Training for the Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Miler is underway and I couldn’t be more excited!  I can’t wait to be back in DC for my second Cherry Blossom Run on April 3!

If you’re running Cherry Blossom and live in the DC/Maryland/Virginia area, you are so lucky to have the race course in your backyard!  You also get to take advantage of signing up for =PR= Training, which includes a training plan, weekly group runs, track workouts, and so much more!

Living in Philadelphia, I don’t have that same convenience, but in order to have the best racing experience, I have to make a few slight adjustments in my training.

If you’re traveling to the race from out of town, state, or country, here are some tips that will help you train for the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler no matter where you are!

How to Train for  the Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Miler From Afar

Here are a few tips to help you train for the big race, despite not being able to train on the actual race course.

Use a CUCB Virtual Training Program

This year there are 2 great ways that you can train for the Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Miler from afar!

New Balance Virtual Training Program

Whether you’re a new runner or a CUCB racing veteran, the New Balance virtual training plans are an excellent guide!  I’m currently  using the Intermediate Virtual Training Plan, and it’s been great!

There are specific plans for the beginner, intermediate, and advanced runner, including days for cross-training and rest.   There’s great flexibility in deciding how many miles you want to run each day as well.  These training plans will get you ready for running in DC!

And the greatest thing is that these training plans are FREE with each assignment sent to you daily via email to keep you focused and motivated.

runcoach Interactive Training Program

runcoach is another training option offered by the Credit Union Cherry Blossom this year.  With this program, you’ll receive personalized guidance on your training that adjusts to help you run your best!

This program is catered you and will assign individual paces for each run, provide cross-training workouts with video demonstrations, and  grant access to live chat with a running coach!

In addition, you’ll be able to earn digital rewards for logged miles and interact with the online community.

This personalized training program is only $15 and packs a lot of punch!

Simulate the Race Course With Outside Interactive Training

As Courtney mentioned, the CUCB race course is overall flat with one hill to climb less than a mile to the finish line.  One way to get ready is to incorporate hill training either on your typical route or add  inclines to your treadmill runs.

Better yet, you can get a virtual view of the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile course on your iPad or Android Tablet during a run on the treadmill with Outside Interactive, developed by Virtual Runner!

Check out this video to see how you can virtually run in DC!  Pretty cool, right?

Prepare for the Climate

Spring can be a very unpredictable time of the year in Washington, DC.  The weather has  typically been around 40-50 degrees, but with the weather we’ve had lately on this side of the country, you never know what will happen!

If you’re traveling to DC from a warmer climate, try taking your training outdoors in the wind and/or rain to get a better feel for cooler temperatures.

And if DC’s warmer than what you’re used to,find ways to warm yourself up when you’re running.  You can add layers of clothing or turn up the heat, whatever will help you sweat a little!  Just don’t overdo it!

Even if you are completely “prepared” for the weather, you never know what race day will bring you.  So make sure that you have fun with it!

Hopefully, these quick tips will help you with your training if you’ll be traveling to DC for the Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Miler!

Where are you traveling from for the Cherry Blossom Run, and how are you preparing for running in DC?