welcome! I ran it last year as my third marathon. I am still very much a novice (have yet to break 5 hours). But, surprisingl those early hills werent bad for me at all. Now, the last late hill after the point where I convinced myself it would be all downhill and the highway run, did kill me. Be sure to train on hills. Maybe not huge monster hills, but rolling hills at least. For my first marathon (2006 Columbus) I trained solely on the Little Miami trail which is dead flat, and even the mild COlumbus grades got to me. For The Pig I trained on the Lebanon trail which is very hilly, and I hardly noticed the early Pig Hills.

My wife and I were just talking about Disney world. How do you like it? We have three kids and thought about making it a vacation but then started to worry about being to tired to enjoy it afterwards or wearing ourselves out before it. Plus she would probably run the half and me the full so then we would lose two days of our vacation. What are your thoughts on it?

Well........it was hot again. Maybe not as hot as last year, but I'm telling you, when that sun shows itself, it gets downright tough. I spent time at Universal and Daytona before the race and then Universal immediately after the race. I was tired but not exhausted and so very glad that I kept going after the race and didn't stiffen up. Had a couple new experiences in this race. Last year, the Disney being my very first 1/2 marathon, I was in the back of the pack and therefore had room enough to move around other runners/walkers when they took us down to one lane. This year, having shaved 2mm off my pace I was in the middle of the pace and found it diffiicult to pass people as there just wasn't enough room. It really slowed my pace ---I was a bit disappointed with how they pushed us through some narraow spots (which I didn't recognize last year.) The other thing was that the walkers, as in any race, forget to keep to the right to allow the runners to pass. No big deal I thought. Then I got to the finish, I could see the finish sign, and like most of us, increased my pace for the last 2/10 of the mile. I let a walker in front of me knoiw that I was going to pass her by telling her I was on her right. She was walking at the very edge of the left hand side. Instead of moving over, she jabbed me in the ribs with her elbow as I passed---and I do mean purposefully!!! She nabbed me a good one. I don't get why she did that since she was going to finish maybe 30 seconds behind me----It's not like either of us was going to win a medal. Talk about poor sportsmanship!! Because of the heat in Orlando --even in January-- you just have to run this race for fun. Just can't get serious about it. Since my kids are grown and gone, I will not do it again (and this time I mean it). The course is flat, so if you do decide that you want to do it, train on flat ground if you can find it around Cincinnati. You have to be at Epcot by 4:30AM, so it might be a good thing that you and your wife would run different races since you have kids. The kids I'm sure would love the parks----but beware---tickets are very pricey, but then everything is pricey around there. If you decide to seriously consider the Disney race, I have lots more input for you!!!

One more thing..... I'll be coming in for this marathon from my hometown of Pittsburgh, so any suggestions as to good hotels near the course and best vantage points for spectators would be be extremely helpful. I think my wife would like to see me more than just one time during a 3-4 hour event, then again, I could be wrong....

Try staying downtown--The Westin is nice--there are plenty of choices. That way you can walk to the start..I live just north of Cincinnati and had no problem driving in last year. So, if you cant find a downtown hotel--its not the end of the world. May even stay in Northern Ky. The best vantage points is probably near Sawyer Point..Great view of the city..and shouldnt be to tough to get around to. Its around mile 8 if I remember correctly-its the highest point on the course--and when you may be most in need of support. As far as other points..im ot really sure what is most accesible for the spectators, but Im sure others will chime in.