For the past few months, we’ve been doing our best to motivate, encourage and inspire you to run your best race for The Runners’ Rite of Spring®. Now it’s your turn to share your race weekend experiences with us!
If you ran with us this weekend–or volunteered, or spectated–we want to hear about your experience. Whether it was your first time or your fifth, whether you ran 5k or 9.??, link up your blog post below or share your story in the comments.
It was the first time since 2007 that the blossoms were peaking on race weekend!
We’ll be keeping the link up open through April 30, so go ahead, take your Epsom salt bath or ice bath, get a massage, and bask in the glory of a race well run–and then come back and tell us all about it.
Jen finishing “Run With Santa,” her 11th 5k for 2014
Jen and I met during Potomac River Running 101 training in 2013. She ran her first race ever just days after I met her. She was nervous but determined. Then, in 2014 she set a goal to race 40k before she turned 40. She met and exceeded that goal, and in 2015 she has her mind set on conquering new distances – ten miles under the Cherry Blossoms (and I predict a half marathon won’t be far behind)!
When did you begin running and why? I began running in the summer of 2013. I started earlier in the year with walking/hiking on the Reston trails, trying to be more active. It was a natural (and a very surprising!) evolution.
What is your proudest running moment? The proudest is probably when I finished my very first race – the 2013 Dulles Day 5k: On the Runway. I was scared to death for days leading up to the event and kept doubting my ability. The second proudest was the 2014 =PR= Birthday Bash. It was hot, humid and the most miserable I’ve ever been while running. I came in dead last, but I never gave up! Can I have a third? Actually, this ties with first place for my proudest moment. I set a goal for 2014 to run 40k by 40 – eight races by August. I completed that goal a month early and surpassed it with a total of 11 5k races for the year.
Why did you sign up for the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run Training Program with Potomac River Running? =PR= is awesome! The coaches’ passion for running is contagious. And skipping the lottery is certainly a bonus.
Have you run the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run before? Nope.
What is your “why” for running the 2015 the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run? Who wouldn’t want to run on such a beautiful course? This race will take me to the next level in my training and running it will be an incredible reward for all the hard work leading up to it.
What is your goal for the 2015 Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run? To finish strong while enjoying every single step.
Do you have a running mantra? What is it and what does it mean to you? Don’t trip. 🙂 You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great. I came across this quote at the beginning of my journey and it fit perfectly. It’s stuck with me and is the perfect reminder that I am great!
If you could use only one word to express what running means to you, what would it be? Awakening
What is your favorite New Balance running gear? =PR= training participants received $50 New Balance gift certificates, and I’ve got my eye on the Glow Beacon Jacket.
What is a fun/interesting fact you learned about Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals? I had no idea that 1 in 10 kids are helped each year. That’s a lot of healing, good job Children’s Miracle Network!
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.
Rob ran another 10 mile spring race in 2014: the Reston 10-miler
Rob and I met during Potomac River Running Distance Training in 2014. Rob was training for the Marine Corps Marathon while I was training for the Philadelphia Half Marathon. Watching Rob run the MCM was inspirational. He showed true commitment and perseverance. And wouldn’t you know it – he ended up running the Philly Half, too!
When did you begin running and why? I started running a little during my high school years. I trained for a few local 5Ks but that was really the extent of it. I then totally stopped running through college. I started gaining weight, and eventually got pretty out of shape. I couldn’t run one lap on the track without walking and wanted to change that. So I started running regularly, both as a way to get healthier and to have fun training & competing in local running events. I also set a goal at this time (mid 2012) to run a marathon within 1-2 years.
What is your proudest running moment? By far it was completing my first marathon, the 2013 Marine Corps Marathon. It’s not just one of my proudest running moments, but also one of my proudest life achievements. Training for and running a successful marathon requires hard work, dedicated training and commitment. Not many people can say they’ve run a marathon. The marathon experience is unlike any other, it’s a huge challenge both mentally and physically, the rewarding feeling of accomplishment after you complete it is indescribable.
Why did you sign up for the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run Training Program with Potomac River Running? The premium Cherry Blossom training program at =PR= running offered guaranteed entry into the race, which made signing up a no brainer for me. I didn’t win a spot in the lottery, so I was looking for another way into the race. I’ve trained with =PR= before for both of my marathons. =PR= Training is a great way to build some structure into your running life, meet new friends, learn running tips from others and really just become a better runner overall.
Have you run the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run before? I have not run it before.
What is your “why” for running the 2015 the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run? I think the Cherry Blossom Ten Miler is one of the trademark races not only in the DC area but in the entire country each year. It attracts runners from all over the world. I’ve never run it before, so I am definitely looking forward to experiencing the race firsthand. I’ve run most of the course before during the Marine Corps Marathon or in training (I’m local to the DC area) so it should be awesome running a familiar route with all the crowd support and beautiful scenery in DC.
What is your goal for the 2015 Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run? It’s hard to have a strict time goal in a race this big; sometimes you can get caught up in a big crowd and end up running off your goal pace. My main goal will be to complete the race successfully and healthy. My time goal which I’ll train for will be around a 1:15 but who knows, if my training goes better I might end up shooting for a faster time.
Do you have a running mantra? What is it and what does it mean to you? My running mantra is “Just run.” I’ve never regretted going on a run. Rolling out of bed extra early in the morning can be so difficult, but I’m always so glad I did it afterwards. Same with signing up for a race that might scare you; I ran my first half marathon in 2013 and I was so nervous for the training and didn’t know if I could do it. If you take small enough steps and do the training properly, it’s really quite simple as long as you keep reminding yourself to “just run.”
If you could use only one word to express what running means to you, what would it be? Determination
What is your favorite New Balance running gear? I’ve used New Balance shoes in the past and have always had a good experience. I go through a number of pairs of running shoes every year and will probably look into getting another pair of 1080v4’s. They’re a fairly neutral lightweight shoe which seems to work for me very well.
What is a fun/interesting fact you learned about Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals? That they have raised over $5 billion over the course of their history (since 1983). That’s a very impressive accomplishment for a great cause. It’s great to see quality organizations like them sponsor and partner up with runners/running events.
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.
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.
Molly, in blue, embodies the “community” spirit of running – even in her race pictures!
I met Molly through the Women’s Training Program, a running/walking program coached by women, for women. Molly is the director of this amazing program and she has inspired and motivated countless women, including me! If she had a motto, it could be “no woman is left behind” – she makes sure everyone feels welcome and has someone to run or walk with, no matter their pace.
When did you begin running and why? In 2002, shortly after I completed cancer treatment, my brother Brian was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He was a marathon runner, and due to his illness, he couldn’t run his annual 26.2. My sister suggested we run it for him. To humor her, and thinking it was a plan we would never execute, I said “Sure!” Then we discovered the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training program and realized we could raise money toward curing Brian’s disease while achieving our/his marathon goal. There was no backing out after learning that!
What is your proudest running moment? Crossing the finish line of the 2003 Marine Corps Marathon was exhilarating. Brian told us to hold a little back so we could finish strong and I think I did him proud. I actually passed people! And how many people start their racing career with a marathon? But my proudest moment came when heading back to the metro afterward. A participant was walking in front of me with her shoe untied. Not only was I able to bend over to tie it for her, I stood up again with no help! 26.2 and still moving!
Have you run the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run before? 2015 will be my first Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run. I hope it won’t be my last!
What is your “why” for running the 2015 the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run? Running through Washington DC is a thrill no matter what time of year. Running through Washington DC with 15,000 fellow running enthusiasts under the cover of fluffy pink clouds must pretty close to heaven. The race is so well known and well-loved that it was on my “must do” list
What is your goal for the 2015 Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run? I am not fast enough to win, so my race goals are always the same. Have fun and finish strong. I would love to finish the 2015 Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run in 1:50 or less with at least one person behind me and a smile on my face.
Do you have a running mantra? What is it and what does it mean to you? I don’t really have a running mantra, but I keep an internal conversation going with myself most of the time. Take it out slow. Breathe. You can do this. I thank the race volunteers and cheer on anyone having a tough time. I ask volunteers if they think I will win. Their reactions are priceless. I high-five anyone who offers their hand and laugh with the people holding the best signs. It keeps me going until the finish line.
If you could use only one word to express what running means to you, what would it be? Community. I participate in twice-weekly group runs from Potomac River Running in Reston. On the weekends, I run with a Reston Runners group we call the BFFs for Best Foot Forward. And in the spring, I coach the Reston Runners Women’s Training Program. So yes, community sums up running to me. There is nothing more affirming than running with people who accept you, support you and push you when you need it.
What is your favorite New Balance running gear? I have been admiring the Bright Cherry Impact Capri. Cherry Blossom race. “Cherry” capri. I think it works!
What is a fun/interesting fact you learned about Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals? I love the fact that many colleges use dance marathons to raise funds. Lots of funds. Indiana University’s Dance Marathon brought in over $2.6M in 2013. That’s a lot of boogie woogie!
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.
Carol Shuford at the finish line of her fourth Ironman in Wisconsin
I met Carol last year when we ran in a birthday race to celebrate our mutual friend Gina. Gina and Carol make up two-thirds of the triathlete group known as “Team Rabbit”. All of their blog posts are rhymes! Carol is also a “streaker” – 2015’s Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile run will be her 17th consecutive race.
When did you begin running and why? I began running in1998. I always had in the back of my mind that I wanted to do a marathon. I happened across a pamphlet about a training program for the Marine Corps Marathon, so I filled out the information and mailed (yes, mailed) it in. That was my first race.
What is your proudest running moment? My proudest moment was completing my first 50 miler this past October at the Can Lake50 in Canandaguia, NY. And the fact I am willing to do another one this year!
What is your most memorable running moment? My most memorable was the very first time I donned my bunny ears as a member of Team Rabbit. It was the marathon portion of Ironman Lake Placid. As I started off on my 26.2 miles a spectator proclaimed: “your ears are on backwards!” I realized then and there that people noticed these ears! It became a game to see how many crazy comments Team Rabbit could get from wearing the ears!
Have you run the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run before? I have definitely run the Cherry Blossom race before! This year will be my 17th in a row!
What is your “why” for running the 2015 the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run? I run it because I don’t know how to stop! Ha ha! Also I’ll bet my running mojo for the whole year would probably be off if I didn’t participate.
What is your goal for the 2015 Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run? My goal at this moment is to finish the ten miler feeling good!
Do you have a running mantra? What is it and what does it mean to you? A running mantra is constantly reminding myself to run my own race and not worry so much about what the others around me are doing.
If you could use only one word to express what running means to you, what would it be? Running to me means SANITY!
What is a fun/interesting fact you learned about Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals? It was amazing to me that one child every second enters a Children’s Miracle Network sponsored hospital for care. Clearly an organization that needs and deserves our support!
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.
This post isn’t for the runners. It’s for all of the parents, spouses, friends, loved ones and strangers who want to cheer on the 15,000 runners who will hit the streets on April 12 at 7:30 a.m. for the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run – thank you.
Hilda and Denis DiBlasio are not runners. But they are the best parents I could ever ask for and they were up before the sun on the day of my first marathon, Rock ’n’ Roll USA, and came back down to Washington, D.C. to cheer me on at the Marine Corps Marathon this October. It doesn’t take a runner to make a fabulous supporter, all it takes is being there. For a runner, having your cheerleaders’ support means the world when you’re out on the race course.
Signs of a good time!
It might seem daunting, but as you spectate, it gets easier. My parents have gone from struggling to decipher a race course map to showing up with what I think you’d agree are award-winning signs. “Toenails are overrated!” or “This seems like a lot of work for a free banana” and a pretty fabulous giant photo of my cat with the word RUN on it – just to name a few.
But if this is your first time spectating, here are some tips to make your day of cheerleading for your favorite runner at the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run!
Make a plan. Take a look at the course and talk to your runner about when they could use some support. Pick key locations or mile markers that don’t involve crossing the race course to move between. If you’re positioning yourself near a mile marker, pick a spot 100-200 yards after the actual marker. This gives your runner a chance to register that you’re located nearby and they can start looking for you.
Tell your runner what you’ll be wearing. Chances are, they will see you first. It’s a lot easier for them to spot you in a crowd if they know where to expect you. Meanwhile, you’ll be scouring a constant stream of thousands of runners who all look the same. Let’s face it – we are all opting for in-season neon.
Pick your spots. So where should you go? Study the race map. Looking to stay close to the start and finish? Hang around the Tidal Basin. You can catch runners on their way out, as they come back during mile 5 and still have time to get to the finish. Want the most bang for your buck? The Lincoln Memorial should be your go-to. You’ll see runners come past at mile 1, shortly after mile 2 and looping back after mile 3 giving you plenty of time to head to the finish to try to snag a photo. If you’re up for a hike – head on down to Hains Point on East Potomac Park. This three mile stretch that falls between miles 6 and 9 is a rough one and every cheerleader makes a differences as runners come through the windy turn and push it on home. You can plan to see your runner shortly after the 6 and 9 mile markers if you plan it right.
Pick your best spot
Take public transportation. Take an awesome 10 mile race, add in Cherry Blossom season and top it off with D.C. traffic and parking and you have a transportation-tastrophe waiting to happen. Just stick with the metro. It opens at 5 a.m. on race day and the Smithsonian metro stop (on the Orange and Blue lines) is only about a quarter mile from the race start and finish. Other possible stops include L’Enfant Plaza (Blue, Orange, Green and Yellow Lines), about .8 of a mile from the start; Metro Center (Red, Orange and Blue lines), about .9 of a mile from the start; or Archives (Green and Yellow lines), about .9 of a mile from the start. There is also bicycle parking available.
Bring snacks for yourself. Runners have aid stations to rely on for fuel along the way – but you’ll be standing and walking for a good chunk of time. Take care of yourself! Keep an eye on the weather, charge your phone and bring some snacks and water – you’ll need it after all that cheering.
Download the Cherry Blossom Race Day app – but have a back up plan. Unfortunately, in large crowds, cell phones can lose service. That means runner tracking might not work. Even the best race planners can’t account for service carriers being overwhelmed. I had no issue with cell reception last year – but still, know your runner’s expected pace so if service is poor you still have an idea of where he or she will be.
Cheer loudly, but don’t say “you’re almost there!” I know it sounds nice, but closing in on the finish, runners do an insane amount on math in their heads. Even though being 11/13ths through the last mile might sound close to being finished to you, for a runner, the hardest part might still be ahead. Don’t mess with the mental system. Unless you’re at a mile marker, steer clear of announcing any remaining distances.
Have a finish line plan. Runners who just pushed themselves to the limit for 10 miles aren’t always the best at improvising on the spot (but they are great at waddling around in circles or laying on the ground) – so it’s best to make a plan ahead of time. Pick and landmark that’s not too close to the finish and meet there.
Lastly, know what a difference you make. Running is hard work, but putting up with a runner can be just as hard. We know our smelly laundry, grumpy tapers and ravenous I-must-eat-everything-in-the-house-because-today-was-long-run-day stints take a toll on our loved ones, but that fact that you still come out to cheer us on means the world. So from all CUCB runners to you – thank you! And enjoy the cherry blossoms.
Natalie started running in the second grade and hasn’t stopped since. In her day job, she is a reporter on the breaking news team at USA TODAY. In the way-too-early mornings and shouldn’t-you-be-exhausted-by-now evenings she’s busy running, practicing yoga at her favorite studio, acting as President of the American News Women’s Club or writing for Run Washington, HalfMarathons.net and Runner’s Breakfast. Natalie is a chronically starving marathoner, loud laugher and wannabe triathlete in training for her first half Ironman in June.
The dress code at my office is usually “business casual,” but some Fridays we have a “Jeans Day” where we can wear jeans to support a charity. This week I am sponsoring Jeans Day and accepting donations for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals through my Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run donations page.
Making a $5 donation for the simple pleasure of wearing jeans to work can help defray costs like these:
$0.42 for one Wee Pee sized diaper, for neonates weighing less than 800 grams. ($150.48/1 case, case=360 diapers)
$0.50 for one Preemie sized diaper, for neonates weighing up to 4 pounds.
$1.08 for one Size 1 blood pressurecuff for the smallest children.
$4.00 for one baby blanket in the Neonatal and Infant Critical Care Unit.
That’s right, one $5 donation can cover 10 Preemie sized diapers! And when it’s this cold outside, who can resist making a donation that would cover the cost of a baby blanket?
If you are allowed to wear jeans to work on Friday (or if you work at home and set your own dress code!), I’d love it if you would join my Jeans Day and support Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals through my donations page here. If you can’t wear jeans but still want to participate, you could wear cherry blossom pink instead.
If you have a friend who has entered the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run as a charity participant you can look up their donation page here. This Saturday, February 28, is the deadline for reaching the minimum fundraising goal, so your donation now could really make a difference!
I’m challenging my fellow Credit Union Cherry Blossom Social Runners and Bloggers to make a donation through their own pages if they can wear jeans to work on Friday. 😉
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.
Stan Stevenson, Philadelphia’s (self-proclaimed) Favorite Son
I’ve known Stan since our halcyon school days at the College of William and Mary. He is married to my Kappa Delta sorority big sister, Nita, so he is practically family to me. I do try to overlook the fact that he is from Philly and roots for teams like the Eagles and the Flyers. Stan has an acerbic wit and his facebook page is always good for a laugh or two.
When did you begin running and why? Probably summer of 2010. One morning it hit me that just stealing one of those “13.1” car magnets would not be as personally rewarding as actually doing a race and then stealing one of those “13.1” car magnets. Also, I am completely “over” walking.
What is your proudest running moment? Competing in the Citizens Bank Park Spartan Sprint Race while wearing a polo shirt from Hollister. I don’t think that has ever been done before but I am still seeking confirmation from race officials.
Have you run the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run before? No. But I have written out the full name of the race in cursive handwriting before so that’s something.
What is your “why” for running the 2015 the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run? Twenty years ago I left Washington DC as an idealistic Georgetown Law School graduate ready to change the world. Now I return as a beaten down cynic with cooler sneakers. Also, somebody said something about a finisher medal.
What is your goal for the 2015 Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run? To completely nail my race day outfit and get just one semi-flattering race day photo.
Do you have a running mantra? What is it and what does it mean to you? My running mantra is that running is 87% mental, 46% physical and 33% improving your math skills.
If you could use only one word to express what running means to you, what would it be? Walking-but-harder.
What is a fun/interesting fact you learned about Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals? That they have raised over $4 Billion with a B to help people since first created. That’s awesome.
~ 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.
If you ran with us this weekend–or volunteered, or spectated–we want to hear about your experience. Whether it was your first time or your fifth, whether you ran 5k or 9.??, link up your blog post below or share your story in the comments.
