Y’all. Can we talk about how much stinking FUN the Cherry Blossom Ten Miler was this year? I always enjoy this race but this year was especially fun. Let’s get into the recapping and I’ll share all the good stuff with ya! I have to say this is definitely the funnest Cherry Blossom Ten Miler Race Recap I’ve written and here’s why:
- The weather! It was amazing. About 40ish at the start and in the low to mid 50s at the finish. This was perfect running weather. I wore my Oiselle lux funnel neck, my singlet over that and my long roga shorts (affiliate links). It was the perfect combination. I was never too hot nor was I ever too cold.
- So many fun friends running this race! From my Oiselle gals, to other bloggers to friends from various aspects of my life, I was rarely in a stretch where I was running and could not see someone that I knew. It was awesome.
- The cherry blossoms were in bloom! This is the first time the race has coincided with peak bloom in years – and it’s never happened when I’ve run Cherry Blossom. It sure makes the race more fun during Hains Point when you have beautiful cherry blossom trees to gaze at.
Now on to my full recap. Settle in, this might take awhile.
I’m skip recapping the expo and all that jazz because this recap is already going to be long enough I’m not that into expos. I like to usually do one lap and that’s what I did this year. Cherry Blossom’s expo is in a great location – the National Building Museum – and there are a ton of vendors so lots of fun stuff to buy. I did get a Run DC sparkly soul band, which was awesome. Aside from that, I was in and out. The DC area Oiselle gals did a fun lunch the day before the race and it put me in a really good mood to run. Morning of, I was fortunate enough to have K drop me off very close to our meeting point. Michelle, Julie, Jenny, Kathryn, Prianka and I took our pre race photos and then headed off to the corral.
courtesy of Kathryn!
Michelle, Julie, Prianka and I all started in the same corral and agreed on a meeting point after the race in case we were separated. We all were looking to run roughly about the same 9:30ish pace and so started together. For the vast majority of the race, I had one or more of these ladies in my sights. We were all excited to run (I was excited to run with my new Forerunner 220 – I love this thing!) and before we knew it, we were off!
- Miles 1-4: Per usual, the race started off (and stayed for the most part) pretty packed. We tried to get up to the front of our corral but somehow were in the middle, so the first few miles were a crush of people and lots of weaving. Michelle, Julie and Prianka and I were pretty much together (or close) for most of these miles. 10:03, 9:32, 9:27, 9:26
- Miles 5-8: During mile five (I think), the course was cut short by about .5 mile. Apparently there was some kind of accident investigation and so we got a bit of a shorter race. I was a bit bummed because I knew I’d PR pretty much from the start, but decided that I’m going to claim the PR anyway (I figured out roughly what my 10 mile finish would’ve been based on my pace). By this point, I could see Michelle just ahead of me, but had lost both Prianka and Julie. I was really enjoying the cherry blossoms but my legs were starting to fatigue a bit. Michelle and I were running together for a few minutes when all of a sudden a gal runs up to me and says, “are you Courtney from Eat Pray Run DC?” When I answered yes, she introduced herself as Christy from Planes Trains and Running Shoes. We chatted for a few minutes and then she sped up – I read later on that she also PR’ed – congrats Christy and nice to meet you! 9:32, 9:37, 9:29, 9:34.
- Miles 9-10: At this point, I was pretty ready for the finish but trying to keep my pace under 10 minute miles. I was approaching the last hill in the race (not really a hill more of an incline but it feels like a hill by this point) when all of a sudden a friendly gal ran up to me and said “hey are you Courtney? I love your blog!” I was so pumped. It was Kat from Kat Runs DC and it was so nice to meet you, Kat! Then two wonderful things happened right after one another. First, I saw a proposal on the course! It was awesome (she said yes) and totally pumped me up. Then, Tiffany from Tunderholmes flew past me on the course and shouted “Hey Courtney, I love your blog!” – so fun (and I swear I’ve never had that many people recognize me from this little slice of internet). Such fun! 9:43, 9:39.
I finished the 9.5 miles in 1:31:17, which is a 9:36 pace (the same pace I ran my current half marathon PR – pretty awesome since I haven’t done speed work since last summer — thank you Pure Barre!). I think I would’ve finished that extra half mile in about 4:45 (give or take a few seconds), which would’ve given me a ten miler finish time of ~1:36. That is JUST over my A goal…and a HUGE PR. I’m really really proud of my performance in this race and completely convinced that my Pure Barre obsession helped me run strong today. I’m calling this race a total success!
After the race was fun because I got to meet up with my friend Meghan, my buddy Mar and my Oiselle gals again. Mar ended up running the 5k instead of the ten miler, but they still gave her a ten miler medal – hilarious! All in all, I had a wonderful day and I’m thrilled about how I raced. It was also a very good day for most of my buddies so congrats to everyone who raced.
Since I love race recaps so much, I’m hosting a linkup for Cherry Blossom Race Recaps. The rules are simple: linkup your race recap from this year – you can linkup a recap of either the ten miler or the 5k. It’d be great if you linked back to this post, but no pressure. This is just for fun — but remember: only Cherry Blossom Race Recaps.
Have you ever run amongst the Cherry Blossoms? Did you race this weekend?
It was SUCH a fun race! I expected it to be more serious – like the MCM 10k, I guess – but everyone was having a blast all the way through the course. Sad I didn’t run into you but glad you had a good race!
Betsy Transatlantically recently posted…The Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Race
So fun, right?!?! Congrats on a great day!!
You should link up your recap!!
Congrats on a great race! I didn’t get in on the lottery for this and was a bit bummed, but I have to admit that I’m not sure my legs could have handled the race today.
Glad you had a good time!
MCM MaMA Runs recently posted…Five trips in 2015
Oh they could’ve. You are soooo strong! It was gorgeous today.
Congrats on the awesome race, and way to go on claiming that PR. It was great to see you on the course, and it was such a beautiful day. I’m so glad the cherry blossoms were so beautiful for my first running.
Great to see you too! Thanks for saying hi and what a beautiful day, huh??
How lovely that that the cherry blossoms were blooming!! Sounds like such fun race!! 🙂
It was really fun and a beautiful day!
It was an awesome day! Would love you and your readers to link up on the Cherry Blossom blog too >> http://blog.cherryblossom.org/cherry-blossom-race-recap-party/
Coco recently posted…2015 Cherry Blossom Race Recap
Fun – will do that!
Such a fun day and great job! It was extra special to run under the full blooms. Will linkup soon!
Jennifer recently posted…Friday Five – Trips/Racecations I Would Like to Take
Awesome!! Can’t wait to read your recap!
Great job Courtney! Race recaps like this make everyone want to race. Even non runners probably read your race recaps and are inspired to start running. This is what running is all about. You truly made the most of the opportunity, and allowed yourself to enjoy it, which resulted in a great day for you, especially as you have not done too much speed work like you mentioned. Thank you for sharing your story with us!
Runners Connect recently posted…What is Your Ideal Marathon Temperature?
Thanks for swinging by! It was a really fun race 🙂
You definitely PR’d in fun at this race Courtney. Meeting up with friends old and new at races is one of the things I like best about the running community. Everyone is so supportive and the atmosphere at races seems to put everyone in such a great mood. The cherry blossoms in full bloom must have been spectacularl.
Pam and Christine recently posted…Tangled Headphones? Try Cordskinz!
it was great to run under the trees in full bloom. it was such a fun morning!
You sound just like me about yesterday–on cloud 9! Seriously, the day could NOT have been nicer. I absolutely enjoyed the whole thing! Too bad our paths didn’t cross.
misszippy recently posted…Good day at the races (Cherry Blossom 10-miler)
Yes! I feel exactly the same as you do – such a great day. You kicked butt! 🙂
Sounds so fun! I have a 10 miler in chicago this weekend–I don’t think I’ll see as many bloggers as you did but I’m hoping to run into a few!
And yay for no expo review. I”m not much into them either.
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Taking the Long Way Home Book Club Book Review: 4:09:43 Boston Through the Eyes of the Runners by Hal Higdon
i hope you have a great race!
Spoiler alert! Lol. J/K. Congrats on a great race and so happy to see you!
mar @ Mar on the run recently posted…Week in Review: We Have Blossoms!
Since you mentioned it in your weekly update, I figured it was okay to say 🙂 It was SO fun hanging out after the race – such great weather and just all around good times!
Sounds like perfect running weather and so fantastic that you got to run in peak bloom time! I love when people recognize me at races – a definite perk of blogging! Congrats on the PR!
Christine @ We Run Disney recently posted…Tangled Headphones? Try Cordskinz!
it was so fun to meet a few blog readers on the run – it really pumped me up 🙂
Looks like such a fun race! Great job Courtney and great pace. I have a 10 miler coming up next month and hope to keep a similar pace
Ivanna recently posted…How To Be More Organized in 3 Easy Steps
good luck on your race next month!
I love how the medals change each year, and I haven’t seen one I haven’t liked yet. Maybe this should be on my bucket list. Either way I’d love to see the cherry blossoms in bloom.
Lesley recently posted…Monday Musings 4/13
definitely add this one to your list. it’s fun even when the blossoms aren’t in bloom!
Great recap Courtney! Congrats on a strong & fabulously fun race. You and the Oiselle girls always seem to have such a great time running together.
Kim Westrich recently posted…Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run Recap
we really did have fun running together! it’s a great group of women!
Awesome job! You’ve been crushing it lately. Such a fun race-I am sorry I missed it this year. The weather was perfect too.
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Fa-Waffles! Meatless Monday
weather was AH-MAZ-ING! 🙂
AWESOME. i want in next time!!! And that medal is gorgeous. Cherry Blossoms are one of my favor blooms, period. I would love to run through them!
Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…Georgia Birthday Weekend and Spring Suz! (Smile Brilliant Review)
yes! this is def a race to add to your calendar!! 🙂
I thought of you yesterday because the weather was just GORGEOUS! I don’t think I could handle 10 miles right now, but if I was running it would have been one of the prettier runs to date. Makes me wish there was a cherry blossom or two present on any of the previous 10 milers I’ve run!
Heidi recently posted…The Space Between
thank you – and thanks for your kind words before the race — i really appreciated it! it was so nice to run through the blossoms!
Wooooooo! Over here doing the happy PR dance for you 😉 I’ve always wanted to do the Cherry Blossom 10 miler, it looks so incredibly beautiful! Congrats again!
RFC recently posted…Plant Power & Soy Substitutions
thanks so much! and it was sooo gorgeous this year!
What a great looking medal. And what a race you had! Our cherry blossoms are at their peak right now here, too, and absolutely gorgeous! How nice that yours blossomed out for the race!
Elle recently posted…Sunday Run Day
it was truly a treat!
I haven’t run there yet but it sounds beautiful!
it was!
I really enjoyed running this race. It was my first time! I think we probably couldn’t have asked for a better day to run this race. The city looked GORGEOUS with all of the flowers in bloom. I’ll be linking up with you after I finish my long recap. Always enjoy reading your blog. 🙂
Lex @ Flecksoflex recently posted…Workout Wednesday: The Yoga Collective Review & GIVEAWAY
can’t wait to read your recap! sunday was simply perfect!
Yay so glad the weather was nice and I’m so jealous about the scenery! I’m sure it was gorgeous!! What a great race!
Sam @ PancakeWarriors recently posted…Flatbread Pizza with Hummus
What a great medal and congrats on your PR! It’s always so nice to start off the race season with a good one 🙂
Ange @ Cowgirl Runs recently posted…Motivate Me Monday 4/13 & #sexysmartstrong
AWESOME job and sounds like perfect weather for the race 🙂 I can’t imagine how beautiful that race would be with the cherry blossoms in bloom.
Stephanie recently posted…Half Marathon Training Progress
YAY!!!! I’m so excited for you, Courtney! What a great race! WOO HOO!!! It is just beautiful there; I’m so jealous. SOOOO glad to hear you had such a great day and the “accident investigation” is pretty hilarious – only in DC, right?!? 😉 Thanks for a great recap and CONGRATS!
Tara @ Running ‘N’ Reading recently posted…Weekend Update
Congrats on such an awesome race! I just love this race and yesterday was the perfect day for it!!
Colleen LG recently posted…Footprints: Monday Morning Recap
Congratulations on your super strong race Courtney! It is always great to see when the other aspects of our training (like your Pure Barre class) start to make an impact. Love the medal as well!
Leana recently posted…Developing Mental Toughness: Take Aways
yes, PB has helped SO much! and the medal is so pretty 🙂
Sounds like such a fun race! It’s always great to run with friends especially with great weather and those blossoms! They looked beautiful 🙂
Daisy @ Fit Wanderlust Runner recently posted…Workouts Recap: Baby Steps!
great race! Congrats on your time. That must have been beautiful running with the cherry blossoms in bloom. Also cool about your celebrity status!! Have a great week!
kelli recently posted…Escape Fort DeSoto Sprint Tri
hahaha, totally NOT a celeb but it was fun to meet people on the course!
Congrats! Looks like you had a lot of fun!! Love the medal!
Katie @ Huff ‘n Puff to Buff ‘n Tough recently posted…Huff ‘n Puff to Buff ‘n Tough’s 2nd Birthday & Victoria’s Secret Sport Giveaway
the medal is so pretty!
Congrats on the race! A PR without any speed work, maybe I need to try this pure barre stuff!
Jen @ pretty little grub recently posted…Ragnar So Cal Recap
I definitely attribute it to pure barre!
So glad you had fun! It sounds like a blast. I’d love to see cherry blossoms on my run…they’re so gorgeous.
Carmy recently posted…Thoughts on TYS10K
they are gorgeous and it was great to run underneath them!
Congrats on another great race, Courtney! I knew that you’d do well!
I agree that the race organizers did an incredible job handling the emergency and the need for a last minute change. I really hope the person hit by the car is going to be okay!
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Weekly Training Log – Week of April 6th
thanks – i’m sad i missed you out there on sunday but it was so crowded. i also hope the person injured is doing well!
I wish I would have seen you! There were so many people. I was looking for you and Mar but I guess it was not meant to happen. We will meet soon I am sure!
The race was AWESOME! This was. My 1st time running it and I. Had been super excited since I was selected and the excitement matched the day! By far my favorite race this year!!
The cherry blossoms surely helped!
I am glad you had a great race!!
wish i would’ve seen you too but it was SO crowded. so glad you loved it 🙂
great job on your race!! you rocked it! 🙂
rachel recently posted…Fitness Fashion for Everyday Champions
thanks!
Great photos and bling! Isn’t it nice when weather cooperates on race day 🙂
jill conyers recently posted…18-Minute HIIT Workout
it was the perfect day to run!
Congrats on your PR – not surprised one bit! Ugh, I wish I could have seen you during the race, and wow a proposal, so sweet! It was a great day for a race!
The proposal was awesome! And I’m bummed I missed you!!
Great recap! We must have been running in a very similar area : ) judging by our pace and finishing times.
Emily recently posted…Sustainability and the Cherry Blossom Ten Mile
awesome – what a great day, huh?
The weather this weekend was awesome. Definitely perfect running weather. Even a non runner like me was jonesing to get outside and log a couple miles haha
GiselleR @ Diary of an ExSloth recently posted…5 Adjectives to Avoid when Eating Out
lol – you should give it a shot!
Congrats on a great race! It was such a perfect day!
it truly was!
Wow, you kept up a really consistent pace the whole way. I’ve always wanted to do a spring run with flowers along the way. 😉 Do you do it every year?
Emily recently posted…Healthy Living Survey
i’ve done this one the past few years – it’s a favorite 🙂
Great job, Courtney–that’s a fantastic time! Also–glad you like your new Garmin. Isn’t it nice not to have to do the “find the satellite signal” dance anymore? 🙂
Molly @alsoranagain recently posted…Weekend Update
omg – SUCH a difference! this thing gets a signal before i walk out of my house!
Great day for you! Congrats!
Michelle @ Running with Attitude recently posted…Training Check-in and a Detox Update
thanks!
Ha! That’s so awesome you got recognized so many times! Great job on your race. I’ve seen pictures from other bloggers, and it looks like it was gorgeous!
Amanda recently posted…Thoughts on Running for Two
it was! i wanted to stop and take a picture but i knew i wouldn’t start up running again 🙂
Oh my goodness – so much love on the course! You’re soon going to need body guards to run along side of you to protect you from your adoring fans! 🙂 That’s what I’ve loved most about blogging – meeting other runners that I would never have met otherwise. Like you!
I love reading and writing race recaps, too!
it was SO fun to meet readers! and yes, meeting awesome runners has been my favorite thing about having this blog!!!
HOW FUN!!! And how cool to be recognized! You’re famous! And totally ok to claim that PR – you rocked it!
NIcole @ Fitful Focus recently posted…That Time I Interviewed Jillian Michaels + BODYSHRED Discount!
hahaha, not famous but it was super fun!
Courtney, that is a pretty awesome race. All the friends, and people recognizing you, the proposal, you PR and let us not forget the cherry blossoms. Sounds like great fun!
GinaB @ Mirror Watching recently posted…Flash Forward Five
Congrats on the PR! The race was fantastic and I am happy you rocked it!
I am a huge fan of your blog! 🙂
Thank you so much 🙂