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!

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 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.