OVERVIEW

Are you planning to run the Credit Union Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run in April? Or do you have another spring race in mind, whether it's a 10K or a 10-miler or a half marathon? Train with us for a great performance! Whether your goal is to finish the race, or to finish faster than you ever have before, prepare to do your best with a coach’s guidance and fellow runners to help keep you motivated.  AND, you'll get some great UnderArmour gear along the way! Train with us in the Premium program and you can guarantee a great training experience for you (and any of your running friends who choose to join you as well!) AND a race bib. You don’t even need to register for the lottery! (See details under the Premium Program below.)

PROGRAM DETAILS 

The program returns for its eigthn year, and is brought to you in partnership with the race organizers for the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run. It is also appropriate for those prepping for the spring season in general.

The program will kick off the weekend of January 27-28, 2018 and includes training sites in DC/Arlington,  Reston, and Vienna. The program includes weekly group weekend runs. You will receive a 10-week schedule based on your background/race goal; that plan includes guidance on what to do on days you are not meeting with the group.  On-site coaches will answer your questions and keep you excited and motivated as they guide you toward your race goal. 

The weekend sessions are focused on improving your long run. You will gradually increase your run volume, being careful to run at a pace that will maximize your body’s ability to recover and to use energy efficiently (coaches will provide guidance on appropriate pacing, and you may choose to train with a heart rate monitor to manage your effort level appropriately.) Some sessions will also focus specifically on your race pace. Typical participant paces range from run/walk at 16-18 minute miles, to 8-8:30 miles. You are not “too slow” for this program!

New for 2017-18, based on participant feedback, we have SEPARATED the weekend training from the optional weekly interval workout. Runners can participate in BOTH programs or only choose the weekend training and follow the training plan to do speed sessions on their own if they choose. Registration and payment for the Cherry Blossom Training and the Evening Intevral Program are separate, but the overall cost will be similar to past years if you choose to do both, or lower if you choose to do the Cherry Blossom/Spring Mid-Distance Program by itself. 

Cherry Blossom/Spring Mid-Distance - Standard Training Program - Training Only (No Bib)

The Standard program includes a commemorative program t-shirt.  You also receive the 10-week training plan, weekly group runs, special sales and promotions, and more.  (Note that we've made this program 10 weeks because, especially after recent snowy winters, we EXPECT that there may be some weather-related cancellations, and have built in some extra prep time just in case!)

Cherry Blossom/Spring Mid-Distance - Premium Training Program - Includes Cherry Blossom Race Bib

Thanks to our great relationship with the race, we have the rare opportunity to access race bibs for the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run and offer a Premium Training Program. Premium Program participants receive all the great program benefits of the Standard Program, AND a RACE ENTRY for the 2017 Cherry Blossom race. When you attend your first training session, you will receive a code which enables you to complete your registration and waiver through the Cherry Blossom website, and also to add on any items like a finishers' medal or t-shirt upgrade directly through the race.

 ***NOTE: Registering for training guarantees you a bib but does NOT register you for the race – we are partners with the race organizers but operate two separate businesess. You still have to complete that registration process (including the waiver) separately, yourself. We do not do it for you. In the past, some folks never read any emails sent and did not register, then arrived at the expo expecting to pick up a bib and caused big challenges for the race organizers. Be aware of this process!*** 

UPCOMING SESSIONS

There are three available training sites for the Cherry Blossom/Spring Mid-Distance Training Program:  DC/Arlington (meeting in Georgetown and Ballston or Rosslyn depending on the week), Reston, and Vienna.  The Winter/Spring Distance Training Program will meet in Burke, DC and Reston as well, offering additional group run opportunities should participants have a conflict with the scheduled CB/Spring Mid-Distance run.  

DC (Georgetown)/Arlington-based CB/Spring Mid-Distance Training Program:  Meeting in DC at 34th & Water Street in Georgetown (under the Whitehurst Freeway at the park area near the start of the Capital Crescent Trail.) Or meeting in Ballston at the =PR= Store, or in Rosslyn at Iwo Jima or Roosevelt Island,the Sunday meeting day allows for available off-street parking. If Arlington-based, a a walk across the bridge enables use of the Rosslyn Metro. In past years, many carpools have formed. Weekend sessions meet SUNDAYS at 8:30 AM. (Session time may move earlier as program progresses to accommodate longer runs and we ask everyone to arrive 15 minutes early so the run can start promptly.) Register separately for the EVENING INTERVAL PROGRAM in DC on Thursdays (at Wilson HS at 6:30 PM) or in Arlington on Wednesdays (at W-L HS at 6:30 PM.)

Reston-based CB/Spring Mid Distance Training Program:  Meeting at the =PR= Reston Store in Reston Town Center. Runs on the W&OD with occasional “field trips.” Location is convenient for suburban runners from Reston, Vienna/McLean, Chantilly, Centreville, and more. Sessions meet SUNDAYS at 8:30 AM. (Session time may move earlier as program progresses to accommodate longer runs and we ask everyone to arrive 15 minutes early so the run can start promptly.) Register separately for the EVENING INTERVAL PROGRAMl Weekday Speed Session in Reston on Tuesdays (at South Lakes HS at 6:30 PM.)

Vienna-based CB/Spring Mid Distance Training Program:  Meeting at the =PR= Vienna Store at 111 Maple Avenue. Runs on the W&OD with occasional “field trips.” Location is convenient for suburban runners from Reston, Vienna/McLean, Chantilly, Centreville, and more. Sessions meet SATURDAYS at 8:30 AM. (Session time may move earlier as program progresses to accommodate longer runs and we ask everyone to arrive 15 minutes early so the run can start promptly.) Register separately for the EVENING INTERVAL PROGRAMl Weekday Speed Session in Reston on Tuesdays (at South Lakes HS at 6:30 PM.) 

PROGRAM COST

The program cost for the Cherry Blossom/Spring Mid-Distance Training – Standard Program is $105 for the session. This cost includes up to ten weekly coached weekend morning sessions, and participant benefits including a commemorative program t-shirt, and other giveaways and social activities.

The Cherry Blossom/Spring Mid-Distance Training – Premium Program is $145 for the session and INCLUDES your race entry fee. Register before the race lottery and you don’t need to hassle with wondering if you’ll get into the race!

Active participants in the CB/Spring Mid-Distance Training Program also receive special promotions from Potomac River Running Store and discounts on entry to all =PR= owned races.

Past =PR= Training participants receive $10 off the program fee, just for coming back out!  No code needed -- just register using the same login credentials you have registered with in the past, and you'll receive the savings automatically.