All posts by Elizabeth Pagel-Hogan

About Elizabeth Pagel-Hogan

Elizabeth is a writing mom on the run and was one of two Social Runners from 2012-2013. Originally from Maryland, Elizabeth now runs up and down the hills of Pittsburgh, PA, where things (like rivers) come in threes. She loves triathlons, has published three books and has three sons! She runs her own writing business and finds that a good long run is often the source of her creative ideas. Elizabeth loves being married to a great runner who was a finisher at the 2013 Boston Marathon.

Gear that Gets You Running

Uncategorized

I’m not the biggest fan of winter training.  It’s cold outside, it gets dark early, and I just want to stay inside and curl up in front of the fire with a mug of tea.  However, with the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run on the calendar for this spring, I have to make sure that I get in the miles!  It would look really bad if a Social Runner showed up completely untrained.

Though I’m a Midwesterner at heart, I have become a bit of a cold weather wimp when it comes to running outdoors.  While living in St. Louis 8 winters ago, I would go outside and run during the snow, covering every inch of my body except my eyes.  Now, I find myself on the treadmill more than I would like.

However, when I received a package from New Balance with some awesome winter weather running gear, I knew I had to try it out.  The New Balance Windblocker jacket, modeled by me in blue, is my new favorite piece of running gear.  This jacket has it all.  I keep showing it to my running friends because I love it so much.  If you follow me on Instagram, you know how obsessed I was with the sleeves while I was out on my trial run wearing the jacket.

new balance running gear

Let’s see if I can explain well.  I hate gloves.  My hands are always cold when I start a cold weather run, but they get hot really fast, so I always end up taking the gloves off within a few minutes.  For this reason, I love shirts and jackets designed to be pulled over your hands.  This jacket has what I would call a two layered hand warming option.  The inner layer is like a thick running shirt with thumbholes.  Awesome.  But then the outer sleeve is like a gator that goes over top and covers your entire hand, so your hands get the benefit of the windbreaker as well.  Then, if you’re like me, when that gets a bit warm, the gators fold up like a cuff.  This jacket is awesome!

Also, they have a little fleecy part for you to wipe your nose if necessary.  We runners are kind of gross sometimes.

The other awesome feature about this jacket?  The back dips down in the back so it covers your bum.  I don’t know about you, but when I’m out in running tights, I always feel a bit exposed.  I often put on another layer over my tights, like a running skirt or a pair of shorts, somewhat for the added warmth (my bum gets cold!) but also to cover up a bit more.  This jacket is long enough that I felt good not wearing anything over the (super comfy New Balance) tights and it was significantly more comfortable to not have on all of those layers.

Oh, and it’s water and wind resistant, so that’s awesome.  Though I’m a wimp.  If it’s that cold AND rainy, I’m probably just going to run on the treadmill.  As I did when I tried out my stylish New Balance shoes.

I love the color of these shoes.  I know, running shoes aren’t about color. They’re awesome stability shoes too, but look at them!  They’re adorable.  I actually ended up wearing a pair of these shoes around the parks at Disney World in early January, and even with all that time on my feet, these shoes remained comfortable.  I like that they offer solid support without feeling super heavy.  I’m never going to be a runner who races in racing flats, but it’s nice to have lighter shoes just the same.

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Another item that I love from New Balance is their Impact Hoodie.  This is a half zip hooded shirt with my beloved thumbholes.  In preparing to write this post, I wore it to run the Walt Disney World Half Marathon.  Unfortunately, it was way colder than I anticipated (and I really wished I had packed my jacket).  I ended up wearing it as the filling in a clothing layering sandwich, which means that I didn’t get any great shots of myself wearing it.  What I can say is that it makes a great layering item.  I think my favorite feature is the little zipper pocket on the chest, up near your collarbone.  It was perfect for my earphones while I ran (in case I decided I wanted them) and I think it will be the perfect place to stow a house key while I’m out on a run.

You know, when I do brave the cold again.

Megan Sullivan, @elbowglitter

200x200 headshot

Megan is a runner and triathlete who lives in Takoma Park, MD with two cats, who are very unimpressed by her athletic pursuits.  When she’s not at her job with the federal government or out training, she can be found singing, reading, or on the couch trapped by another Law and Order marathon.  This will be her fifth Credit Union Cherry Blossom Run.  She tweets as @elbowglitter and blogs at www.elbowglitter.com.

Runner Spotlight: Lynn MacGillivray

Running, Training, Uncategorized, , , ,
Lynn (in pink) and me (Kim) celebrating Lynn’s triumph over a strained calf during the Across the Bay 10K
Lynn (in pink) and me (Kim) celebrating Lynn’s triumph over a strained calf during the Across the Bay 10K

 

Lynn and I met during Potomac River Running 101 training in 2013. I have watched Lynn gain confidence and blossom as a runner over the last 18 months as she has tackled 5Ks, a 4-miler, and her first 10K. I am so excited to be a part of her journey as she trains for the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run – the farthest distance she has ever run. 
 
When did you begin running and why? I did not begin running earnestly until recently. Although it was something I have wanted to do most of my adult life, I never believed it was something I could do, but quietly tried and tried on my own with little progress (which only confirmed that it was something I would never do). A friend at work convinced me to join her in the PR Running 101 program which led to meeting so many inspiring women, coaches, mentors, and friends and all of a sudden running became a real option for me. Although the physical benefits are wonderful, the mental benefits, social aspects, and sense of accomplishment are what bring me the most joy.
What is your proudest running moment? Your weirdest? My proudest moment was finishing my first 10K. My weirdest / funniest was being stuck for 30 minutes on top of the Bay Bridge with a strained calf, three of my best running buddies, a very cute (young and confused) police officer and an overwhelming desire to get to the finish line.
Why did you sign up for the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run Training Program with Potomac River Running? Having done other PR training programs I could not imagine even attempting the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run without their expert training, guidance and encouragement. Having never run this distance before I am looking forward to their expertise on everything from running form, stretching, nutrition and many topics I have yet to discover.
Have you run the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run before? This will be my first 10 mile run.
What is your “why” for running the 2015 the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run? Seeing other people in the PR 101 training program progress to this race gave me the confidence to consider it as something I could do. This race quickly became THE race on my bucket list. The historical significance of the location, the time of year, and the beauty of the surroundings are just a few of things that make the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run so exciting to look forward to.
What is your goal for the 2015 Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run? To stay ahead of the sweeper; I am already having nightmares! Seriously, I really believe that after completing the PR training program I will have the confidence and tools to have what I believe will be an awesome running experience, a great time with other runners, and being it will be my first 10 mile run I am guaranteed a PR (personal record)!
Do you have a running mantra? What is it and what does it mean to you? Start slow and relax. One of the women in the Reston Runners Best Foot Forward group shared that a coach once had her write “RELAX” on her arm before a big race. I did a version of this on my next race (wrote it on my finger). As I glanced at it while running I expected to just see the word, but it became so much more. It immediately brought memories of all the hard work and training I have been putting in, but more importantly, it brought to mind all the awesome women I have met who have been inspiring, encouraging, and who believed in me even when I did not believe in myself.
If you could use only one word to express what running means to you, what would it be? Life-changing (can I use two words?)
What is your favorite New Balance running gear? My 1260v4 running shoes. Not only are they comfortable with great cushioning, they are neon orange. Although it took a couple of runs for me to notice something other than my feet, I absolutely love them!
 
What is a fun/interesting fact you learned about Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals? That it started with a 1983 telethon and was founded by Marie Osmond, John Schneider, Mick Shannon and Joe Lake.

~ Kimberly, @KimberWestrich 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.

Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run Runner Spotlight

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Susan running the Rockstar 8k in 2013. “We were told to ‘be a rockstar if we saw a photographer,’ so I rocked out with a little air guitar"
Susan running the Rockstar 8k in 2013. “We were told to ‘be a rockstar if we saw a photographer,’ so I rocked out with a little air guitar”

Susan Kolbay and I have been twitter friends for about a year and we finally met in-person this summer at the Perfect 10 race in Reston, Virginia. She blogs about her running adventures at “Socks and Skirts” – crazy socks and silly skirts keep her running! I am really looking forward to training with Susan when the Potomac River Running Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run training program kicks off on January 31st.

When did you begin running and why? I’ve run off and on since I was a kid.  When I was much younger it was just a mile at a time. In college and shortly after I ran a little bit, but nothing consistent. In 2009/2010 I started running more consistently and made a goal to get up to 3 miles. I wanted to challenge myself and I wanted a way to stay in shape. I liked the fact that I could start from my front door.
What is your proudest running moment? My proudest moment was completing my first half marathon. After I started running consistently I was challenged by a friend to complete a half marathon. A group of us met in Knoxville, TN for the race (many of them had gone to school there). I ran every single step of the race and while it was slow I was so proud to cross the finish line. That was my first time running that far!
Why did you sign up for the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run Training Program with Potomac River Running? I signed up for the training program because I would like to gain some speed and see some new PRs (personal records). Also, I would like to run with other people. The past couple of winters I have trained for the Reston 10-Miler by myself and it gets cold and lonely sometimes. I’m hoping the coaches and the other runners will motivate me to be my best and run as fast as I can.
Have you run the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run before? No, this will be my first time!
What is your “why” for running the 2015 the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run? I want to try out all of the “big” DC races. It looks like a great course and it’s fun to be part of something so big and support a great cause. I volunteered for the 2014 Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile and it looked like so much fun!
What was your volunteer experience like? I volunteered as a course marshal. I was stationed near mile 7. We were tasked with ensuring that no one took a short cut across a street. It was exciting trying to calculate what time the elite women would get to us.  The women were amazing. We saw them coming and then they were gone! They were running so fast. After that the runners were coming quickly. There were so many people and it was fun to cheer for them. We really didn’t have to worry about anyone cheating the course so we mostly just cheered. We offered as much as encouragement as we could for the runners towards the back of the pack; high-fives for anyone that needed them. I’m always inspired by people who challenge themselves. I wanted to talk to everyone and cheer for everyone. I already knew I wanted to run the race but after seeing how many people were there and how many different pace groups were represented I was even more inspired. While it’s fun to see elites racing each other I think it’s even more inspiring to see someone who is only racing themselves. Regardless of the time everyone that day went out and ran the same 10 miles.
What is your goal for the 2015 Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run? PR of course! I would like to beat my 10 mile PR which was set at the Army 10 Miler in 2012.
Do you have a running mantra? What is it and what does it mean to you? I always tell myself to keep going and finish strong. Finishing strong is the most important part to me. I’ve had good runs and bad runs and good races and bad races. I always tell myself if I finish strong it makes up for everything else. No matter how bad a run has gone if I can pull it together and finish strong I will be satisfied.
If you could use only one word to express what running means to you, what would it be? Strength 
What is a fun/interesting fact you learned about Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals? Even a small donation can have an impact. As little as $4 can provide a blanket for a baby. Combine that with another dollar and you can provide a blood pressure cuff, too. Many people could probably find $5 in loose change in their house or car and use this to make an impact in a baby’s care.
Don’t forget the =PR= Training programs begin January 31/February 1 in four locations: Ashburn, Reston, Tysons/Vienna, and DC (convenient to Arlington, Alexandria, and Rockville).  Reston participants will be coached by me, CUCB Race Blog Team member Kim and will have the opportunity to be a featured spotlight runner on the CUCB Race Blog! Sound good? Program and registration info is available here.Kimberly, @KimberWestrich

Skip the Lottery with =PR= Training or Charity Entry

Events, Training,

Have you entered the lottery for the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run? Some runners don’t mind rolling the dice for an entry, but others don’t like leaving it up to chance. One way to guarantee your entry to the race is to  register as a charity participant and raise $500 by February 28, 2015.  Or you can register for the Premium plan with PR Training!

PR Training offers excellent options for runners training for the 2015 event. If you don’t live in DC, the Virtual Training program offers email workouts and support at three levels. But runners who live in the DC area can take advantage of In-person coaching.

Here’s what you get!

  • In-person coaching guidance to help you set and meet your race goal(s)
  • A training plan for the 10-week program, customized to your level of experience
  • Twice weekly in-person workouts – one weekend longer run, and one weekday (optional) track workout
  • Guidance on workouts to do on your own during the rest of the week
  • New running friends to share the training journey with you (I made some of my closest friends in last year’s program – seriously!)
  • Motivation to get out the door (even on those cold and snowy days). There are people counting on you to be there!
  • Some fancy new gear from New Balance, the generous partner making this program possible
  • And the “premium” program includes a RACE BIB! (register by December 11th to ensure availability)
cherry blossom ten mile
Super Hero Run with PR Training

We really have fun with the training programs. You will learn a lot, make new friends, and be well-prepared for CUCB on April 12, 2015. During the summer training we kept things fun with theme runs such as a superhero run and a pirate run.

There are two levels of the PR training program, standard and premium. The standard program is $159 and includes:

  • Long-sleeve premium from New Balance. Last year we got a half zip hoodie that I wear all the time.
  • A $50 voucher good towards New Balance footwear or apparel at your local Potomac River Running Store.
  • The customized training program, in-person coaching guidance, and lifelong best running friends, as already mentioned above.

The premium program is $199. It includes everything above plus a  RACE BIB!!! There are a limited number of slots available for the premium program. Registration will be accepted on a first come, first served basis through December 11.

Training programs begin January 31/February 1 in four locations: Ashburn, Reston, Tysons/Vienna, and DC (convenient to Arlington, Alexandria, and Rockville).  Reston participants will be coached by CUCB Race Blog Team member Kim and will have the opportunity to be a featured spotlight runner on the CUCB Race Blog! Sound good? Program and registration info is available here.

Kimberly, @KimberWestrichkimwestrich blog small

Exclusive Interview with 2015 Winning Design Artist

Gear, , , , ,
Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run t-shirt winning design
Matousek and her winning design

This year’s t-shirt design was a huge hit when it was revealed at the kick-off party for the 2015 Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run.  The artist, 24 year-old Abby Matousek, grew up in Southern California before moving to Colorado.  She now lives in D.C. with two cats, Franny and Zooey, and a great group of D.C. friends.  We were very lucky to land an exclusive interview with Abby.

What’s your running background?
One of my good friends got me into running about a year and a half ago when he picked up the sport (nothing like peer pressure). Since then, I have run the MCM 10K twice, the Navy 5 miler, CUCB, and the Army 10 Miler. I grew up as a swimmer so running was a big transition for me…but now I have thrown biking into the mix and did my first triathlon in September.

What’s your favorite part of the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run?
Ha. Finishing? The 2014 CUCB was the first time I ran 10 miles and I definitely teared up with relief and happiness after crossing the finish. Also, the unofficial beer and Oreo table at mile 8 wasn’t awful. But seriously,  it is a great race, both from a course and fellow runner perspective. Hope to be a repeater for many years to come!

What was your inspiration for the t-shirt design?
Honestly, I just wanted to do something different than in previous years and try to stand out a little. I am still somewhat limited in my skill set in graphic design and just started playing around with different concepts/processes until I found something I thought I could work with. The first couple of designs were…not so great. I am not a professional artist, but I aspire to be. I have said that the CUCB artwork is my “proof of concept” to return to school for Graphic Design.

What’s your best/worst/funniest/weirdest running moment? I don’t know how appropriate this is…but in my first race (the Navy 5 miler), I was being passed by the leaders of the Air Force Half, which goes off the same day and shares the 5 miler route in places. As one of the elite men was passing…nature called. I am not even sure this is physically possible but he was able to relieve himself into the grass without breaking pace. It was one of the most talented/gross/absurd things I have ever seen.

What are your running goals?
I definitely want to do a marathon. I am hoping to get into the MCM 17.75K for entry into the 2015 Marine Corps Marathon. I think after I check the marathon box, I will be content with running a bit more recreationally to stay in shape and keep active (although, I do have the idea of an Iron Man kicking around in the back of my head).

Want to run the race and get a t-shirt featuring Abby’s winning design? Make sure you enter the lottery when it opens December 1, 2014!

2015 Kickoff Party

Events, Social Runner, , , , , , ,

It’s fall. Right now trees are turning red and brown and green and gold and warm summer weather is fading into autumn cold.

Shirt color voting at our 2014 race’s Kickoff Reception

But we’re thinking spring. We’re thinking about warm breezes and bright pink cherry blossoms. We’re can’t wait for Race Day on April 12, 2015!

This Friday, November 14, 2014 is the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run and 5K Run-Walk Fall Kickoff and T-Shirt Debut Reception! It’s the party that celebrates the 43rd installment of this annual running tradition.

This event, sponsored by The Credit Union Cherry Blossom Organizing Committee, Credit Union Miracle Day, New Balance, MilestonePod, and Potomac River Running is a sell-out event every year, just like the race.

201bar_smThe kickoff reception runs from 6:00-9:00 PM at The 201 Bar located at 201 Massachusetts Ave., N.E., Washington DC 20002. Advance registration is $15  and includes 1 drink ticket, appetizers, raffle entry, $10 Potomac River Running gift card, and a MilestonePod.

If space is available the day of, admission is $25 at the door, but this event usually sells out.

Why come to the kickoff?

✿ 25 lottery exemptions to the 2015 Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run will be raffled off between 6:30 and 8:30 PM

✿ Unveiling of the official 2015 Race T-shirt Design and meet the artist – See it here before it goes public!

✿ Vote for the 2015 race T-shirt color – potential runners the opportunity to choose the t-shirt color on which the design will be featured. The t-shirt color chosen at this event will be the same shirt that the runners of the 2015 race receive.

✿ Bid on silent auction packages and wine pull (all proceeds go to the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals)

✿ Announcement of the winners of the Social Runner Contest

✿ Enjoy music and food

✿ Meet fellow runners and coaches and connect with past, and future Cherry Blossom 10 Miler runners to share their stories and get excited about the opening of the 2015 race lottery on December 1st.

You already know the race sells out, but so does this reception. So RSVP early – see you there!

Race Recap Party!

Race Recap, Running, , , ,
lincoln memorial runners
Having fun at Mile 1

What’s better than running the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run or 5K? Reliving the fun by writing a race recap and reading other excellent race recaps!

To make the fun last a little longer, we’re hosting the first ever race recap link party here on the blog. Add your race recap here and make sure you check out the other great posts.

We want to hear from both 10 mile runners and 5K runners, veterans and first-timers, volunteers and spectators – ANYONE who has memories to share!

We’re accepting blog links until May 16, 2014, so make sure you click on the blue “Add Your Link” box.
[inlinkz_linkup id=395332 mode=1]

Happy Runner

Events, Goals, Running
happy runner
Remember all those snowy runs? Bring on the blossoms!

Are you a happy runner? This weekend, I am a seriously happy runner. In a few short hours me and my crew will be leaving Pittsburgh, PA and heading south to Washington, DC for the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run!

The 2014 race was supposed to be my comeback from my August 2013 heel fracture. But by early March I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to run this year (a familiar worry from last year’s hip injury) because I was experiencing some serious foot pain during all of my runs.  I cut back on my training. I had long talks with my coach, other running friends, my sports medicine doctor and of course myself (you talk to yourself, too, right?).  After some trial and error learned I don’t have a neuroma like I thought. I was merely landing on my foot wrong.

I’ve managed some decent long runs pain free recently, but I’m not in racing shape.  I won’t be setting any personal records on Sunday. I don’t even have a goal time in my head. (OK, I sort of do.) But I’m a happy runner ! Here’s why:

1. I am able to run. And I’m grateful for this chance.

2. I am able to run without pain. Running injured stinks.

3. Friends and family care about me and are cheering me on.

4. Friends and family care even more about kids who need care, and they helped me surpass last year’s fundraising goal! You are all amazing!

5. The blossoms will be blooming!

6. Since I’m not racing, I can relax and enjoy the course and take photos. I’ve never done that before and I am really looking forward to it.

7.  I’ll get to see some good friends down in DC.

8. New friends from Pittsburgh are also making the trek down to enjoy the Runner’s Rite of Spring.

9.  Post-race celebration. There’s nothing like the feeling of accomplishment after any good, long run.

10. I am incredibly lucky and honored to be a small part of an amazing team of bloggers, social runners and race volunteers.

See you all at the Expo tomorrow and at the starting line Sunday morning!

Time to Care: Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals

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Today’s post is from guest blogger Terry Orzechowski, Executive Director of Patient Experience and Ombudsman at Children’s National Medical Center.

Eighteen years ago, I came home from work on a summer day to find my oldest son, Daniel, complaining of chest pains. He said he felt like his heart was beating too fast. I placed my hand on his chest and found it was racing. He was seventeen years old.

I didn’t even call 911. Immediately I put him in the car and drove as fast as I could to the emergency room at Children’s National Medical Center. They had him in a bed and working on him within three minutes of our arrival. The emergency room staff allowed me to stay with Daniel until they needed to shock his heart to stabilize the rhythm, before transferring him to intensive care for further treatment. They directed me to the waiting room then.
As Daniel’s heart raced, so did my mind. My husband had just boarded a plane for business travel and had no idea what was going on. Our younger son and daughter were still at the pool and would also need to be informed, without worrying them. As I waited and worried about my son, a resident who had been in the room as Daniel was treated joined me in the waiting room. He said he knew this was scary. He said he’d sit with me until the doctors came out. I can’t remember his name, but I’ll never forget that he took time to be there with me.

Daniel was found to have Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, a heart condition present from birth that leads to increased heart rhythms. Although his case was challenging, his treatment worked well. He had a cardiac ablation, a catheterization process, and didn’t require a pacemaker or medication to keep the rhythm steady.

Daniel also had understanding doctors who worked with him that summer to monitor his heart, keeping in mind they were dealing with a teenage boy. Dan was about to enter his junior year in high school. No one that age wants to walk around with anything indicating they have a medical condition. Dr. (Jeffrey) Moak worked with him about the timing for wearing a heart monitor. He and all the staff at the hospital really treated my son with respect.

Today, Daniel is 35 years old and well, with two sons of his own.

Our experience at Children’s had a profound impact on me. So did subsequent trips to the hospital for my younger son to be treated for asthma and an immune deficiency. I wondered if I could ever be lucky enough to work for Children’s. A couple of years later, I opened up the classified ads and job listings and spotted the Children’s logo right away. I eagerly applied to be director of volunteers at the hospital, and was hired for the job. Fifteen years later, I’m now Executive Director of Patient Experience and Ombudsman.
I’ve been a parent sitting in the waiting room, waiting for test results to find out what’s wrong with my child. That’s always on my mind as I encounter other parents who bring their children to the hospital.

The experience of how parents and their children are treated at Children’s is equal to the quality of the medical treatment they receive. And that makes such a difference. They care what we know, but they also care that we care.

Daniel today, healthy and happy with his wife and two sons.
Daniel today, healthy and happy with his wife and two sons.

Become an online fundraiser and support Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals as a Credit Union Cherry Blossom runner! 

 

Go Green at CUCB!

Events, General, , ,
volunteer with recycling sign
Go green!

It’s that time again and everyone is thinking green!  Whether it’s adding an Irish folk song to your running playlist or carbo-loading with a Guinness we’re all thinking a little greener this week.

With the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile three weeks away the Greening Team will be constantly thinking green… even if it is in a slightly different sense of the word.  We know that what we do today will have lasting effects far into the future.  While we’ve made it a goal to find innovative ways to reduce reuse and recycle wherever possible, we still need your help.

So here are some easy ways to go green on race weekend:

  • Bring your own water bottle. Not only will this be environmentally conscience but you’ll be able to fly by the water stops on the course.
water bottle recycling
Recycle those empties or bring your own! 
  • Recycle water bottles and plastic wrappers. We understand that it’s not always easy to bring your own water bottle, so if you do take a water bottle at the end of the course please recycle.  Also, once you’re done with your delicious Larabar snacks those wrappers are recyclable too. We’ll have an ample amount of recycle bins and volunteers to help you dispose of your empty water bottle and other plastic wrappers. Did you know that the average time for a plastic bottle to completely degrade is at least 450 years? It can take some bottles 1000 years to biodegrade!
recycle bin
Recycle that wrapper!
  • Recycle Heat sheets. Because the spring weather is so unpredictable this year we will be providing heat sheets to our runners, so if you do take a heat sheet at the end of the course please recycle.  We’ll have an ample amount of recycle bins and volunteers to help you dispose of your used heat sheet.
recycling
Compost bins, like minions, love bananas.
  • Compost left-over food, especially banana peels. We don’t want to have any unfortunate accidents with runners slipping on banana peels!  Did you know that composting helps prevent pollution? Composting organic materials that have been diverted from landfills avoids the production of methane and leachate formulation in the landfills.  From a global warming point of view a given amount of methane is 23 times more threatening as a greenhouse gas than the same amount of carbon dioxide. So if food waste can be kept out of a landfill by composting it instead, our environment benefits!
  • Donate old shoes and clothing. It’s always a bit chilly on race morning, so don your old crazy sweats to keep you warm (you know, that rouge sweatshirt from the college you didn’t even go to!).  As you begin your race leave the discarded clothing at the side of the corral.  We’ll be collecting everything to donate to a local charity after the race.

We are working with the National Park Service, who manages National Mall and Memorial Parks (where you are running!) to really focus on environmental sustainability efforts during our events. We want to preserve the grounds we run on so that future runners and visitors can keep enjoying the monuments and cherry blossoms for decades to come.

Your number one job is to have fun and run your best race possible!  Our job is to make the race safe, fun and enjoyable for runners and spectators.  It is all of our responsibilities to work together to help preserve the environment and  ensure that many more runners get to experience the same great race in the same beautiful space in the nation’s capital.

-The Greening Team

Read more about the environmental initiatives of the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile.