Monthly Archives: March 2015

Runner Spotlight: Rob Griesemer

Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, Events, Goals, Running, , , , , , ,

Rob ran another 10 mile spring race in 2014: the Reston 10-miler
Rob ran another 10 mile spring race in 2014: the Reston 10-miler

Rob and I met during Potomac River Running Distance Training in 2014. Rob was training for the Marine Corps Marathon while I was training for the Philadelphia Half Marathon. Watching Rob run the MCM was inspirational. He showed true commitment and perseverance. And wouldn’t you know it – he ended up running the Philly Half, too!  

 
When did you begin running and why? I started running a little during my high school years. I trained for a few local 5Ks but that was really the extent of it. I then totally stopped running through college. I started gaining weight, and eventually got pretty out of shape. I couldn’t run one lap on the track without walking and wanted to change that. So I started running regularly, both as a way to get healthier and to have fun training & competing in local running events. I also set a goal at this time (mid 2012) to run a marathon within 1-2 years.
What is your proudest running moment? By far it was completing my first marathon, the 2013 Marine Corps Marathon. It’s not just one of my proudest running moments, but also one of my proudest life achievements. Training for and running a successful marathon requires hard work, dedicated training and commitment. Not many people can say they’ve run a marathon. The marathon experience is unlike any other, it’s a huge challenge both mentally and physically, the rewarding feeling of accomplishment after you complete it is indescribable.
Why did you sign up for the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run Training Program with Potomac River Running? The premium Cherry Blossom training program at =PR= running offered guaranteed entry into the race, which made signing up a no brainer for me. I didn’t win a spot in the lottery, so I was looking for another way into the race. I’ve trained with =PR= before for both of my marathons. =PR= Training is a great way to build some structure into your running life, meet new friends, learn running tips from others and really just become a better runner overall.
Have you run the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run before? I have not run it before.
What is your “why” for running the 2015 the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run? I think the Cherry Blossom Ten Miler is one of the trademark races not only in the DC area but in the entire country each year. It attracts runners from all over the world. I’ve never run it before, so I am definitely looking forward to experiencing the race firsthand. I’ve run most of the course before during the Marine Corps Marathon or in training (I’m local to the DC area) so it should be awesome running a familiar route with all the crowd support and beautiful scenery in DC.
What is your goal for the 2015 Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run? It’s hard to have a strict time goal in a race this big; sometimes you can get caught up in a big crowd and end up running off your goal pace. My main goal will be to complete the race successfully and healthy. My time goal which I’ll train for will be around a 1:15 but who knows, if my training goes better I might end up shooting for a faster time.
Do you have a running mantra? What is it and what does it mean to you? My running mantra is “Just run.” I’ve never regretted going on a run. Rolling out of bed extra early in the morning can be so difficult, but I’m always so glad I did it afterwards. Same with signing up for a race that might scare you; I ran my first half marathon in 2013 and I was so nervous for the training and didn’t know if I could do it. If you take small enough steps and do the training properly, it’s really quite simple as long as you keep reminding yourself to “just run.”
If you could use only one word to express what running means to you, what would it be? Determination
What is your favorite New Balance running gear? I’ve used New Balance shoes in the past and have always had a good experience. I go through a number of pairs of running shoes every year and will probably look into getting another pair of 1080v4’s. They’re a fairly neutral lightweight shoe which seems to work for me very well.
 
What is a fun/interesting fact you learned about Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals? That they have raised over $5 billion over the course of their history (since 1983). That’s a very impressive accomplishment for a great cause. It’s great to see quality organizations like them sponsor and partner up with runners/running events.
Kimberly, @KimberWestrich

kimwestrich blog smallKim has been running off and on for 25 years, but only recently got serious about figuring out how to keep that switch turned on. The secret for her is a broad and supportive running community through Potomac River Running Training Programs, Moms Run This Town, Reston Runners, and followers of her blog, Kim Runs Miles With Smiles. Kim will be coaching the PR Cherry Blossom Training Program at Reston in 2015 and is excited to share her enthusiasm for all things Cherry Blossom, which was her first BIG race in 2014. When she isn’t running, she is tackling the nation’s health care issues in her job as a health care services researcher for a non-profit association.

The hardest part of running?

Uncategorized
Running on treadmills can be hard!
Running on treadmills can be hard!

What do you think is the hardest part of running? For beginning runners, I often hear that people struggle to just keep going. Usually that means they’ve started too fast. When I talk to more experienced runners, the hardest part of running might be dealing with overuse injuries that inevitable pop up at the worst times, like right before your big race. For moms like me, the hardest part of running could be finding the time to fit in a good long run! Especially during the winter when it gets dark early and the roads are icy, fitting my run into my daily schedule is tough.

Those are all hard parts of running. But we get by them and keep putting one foot in front of the other. And we keep signing up for races and setting new goals.

In one month, I’ll be running – hopefully racing – one of my most favorite races of all time, the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run. I can’t wait! I love this race!! And I am so excited because this year, my training is going very smooth and I’ve managed to keep my schedule balanced. And (knock on wood) I’m injury free.

But now we come to the hardest part of running… what do you think it is?

The hardest part of running: asking people for donations to support our chosen charities.

Running for ourselves is good. But running for others is great. Pushing yourself to go a little harder, a little faster, a little longer can happen when you think about the struggles other people face.

I like to push myself. So I set a higher fundraising goal than last year. It’s an ambitious goal, but I believe I can do it. And just like I rely on my friends to help me run, I need your help to help me reach this goal.

I’m not going to ask you to run 10 miles with me. I’m not even going to ask you to do 10 push-ups. But I am going to ask you to donate $10.

Donate to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Make a donation for all the times running was hard but you did it anyway. Make a donation for a child you love. Make a donation for all of the families that are facing much harder things and don’t have the option to slow down, pull over and take a rest. Because no matter how hard running is, the things they are facing are harder.

Elizabeth, @epagelhogan

epagelhogan blogElizabeth is a writing mom on the run and was one of two  Social Runners from 2012-2013. Originally from Maryland, Elizabeth now runs up and down the hills of Pittsburgh, PA, where things (like rivers) come in threes. She loves triathlons, has published three books and has three sons! She runs her own writing business and finds that a good long run is often the source of her creative ideas. Elizabeth loves being married to a great runner who was a finisher at the 2013 Boston Marathon.

Runner Spotlight: Marsden

Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, Running, Training, , , ,
After this race, Marsden noted that it turned out there was neither beer, nor was he almost there
After this race, Marsden noted that it turned out there was neither beer, nor was he almost there

I started following the mysterious Running Lonely on twitter last year when we were both training for the 2014 Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run. His self-deprecating tweets and blog posts intrigued me. Since then, “Running Lonely” has revealed that his name is Marsden, shared a selfie, and introduced us to the adventures of his friend, the solar-powered pig.

 
When did you begin running and why? I started running in junior high because they made me. However, I kept running because it never ceases to challenge me (which is a polite way of saying running keeps kicking my butt, but I keep running anyway).
What is your weirdest/funniest running moment? Almost all my running moments qualify, but when I dropped my keys at the start of the Houston Symphony 10K the sight of three thousand runners coming at me as I went back and picked up my keys is pretty funny; well it’s funny two decades later. It helps that I was so mortified that I ran away as fast as I could and set a personal best in the 10K that day.
Have you run the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run before? Yes, I ran it in 2014 and I used it as a springboard to my first marathon, first ultra, and by the end of the year, my first 24 hour race.
What is your “why” for running the 2015 the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run? The race is the unofficial start to spring for me and it’s great to go out and run and put winter in the rear view mirror.
What is your goal for the 2015 Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run? To knock 5 minutes off my time from last year. I can’t believe I just said that on a blog that people actually read.
Do you have a running mantra? What is it and what does it mean to you? “Please don’t die.” When you get to be my age, you will understand what it means.
If you could use only one word to express what running means to you, what would it be? Complicated.
What is your favorite New Balance running gear? I use the New Balance 624 for cross training, to wear with jeans, and when my boss is out of the office, as dress shoes.
 
What is a fun/interesting fact you learned about Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals? That for the price of my morning latte, a donation can provide one baby blanket in the NeoNatal and Infant Critical care unit.

Kimberly, @KimberWestrich

kimwestrich blog smallKim has been running off and on for 25 years, but only recently got serious about figuring out how to keep that switch turned on. The secret for her is a broad and supportive running community through Potomac River Running Training Programs, Moms Run This Town, Reston Runners, and followers of her blog, Kim Runs Miles With Smiles. Kim will be coaching the PR Cherry Blossom Training Program at Reston in 2015 and is excited to share her enthusiasm for all things Cherry Blossom, which was her first BIG race in 2014. When she isn’t running, she is tackling the nation’s health care issues in her job as a health care services researcher for a non-profit association.

Spring Fever!

General

Can you believe that the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run is just four weeks away? It’s been a long, cold winter, but spring is coming, and the cherry blossoms won’t be far behind. In fact, the National Park Service announced its prediction for the peak bloom dates, and they fall right around race day!

Hains Point Cherry Blossoms

I’ve always struggled with the Hains Point portion of the course, but if the trees look like this on race day, I think they would lift my spirits!

The spring weather is a reminder to start thinking about what you want to wear on race day. The race shirt design is fantastic, but it may not be the best option. First, you shouldn’t wear something new on race day. Second, some runners think it’s bad luck (or bad form?) to wear a race shirt until you’ve actually finished. Perhaps most importantly,  because a lot of people will wear the race shirt, wearing it yourself will make it hard for your friends, family and fans to pick you out and cheer you on!

It’s usually 40-50 °F at race time, which I consider perfect for running. It can feel pretty chilly before the start, though, so I like to dress in layers, wearing a t-shirt and shorts under a throw-away sweatshirt and sweatpants I can leave at the starting line. Arm warmers are another popular option, and are much easier to take off mid-race than a long-sleeve shirt or jacket! I usually race in compression socks or sleeves, and already have a pair in cherry blossom pink!  A hat and sun glasses are other essentials that are easy to forget when you head out at dawn.

If you need more help figuring out what to wear, our sponsors Potomac River Running and New Balance have lots of good ideas and great options for race day gear.

~ Courtenay
Follow me on Twitter and Instagram and check out my blog, Running With Perseverance

Are you ready for spring?

How is your training going?

Runner Spotlight: Molly Barrie

Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, Events, Running, Training, , , , , , ,
Molly, in blue, embodies the “community” spirit of running – even in her race pictures!
Molly, in blue, embodies the “community” spirit of running – even in her race pictures!

 

I met Molly through the Women’s Training Program, a running/walking program coached by women, for women. Molly is the director of this amazing program and she has inspired and motivated countless women, including me! If she had a motto, it could be “no woman is left behind” – she makes sure everyone feels welcome and has someone to run or walk with, no matter their pace.  
 
When did you begin running and why? In 2002, shortly after I completed cancer treatment, my brother Brian was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He was a marathon runner, and due to his illness, he couldn’t run his annual 26.2. My sister suggested we run it for him. To humor her, and thinking it was a plan we would never execute, I said “Sure!” Then we discovered the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training program and realized we could raise money toward curing Brian’s disease while achieving our/his marathon goal. There was no backing out after learning that!
What is your proudest running moment? Crossing the finish line of the 2003 Marine Corps Marathon was exhilarating. Brian told us to hold a little back so we could finish strong and I think I did him proud. I actually passed people! And how many people start their racing career with a marathon? But my proudest moment came when heading back to the metro afterward. A participant was walking in front of me with her shoe untied. Not only was I able to bend over to tie it for her, I stood up again with no help!  26.2 and still moving!
Have you run the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run before? 2015 will be my first Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run. I hope it won’t be my last!
What is your “why” for running the 2015 the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run? Running through Washington DC is a thrill no matter what time of year. Running through Washington DC with 15,000 fellow running enthusiasts under the cover of fluffy pink clouds must pretty close to heaven. The race is so well known and well-loved that it was on my “must do” list
What is your goal for the 2015 Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run? I am not fast enough to win, so my race goals are always the same. Have fun and finish strong. I would love to finish the 2015 Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run in 1:50 or less with at least one person behind me and a smile on my face.
Do you have a running mantra? What is it and what does it mean to you? I don’t really have a running mantra, but I keep an internal conversation going with myself most of the time. Take it out slow. Breathe. You can do this. I thank the race volunteers and cheer on anyone having a tough time. I ask volunteers if they think I will win. Their reactions are priceless. I high-five anyone who offers their hand and laugh with the people holding the best signs.  It keeps me going until the finish line.
If you could use only one word to express what running means to you, what would it be? Community. I participate in twice-weekly group runs from Potomac River Running in Reston. On the weekends, I run with a Reston Runners group we call the BFFs for Best Foot Forward. And in the spring, I coach the Reston Runners Women’s Training Program. So yes, community sums up running to me. There is nothing more affirming than running with people who accept you, support you and push you when you need it.
What is your favorite New Balance running gear? I have been admiring the Bright Cherry Impact Capri. Cherry Blossom race. “Cherry” capri. I think it works!
 
What is a fun/interesting fact you learned about Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals? I love the fact that many colleges use dance marathons to raise funds. Lots of funds. Indiana University’s Dance Marathon brought in over $2.6M in 2013. That’s a lot of boogie woogie!

 

Kimberly, @KimberWestrich

kimwestrichKim has been running off and on for 25 years, but only recently got serious about figuring out how to keep that switch turned on. The secret for her is a broad and supportive running community through Potomac River Running Training Programs, Moms Run This Town, Reston Runners, and followers of her blog, Kim Runs Miles With Smiles. Kim will be coaching the PR Cherry Blossom Training Program at Reston in 2015 and is excited to share her enthusiasm for all things Cherry Blossom, which was her first BIG race in 2014. When she isn’t running, she is tackling the nation’s health care issues in her job as a health care services researcher for a non-profit association.

Runner Spotlight: Carol Shuford

Goals, Running, Training, , , ,
Carol Shuford at the finish line of her fourth Ironman in Wisconsin
Carol Shuford at the finish line of her fourth Ironman in Wisconsin

I met Carol last year when we ran in a birthday race to celebrate our mutual friend Gina. Gina and Carol make up two-thirds of the triathlete group known as “Team Rabbit”. All of their blog posts are rhymes! Carol is also a “streaker” – 2015’s Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile run will be her 17th consecutive race.

 
When did you begin running and why? I began running in1998. I always had in the back of my mind that I wanted to do a marathon. I happened across a pamphlet about a training program for the Marine Corps Marathon, so I filled out the information and mailed (yes, mailed) it in. That was my first race. 
What is your proudest running moment? My proudest moment was completing my first 50 miler this past October at the Can Lake50 in Canandaguia, NY. And the fact I am willing to do another one this year!
What is your most memorable running moment? My most memorable was the very first time I donned my bunny ears as a member of Team Rabbit. It was the marathon portion of Ironman Lake Placid. As I started off on my 26.2 miles a spectator proclaimed: “your ears are on backwards!” I realized then and there that people noticed these ears! It became a game to see how many crazy comments Team Rabbit could get from wearing the ears!
Have you run the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run before? I have definitely run the Cherry Blossom race before! This year will be my 17th in a row!
 
What is your “why” for running the 2015 the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run? I run it because I don’t know how to stop! Ha ha! Also I’ll bet my running mojo for the whole year would probably be off if I didn’t participate.
 
What is your goal for the 2015 Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run? My goal at this moment is to finish the ten miler feeling good!
Do you have a running mantra? What is it and what does it mean to you? A running mantra is constantly reminding myself to run my own race and not worry so much about what the others around me are doing.
If you could use only one word to express what running means to you, what would it be? Running to me means SANITY!
What is a fun/interesting fact you learned about Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals? It was amazing to me that one child every second enters a Children’s Miracle Network sponsored hospital for care. Clearly an organization that needs and deserves our support!
Kimberly, @KimberWestrich

kimwestrich blog smallKim has been running off and on for 25 years, but only recently got serious about figuring out how to keep that switch turned on. The secret for her is a broad and supportive running community through Potomac River Running Training Programs, Moms Run This Town, Reston Runners, and followers of her blog, Kim Runs Miles With Smiles. Kim will be coaching the PR Cherry Blossom Training Program at Reston in 2015 and is excited to share her enthusiasm for all things Cherry Blossom, which was her first BIG race in 2014. When she isn’t running, she is tackling the nation’s health care issues in her job as a health care services researcher for a non-profit association.

Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run Charity Ride at Biker Barre

Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, Training, Uncategorized, Volunteering, , , , , , ,

What’s up with this weather, huh?  Not very conducive to outdoor training!  Good news – I’ve got a great way for y’all to keep up your cardio without stomping through the snow and ice: spinning!

children's miracle network hospitals
Give a miracle!

So, here’s the exciting news: I’ve teamed with Biker Barre to host a Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run Charity Ride!  With a $14 donation to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (classes at Biker Barre are normally $22 per class!) you will get a seat in the class, a 2015 Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Race t-shirt, a great cross training workout, and best of all, you’ll sweat for a great cause!

Spinning is a wonderful cross training workout, whether you’re training for your next race, or recovering from one.

  1. Spinning adds variety to your workouts.
  2. Spinning is low impact and will give your joints a break.
  3. Spinning will help you strengthen muscles that you don’t use as much when you’re running.

I started spinning as a way to maintain my cardio after developing an injury from my first marathon.  Spinning was a welcomed change – and it only took a few weeks before I learned to love it.  Three years later, I’m an avid spinner and instructor, sharing my love for the bike at a local studio in Capitol Hill: Biker Barre.

The Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals is a non-profit international organization that helps to treat millions of children across the U.S. and Canada.  Every dollar that you donate will support research and training, and will pay for uncompensated care that saves and improves the lives of as many children as possible.

You want in?  Great!  Here are the details:

  • Date: Saturday, March 7th
  • Time: 1PM-1:45PM
  • Where: Biker Barre: 738 7th Street SE, Washington, D.C. 20003 (The closest metro stop is Eastern Market Metro.  There is also street parking available.)
  • How to reserve a spot in the class: The only way to reserve a spot is to email info@bikerbarre.com with the subject line ‘Cherry Blossom Run Charity Ride” and tell them you would like to reserve a bike with Lauren R.  They will send you an email confirmation of your reservation, as well as a link back to this site so you can donate.  Please make sure to email info@bikerbarre.com BEFORE donating to ensure you get a spot in the class.

More details about the ride:

  • Never been to Biker Barre? That’s ok! The only thing we will need from you is to sign our liability waiver. You can do this ahead of time by creating an account online here and click on the ‘sign-up’ link at the top of the page (you do not need to sign up for a class, just create an account.)  Every rider must sign this waiver.
  • Already been to Biker Barre?  You’re all set 🙂
  • Arrival Time: Plan to arrive fifteen minutes before the class. You will need time to sign in and set up your bikes.
  • What to Bring: Just bring water – we’ve got the towels for during and after class!
  • What to Wear: Wear comfortable workout clothes. Try to avoid pants that are too loose and flowy. Normal workout-appropriate sneakers will work just fine.
  • To Donate: Donating online is safe and easy! To make an online donation please click the “Support Me” button on the top of this page.
  • Question: Please email me!

Nervous to try your first spin class?  Don’t be!  Here are some tips to help you feel more prepared.

Lauren Rice CUCB BlogLauren is a midwesterner-turned-DC-transplant who still geeks out every time she runs down The National Mall.  She is happiest with her camera in hand and loves to cook up delicious recipes for her food blog, Just a Pinch (www.justapinchblog.com).  When not crunching numbers as a non-profit financial analyst, Lauren is teaching spinning, running the streets of Capitol Hill with her lab, Gus, or continuing her studies towards becoming a Registered Dietitian.  This will be her third Credit Union Cherry Blossom Run and she’s got her eyes on a PR!  Follow her adventures on Twitter + Instagram.

Tips for Spectators

Race Info, , ,
This post isn’t for the runners. It’s for all of the parents, spouses, friends, loved ones and strangers who want to cheer on the 15,000 runners who will hit the streets on April 12 at 7:30 a.m. for the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run  – thank you.
Hilda and Denis DiBlasio are not runners. But they are the best parents I could ever ask for and they were up before the sun on the day of my first marathon, Rock ’n’ Roll USA, and came back down to Washington, D.C. to cheer me on at the Marine Corps Marathon this October. It doesn’t take a runner to make a fabulous supporter, all it takes is being there. For a runner, having your cheerleaders’ support means the world when you’re out on the race course.
cherry blossom spectators
Signs of a good time!
It might seem daunting, but as you spectate, it gets easier. My parents have gone from struggling to decipher a race course map to showing up with what I think you’d agree are award-winning signs. “Toenails are overrated!” or “This seems like a lot of work for a free banana” and a pretty fabulous giant photo of my cat with the word RUN on it – just to name a few.
But if this is your first time spectating, here are some tips to make your day of cheerleading for your favorite runner at the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run!
Make a plan. Take a look at the course and talk to your runner about when they could use some support. Pick key locations or mile markers that don’t involve crossing the race course to move between. If you’re positioning yourself near a mile marker, pick a spot 100-200 yards after the actual marker. This gives your runner a chance to register that you’re located nearby and they can start looking for you.
Tell your runner what you’ll be wearing. Chances are, they will see you first. It’s a lot easier for them to spot you in a crowd if they know where to expect you. Meanwhile, you’ll be scouring a constant stream of thousands of runners who all look the same. Let’s face it – we are all opting for in-season neon.
Pick your spots. So where should you go? Study the race map. Looking to stay close to the start and finish? Hang around the Tidal Basin. You can catch runners on their way out, as they come back during mile 5 and still have time to get to the finish. Want the most bang for your buck? The Lincoln Memorial should be your go-to. You’ll see runners come past at mile 1, shortly after mile 2 and looping back after mile 3 giving you plenty of time to head to the finish to try to snag a photo. If you’re up for a hike – head on down to Hains Point on East Potomac Park. This three mile stretch that falls between miles 6 and 9 is a rough one and every cheerleader makes a differences as runners come through the windy turn and push it on home. You can plan to see your runner shortly after the 6 and 9 mile markers if you plan it right.
Cherry blossom map
Pick your best spot
Take public transportation. Take an awesome 10 mile race, add in Cherry Blossom season and top it off with D.C. traffic and parking and you have a transportation-tastrophe waiting to happen. Just stick with the metro. It opens at 5 a.m. on race day and the Smithsonian metro stop (on the Orange and Blue lines) is only about a quarter mile from the race start and finish. Other possible stops include L’Enfant Plaza (Blue, Orange, Green and Yellow Lines), about .8 of a mile from the start; Metro Center (Red, Orange and Blue lines), about .9 of a mile from the start; or Archives (Green and Yellow lines), about .9 of a mile from the start. There is also bicycle parking available.
Bring snacks for yourself. Runners have aid stations to rely on for fuel along the way – but you’ll be standing and walking for a good chunk of time. Take care of yourself! Keep an eye on the weather, charge your phone and bring some snacks and water – you’ll need it after all that cheering.
Download the Cherry Blossom Race Day app – but have a back up plan. Unfortunately, in large crowds, cell phones can lose service. That means runner tracking might not work. Even the best race planners can’t account for service carriers being overwhelmed. I had no issue with cell reception last year – but still, know your runner’s expected pace so if service is poor  you still have an idea of where he or she will be.
Cheer loudly, but don’t say “you’re almost there!” I know it sounds nice, but closing in on the finish, runners do an insane amount on math in their heads. Even though being 11/13ths through the last mile might sound close to being finished to you, for a runner, the hardest part might still be ahead. Don’t mess with the mental system. Unless you’re at a mile marker, steer clear of announcing any remaining distances.
Have a finish line plan. Runners who just pushed themselves to the limit for 10 miles aren’t always the best at improvising on the spot (but they are great at waddling around in circles or laying on the ground) – so it’s best to make a plan ahead of time. Pick and landmark that’s not too close to the finish and meet there.
Lastly, know what a difference you make. Running is hard work, but putting up with a runner can be just as hard. We know our smelly laundry, grumpy tapers and ravenous I-must-eat-everything-in-the-house-because-today-was-long-run-day stints take a toll on our loved ones, but that fact that you still come out to cheer us on means the world. So from all CUCB runners to you – thank you! And enjoy the cherry blossoms.
Natalie,@ndiblasio

nataliediblasio blog

Natalie started running in the second grade and hasn’t stopped since. In her day job, she is a reporter on the breaking news team at USA TODAY. In the way-too-early mornings and shouldn’t-you-be-exhausted-by-now evenings she’s busy running, practicing yoga at her favorite studio, acting as President of the American News Women’s Club or writing for Run Washington, HalfMarathons.net and Runner’s Breakfast. Natalie is a chronically starving marathoner, loud laugher and wannabe triathlete in training for her first half Ironman in June.