For the first time in a long time, the weather for the 2019 Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run was on the warm side. For the first time ever, I actually looked forward to Hains Point, because I knew there would be a breeze off the water!
Have you seen the “age grade” statistic before?
I’m so glad my hip and ankle cooperated for a great run and let me finish close enough to my goal time.
2019 Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run Race Recap
I usually start my Cherry Blossom race recap with comments on the expo, but this year I couldn’t resist when a coworker offered to get my bib for me. I already have two cherry blossom hats, two sets of cherry blossom arm sleeves, one pair of cherry blossom socks, and a cherry blossom key ring, so I didn’t really need to go to the expo–although I don’t yet have a cherry blossom pint glass, so maybe I’ll go myself next year. 😉
I even have cherry blossom earring from my mom!
Despite all that cherry blossom gear, I decided to be matchy-matchy with my red race bib.
Is it gauche to wear Lawyer’s Have Heart gear at a different race?
On race morning, I took Scooby out for a walk to assess the weather, and noticed that my left ITB felt a bit tight. I spent a few minutes with my foam roller as I enjoyed my one cup of pre-race coffee.
We lucked out on parking, and I dashed to the top of the Washington Monument grounds to catch the view of the sunrise behind the Capitol.
It got light quickly, and I posed for a pre-race photo at the base of the monument.
Before long, it was time to line up. After a solid rendition of the national anthem, we were off. The course was similar to last year, avoiding the Memorial Bridge due to construction with a loop past the Kennedy Center, and then an out-and-back through West Potomac Park before heading back towards the Washington Monument and around the Jefferson Memorial to Hains Point. As we crossed the bridge near the Tidal Basin, I couldn’t resist taking a picture.
Even though it was cloudy, it was so pretty!
As with every race that includes Hains Point, my whole mental focus was on those 3.5 miles. I tried to pace myself, but my pacing was all over the place.
Official Chip Time: 1:25:19
Official Pace: 8:32
Despite my two runs in Miami, I’m really not used to running in “warm” weather (uppers 50s?) and high humidity yet this season. Instead of dreading Hains Point, though, I actually was looking forward to it because I knew there would be a breeze off the water.
The canopy of pink trees and breeze made it almost nice!
I also enjoyed the entertainment on Hains Point, especially the drumming group.
They always make my think of my friend Maiyah.
I told myself I would pick up the pace once we reached the turn-around on Hains Point, but when I got there I knew I couldn’t really push for 2.5 miles. I told myself I would pick up the pace at mile 8, but while my effort felt harder, my Garmin data got slower. by mile 9, I was giving it all I had and hoping against hope I would finish with an 8:30 pace.
Official Chip Time: 1:25:19
Gorgeous medal!
The sun came out later in the day, giving me the perfect opportunity to wear my race shirt. It’s definitely in spring colors!
I know I didn’t push myself as hard as I have in the past, and I’m OK with that. I’m trying to find a better balance between running strong and enjoying the journey to the finish line. The next race on my calendar–the GW Parkway Classic in two weeks–starts off with 5 miles of rolling hills, but has a great finish line party worth saving some energy for.
I’m joining the Tuesday Topics link up hosted by Kim and Zenaida.
Have you ever coordinated your race outfit with your bib color?
![The Ultimate Coffee Date](http://got2run4me.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Ultimate-Coffee-Date.png" "The Ultimate Coffee Date")
Congrats on another great finish line! Looks like it was a beautiful day and oh my! those cherry blossoms!
Thanks! It really was once of the nicest race days for Cherry Blossom in a few years.
This always sounds like such a fun race! Congrats on another race finish.
I’ve never seen the age grade stat before – that’s really interesting.
I wonder if it’s a new thing? Garmin was a new sponsor, so maybe they do it?
I have to say i’ve never even thought about my race bib color! And I think it’s fine towers gear from another race — I used to do it all the time to remind myself I could do this (before Skirt Sports).
You were REALLY close to your goal. I don’t think you were all over the place, either; I’d say you were really consistent aside from the first two miles. Great job, Coco!
Thanks! I guess its frustrating when I feel like I’m working harder but my Garmin says it’s not paying off. 😉
I have that feeling frequently! But it’s always nice when it’s the opposite.
Great job. Your pace was pretty consistent.
I always wear race shirts from other races…that’s where my shirts usually come from. I buy my skirts.
So lucky with the weather. I often am not esp when I travel to races.
Imagine if races gave out skirts instead of shirts. 🙂
and yes I love the age grade stats. makes me feel fast. why is the bib red not pink (for cherry blossoms). well I guess cherries are red. lol
The bibs go with your corral. There are several colors, but I don’t think any are pink!
well you know I am all about the matching my outfits to any and everything! I have no idea what the age grade is. Congrats again on a great race! You always do seem to pull it out
Thanks.I couldn’t have set a faster goal with any hope of meeting it, but it was my slowest since I’ve started blogging. I can’t expect more than I trained for, and I barely trained for this!
I don’t think I HAVE ever coordinated my race outfit with my bib color, but yours looked cool! Congrats on a great race. So glad your injury behaved and you had a good run. Some race websites post age-graded results. I look at them just to make myself feel good – Oh, look at what my time would have been if I was 19! 🙂
LOL. I usually look and see how old I would have had to be to win an AG place!
Not gauche at all. I wear my NYC Runs’ penguin shirt to many NYRR ones because penguins!
Congrats on a solid race and what a gorgeous sunrise
Thanks! I usually only see that sunrise view on my way to work – it was nice to be able to get a picture!
Whoa, you have really early hours!
Congrats on another race! I’ve been wanting to do this race for years. Hopefully next year I can do it. I’ve never seen the “age grade” statistic. Pretty interesting.
I think your time and pace on this race were awesome, congrats!!! And 8:30 is outstanding in my opinion! I have NEVER coordinated my outfit with the bib—it hasn’t even crossed my mind, and this is the first I’ve ever heard even heard of anyone doing so 😉
LOL. I may be crazy that way. Too many years of school uniforms, maybe?
That age grade was a stumper for me….what the heck is it? I knew I wouldn’t be pushing my pace (for fear of a coughing attack), and my head was all loopy from cold meds LOL I sure enjoyed all the sights, though! The blossoms were phenomenal!!!!
I think it’s sort of a percentile ranking? The highest are 0.9xxx. I’m glad you enjoyed our nation’s capitol!
Oh, maybe those cold meds made you feel thirsty?
What a great race and what an awesome finish for you! It was so great meeting you in person! Looking forward to seeing you some time again.
Congratulations! I’m glad your IT band had no issues during the race. Looks like Cherry Blossom was fantastic this year. I like the finisher’s shirt – reminds me of the one from a few years back that was white (now gray smh)! I’ve never seen an age grade before!
Congrats on another amazing Cherry Blossom Ten Miler! Nice pacing and awesome time. I love the medal for the race. It must be so beautiful to run!
I love those cherry blossom earrings, they’re so cute! And congrats on a solid race 🙂
It sounds like such a wonderful event, it has been on my bucket list to do! Congratulations on a great race. Sounds like such a fun weekend too 🙂
Congratulations! I am absolutely putting in for the lottery next year! I want to run this with all the cherry blossoms and the incredible crowd support! It just seems so incredible.
So glad you were able to do this and that your ankle was being cooperative!
Congrats girl! Way to enjoy the race and still rock it!
Love your pics! So beautiful! That medal is so pretty too! The one I have from a few years back is one of my fav medals that I have!
Congrats on a great race! Your picture from the bridge is beautiful.