Heart Institute
Fit Hearts Marathon Training Program

Fit Hearts Marathon Training.
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Fit Hearts Progressive Marathon and 5K Training Program

Congratulations to everyone who completed their 26.2 mile progressive marathon! Many thanks to all who participated. We'll see you next year!

The Heart Institute and Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon invite you to take part in a progressive marathon training program designed for our HealthWorks! and Congenital Heart Disease patients ages five and up.

This seven-week training program will allow participants to complete a progressive full marathon - that’s 26.2 miles!

New this year: We are offering training for anyone wanting to walk or run the Flying Pig 5K. For details, please visit the Flying Pig 5K event page. 

Weekly Group Training Sessions

Beginning Saturday, March 18, participants will complete 3.6 miles each week through wheeling, walking and/or running. Participants will rack up these miles over a 7-week period. We will offer weekly group training sessions on Saturdays where participants can cover at least two miles each session. Participants will then complete the additional mileage on their own as they learn to incorporate physical activity into their lives each week.

The final mile of the marathon will be completed by crossing the finish line of the Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon on Saturday, May 6! Participants will receive an official event medal and other fun swag.

During training, participants will set three health goals to be addressed. Heart Institute staff will offer educational materials related to exercise, nutrition and other health topics.

Staff volunteers including Registered Nurses, Cardiovascular Technologists, Exercise Physiologists and physicians will be on site to help with each training session. All are CPR/AED certified. Additionally, family members are encouraged to train as well and will be allowed to register with the Flying Pig.

Dates and Times

The Fit Hearts Progressive Marathon and 5K Training Program includes the following dates:

  • Saturday, March 18, 2017 at 10:00 am
  • Saturday, March 25, 2017 at 10:00 am
  • Saturday, April 1, 2017 at 10:00 am
  • Saturday, April 8, 2017 at 10:00 am
  • Saturday, April 15, 2017 at 10:00 am
  • Saturday, April 22, 2017 at 10:00 am
  • Saturday, April 29, 2017 at 10:00 am
  • Saturday, May 6, 2017 at the Flying Pig!

Location

Montgomery Inn-The Boathouse Parking Lot
925 Riverside Drive 
Cincinnati, OH 45202 

Registration

Progressive Marathon Training

  • Free for patient participants
  • $15 for supporters (one supporter per participant)
  • Fees are for the Flying Pig 26th Mile

5K Training

  • $35 through March 15
  • $40 beginning March 16
  • Fees are for the Flying Pig 5K

Swag 

Participants will receive:

  • Flying Pig T-shirt
  • Flying Pig Marathon Medal
  • Other fun swag!

Frequently Asked Questions

As much as we would like for you to join us each week, we understand life is busy. The weekly walks are there for your child and you to have support and socialize while completing your marathon but it is not required that you attend each training session. The goal is to obtain 3.6 miles a week; these can be done at home or at the training sessions – or both!
If you are running a little late, that’s not a problem. A volunteer will be available to meet you when you arrive. You can leave early as needed; we just want you to get in as much activity possible during each training session. Remember: Your goal is to complete 3.6 miles each week throughout the seven weeks of training. The Saturday sessions are an opportunity to socialize and have support to complete your goals.
You should wear comfortable walking shoes and comfortable, layered clothing that will allow you to move freely and protect you from the weather. A water bottle is recommended.
You may bring a friend, sibling, parent or anyone who will help you complete your marathon. Your support person can register for the final mile at the Flying Pig Marathon. One supporter per participant.
A parent or guardian is required to be onsite. However, they do not have to participate.
The Hog Log mileage page is where you will tally both your marathon miles and check off whenever a nutrition and/or other challenge has been met for the day. There is also a kid-friendly Flying Pig Marathon Course Map so that your child can track their miles “virtually” on the real marathon course.
The Flying Pig Final Mile entry form is for your child to register to for a special Kids’ Marathon 26th Mile during the Flying Pig. This is the final mile!
Keep the Hog Log posted in an accessible place at home to engage your child (and family) to be smart, eat well and move more. Fill in weekly miles, nutrition goals and other challenges to track progress. Each smart, healthy and active choice is another step closer to establishing a healthier and happier lifestyle. Our goal is for you to maintain these healthy habits for a happy life.

No, attendance on Saturday, May 6 is not required to be a part of the Fit Hearts Training Program. If you cannot attend Saturday, May 6 or choose to complete your marathon final mile elsewhere but would like to receive a Pig shirt and medal, you can still register for the event and get the t-shirt and medal as reward for completing the marathon. Be sure to submit your completed entry form for the Flying Pig 26th Mile to yvette.gerdes@cchmc.org.

On the day of the Flying Pig, participants and supporters will meet at an onsite location one hour before the event start time. This is where you will receive your Flying Pig packets, get warmed up and rally for your final mile!

We ask that anyone participating in an official Flying Pig race register with us. Registration ensures each participant will receive their entitled shirt, medal, refreshments on the course and fun swag at the finish line. Registration also provides both the participant and the Flying Pig with proper documentation and contact information should an emergency arise. While we know some adults enjoy cheering for the kids, we understand others prefer to be with their youngsters on the course. If you choose to run with your child, please complete a entry forms for you and your child.

We will provide race day information in advance for spectators and participants to minimize confusion and maximize safety and fun. We work alongside the Flying Pig staff to ensure the Fit Heart Training Program is safe, fun and secure for the kids who have worked so hard to reach their final mile at the Flying Pig's 26th Mile. The starting line, 26th Mile course and “Finish Swine” are designed with the utmost security in mind to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for the kids and their adoring fans.

Registration

Check back in 2018 for registration details!

Contact Us

For more information, please contact Yvette Gerdes:
Email: yvette.gerdes@cchmc.org
Phone: 513-636-4703
Fax: 513-636-9280
Fit Hearts Marathon Training Program.

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