Partially written on paper as I waited with my daughter’s car to get a new rim on. I have had some horrible cell phone issues and just now managed to get the photos off the phone. I have had problems getting this done as I had such a great weekend in DC that I didn’t know what to say here.
Sunday was the 41st annual running of the Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Miler. With the half marathon distance being my favorite, running a 10 miler makes sense and is something I’ve done twice previously – Mountain Goat in May 2010 and Ithaca 5 & 10 in September of the same year.While Sunday was not my best time, it fell solidly in the middle.
Sunday morning started chilly. I am still living proof of that as I brought home a cold that does not seem to want to go away. My son dropped me at Union Station about 5:15 and, in retrospect, I could probably have had him drop me later. Good news for him is that driving in DC at that time was easy. I took the train to Metro Center – felt like I was back in Binghamton – and then switched lines to the Smithsonian. I love – possibly because we do not have real public transportation where I live – taking mass transit when I can. The DC Metro system, once I got used to it, was great.
Upon getting to the start area, I did what I always do. I found the porta-potties. Having done sightseeing in the area the day before, I thought I knew right where everything was. I also took some “night” time monument photos. After walking around, race start was 7:18 and it wasn’t even 6 when I arrived, I noticed an actual bathroom so got in line. Truthfully, the porta-potties were cleaner but it was nice to be in heat as the morning was chilly.
While waiting, I was found by Meredith, one of my Ragnar teammates from last September. I was the only team member not living in the Albany area at the time so do not see these women often enough. We got caught up and hung out together pre-race and the first five miles. I am really unsure how this race would have gone without those first five miles with Meredith.
We did run through an area that was covered with cherry trees. I loved the entire course, not many hilly parts and a bit flat for me training but lovely course.
I highly recommend the lottery process for running the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler. The distance is just right and the course is wonderful.
Have you ever run this race? What did you think of it? Do you want to run this race?
Nicki's Nook 
Looks like a nice race! I love cherry blossom season in D.C. So pretty.
I love this race, too! This was my 4th year running it and technically, still no blossoms, but I know they will be there one year. I also took the Metro in this time because I stayed at a different hotel than usual and found it super easy. This year’s race was one of my slowest times but a real victory in terms of successfully running 10 miles pain free. I’ll be back next year ready to tackle the course again!
I loved the race. I am going to enter the lottery again for next year. I could see doing this race all the time. My only regret is I missed a half at home that I had run all four years I’ve been racing.
I definitely want to run this race at some point if the lottery gods cooperate 🙂
You are not the only one I know who says this, Michelle. I have a list of friends to remind when the lottery rolls around this Dec.
That race is on my bucket list but I have an issue with lottery races. I hate the idea so I won’t even enter the lottery.
This was my first lottery race.