Tag Archives: Credit Union Cherry Blossom Run

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.

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

Lottery MFAQ

General,

QsToday is the first day of the 2015 CUCB entry lottery! The first year that I managed the CUCB twitter and facebook pages I felt like I was asking the race committee a million questions, all day long, from Fall Kickoff through the day the finish times became official. Going into my third year, I’ve learned the ropes and am starting to predict (with surprising accuracy!) just what the very Most Frequently Asked Questions (MFAQ) will be for each event leading up to the race. I’ve shared my predictions for the lottery MFAQ below. Did I guess yours? If not, we may have it on the full lottery FAQ. If I did, I’d love to know about it in the comments!

Molly’s Prediction for Top Five Lottery Questions:

1. Does my credit card get charged when I enter the lottery or when I am selected?

Answer: your credit card does not get charged when you enter the lottery, only if you are selected to run the 2015 CUCB.

2. What do the tech tee upgrade and medal look like?

Answer: The medal design is top secret until race day, but we can tell you that the tech tee upgrades are going to be white, v-neck New Balance shirts featuring Abby Matousek’s winning design.

3. Are my odds better or worse if I enter as a group instead of an individual?

Answer: They are exactly the same. If you ONLY want to run the race if certain others are selected with you, a group entry is the way to go. If you all would run with or without each other it’s probably better to enter as individuals and try to get a bib transfer in February or sign up as a charity runner with Credit Union Miracle Day for anyone who wasn’t selected.

4. When will I know if I’m selected for the 2015 CUCB?

Answer: The Tuesday after the lottery closes, December 16, we will know who the 2015 CUCB runners are!

5. What can I do if I don’t get selected?

Answer: you could enter the race as a charity runner, you could post a message on our bib transfer forum in February, or you could help us out as a volunteer on race day. We are always in need of more race day volunteers, and to thank you for spending your morning with us you receive a long-sleeve cotton tee featuring Abby’s design, a guaranteed entry at the prevailing entry fee into our 2016 race, and (most importantly) good running karma!

Good luck to all of you who are entering the lottery this week – I look forward to cheering many of you on at the finish line on April 12, 2015!

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]

Five Tips for a Flawless Race Day Experience

Events, Running, , , ,

We are less than 1 day away from race day! Having done this a few times, we have learned a few tricks that can take your race day experience from fun to fantastic.

Here’s how you can have the best race day possible:

1. Download our Race App, RaceJoy. The App is FREE and has tons of great information. Get corral start times, bib lookup, and split times for runners (even if they don’t have their GPS on!) so you can meet up with your friends and family. You can download it on Google Play, the App Store, or by clicking here.

2. Get Valet Service. We are so excited to offer a bike valet service for those of you helping us go green this year by biking to the start. The folks at Two Wheel Valet  will park your bike for you, you don’t even need to bring your own lock, and you can leave your bag with your bike to skip bag check. You can find them on Independence Ave, between 14th and 15th streets.

3. Get Emergency Text Alerts. The National Park Service is offering an emergency text alert process specially for the CUCB. Text “10miler” to 888777 to sign up for emergency alerts on race day, sent right to your phone.

4. Dress in Layers. It’s going to be a great day for racing! The temperature at the start will be in the mid to high 30’s, so you should wear extra layers while you are waiting for the race to begin to stay warm. You can discard them before you cross the start, and we will collect them to donate to charity. After the race we will have heat sheets, but you may want to bring a set of dry clothes to change into. You can pack them at bag check and get out of damp clothes after the race.

5. Get Just Enough Sleep. Go to bed on time tonight, and set multiple alarms. A frantic trip to the race because you overslept is less than ideal. Try to relax early tonight so you can put away the race jitters and fall asleep on time. Set more than one kind of alarm – if you have 3 alarms set on your phone but the battery dies overnight none of them are any good!

2014 Expo Clinic Schedule

Events, General, ,

We’re so excited to finally meet those of you we’ve been tweeting, blogging, pinning, and Facebooking with for the last few months!

In addition to our 5 PM – 8 PM Packet Pickup Happy Hour on Friday, we have more fun events at the Expo this weekend that with think you might want to know about:

Clinic Schedule at the Expo

Friday

4 PM – 4:50 PM Greg Meyer, 1983 Cherry Blossom Champion; current American record holder for 10 Miles (46:13) and 1983 Boston Marathon champion. Come hear Greg talk about how it’s time for a U.S. male runner to break his 31-year-old mark.

4:50 PM – 5 PM Stretch break

5 PM – 5:50 PM Jen Rhines, Three time U.S. Olympian at 5,000-meters, 10,000-meters and the marathon.

5:50 PM – 6 PM Stretch break

6 PM – 6:50 PM Dr. Betty Smith, Learn the secrets of longevity from our speaker who is an ultra-marathoner and top age group perfomer. She has been running for 46 years and has covered more than 100,000 miles with minimal injuries.

Saturday

10 AM – 10:50 A.M. Greg Meyer, 1983 Cherry Blossom Champion; current American record holder for 10 Miles (46:13) and 1983 Boston Marathon champion. Come hear Greg talk about how it’s time for a U.S. male runner to break his 31-year-old mark.

10:50 AM – 11 AM Stretch break

11 AM – 11:50 A.M. CPR Overview, Come hear the essentials about performing CPR. This is not certification, but an explanation of how to administer this life saving technique.

11:50 AM – 12 Noon Stretch break

12 PM – 12:50 PM Janet Bawcom, 2012 U.S. Olympian, American Recordholder for 10 miles in a single sex race.

12:50 PM – 1 PM Stretch break

1 PM – 1:50 PM American Championships Panel, Learn about the rising fortunes of American distance running in a roundtable discussion with six entrants in the U.S. 10 Mile Championships

1:50 PM – 2 PM Stretch break

2 PM – 2:50 PM CPR Overview, Come see the essentials about performing CPR. This is not certification, but an explanation of how to administer this life saving technique.

2:50 PM – 3 PM Stretch break

3 PM – 3:50 PM Dr. Betty Smith, Learn the secrets of longevity from our speaker who is an ultra-marathoner and top age group perfomer. She has been running for 46 years and has covered more than 100,000 miles with minimal injuries.

Autographs (at the Credit Union booth)
Friday April 4

3 PM – 4 PM – Greg Meyer

4 PM – 4:50 PM – Jen Rhines

Saturday, April 5

11 AM – 12 Noon – Greg Meyer

1 PM – 2 PM – Janet Bawcom

5 Tips For Your First 5K

Running, ,

I know a lot of people who are doing the Credit Union Cherry Blossom 5K Run-Walk will be running their first 5K. While a first race can be as intimidating as it is exciting, here are five tips for your first 5K that can help you have a great race day.

1. Get your race gear ready the night before. The night before the race, get all of your race gear together in one place–race bib and safety pins, clothes, running shoes, hat/visor, sunglasses, sports watch (if you’re using one), water bottle (if you’re using one), pre-race snack (I like to bring a granola bar to eat about 1/2 hour before the start), cell phone, and anything else you will need. If you plan to use the bag drop, use a fat permanent marker to label your bag with your name and bib number and consider putting a brightly colored bandanna in your bag to help make it easier to spot.

2. Don’t wear the race t-shirt to race in. There are people who think that you shouldn’t wear the race t-shirt until you’ve actually finished the race, but I think you’ve already earned the race shirt by signing up and training, no matter what happens on race day. Still, I suggest not wearing the race shirt on race day because hundreds (if not thousands!) of runners will be wearing the race shirt, which will make it hard for friends and family to spot YOU and cheer YOU on. Expect a chilly morning and dress in layers, and make sure you pin your bib on your inside layer or shorts/pants.

3. Arrive early.  The 5K starts at 8:40, but the elite women’s start is at 7:20 and the general 10 mile start is at 7:30, so if you want to be there for the opening ceremonies and singing of the National Anthem, you will want to be there early. Arriving early will give you time to get oriented with the start and finish areas, warm-up, soak up some pre-race energy from the other runners, and use the porta-pottys. 😉 There is not much (any?) parking around the Washington Monument, so the race organizers suggest taking Metro, which is another reason to leave yourself plenty of time. (Please see the Getting To The Race page for more information.)

4. Run your own race. After more than 10 years of running and racing, I still struggle with starting out too fast because I get caught up with all of the other runners who are starting out too fast! I use my Garmin to check my pace throughout a race, but in the beginning of a race I often need to make myself slow down. If you find yourself in a pack of runners going faster than you feel comfortable, slow down and run your own race. If this is your first 5K or your first Credit Union Cherry Blossom run, you’re going to set a personal record no matter what!

5. Relax and have fun! The Credit Union Cherry Blossom run really is a great event. You’ve done the work to get to the starting line, and race day is the time to relax and have fun. Enjoy the majesty of the monuments, the energy of the other runners and spectators, and the beauty of the cherry blossoms!

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Good luck!

~ Courtenay, @Got2Run4Me

You can read more about Courtenay’s running and other adventures on her blog, Running With Perseverance, or follow her on Twitter and Instagram.

Are you running your first 5K this spring?

Do you have any tips to add?

Training Like a Pro for CUCB 2014

Running, Training, , , , ,

We asked pro runner Tyler McCandless to share his experience running CUCB 2013 and some words of wisdom in the last few weeks before race day. Here’s his reply:

Last year I came to Washington, DC for my first Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run feeling ready and excited to compete.  I was one of the elite athletes in the race and had set a goal of finishing in the top 10.

How does a professional athlete prepare for a 10 mile race? In the 13 weeks leading up to the race I ran 1,250 miles, which is an average of 90 miles a week.  The training is accomplished via two weeks cycles that have five workouts (two workouts one week, three workouts the next week) with a medium long run on Wednesdays and a long run on Sunday.  All workout days also have an afternoon run of 30-40 minutes and Mondays I add in a second run where I do 15 minutes alternating 15 seconds fast and 15 seconds easy.  That’s a lot of quality and quantity in each week!  Here is a snapshot of my training in March leading up to CUCB 2013:

TylerTrain
Tyler’s March training for CUCB 2013

On these runs I was constantly visualizing the race.  I watched videos that I found online so that I could have more realistic images of the course in my mind.  I searched past results to see who ran what times and finished in what place.  I established clear goals: top 10 overall, and top American.  When I came across the finish line in 8th place and 1st American, all of the training in 2013 and the month of March was well worth it!

 

Tyler on the awards stage, after a very successful 2013 CUCB!
Tyler on the awards stage, after a very successful 2013 CUCB!

What can you do in the last 3 weeks before race day? Now is the time to set clear goals, visualize your 2014 CUCB, enjoy the process, and build positive momentum carrying you to the race.  Remember the feeling of accomplishment upon achieving your goals when you’re out at dark-o-thirty in the morning running before work or school!

Best wishes making your 2014 Cherry Blossom goals come true!  This year Cherry Blossom serves as USA 10 Mile Championships.  A top 5 finish would be rewarding and that’s what I will be dreaming of when I’m running tomorrow morning!

-Tyler

Tyler McCandless is a runner and PhD student in meteorologist living and training in Boulder, CO. Tyler is sponsored by Newton Running Elite (team updates and results can be found at facebook.com/NewtonRunningElite). Follow him as he trains for his next big race, as well as the 2014 CUCB, on twitter at @TrackTy