I am going to be upfront. I am not a huge fan of the big races in DC.
I have done three and after my third, the infamous (Hot Chocolate 15K) I swore off racing in our Nations Capitol. The parking is a nightmare, traffic even worse and I tend to have crowd-o-phobia. However, a few months ago when I saw that the registration lottery for Cherry Blossom 10 miler opened, I could not resist, and much to my surprise, I made it in. It is limited to 15,000 runners each year and the course starts at The Washington Monument and cruises along the Potomac River during cherry blossom season (although it came early this year so most blooms were gone).
Packet pick up was Friday March 30 & Saturday the 31st at The National Building Museum.
What I thought was great, is that they spread out the times when you could pick up your packet according to the first letter of your last name. Although, I am sure this may have caused an inconvienence for some, I think it was necessary to keep the crowds flowing smoothly, and they were successful in achieving that. I walked right up and picked up my bib with no wait. There were so many volunteers helping to guide you to the right place, it was truly impressive. On the other hand, the parking was non existent on Saturday. There was what looked like a kite festival going on the National Mall in addition to spring break and cherry blossoms… the city looked like Disneyland, packed with people. This was, of course, no fault of the Cherry Blossom organizers.
I thought the vendors at the expo where some of the best I had seen. There were more quality brands and less junk. As far as deals, didn’t see anything spectacular. I did pick up this IFitness Hydration belt. The girls behind the booth were great, and assured me this belt would not bounce. I haven’t tried it yet but, perhaps a review will follow.
The expo was held here
Super friendly girls from iFitness
Sunday morning my friends Alison and Tanya picked me up at the wee hour of 5:30am. We arrived and found parking right away just a few blocks from the starting line at The Washington Monument. There were about 200 port-a-pots which for 15,000 runners doesn’t sound like much, but we had no problems using them (except for the one I used where someone actually missed the hole and pooped on the back of the lid – still trying to figure out how that could happen..revolting!)
The three of us were all in different waves, so said our goodbyes and good lucks and hopped in our corrals. I was in the 8:30 pace wave, a little slower than I am capable, but I was thinking I would get up to the front in a hurry and things would taper out. The gun went off… it was really crowded. I could barely move, the streets are narrow and I had a very tough time getting past people for about four miles. In no way was I finding my pace, I was just weaving through people trying not to fall flat on my face. I just tried to let it go, but was having a tough time not being annoyed. It was so crowded in the beginning that it was very difficult, almost dangerous, getting over to the water/Gatorade tables, of which there were 6 on the course.
Finally, about mile 5 the crowds dwindled and I was able to find some kind of rhythm. I felt a bit off mentally and my legs were still a little heavy from my marathon on March 18. For some reason in this race, things were bothering me that normally would not. Example, “the foot slappers”, “the arm flailers”, “the heavy breathers”,”the guy that won’t let you pass him even though there is no one to his other side”, and last but not least “the foul farters”. I guess I neglected to bring my inner zen on this one but, eventually settled down toward the end.
This was a very flat course with an elevation range of only 31 feet.There was one hill at the end (of course when your tired) but other than that none that I can recall. Plus, right before that hill there was a row of musicians with these tribal drums that were very upbeat and fun. I finished up at 1:14:43 I was 33 out 972 in my age group and 380 out of 9,699 overall women.
The post race food was bananas and muffins… nothing special, I am not one for sweets after a race but am used to having to bring my own Sour Cream and Onion Pringles. You all know how much I love them. It was cold after the race, so was happy to have checked my sweats in Alison’s bag. The bag check pick up was a really long line toward the end of the race.
It was truly a scenic course and I would do it over again for that reason. Very few negatives about this race and for DC it was by far my best experience. The volunteers were amazing and there were plenty of them. Thank you to all the volunteers that gave up their day, these races could not go on without you. Overall, a good time and always fun with good friends. I never regret a race, ever.
mile 1- 7:29
mile 2- 7:16
mile 3- 7:04
mile 4- 7:08
mile 5- 7:23
mile 6- 7:18
mile 7- 7:29
mile 8- 7:29
mile 9- 7:30
mile 10-7:30
About Lisa
Very nice splits! And great time! I loved this course. I never saw the muffins at the end and I was starving
love how detailed your race recap is.
Thank you Kris, As we were leaving I saw that the muffins had been devoured.. I should have added that they needed a more ample supply. Congrats to you on a great race! xo
Wow, you did great for the crowds! I was in the middle of the red corall and felt like it opened up after we got to the straight part of Independence Ave. And all those things that annoy you are why I really need my music when I race (although that wouldn’t have helped with the farters-luckily I didn’t encounter any of those!). I agree that the post-race food was skimpy, but I think they had to limit to comply with Park Service rules and get us all out of there on time!
Did you notice how many people were wearing Hot Chocolate jackets? I wonder if they knew how non-breathable they were when they made that race gear decision!
Coco, you make me laugh! bahaha.. yes, maybe the Hot Chocolate jackets were worn so that they could double as a gas mask since they are non-breathable.. Oh my, we need to run a race together we would have fun.
Great recap!
Thank you!
congrats on an awesome run!!! looked so pretty!
Thank you Lindsay!
Great recap, Lisa! Wish I coulda seen ya but based on your mile splits, looks like you zapped right by me! I was around Mile 9.5 ish Course Marshalling to be sure no one made the turn onto 395 near the end of the race
Thank you Krissy, I was looking for you all along the course but think I gave up around mile 8.5, and there you were at 9.5. .. haha.. thank you for volunteering.. you are the best.
Congrats on an AWESOME race – you totally rocked it!! And, I know what you mean about the “foot slappers”, “heavy breathers” etc – sometimes they just get under my skin and I can NOT ignore it.
I wish I would have known you were running – I was working the Brooks booth at the expo!
I looked at the Brooks booth for you, thinking you might be there. I am so sorry to miss your gorgeous face! boo! love that you ran yesterday and kept on running past the finish line another 6 miles.. you are a badass..xo
Congrats Lisa! You ran a great race. I’m with you–not a big fan of the huge races. But something about Cherry Blossom is worth the exception (maybe it’s that fast course?!).
Funny aside–I was looking up my friends’ results and saw that Allison finished right there with two of them. Small world.
Thank you Amanda! It is a small world..I love that… xo we are all connected.
Great race, you posted some awesome splits! I’m glad to hear things opened up for you at some point, I started near the back and things stayed crowded for the whole race. I ran on the sidewalks and grass for several miles. And you’re right about the water stops, they were ridiculous, especially the first couple!
Thanks BJ.. yes, it was like a U2 concert out there
A lot of recaps I’ve read have made me REALLY happy I was in a later wave. It had already spread out somewhat by the time we got out of the gate.
You are so smart.. that is the way to go, so much more enjoyable and able to take in the sights.
From the looks of it, your splits were still AWESOME despite the bottlenecking! Congrats on a great race!
Thank you !
Those are awesome splits, you were moving through those crowds–great job!! I’ve always wanted to do the Cherry Blossom run, but I agree, all those crowds are not fun. Glad that you still enjoyed it!
Thank you Laura, I knew going in that it would most likely be crowded, as many big races are.. I am so glad I did it though, aside from the crowds it was very scenic.
I haven’t run this one yet. I run mostly local (i.e. smaller) races in the area, but about every other year I break down and run Army 10 LOL. One of these days I’ll run Cherry Blossom.
Sounds like you did well despite the crowds!
This is one of my DREAM races! Great recap and an even greater race! Good girl girl! I am running the Army 10 Miler (hopefully) this year if I can get in
Madeline,Thank you! I have always wanted to do Army 10 miler as well… we are moving to the West Coast this summer so I might have to fly back for it some day. Hope you get in this year.
I loooooved reading this!! I kind of have a crowd complex, too, and feel like little red riding hood when it comes to races right now. I feel too exposed at small races, but then like cattle or an ant farm at those big races… need to find that perfect medium;)
Jenn, Thank you and that is so true about big and small races..balance is the key to life, yes?
Most excellent race report! You touched on all the important things like packet pickup and portapotties as well as the race itself! Loved it. Just looked at your splits – we both ran exactly the same pace for mile 3! That’s where I really felt I got in my groove.
Loved your post!! I am one of the iFitness girls:) I am glad you had an overall good experience and I hope you enjoy your iFitness belt! Best of luck in your future races!
Thank you Bek, I have used my IFitness belt one time and am pretty happy with it. Thank you for letting me include you in my blog post! You guys were great.
Way to go woman!! Thats a great time. I always wanted to do that race. maybe someday…. with you.
That would be a perfect day!
Great post! Awesome job!!! p.s. I love sour cream and onion chips!
great job! i’m want to run this race someday. my parents run the army 10 miler every year together and spend the weekend in dc. they have a cute weekend together, it’s a fit and fun tradition!