Wow! Can you believe that race day is almost here! If you’re anything like we are, you are in the final stages of race planning, stalking the weather, deciding what to wear, and figuring out your race day strategies.
Since most of us have participated in the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run a few times before, we thought we would share our tips to help you run your best race.
Sara Suggests Wearing Layers Before The Race And Your Race Shirt After
- Wear layers. The weather this time of year is very fickle and unpredictable. The year I ran (2012) was warm enough for shorts and long-sleeve shirts but last year was 25 degrees with 40mph winds. Even if it’s a nice day, it can be breezy and cold for the 3 miles around Hains Point and down by the river. Arm warmers and gaiters are a good option for adding layers without adding bulk.
- Be patient through bottlenecks. With 10,000 runners coursing through DC’s twisty streets, you may encounter a bottleneck here and there. Be patient as you work through them, don’t let frustration burn you out. Instead, channel that energy into visualizing how you will increase pace when the field has thinned out a bit.
- Wear your medal/race shirt around D.C. This race is an institution and attracts so many people from all over the country and the world. Be proud to have been a part of it and wear your medal and/or race shirt around D.C. after the race!
Kim Has A 10 Mile Course Guide For You
- Research the CUCB race course ahead of time and visualize yourself running on it. Kim’s detailed course guide (here) is a great place to get started.
- Run down the middle of Memorial Bridge (inside lane) so you can high-five runners on the opposite side for motivation.
- Mentally prepare for miles 7-9. There aren’t many spectators and it can get windy on Haines Point. Anticipate the mental challenges and don’t let them impact your race.
- There should be 1200m, 800m, and 400m signs after mile 9 so you know when to turn on your final kick!
- There is a small hill just before the finish line – expect it and conquer it!
Adam Has A Pacing Strategy For You
I like to think of the 10 mile distance race in 3 parts: Find space and your pace (Miles 1-2), Lock it in (Miles 3-8), and Go for it (Miles 9-10).
- Find space and your pace (Miles 1-2): The goal here should be to find some open space to run your race and settle into pace. It might be crowded but hopefully you can run with others at a similar pace so you don’t feel the need to weave and waste precious energy. Once you’re comfortable, lock in that pace/effort as best you can.
- Lock it in (Miles 3-8): If you haven’t found your pace yet, now is the time to do so. With 2 miles down, you can only focus on the miles ahead of you, so you might be best served by focusing on goal effort and keeping it locked in. As you run along the Potomac (Miles 3-4) and especially headed out toward Haines Point (Miles 6-8), you’re likely to encounter some wind. Keeping the effort the same rather than trying to hit a specific pace will leave you with enough gas in the tank for the final 2 miles.
- Go for it (Miles 9-10): If you’ve managed your energy right, you’re hurting but the end is near! Now is the time to go for it and give the race whatever you have left! After rounding Haines Point, it’s a great time to mentally reset and focus on slightly picking up the pace. As you pass Mile 9, turn the dial up a little more. And don’t worry about that last little rise toward the finish, the harder you push, the sooner it will be over! Don’t forget to smile as you cross the finish line!
Elizabeth Has Ideas To Make Memories
- Remember one funny sign
- Remember one iconic blossom view
- Remember to be grateful to be a runner
Coco Says Download The App
These are great tips, but if you have more questions about race weekend logistics everything you need to know can be found on the CUCB App, which is available for Android and iPhones. From expo hours, to bib look-up, to runner tracking, you can have it all in the palm of your hands.
Have you run the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run before?
How do you plan for your best race?