#43 Queen Bee 4 Miler

#43 was the Queen Bee 4-miler.  (As with previous races that are over the 3.1 (5k) mark, I reserve the right to use the extra .9 miles in any way I see fit.)  

This race was part of the Queen Bee Half-Marathon extravaganza over the weekend.  Likewise, the Queen Bee is also part of the Flying Pig series of races held in the spring in downtown Cincinnati.  The idea behind the Queen Bee events was to have a race that catered to women.  The merchandising is phenomenal.  Everything is purple and pink.  T-shirts proclaiming "I run this Bee-atch".  Tutus everywhere. Glitter.  Make-up and hairdos.  A fashion show during the expo.  Men are allowed to participate, however they have to start at the back of the pack and get boring grey t-shirts.

The 4 miler event is almost an after thought.  The serious runners are doing the half-marathon.  Since this is the inaugural race, it has attracted a lot of attention.  Over 3000 runners signed up.

We had to go into the Horseshoe Casino to get our packets and attend the expo. The packet pick-up was upstairs and we had to navigate the entire first floor, weaving through the slots machines and dealers.  Lots of flashing lights, bells and whistles.  It also had an inordinate amount of people who were extremely overweight.  They enthroned themselves on motorized carts and zoomed from slot machine to slot machine, constantly feeding it quarters. I can safely check the Horseshoe Casino off my list of things to see in Cincinnati as this initial trip will be my last.


The next morning, before the race starts, there is loud music playing and people are goofing off as we wait in line for the start gun.  On the top floor of the parking garage, a man emerges from the casino.  From the look of him, we can tell that he has been inside for about 3-4 days.  His clothes are...somewhat damaged..but he doesn't care.  He is dancing and the crowd is cheering him on.  He disappears behind a post, then re-appears 3 seconds later to great applause. Who knew the Casino could be so entertaining?

Back to the race.

The race started in front of the Casino, winds up Gilbert Road into Eden Park.  The route goes around the reflecting pool, further up the hill to the Krohn Conservatory, continuing straight up the hill for a total of 2 miles.  Up and up and up.

It is a Bee-atch.  Seriously.  Who in their right mind would start a race that climbs for 2 miles?

This girl.  That's who.

At the 2 mile mark, we (the 4 milers) leave the half-marathoners (suckers) and head back the way we came.  It's all downhill, baby.  Yes!  

I am making good time.  I am praying that I don't fall on the way back down the hill.  Injury at this point in the challenge would be ...bad.  We started late, so I'm trying to finish before the hour mark.  That should give me my best pace time yet.

(Stop.  Let's just think about that last sentence and try to figure out where the Lucy we all know and love has gone.  It is a mystery.)

At each mile marker are various groups that have sponsored that portion of the race.  Maria Olberding's family (from the Reggae Run last October) have sponsored mile #1.  Lots of folks in reggae wear and dreadlocks.  I'm pretty sure they had beer when we first passed by at 9 AM.

But I digress.

I finish with a good pace time, but not my best.  After the race, runners are entitled to a complimentary mimosa.  I am liking this.  We also get a free Skyline.  I opted out of that.  It just doesn't go well with champagne.

Check this Bee-atch off the list.