Cherry Blossom 10-Mile Blast

You don't often win the lottery. And, in this case, I entered thinking there was no way I would. Imagine my surprise when I received confirmation that I had won a free registration for the popular, Credit Union's Cherry Blossom 10-mile race. Game on. I had 6 weeks to get my butt into gear--no more leisurely 11-minute miles and walks. The goal would be to finish... and do so standing up and not via the caboose pickup bus (for runners/walkers too slow to finish before they need to reopen the roads).

The good news is I survived. I had forgotten how invigorating and fun a race could be. Thank you to the organizers, the Credit Union, and all the amazing volunteers.

Rock and Roll in DC

Congratulations to the runners in the DC Rock 'n' Roll marathon and half-marathon. It was nice to just be an observer.

First Holton XC Race

Go! Go! I wanted to jump right in along side her! This makes me want to sign up for a race!

Yay, Julia!

Update: 2nd Place - 15K!

Whoo-hoo! My official time for the 15K was 1:13:31 and it was enough to get me 2nd place in the 40-49 age group. I'm looking forward to getting that $25 gift certificate in the mail. :)

Springfield 15K Race

I haven't verified my official time yet, but it was around 1:13. I didn't capture the trail part of the race around Lake Accotink--very pretty, but a lot of uphill with gravel, narrow paths, and people! My brother ran it as well and he checked the route--over 52% of the course was at a 2% gradience. So, it was a good challenge for sure. My mom walked the 5K and came in second place for her division--whoo-hoo!!! She won a $25 gift certificate.

Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure May 11

You can still register in person today to run the 5K tomorrow. I hope the weather holds--possible thunderstorms.

Looks like it will be a huge event!

Way more tents than for the Avon walk.

Thanks to all of the rain we have had recently, the flood gates are up at Georgetown Waterfront. It is hard to tell from the picture, but the water level was just below the top of the boardwalk.

Potomac River was high this morning.

Cheer Signs!

I saw my name up on a sign this morning and it reminded me of all the great spectator signs you see  when running a race. They are entertaining and a great distraction. A couple of my favorites...

• You're beating everyone behind you!
• Don't stop, people are watching!

R Street in Georgetown

Prepping for Nike Women's Half Marathon

There is nothing I enjoy more than a race that begins and ends in my backyard. Unfortunately, I will be out of town for this one. Since Nike events are so popular, registration is via random draw, i.e., not everyone gets a spot. :(

Georgetown Waterfront

Cherry Blossom 10-Mile Race!

Beautiful day for a race--sunny and high 40s for the 7:30am start. It was windy, but really only noticed when heading toward Hains Point.

There were a number of positive points about this race. First, as I previously mentioned, packet pick-up was a breeze. Second, although 15,000 runners is A LOT of people squeezed into some narrow stretches and hairpin turns, the wave starts were helpful. Third, the course was awesome. Fourth, you could sign up for free text messaging of your split and final times (and any other cell phone #s you wanted to add). The post-race food included bananas, muffins, and Larabars. You had to pay extra for a medal...which I didn't do, but really wish I had when they were handing them out. :(

Pre-race bathroom lines

First time I have seen "Medics" actually running with the crowd--good idea!

Favorite picture--check out the cherry blossoms!

Post-race around the Washington Monument

Cherry Blossom 10 Miler Expo

Great location and nice freebies!

3rd Place in Half-Marathon

I participated in the "For the Love of the Kids" New Year's Resolution Half-Marathon on January 1, 2013 and came in third. I forgot all about it until I received the medal and Starbucks gift card in the mail yesterday. It is so much more rewarding when you know your entrance fee is going to a good cause.

I selected this post to be featured on my blog’s page at Running Blogs.

New Year's Resolution Run

Participate in a virtual race--love this idea! The proceeds go to seriously ill children. The runners can choose the best day to run for them (Dec. 30 - Jan. 1), and the route. And to seal the deal, you get a tech shirt and snazzy medal!

Go to www.fortheloveofthekids.com  for more information.

I Won the Lottery... for Cherry Blossom 10 Miler!

Great news! I have been chosen in the lottery drawing! It has been years since I ran this race. I cannot wait--April 7, 2013!

For more information: www.cherryblossom.org.

Glow in the Dark 5K

If you enjoy a short distance and a party atmosphere... this 5K might be for you. The route was around the RFK Stadium parking lots. However, to their credit, they had stages, tunnels, spray paint tents, etc., along the way to make it more interesting. Free beer at the after party.

Check out the pics!

XC 39th Georgetown Invitational & Baby Squirrel

Attended another fun cross-country event with 47 schools in attendance, the furthest was from the UK! The course was hilly--gorgeous campus--but the weather was perfect.

I met a new friend, this brave, little baby squirrel. He climbed up several legs and was making this cute little grunting noise.

Neon sneaker blocking squirrel from going past my knee. 

Navy-Air Force Half Marathon: 3rd!!

Great race! 1:37:58--got me third place for my old age division. Best part was hanging out with my bro post-race. He achieved a PR, yay!

15 minutes before the start of the race

Challenge coin

Navy-Air Force Half Marathon - September 16

Are you signed up? It starts/ends at the Washington Monument.
http://www.navy5miler.com/

Excited to be running the 13.1 race with my brother!