Weekend Edition

Good Morning! Today is a great morning because last night I was able to steal a "late entry" pass to the Cherry Blossom 10 miler! As you may remember I ran this race last year and had a great time. I'm so thrilled to be running again, especially with great people like my co-workers. You might be wondering if I have been training for this run and the answer is no...however, I recently joined a Meet Up group that goes for pretty long (6-8 mile) runs on Saturday morning, so I don't feel completely unprepared.

I couldn't resist posting this 1959 Life Magazine advertisement with the Cherry Blossom's in the background. Thanks http://jana-treeclimber.blogspot.com/2012/04/washington-dc-cherry-blossoms.html for the photo. 

Racing

The Marine Corps Marathon is this weekend, that's 16.2 miles more than the race I ran last weekend- the Army 10 Miler (ATM). I love running, but it's difficult to imagine running thaaaat long. Perhaps one day I will attempt a marathon. The Marine Corps is apparently a good choice for first time marathoners; the news reported that over 11,000 of the runners will be first timers this year. Plus, the DC race has always had significance for me because my aunt ran it several times while she lived in DC. Here is a photo of her as a first time marathoner.

The Army 10 Miler was a great experience. Matt and Rex were waiting patiently for me to run by at the 3 and 5 mile mark, but we missed each other. I was actually running faster than predicted. Here are a few photos he took of the mass of runners.

I'd really like to train for another triathlon, but it's hard to stay committed without a training group or buddy. If anyone is interested, let me know! 

Training for the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler

I have not yet mentioned that I am training for this run...perhaps, because I am a little intimidated. The last time that I ran a big race was the Rock 'n Roll Half Marathon in September 2008. I decided to get back into running around January of this year- and how perfect a reunion would be around the tidal basin in DC while the Cherry Blossom Trees are blooming! I haven't been to the festival since I was a very young girl, so not only am I anxious about the race, but I'm ecstatic to see the trees and the blossom's reflection on the water. Matt tries to run with me, but he prefers swimming or yoga. On the longer runs he will ride his bike next to me along the streets and trails, and of course Rex is always down for a good run. I think he's sporadic pace actually helps with my agility and sprint training! I'd love to find a running buddy for the longer runs (8-10 miles!) because these can get a little boring, and it's easy to stop or turn around without someone there keeping you honest! What do you do for exercise? If you run in DC, what are your favorite routes? I usually stick to the Mall, or head towards Lincoln Park. Here is an article from a DC local sharing her favorite runs in and around DC.