Good Luck Box is teaming up with the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run to bring you an extra shot of luck the week before the race. What is a Good Luck Box? It’s a selection of handpicked items from running experts to give you the edge before, during, and after an upcoming race. Boxes are tailored to the recipient and their race. In the case of the Cherry Blossom box, the contents will be specially chosen with a cherry blossom theme. Continue reading Bring Some Good Luck to Your Race
Tag Archives: Gear
A few of my favorites from New Balance
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.
Exclusive Interview with 2015 Winning Design Artist
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!
Running Isn’t Complicated
Hal Higdon once said, “Running is easy. Other than walking, it is the simplest sport. Sometimes we overthink running and make it more complicated than need be.”
I couldn’t agree more. Running is easy. Nothing beats hitting the road or trail and getting lost in the motion of running. It’s great to shut off the mind for a bit and simply enjoy the flow of running. Yet, it’s hard for me to ignore that we (including myself) sometimes find ways to make running complicated.
“Should I give those Vibram Five Fingers a go?”
“I see some runners wearing compression sleeves, should I?”
“Should I stretch before I run?.. during?… after?… at all?”
“VO2 what?”
“Will training with a heart rate monitor enhance my performance?”
These are just some of the questions I hear and read. Do I think they are valid? Certainly. Do they need to be in the forefront of our minds? Not always. We need to remember that all running takes is putting one foot in front of the other. That’s it. It’s that simple foundation that makes running so beautiful. I found that the less I think about all the little intricacies of running, the more I enjoy it.
Yes, there is a time and place to run against a certain standard (e.g., race pace runs, speedwork, hill repeats, the looooooooong run, etc…). But, every now and again, leave the running watch at home. Run at whatever pace you desire. Let the roads and paths lead you. Enjoy running for the simple art it is.
Running isn’t complicated…unless you choose to make it.
~Doug, @DougCassaro
Doug started running in 2007 and is a RRCA-Certified Running Coach and proud coach for DC Road Runners. He lives in the Washington, DC metro area and works for the Federal Aviation Administration. He’s the chapter coordinator the Medals4Mettle Washington, DC Chapter, which collects finisher medals donated by runners and gifts them to children and adults dealing with chronic or debilitating illnesses.
Runner’s Wish List
It’s that time of year when everyone is making their lists and checking them twice. If you are like me, you have been browsing the websites, catalogs and aisles of your favorite athletic stores, looking for the latest running gear to put on your wish list. I am pretty well outfitted for the time being, but there are a few things that I think are on every runner’s wish list.
1. An injury-free year. I have struggled with plantar fascitis, ITB syndrome, and other injuries that plague runners. By balancing my running with strength training and yoga, I was able to fend off major injuries in 2013, and I hope to do the same in 2014.
2. A Personal Record. Unless you are new to running, you can’t earn a “PR” in every race, but most runners hope for–and train for–at least one PR every racing season. The Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run is a great race for a PR because the course really is mostly flat and fast.
3. Flattering Race Pictures. I’ve run a lot of races, but have very few race pictures that I would want anyone else to see. If I knew where to expect the race photographers along the course, maybe I wouldn’t pick that moment to take a swig of water or wipe the sweat off my face. Race photographers must realize that we are more likely to buy those pictures if we actually like them! Maybe MarathonFoto (the official photographer for the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run) will come through with great race pictures for everyone.
What’s on your runner’s wish list?
~ Courtenay, @Got2Run4Me
Courtenay is an attorney and Virginia native, born, raised and living in Alexandria, Virginia. She started running after graduating from law school, and has been hooked on the endorhpins ever since. Her favorite race distance is 10 miles.