Tag Archives: Credit Union Cherry Blossom Run

Runner Spotlight: Deborah Brooks

Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, Goals, Running, Training, , , , , ,
Shh...don't tell anyone Supergirl's secret identity!
Shh…don’t tell anyone Supergirl’s secret identity!

I met Deborah Brooks when I was running past a water stop during my first half marathon. She is a Moms Run This Town (MRTT) Chapter leader in McLean, VA where she has successfully raised a husband and two teens.  She currently coaches Girls on The Run and hopes that she is helping to inspire the next generation of female runners. As a lifelong vegetarian, she is passionate about healthy living and exercise. She loves to showcase her vegetarian creations each week on her “Confessions of a Mother Runner” blog’s Meatless Monday link up. You will find her running with her crew or sweating it out at the gym training for the next crazy race someone talked her into. Continue reading Runner Spotlight: Deborah Brooks →

Bring Some Good Luck to Your Race

Events, Gear, General, Running, Training, , , , , , , , ,

Good Luck Box is teaming up with the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run to bring you an extra shot of luck the week before the race. What is a Good Luck Box? It’s a selection of handpicked items from running experts to give you the edge before, during, and after an upcoming race. Boxes are tailored to the recipient and their race. In the case of the Cherry Blossom box, the contents will be specially chosen with a cherry blossom theme. Continue reading Bring Some Good Luck to Your Race →

Jen’s Sweeping Finish

Goals, Race Info, Running, Training, , , , , ,
Jen's "sweep bus selfie"
Jen’s “Sweep Bus Selfie” on the Arlington Memorial Bridge

We are privileged to be able to use the Washington Monument Grounds during the National Cherry Blossom Festival, its busiest time of the year. Our permit agreement specifies all runners will be off the course by 10:30 am. To meet this agreement, runners not maintaining a 14-minute-per mile pace (calculated from the start of the final wave) will be required to leave the course and board our sweep vehicle (if you are unsure that you can maintain this pace, you can switch to the 5k by completing this form). One brave runner shares her 2015 sweep bus experience.  Continue reading Jen’s Sweeping Finish →

Runner Spotlight: David Heyman

Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, Goals, Running, Training, , , , , ,
David after completing Havana Half Marathon in November 2015
David after completing Havana Half Marathon in November 2015

I “met” David Heyman on twitter in 2014 when we were both preparing for the Philadelphia half marathon. His twitter feed is one of my favorites & is full of insights on what’s happening in Washington, DC – everything from sports, to politics, to the metro system. He also tracks how long it takes media outlets to report breaking news, shares travel tips, and (of course) has running-related content!

Continue reading Runner Spotlight: David Heyman →

Cross-Training Ideas for Runners

Running, Training, , , , , , ,

While running is my main sport, I really love other types of fitness training too. It’s great because cross-training is really important when training for a race so I never have to completely give anything else up. Cross-training or doing other activities besides running helps build strength and flexibility, stops boredom, and prevents injury. It’s also very easy in these cold winter months to be convinced to workout indoors (where you can even wear shorts and pretend it’s not below-freezing outside!). Here are some of my favorite ways to cross-train:

20160218_CUCBblog_crosstraining

  • Yoga: I love doing hot yoga and vinyasa yoga at least once a week. It is a great way for me to warm up my muscles and focus on lengthening and flexibility while also building strength. Sometimes the classes are more about my mental wellness and a relaxing rather than being strictly a workout.

Continue reading Cross-Training Ideas for Runners →

Wanted: Generous Runners Who Know Every Second Counts

Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, Social Runner, , ,

How long will it take you to run the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run? This year, I’d love to run it in 90 minutes or less. Let’s say you finish in 90 minutes, too, and we cross the line together. That’s 5,400 seconds.

Did you know 62 children a minute enter a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital for treatment? That’s 1 child a second.

That means 5,400 children may enter a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital for treatment while we are participating in the Runners’ Rite of Spring and enjoying the view of the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and Hains Point.

Caregivers Need You

Friday, February 19 is National Caregiver Day, and that got me thinking about the parents who bring their kids to children’s hospitals. Continue reading Wanted: Generous Runners Who Know Every Second Counts →

Runner Spotlight: Jamie Seifert

Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, Goals, Running, Training, , , , , ,
Jamie tackles Marine Corps, her second marathon, with ease
Jamie tackles Marine Corps, her second marathon, with ease

Jamie and I met a little over a year ago during Potomac River Running Distance Training, but she’s the kind of person that you feel like you’ve known your whole life. Now our kids run track together, she gives me mom advice (who knew elementary school would be so hard for me to navigate?!), and comes over to run on my basement treadmill when the winter weather makes an outdoor run treacherous. Everyone should have a friend like Jamie! 

Continue reading Runner Spotlight: Jamie Seifert →

5 Ways to Stay Motivated to Run This Winter

Training, , , , ,

Running in the winter can be tough, especially if you are in an area like the Northeast or Mid-Atlantic regions where we get hit with snow, ice, and even big blizzards (Hello, Storm Jonas!). Sometimes it’s tougher to convince yourself to suit up and get out the door to stay on track with training for spring races like the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run. Here are some of my tips to make sure that I stay motivated and stick to my training plans through the winter months.
20160127_motivatedrunwinter

1.Buy the proper gear.

If you are going to be running outside in the winter make sure you have some warm-layering essentials and accessories including socks, gloves and a hat. I like to layer a tank top tucked into some cold weather long tights and layer a half zip plus a shell coat on top and finish it off with gloves and a hat or fleece headband. Keep everything by the door or laid out the night before so you aren’t scrambling to find what you need in the morning.

2. Join a local running group or make it a date.

One of my biggest motivators for getting out the door on cold, dark winter mornings is having someone to meet up with. Find a local running group that meets at specific times or make a date with a friend to go for a run. If you are meeting someone, you are far less likely to hit the snooze button and miss a run!

3.  Keep your spring goals in mind.

If you have signed up for a race like the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run or have a spring racing goal in mind, mark your calendar or print out a countdown of how many days it is until the race.  Also print out your training plan and mark off each run you complete.   Keep in mind your target race or how it will feel when you accomplish your goal every run as motivation.

4.  Have a backup plan.

Sometimes running outside in the winter may not be an option for you.  If you belong to a local gym, be prepared to complete a treadmill workout. I also like to keep a bunch of at-home strength and cardio workout DVDs and Youtube videos on hand. If I can’t get a run in I can at least do some cross-training or just switch my training schedule around for the week.

5.  Make your long runs an event.

Getting in my longer runs is the biggest challenge for me in the in winter so I like to create little rituals for myself to stay motivated.  After my weekend long runs I like to treat myself to a coffee or hot chocolate and a breakfast snack. It seems silly but having that big mug of hot chocolate and a bagel is sometimes motivation enough to get my miles for the day done.  Treat yourself to something small on your long run days, and it can be something to look forward to all week. It could also be getting a manicure or taking time to snuggle up on the couch and watch a movie you’ve been wanting to see-only after you finish your run!

 

Make Your Race Goal a Reality with =PR= Training

Training,

Are you ready to run your best race on April 3 and have fun while you are training? Did you miss out on the lottery but don’t want to miss out on The Runner’s Rite of Spring®? Read on to learn more about the Potomac River Running Training Programs presented by New Balance–including an option to get your very own Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run race bib!

PR Logo

The training programs kick-off in Reston and DC/Arlington on Sunday, January 24, and registration is still open. Continue reading Make Your Race Goal a Reality with =PR= Training →

Cherry Blossom Magic for Runners

Race Recap, Running, , , , ,

Those cherry blossoms have a powerful effect on runners. One runner shared his special story with us!IMG_2858

 

My name is Pete Thomas, and I am happy to say that Victoria Davies agreed to my marriage proposal at the foot of the Washington Monument on the day of the Cherry Blossom race. We are both public charter school teachers in Northeast DC, and I live in Noma and Vic lives in Arlington. In terms of the proposal itself, I actually ran the 10 miler with the ring zipped into my runner’s belt/fanny pack that I typically use for energy gels- I hid it behind some GU packets to be extra inconspicuous.

Once I finished the race, I unzipped my pouch and made sure that the ring was secure (it was just a little bit sweaty) and then waited to cheer Victoria on near the finish line while I hid the ring in my hand. Once she finished the race, I walked up and gave her a big hug and made sure that she got a banana and some water (it’s important to be well-nourished and hydrated before making any big decisions) and then I asked her if she wanted to go up towards the monument so that we could get away from the port-a-potties and look at the cherry blossoms. She was at first a bit more intent on getting to the metro so that we could go get brunch, but I nervously managed to convince her that we should go check out the view of the Mall and the Tidal Basin before we left.

Once we got up close to the Monument on the Lincoln side from where we could get a pretty spectacular view of the city, I finally got down on one knee with the ring and asked her to marry me. She fortunately said yes, and after a few tears, selfies, and phone calls to our moms, we took a nice walk down the mall towards home. Since then, we’ve enjoyed our spring break from school by visiting Savannah and eating lots of delicious southern food that we’ll have to work off in future ten milers! We both had a great time running the race, and we are very happy to be able to look back at this awesome DC event as part of the beginning of our future together!