Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run

Yesterday I had a wonderful day in Washington DC. I was on the go from 6:30AM to 9:30PM with only a break to shower after the race. Alicia and I got up bright and early so I could get ready for the Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run. I had been planning on running this race since December when I found out I got picked in the lottery that I entered before then. I was so shocked I got picked, I never in a million years thought I would be running this race!

We only had a 10 minute walk from our hotel to the race start, so that was awesome. There were so many people. Over 10,000 people were running the 10 miler!

I was in the orange corral so we were set to start a little bit after the first few waves.

It was really cold at the start, around 40 degrees? I mean, its not like I’m used to cold weather, or anything…it wasn’t too bad.

Finally, it was time to run! I couldn’t believe I was running such a big race in Washington DC.

The course was beautiful. I think it was the best course I’ve ever ran. I couldn’t get over how many cherry trees there were. It was breathtaking! I actually felt myself getting choked up a few times during the race.

I finally warmed up at about mile 3.0. All I can say is that this race went fast! Before I knew it I was at mile 6.0–and I had to stop to use a porta-john during the race for the first time, ever. I almost didn’t but I’m glad I did because my bladder felt like it was going to burst. I stopped my garmin, but I only lost two minutes by using the bathroom. Not too bad. I was so glad because I felt so much better after that! First time for everything.

I felt really good throughout the entire race, only stopping to walk through a few water stations and eat some shot bloks and to use the bathroom, of course, other than that I kept a pretty steady pace under 9:30/mile. I’m so proud of myself! Training in the cold the past few weeks really paid off!

Before I knew it, we were coming up on mile 8.0. And then 9.0. This part was so gorgeous, because we were running through the cherry blossoms by the river. And then, the finish!!! There was a slight hill at the end, which was pretty annoying after an entirely flat course! Not cool! My legs were really feeling it by then.

Race Results

Race Net Time – 1:35:45

Pace – 9:35/mile

Garmin Results

Total Distance – 10.18

Time – 1:33:57 (stopped for a bathroom break at mile 6.0)

Pace – 9:13/mile

Splits

And done!!!!

I met Alicia at one of the tents and I picked up my awesome medal. I love it!

Also–Alicia was so awesome for being a spectator, thanks, girl! Overall, this race was incredible! It was so well organized and it was just awesome! I highly suggest if you want to run an awesome destination race–run the Cherry Blossom in DC, because it was amazing!

Stay tuned for more re-caps of my trip to DC!