On April 12, 2015, approximately 18,000 runners are scheduled to run the "rite of spring for runners" Cherry Blossom Ten-Miler race, and that number doesn’t include
those signed up for the 5K. If it’s your first time running this race, you may
feel a bit overwhelmed that morning. No worries—we asked local runners who have
run the race multiple times to share any tips they wish they had known their
first time. Read on to learn how to make the most of your race—and good luck!
1) Take the Metro or jog to the race.
As with any major race, the Metro will run more frequently than
usual this weekend, but it’s always a good idea to give yourself some extra
time to wait for it. The Smithsonian stop is closest to the starting point, but
local runners Robin Coleman recommends getting off at Metro Center, Archives, or
L’Enfant to do a warmup run to the race. Bring some cash in case you need to take a cab at the last minute.
2) Weather changes.
Recently it’s felt like summer some day and a late winter a few days later, but of course the weather is expected to be around 45-55 degrees on race day. Coleman says she often regrets under-dressing for this race. Still, at 7:30 AM it’ll feel chilly, but after a few miles you’ll probably want to shed some layers. If your family and friends are at a designated point along the race, hand off your layers to them. Coleman advises to pack something warm for after the race, too.
3) Go to the bathroom early.
Use the bathroom before you leave home or as soon as you get to the race. Last year, one blogger missed the start of the race while standing in a long line to use a Porta Potty.
4) Pace yourself when the gun goes off.
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of this popular race, but don’t start out so fast that your legs give out by mile five. “At the start, be careful of everyone surging. Try to maintain an even pace,” warns Coleman. “Ten miles is still a long way.” It can be tricky pacing yourself for a ten-miler, he says, but try starting out a few seconds slower than your current 10K pace, then push it down as much as possible beginning at mile eight.
5) Stay hydrated.
2) Weather changes.
Recently it’s felt like summer some day and a late winter a few days later, but of course the weather is expected to be around 45-55 degrees on race day. Coleman says she often regrets under-dressing for this race. Still, at 7:30 AM it’ll feel chilly, but after a few miles you’ll probably want to shed some layers. If your family and friends are at a designated point along the race, hand off your layers to them. Coleman advises to pack something warm for after the race, too.
3) Go to the bathroom early.
Use the bathroom before you leave home or as soon as you get to the race. Last year, one blogger missed the start of the race while standing in a long line to use a Porta Potty.
4) Pace yourself when the gun goes off.
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of this popular race, but don’t start out so fast that your legs give out by mile five. “At the start, be careful of everyone surging. Try to maintain an even pace,” warns Coleman. “Ten miles is still a long way.” It can be tricky pacing yourself for a ten-miler, he says, but try starting out a few seconds slower than your current 10K pace, then push it down as much as possible beginning at mile eight.
5) Stay hydrated.
The D.C. Cherry Blossom 10 miler is a pretty laid back and fun race. So, enjoy your run and remember to celebrate afterwards.
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