It’s finally the weekend of the Cherry Blossom Ten Miler! Even though this will be the fifth year in a row that I’ve run this race, I feel like I am filled with more questions than answers.
1. When should I go to the expo? As with most big races, there is no race-day packet pick-up, but the Cherry Blossom Ten Miler expo is open Friday and Saturday. Meb Keflezighi will be speaking and signing autographs Friday from 3-5, but if I go Saturday I could see him at 11 and hang around (or come back) and see Joan Benoit Samuelson at 2. Decisions, decisions …. (If you are local, the expo is open to the public so you can meet these running superstars too!)
2. Will my husband join me at the VIP dinner? As a thank you for helping out with the Cherry Blossom blog, I am invited to the VIP dinner on Saturday night! The first year I went my husband joined me. Last year he had other plans. This year I think he’s trying to come up other plans! While he’s a great race-day sherpa, he really doesn’t enjoy being my “plus one” at events like this. At least I will know the other “social runners” there.
3. What is my goal for this race? After my surprise PR at the hilly Reston 10 Miler, I could set an aggressive goal for the flat course of the Cherry Blossom Ten Miler. (My PR for the full course is 1:20:37) But I’m still not sure about my foot, and I still have the GW Parkway Classic on April 23, so I don’t want to make it any worse–although after being achy after spinning on Monday it’s been fine, even after my runs on Tuesday and Thursday. I think this will be a game-day decision, maybe even after I’ve run a few miles.
4. What should I wear? This is always a hard question, but the weather has been so crazy over the past few weeks–bouncing from lows in the 30s to highs near 80–it’s even harder this year! The meteorologist used the phrase “winter-like weather” for Sunday, with a high of 51F and 20-30 mph winds! I get so warm when I run I usually prefer being under-dressed than over-dressed, but the wind makes that decision more complicated. (As if Hains Point doesn’t suck enough as it is!)
5. Will there be any cherry blossoms left? Speaking of Hains Point, I hope there are some cherry blossoms left to distract me during those long three miles. The trees were still pretty on Tuesday, but with rain and wind in the forecast between now and Sunday, I don’t think they will be as spectacular as they were last year.
2015 Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run (Hains Point)
How would you dress for a windy race?
Does your significant other mind being your “plus one”?
![The Ultimate Coffee Date](http://got2run4me.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Ultimate-Coffee-Date.png" "The Ultimate Coffee Date")
I would wear one of those really thin running windbreakers. I got one at an expo like 3 years ago and it’s the best. It is very light to carry if it gets too hot. I think it folds up into itself into a super small ball, easy to carry. Have a great race and I hope your course if lined with Cherry Blossoms!
I have never ran the Cherry Blossom race. I hope to one yr. I always wear a head warmer when I know it’s going to be windy. And sometimes arm sleeves. That way I have the option to roll them down if I get warm.
Oh, I’ll have to look at arm sleeves at the expo!
Arm sleeves are my favorite “questionable weather” addition. I wear them all the time in the spring and fall (and have about 10 pairs – half of which are actually baseball sleeves LOL)
Have fun at the dinner. I’ll be volunteering today at tshirt exchange (3-6) 🙂
Cool! Maybe I’ll see you there.
I totally understand where your husband is coming from with the plus 1 at race dinners/events. My husband is the same way despite being very supportive of my racing etc. Windy weather is difficult, but if you have a thin wind breaker, I would wear that on race day.
Ahhhh the feet! I hope your foot behaves!
My husband does mind going with me to events. He’ll do it but he doesn’t like it. What can I say?
Save your hard running for GW Parkway – that’s a good PR course.
Oh, GW Parkway has some hills in the first 5 miles though. But it is a great course.
Good luck this weekend-Cherry Blossom is such a beautiful race! For windy runs I just go with what I regularly wear, maybe add some arm sleeves if it’s chilly.
The weather is throwing me for a loop! The wind is a killer at Hains Point yes. I never know how I am going to feel until I start a race. So happy to be there this year after bailing the last 2 years. See you at the MRTT photo meet up?!
I have a friend coming in town for the race so she is my plus one on Saturday night 🙂 See you then!!
our weather has been crazy like yours (I’m in Iowa). We’re supposed to have 40 mph wind gusts tomorrow (temps in the high 30’s), but sunny and “breezy” and in the 70’s on Sunday. Roller coaster!! I bought a thin wind breaker, and that makes a huge difference in keeping the wind out of my clothes. Good luck !!
Thanks. I think I’m going with my windbreaker vest and a long sleeved top. A full windbreaker could get too hot.
For everyone’s sake, I sure hope there are blossoms left on Haines Point! Good luck to you!
I’m definitely a fan of arm sleeves when the weather is in between. I hope there are some blossoms left, that would stink otherwise! Good luck and have fun.
My husband is great about being a +1 for most things but he’d probably skip that. The temps were chilly and windy for the NYC 1/2. I wore long sleeves, gloves, shorts and compression socks. Same for today in Chicago! Good luck. Hope your foot holds up!