I feel like a perpetual new runner. I’ve started and stopped running so many times in my life, I’ve lost count. If anyone knows how to get started running, it’s me.
I took a break from running when graduate school and working full-time became too much to add running into my schedule. After a cross-country move and settling into new job, I wanted to start running again and found that I felt like a brand new runner again. Every step felt like it was hard, breathing was an effort, even the two-mile loop around my neighborhood was too much. I had to return to the basics of when I first started running. In case you’re new to running too, I want to share some of what I have found important in my many seasons of being a new runner.Continue reading How To Get Started Running→
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→
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:
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.
Runners can be pretty passionate about running, and why shouldn’t we be? There are so many thing to love about running. We’ve tried to explain our love for running in the essays below. Why do you love running? Tell us in the comments!
Why Do You Love Running?
Lauren: I love running because, while there’s a million things you can buy for running, all you really need is a good pair of running shoes. I love running because every run is different. Sometimes it’s therapeutic, sometimes it’s fun, and sometimes it’s really challenging. It never gets dull. I love running because, while I like running races, the sport is really all about me. Me pushing myself to do my best, to work hard, and get stronger. Continue reading Our Valentine To Running→
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.
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!
Jummy at the finish line of the 2014 Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run
Does Jummy look familiar to you? If so, you probably recognize her from Good Morning Washington or ABC7 News at Noon. Jummy and I have been twitter friends for a while and have run many of the same races. We even passed each other on the course of the Army Ten Miler in 2014! We finally met in person at the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile run kickoff party last November.
When did you begin running and why? I began running in October of 2013 when I became involved with Girls on the Run (GOTR) through work. My station, ABC7, partnered with GOTR Nova on some events and I was so inspired by all of the young girls. They made me decide to take running more seriously.
What is your proudest running moment? My proudest moment has to be finishing my first half marathon, the Nike Women’s DC Half Marathon, in April of 2014. It was just 5 days after my 30th birthday.
Have you run the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run before? I ran it in 2014 for the first time! It was awesome!
What is your “why” for running the 2015 the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run? I’m running to participate in, what I believe is, one of the best races in our nation’s capital. I am a spring baby and to me there is nothing better than running along the beautiful cherry blossoms. It represents a feeling of new beginnings and a fresh start!
What is your goal for the 2015 Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run? To beat my 2014 time by 10 minutes!
Do you have a running mantra? What is it and what does it mean to you? My pace, my race! I don’t like to get caught up in how many people finish ahead of me, or even behind me. My goal is always to cross that line and accomplish what I started.
If you could use only one word to express what running means to you, what would it be? “GOAL-DIGGING”
What is your favorite New Balance running gear? I’m loving the New Balance Impact Hoodie. It’s the perfect piece to start the race with…mornings tend to be cold in early April.
What is a fun/interesting fact you learned about Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals? Its partner hospitals provide 32 million treatments each year to kids across the country! That’s awesome, what a great organization to support!
Kimberly, @KimberWestrich
Kim 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.
Did you know we’ll be running with royalty on April 12, 2015? Rainey Sewell, the reigning Cherry Blossom Queen, will be racing the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run with us!To check out the official cherry blossom events hosted by the National Conference of State Societies (NCSS), and see what all of the Cherry Blossom Princesses will be up to, like their Facebook page and follow their Instagram. You will get updates on anything and everything Cherry Blossom as well as see behind the scenes snapshots of what the Cherry Blossom Princesses and Rainey will be up to!
Rainey Sewell, in her official Cherry Blossom Queen Regalia
What are your responsibilities as the reigning Cherry Blossom Queen? My main responsibility is to host the Japanese Cherry Blossom Queen and represent America’s friendship with Japan. I had an amazing time in Tokyo because of their Queen’s hospitality. Now it is my turn to host and show off America’s nation. We will be visiting embassies, attending the White House Easter Egg Roll, speaking at many events, and enjoying the D.C. sights.
Is it challenging to juggle running with your royal responsibilities?
It can be difficult because once I’m all dressed up for an event I don’t want to get sweaty afterwards!
When did you begin running and why? I started running three years ago when I trained for my first race – the Oklahoma City Memorial half marathon. My friends were all training for it and I figured I would join the fun. Now I’m hooked and plan to run the full marathon there at the end of the month.
What is your weirdest/funniest running moment? My coworker and I once got to a 5K thinking we were twenty minutes early, but it turns out we were ten minutes late. The funny part was it took us five minutes to realize no one else was there and that it started without us.
Have you run the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run before? I ran it last year for the first time and it brought me some cherry blossom luck because I won Queen later that week.
What is your “why” for running the 2015 the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run? Spring is finally here and it is time to enjoy the weather. This is the time to enjoy D.C. and forget all the bad things we said about the city during the long winter.
What is your goal for the 2015 Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run? Have fun and enjoy it.
Do you have a running mantra? What is it and what does it mean to you? Just finish. Brunch is waiting.
If you could use only one word to express what running means to you, what would it be? Energy
What is your favorite New Balance running gear? I love their running shoes. I always buy pink shoes so I’m already ready to match the cherry blossoms that will be blooming during the ten mile run.
What is a fun/interesting fact you learned about Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals? My favorite part of CMN is how they really are “for the kids.” You don’t even feel like you’re in a hospital because there are so many colors and fun toys around you. The one in Oklahoma looks like an art museum with all the artwork and sculptures. Making the kids comfortable is the most important and CMN does a great job at that.
The Cherry Blossom Festival is under way, and in just a few days we will be lining up at the Washington Monument getting ready to enjoy The Runner’s Rite of Spring®! Whether this is your first race, your first time doing the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run, or your first race of 2015, we’d like to share our tips to help you run your best race.
Now. Download the CUCB app from the iTunes App Store or Google Play (search for CUCB or Credit Union Cherry Blossom). The app will help you get the most out of the Credit Union Cherry Blossom experience, with a schedule and maps for all weekend events, live results, real-time tracking, bib-look-up, and Run Pix results.
If you haven’t already, set your goals for the race. It’s great to have three different goals: a time/pace goal (like finishing under 90:00), an achievement goal (like running the whole way) and an ego goal (like finally take a great finish line photo).
Consider making a donation to support Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. You can donate through my donations page here or look up the donation page for another runner here.
Give a miracle!
Thursday. Elite runners have been watching their diets for weeks, but the rest of us can at least try to make healthy choices in the days leading up to the race. Make sure you are drinking enough water every day so you are fully hydrated come Sunday.
Friday. Visit the expo, which is open from 3:00 – 7:45 pm on Friday. Get your bib, your official race t-shirt, shop for more official Credit Union Cherry Blossom apparel, browse the other vendor booths and attend motivational and informational clinics. Take time to listen to the guest speakers, ask questions and get autographs. The energy of the event will get you excited for race day!
Saturday. If you didn’t go Friday, make sure you get to the expo, which is open from 9:00 am – 4:45 pm on Saturday. (There is no packet pick-up on Sunday.)
If you are from out of town, you probably will want to do some sightseeing, but don’t overdo it! You don’t want your legs to be too tired on Sunday.
Review the course maps with your spectators and decide where they should be. There are usually big crowds along Independence Avenue, but Hains Point can get pretty lonely. Make sure they know what you will be wearing so they can spot you easily to cheer you on.
Plan an early dinner. This is probably not the best time to try that new ethnic place you’ve been hearing about, but Elizabeth swears by steak with blueberry sauce from Aqua Al 2 in Eastern Market, while Natalie suggests dinner at the Georgetown waterfront.
Lay out all of your clothes and gear, from your hat and sunglasses to your socks and shoes. Make sure your GPS watch is charged, your water bottle is ready to go, and you’ve picked out any fuel you plan to carry. Remember, you don’t want to be trying anything new on race day. Even your underwear should be tried and true. Many runners go commando, but if you are more comfortable in underwear, you don’t want to find out the hard way which pair will give you a wedgie from mile 2 to mile 10. 😉
Get to bed early and make sure your alarm(s) are set correctly!
Sunday. Get up early enough to leave plenty of time to get ready and get to the race venue. Have breakfast or bring something to eat before the race.
At the race venue, take advantage of the pre-race warm-up, and scout out the finish area to plan where you will meet your family and friends. Check your bag early – it will be less stressful and give you time to relax before the race starts.
If you feel lost or confused, ask a volunteer for help! They will help point you in the right direction and ease your pre-race jitters.
Line up with your corral, and soak up the experience. There is something so moving about listening to the National Anthem at the base of the Washington Monument with 15,000 other runners.
Once the race starts, try to stay in the moment and enjoy the mile you are in! This is such a beautiful course–don’t be so focused on your pace that you forget to look around and enjoy it. It looks like the cherry blossoms could be in peak bloom this weekend, which would be spectacular!
As you approach the finish line, make sure you are smiling–no matter how hard you are pushing yourself! Pain is temporary, put race photos are forever. 😀
… and keep moving through the finish area, grab a water bottle and post for a post-race picture. If you ordered a medal, don’t forget to pick it up!
Celebrate your finish! You deserve it!
After The Race. We will be hosting a Race Recap Link-Up, so if you write about your race experience on your blog, be sure to come back here and link up your post!
~ The Credit Union Cherry Blossom Social Media Team
(Coco, Elizabeth, Kim, Malinda, Molly, Natalie)
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
Kim 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.
A few months ago, New Balance generously sent me a prize package with some amazing running gear. I’ve spent the past two months trying it out and wanted to share a few of my favorite items with y’all (in other words, everything in the box!)
Comfort, functionality and style are three of the most important things I look for in workout clothing. As the temperature continues to drop this winter, I find myself gravitating towards soft, moisture-wicking fabrics that keep me warm, but dry. My favorite items are lined with fuzzy material, not only for comfort while running, but because they double as great weekend loungewear as well!
When I pulled out the pair of Women’s New Balance NB Heat Fleece Running Tights, I first noticed how soft they are on the inside. The pants are lined with fleece, are form-fitting, and allow for flexibility and movement while running. The drawstring at the top of the pants help create a more customized fit and prevents sliding. (Great news for anyone who worries about their pants falling down in the middle of a training run or race!)
A few of my favorite pant features include the reflective strips on the sides of the legs for safety, the zippers at the bottom of the legs to let in some breeze, and the non-slip grippers lining the inside seam of the pant leg that keeps the fabric from riding up at my ankles and exposing my bare skin.
Most importantly, the pants are comfortable, fit well and allow me to focus solely on my run. Why worry about something itching or not fitting correctly when you don’t have to?
Now, let’s talk about these running shoes – first of all, don’t you love the color? They are the New Balance 1260v4 Women’s Stability and Motion Control shoe. If you’re an overpronator like me, these shoes will provide stability and cushioning with every step. I was able to choose the width and the fit of the shoe is so much better because I was able to customize it for narrow feet.
When I tried on the New Balance 1260v4’s, the extra cushioning felt like a bed of pillows. Happy feet = happy Lauren.
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.
