run important to her? “I think about the struggles you go through as a young girl and how awesome a program like this would have been for me years ago. We are helping these participants to grow up and be successful and lead a healthy life.
“My greatest satisfaction though comes from watching them cross the finish line and finish something they did not think they could do 12 weeks ago, and knowing 
my efforts contributed to that success. It just makes you feel great.”
It is an afterschool program – girls meet twice a week at their site with a head coach and assistant coach. There is a lesson and a running component. Lessons vary from body image to self esteem to anti-bullying. Different element of curriculum each time and big celebration is 5K.
Megan has helped organize a bone marrow drive with the Flying Pig Marathon. She coaches in a running group and done some volunteer work with MS.
She has been running – first half marathon in 2007. She has done 15 marathon, various halfs and others, 5 ultra marathon (50K or over and usually trail races). Why does she run? She works in the health field and this is a huge component to leading an active life. Sense of accomplishment to push self to attain a new goal.
How can you help?
Girls on the Run relies on volunteers to work directly with its girls and coach its programs. In addition to coaching, there are several other volunteer opportunities including: race day event volunteers, office support volunteers, SoleMates participants, committee members and various other projects. There are also group volunteer opportunities for corporations or organizations.
SoleMates are adult runners who pledge to raise money for Girls on the Run while training for their own races. With the program costing about $160 per girl, these fund raisers have an important role in ensuring everyone who wants to participate will have that opportunity.
