Cherry Blossom 5K Day

Once upon a time in the fall of 2009 I, a non-runner and all around non-exerciser these days, naively and optimistically signed up for a 10 mile run. Long story short, in addition to the 80+ inches of snow we had, this winter was hard mentally and physically and I didn't get off my bumbum to train worth a flip. As race day approached, I still wanted to participate so got into the 5K lineup with no problem. While in DC the day before to pick up my packet Matt & I took our first stroll through Chinatown:


The next morning was gloriously beautiful and we arrived on The Mall just in time to watch the top three 10 mile finishers (from Kenya & Ethiopia) make their last dashes to the finish line... 45 minutes after they started.

I lined up with over 1,00 others to complete our 3 mile goal and though I assumed I would walk the entire course, it was easy to quickly fall in line with the slow jog of the crowd. We were off... past the Washington Monument, toward the WWII Memorial, beside the Tidal Basin, past the Lincoln Memorial, across the Potomac River toward Arlington and back the same way. Wow. There were moments of pain as my leg muscles ached and fear as my heart-rate skyrocketed, but more joy than anything. Beautiful day. Historic route. Good health. Home stretch was the worst, but when an announcer over a big speaker could be heard saying "Welcome back runners!" I was determined to get it over with as fast as possible. I know a 5K isn't a huge feat in the running world, but after this winter, it was for me. 39 minutes and 29 seconds after jogging out with the masses, I drug myself over the finish line and heard "Welcome Back Runner!" over the PA.


Afterward, at Old Ebbit Grill Matt and I shared Eggs Chesapeake (like Benedict, but with crab cakes instead of Canadian bacon) and Pierce munched on his Mom's phone.


Before heading back home on the Metro we stopped at the Renwick Gallery/American Craft Museum where we were pleasantly surprised to find more than typical woven basket and quilted crafts:


Ironically we didn't spot a single Cherry Blossom. But outside the Eisenhower Building were these glowing red tulips. It was a special spring Sunday morning.