CTC Newsletter Ep. IV
- Kyle Klingler
- Apr 1
- 8 min read
Quote:
"The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark." - Michaelangelo
Intro:
Spring has officially arrived—well, sort of. The weather has been all over the place lately, but it’s finally starting to feel like we’ve left winter behind here in the Queen City! This past Saturday's long run was a fantastic reminder of just how close we are to the Pig. Our squad ran through Wasson Way, down to Clifton, into downtown, and back up through Eden Park, passing countless groups of runners along the way. Amazing work to everyone putting in those final touches on their training for spring races!
I started this episode with a quote that I believe will deeply resonate with many runners, particularly those who are just beginning their journey. In today’s digital world, overflowing with Strava uploads, personal records, Instagram highlights, and race results, it can be incredibly hard not to fall into the trap of comparison. I've observed how this can chip away at people’s self-confidence, leaving them feeling inadequate.
Far too often, people never uncover their true potential simply because they lack the belief in themselves to even try. So, set some ambitious goals, even ones that might feel a little intimidating. Then, commit to putting your best foot forward every single day in pursuit of those goals. What you’ll discover is that true success in running doesn’t always depend on whether or not you achieve the goal itself, but in pushing yourself to reach new heights you once thought were beyond your reach.
Hope you are a little inspired now. We have a lot going on this month as the warm weather starts to stick around. Many run clubs are starting back up again or continuing on with more events. Taper time is just weeks away and many are putting the final pieces together for the big day. Let's make it a good month.
Cincinnati Running News:
Fleet Feet Cincinnati's annual 20:12 Celebration is back on Saturday, April 12th at Washington Park! Come out for the last long run leading up to the Flying Pig (or any close spring marathon). Route's will be fully supported and marked for 3, 6, 12, and 20 miles. Find more info here: Twenty Twelve Celebration
Area 513 Run Club is back to it's regularly scheduled every-other Friday runs. They kicked off this past Friday at Pata Roja Taqueria and will be back for their next run on 4/11. Follow them on IG to stay up-to-date @area513runclub
Hyde Park Blast run and bike registrations are open! Get registered here for one of Cincy's best events and fundraisers! Run the 4-mile in the A.M. and come back in the evening for the block party and cycling/elite races! More info and registration here: https://hpblast.org/
The Hyde Park Blast Elite 5k application is also live! We're excited to partner with them to put on another epic event! Learn more about qualifications and applying here: Elite 5k
The Flying Pig Marathon races are filling up. Register now to get in on the weekend's action!
Shouting out another new group that came across my news feed: Wild Pace Society. A great running group for all paces with many events this coming month starting with a run at Daylily at 7am on 4/5. Check them out!
A heads up for an event next month. Cincy Run Club presents Cool Down Session on 5/17 at 9am at blaCk Coffee Lounge. Enjoy a run, house music, and coffee. Sounds like a great time! For more info, click the photo below:
Reminder of a local staple group run. Kick off Tuesdays with Roebling Runners at 6:20am at 1098 Monmouth St. Nothing better than a morning run to start the day!
Looking for some extra recovery? Beyond Exercise is running a Massage promotion for Buy One, Get One 25% off! Check their website or give them a call to get on the schedule! https://www.gobeyondexercise.com/
The Heart Mini put on another great event this month. Shout out to the winners of the Half Marathon: Tanner Williams and Gabby Bobadilla! Also, to the winners of the 15k: Kyle Klingler and Emily Zimmerman! Unfortunately, the 5k course was incorrectly marked and did not get completed. However, a reminder that regardless to all who may have been disappointed: you raised money for an incredible cause and helped change lives! Great job to everyone who participated and fundraised!
A downpour let loose at the start line of the Heart Mini 2025 Harvey Lewis won the Ohio Backyard Ultra completed 50 yards (208.33 miles) to become the only two-time winner of the event!
Cincy Runner Spotlight: Rick Lukin
This week's spotlight is Rick Lukin. He is the co-founder of The Performance Project, one of Cincy's biggest running groups that has a focus on providing a complete training plan experience for runner's of all abilities. He has made an immeasurable impact on countless lives of runners in this city and has quite a history of running himself. I reached out to him to grab some thoughts on running and what it's meant to him.
"What makes running so great is all of the things it can do for so many people in so many different ways. Most of us won’t ever be professional athletes, let alone pro runners. But we all have the opportunity to do the same sport on the same roads in the same races as the pros. But what I always say is there will likely always be someone faster than you and there will likely be someone slower than you. You can’t compare yourself to others…but that’s what makes it work. Literally, not comparing yourself makes it all about you. We all have good days and we all have bad days, but we ALWAYS have OUR days. And we decide how much we will put into it, how much we are willing to suffer doing it and thus, what we will get out of it…every time.
I was pretty terrible at sports when I was young, but I liked sports. I liked doing stuff and I liked being active, but it was apparent that I was going to need to find a different outlet than the typical choices. I chose the SOLO sports…cycling and running. I found comfort, but also success in the more solitary achievements offered by these options. I knew when I was successful, because I was essentially only competing against myself. I also knew when there was work to do when I had seen better days.
This led me to wanting to prove out my work in a measurable space. While starting with a several 5K’s here and there and maybe a 10K sprinkled in, I decided in 1999 I wanted to test myself against an event that honestly seemed like something totally unattainable…the marathon. With the first Flying Pig debuting in May 1999, I committed to crossing the achievement off my list in my hometown. It wasn’t fun and it wasn’t easy, but I was able to cross the finish line with an immense sense of accomplishment and a massive dose of pride. I also immediately looked at my mom and said “I’m never doing that again!” And just like every other runner ever, a couple of weeks went by and I registered for my next marathon. Every Flying Pig since and 50-something marathons later, I think I lied to my mom.
Cincinnati has a unique and deep running community and support like no other city in the world…truly. With all of the fulfilling things I have gotten from running…friendships, accomplishment, health and more, I have now had the unique opportunity to turn the joy I get from this sport into a career and a commitment to bringing these same positives to others. The Performance Project is my way to share all that I love about running with others. And if I can help even one person find the joy I have, then I am fulfilled. My greatest feeling is seeing those who share the roads with me, experience all of things that I have, but in their own unique ways. Whether on one of our training days, seeing others while I am out for a run on my own, or in a race, I have the special privilege of knowing that we can and have shared at least some of those special moments together. And given how emotional I got crossing my first finish line in 1999 and feeling those same emotions seeing OTHERS do the same, I know that I have chosen the right path."
Some profound words from Rick. What he said captures what it means to be a runner. To channel that sense of achievement into building a community and then sharing it together—that's what it's truly all about. Thank you Rick for all you've done to help build this community. Check out more info on the Performance Project here: https://www.theperformanceproject.run/
Cincy Running Historical Moment: Bill Rodgers wins inaugural Heart Mini
In celebration of the Heart Mini this past month, I explored a bit of its storied history. Established in 1978, it holds the distinction of being Cincinnati’s third longest-running race, following the Thanksgiving Day Race (1908) and the Memorial Day Race (1977). The Heart Mini debuted during the height of America’s running boom, bringing excitement by inviting some of the nation’s top athletes to compete. Among them was Bill Rodgers, widely regarded as one of the greatest U.S. distance runners of all time. His marathon-winning streak is nothing short of legendary—claiming victory at the Boston Marathon three consecutive times from 1978 to 1980, and at the New York City Marathon an astonishing four straight times from 1976 to 1979. Complete dominance!
To know that he traveled to Cincinnati to kick off this epic event during that time period is incredible. To say that he won it, is not surprising! An excerpt from Bob Ronker's blog on Bill coming to the Heart Mini:
"The race committee felt that the event needed a name runner, and through Bob MacVeigh we contacted Bill Rodgers who had won Boston several times and reached an agreement with him to participate. In the fall of 1977, a news conference was called to announce that the Cincinnati Heart Mini-Marathon would run its inaugural event in March of 1978 and that Bill Rodgers would be participating, who participated in the news conference by phone."
It's amazing that near 50 years later, the Heart Mini continues on. Shout out to Bill for being a part of it in it's debut. Some pretty incredible history here!
Strava Segment Highlight: Eden Park Overlook
Not any secret that Eden Park is one of the best views of the river and Kentucky. This nice Overlook is even in the Pig course! A welcoming view after making the ascent to get there.
Nothing better than catching a sunrise or sunset at the overlook during a run. Next time you're there, chill for a few mins and take in the view... well unless you're racing the Pig at that moment lol.
Training Tip:
My short and sweet tip this month is to do your best to not neglect sleep! As you train harder and longer, you have to recover to be able to sustain. Running can't always be the priority and sometimes there are things outside of your control, but remembering to focus on good rest is the best way to stay up-and-running!
April Local Races:
4/5 - Heartbeats For Life 5k - Lunken Playfield
4/5 - Sap Run Kennedy Heights - Kennedy Heights
4/6 - AIDS Walk/Run Cincinnati - Spring Grove Cemetery
4/12 - Big Foot Trail Run - French Park
4/12 - Donot Stop Half Marathon - Fairfield
4/12 - Evanston 5k and Wellness Day - Evanston Rec Center
4/12 - Jack and Jill Up the Hill 5k - Sawyer Point
4/12 - Rees E Price Academy Community Fun Run - Rees E Price Academy
4/13 - Fight For Air Stair Climb Cincinnati - TQL Stadium
4/13 - Matt's 5k Pursuit - Spring Grove Cemetery
4/26 - Conquer the Hill 5k - Indian Hill High School
4/26 - Incline to the Finish Line - St. Joseph Home
4/26 - Ascension - St. Joseph Home
4/26 - 5k 4 Rent - Friendship Park
4/26 - Color Dash - Lunken Playfield
4/27 - Dirt Days Trail Series Ault Park Switchback - Ault Park
4/27 - Hero Hustle - Fairfield
Outro:
Wrapping up episode 4, the vibes in Cincinnati have been high! This winter was a true grind. The treadmill long runs, snowstorms and icy sidewalks are hopefully behind us. Let's keep it rollin, Cincy!
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