CUCB 10-Miler 2022 Recap

This year’s Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10-miler Run was on April 3rd, 2022. It was my first time running it and I wanted to write a small recap to share my experiences!

SIGN UP

The Credit Union Cherry Blossom is one of the most anticipated races in the DMV area! Even with over 15,000 runners, demand for entry is very high and runners are only accepted though a lottery system. Runners need to enter the lottery by a certain date and are notified in the following weeks if they have been accepted. I would recommend forming an official group with any friends who are also interested in running the race so the whole group can be entered as a unit. This way, you and everyone in your group will get the same entry decision. Be sure to enter before the deadline to be considered for the lottery!

TRAINING

About 8 weeks prior to race day, I had made an adjusted plan based off my half marathon training from 2019. My training increased by about 10% in mileage every week, ending with 8 miles about two weeks prior to race day. About halfway into my plan, my training slightly derailed and I never got back on track. Life happens and things get in the way, so I just made sure to be as active as I could even without running as much. I focused on stretches and walks to be prepared for the run.

On race day, knowing that I had previously run a half marathon helped push me through the second half of the race but I would not recommend that as a training strategy. I am feeling the repercussions of the run months later in my knees and wish I had done a better job of activating my quad muscles before the race.

THE RACE ROUTE

As a first time runner in the race, I didn’t know what to expect but it turned out to be wonderful! The weather was probably the best it had been in weeks with clear skies for the most part and a slight breeze.

Every year, the race follows a similar trail along the Potomac River and Tidal Basin, starting and ending near Independence Avenue. The route takes runners over Memorial bridge with stunning views of the Monument and around East Potomac Park alongside the water the entire time. Overall, it is a flat course, great for all kinds of runners, especially first timers!

RACE DAY FAQ

• Shirt & Packet Pickup: Race packets can be picked up at the Expo in DC the day before the race.
• Bag Drop: Bags should be dropped off at the UPS trucks based on bib number. The trucks are locked up during the race so personal items are kept safe.
• Refueling Stations: There was not a shortage of water and gatorade stations throughout the race. About every 2 miles there was either water breaks or locals with fun food stations! We saw all kinds of treats include Oreos, Vodka shots, and bakery items!
• Port-a-Pottys/Bathrooms: Several port-a-pottys were located along the route as well. I didn’t use any during the race, but the distribution throughout the race seemed well thought out.
• Cut Off Time: All first time runners hear about “the truck” that will pick you up if you are too slow! Averaging a pace longer than 14 minutes per mile at the 6-mile mark, race volunteers will scoop you up in the truck and drive you to the finish line. The reason for this is that the route cannot be blocked off for more than a few hours and this gives runners plenty of time to take breaks and stop for views. I would say if you have trained even halfway, you do not need to worry about getting picked up by the truck.
• Finish Line Snacks: Medals were handed out at the finish line along with bottles of water and bananas.

POST RACE RECOVERY

After the race it is very important to eat well and stretch. I did not take enough efforts to stretch my legs after the race, and I definitely regret that now even months later when my knees hurt after exercising. Ideally, you would want to eat something nutritious to help with recovery, but I was craving pizza and cookies. So we made our way to Wiseguy Pizza in Rosslyn for the best post-run treat.

HELPFUL TIPS FOR NEXT YEAR

Check the weather and bring gloves and extra layers to warm up in! They have a great bag drop set up so you can easily put your stuff away once you have warmed up so no need to carry extra items around during the race. I would also recommend using the bathroom before the race begins — even though the lines might look long, they move quickly and is worth saving yourself from the lines during the race.

I would definitely recommend signing up for the race if you are anywhere near the DC area as it was one of the best races I’ve done! I loved how flat the course was, the views throughout the run, and all the energy by the participants and volunteers! Not sure if I will run it again next year, but hopefully sometime again in the future 🙂