Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run - Run10 Mile

Missed my start wave, so had to start almost all the way at the back. This was a problem with the course so crowded. Was constantly slowing down with big groups of slow-movers in front of me. Had to dodge and weave a lot to pass. Things didn't even start to clear up until around mile 7. The last mile finally opened up and I ran a frustration-laden 7:15/mile.

5-mile splits were 45:08 on front half and 42:14 on back half. Normally a negative split would excite me but not under the circumstances. Had plenty left in the tank at the end - felt like I could have run both halves at around the 42-minute pace.

This was my first jumbo race, so I guess I had a few takeaways:
• Be prepared for huge crowds on the course - makes the starting position even more important than usual
• Get there even earlier than normal to ensure no delays
• Good energy with all the people in the race and spectators cheering

I should feel happy about this result. This was my longest run in my entire life to date, and going in I said I would feel good about anything under 1:30. But I was secretly hoping to break 1:25, and I think I could have done it if I had started on time.


Good race, but they need WAY more port-a-potties - I heard later there were only 175 for ~20,000 people. Or at a minimum tell people they need to arrive absurdly early.