Category Archives: Social Runner

Tips for Training for the CUCB Ten Miler!

February 2, 2016Social Runner, TrainingTrainingCourtney Carter

Happy February! Before we know it, the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Miler will be here! I thought this was a good time to talk through some training tips as we all prep for the big day.

This year will be my fourth year running the CUCB and each year, I’ve picked up a few more tips on how best to train for the race. I hope you all will find these helpful as you move forward with your training.

Get ready to run with {lots of} friends. The CUCB Ten Miler is a VERY popular race and if you are not used to running larger races, you might find yourself thrown off your game during the first mile or so. Don’t let this happen to you – prepare mentally for a somewhat crowded start and resolve to use that first mile to settle in. Each year that I’ve run, my first mile has been my slowest. Don’t let that bum you out – it’s the perfect way to try and negative split the race (negative split = run the second half faster than the first).
Check out the course map (including the elevation chart). You’ll note that the course takes you through a pretty scenic route – you will start and end at the Washington Monument, go over the Memorial Bridge and run through Rock Creek Park before heading around the Tidal Basin towards Hains Point. If you are paying attention, you can see numerous other monuments, memorials and museums while racing. While looking at the elevation chart, you’ll notice that this is a really flat course. It’s great to try and push it for a PR, because it’s so flat. There is one teeny (extremely teeny) hill at the very end of the race, but it is so close to the finish that you can ignore the pain and finish strong.
Prepare mentally for Hains Point. The last couple miles of the race take you through Hains Point. Hains Point is flat, isolated and many runners nightmare. There isn’t a ton of crowd support because it’s isolated and it can feel like it stretches on forever. However, you can be prepared to not let Hains Point take you down! The best thing about it is that once you reach Hains Point, the end is near. Take advantage of the quiet and the flat portion of the course to concentrate on slowly increasing your pace for a strong and fast finish. I like to just put my head down, run hard and push it in. Once you start hearing the crowds again, you’ll have made it through Hains Point and be pushing up that last tiny hill. Don’t let Hains Point defeat you – own it and you will have a great race!

What are your tips for CUCB newbies?

A few of my favorites from New Balance

February 21, 2015Gear, Social Runner, TrainingCredit Union Cherry Blossom Run, fun, Gear, New Balance, Running, Social RunnerElizabeth Pagel-Hogan

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 Rice, @LaurenLatelyDC

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.

2015 Kickoff Party

November 12, 2014Events, Social Runnercharity, Credit Union Cherry Blossom Run, fall kick-off, fun, Inspiration, lottery, Social Runner, t-shirtElizabeth Pagel-Hogan

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.

The 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!