Getting Ready to Run - 2021
Training Together!
Are you training for the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run or 5K Run-Walk? No matter what program you are following, join our Facebook Training Groups to share your experiences and get support, motivation and tips from other runners!
Training Programs
The Credit Union Cherry Blossom, in conjunction with ASICS and Garmin, will offer training programs for both Ten Mile Run and 5K Run-Walk participatns. We will be offering the following:
- Kirt West Beginner Virtual Training Program Presented by ASICS hosted by Coach Kirt West for 10 milers expecting to finish in the 1:55:00 to 2:20:00 range or the 5K Run-Walk between 37:30 and 65:00. (Free)
- Runcoach Intermediate and Advanced Virtual Training Program developed by Runcoach and designed for 10 milers expecting to finish faster than 1:55:00 or the 5K faster than 37:30. (Free)
- Runcoach Gold Virtual Training with Personal Consultation by Runcoach Coaches Supplement the online coaching with access to a certified Runcoach coach for personal consultation about your training. Available for 10 mile and 5K Run-Walk participants of all abilities. ($20)
- In-person Training Program for 10-mile participants of all abilities hosted by Potomac River Running as part of its PR Training Programs. Training runs are held in the greater DC metropolitan area (see below for details).
The Credit Union Cherry Blossom will also provide an Injury Assessment Clinic hosted by MedStar Health. Details to follow.
Our Free Virtual Training Programs for Both 10 Mile and 5K Participants
All registrants will be assigned automatically to a FREE online training program based on your Projected 10 mile or 5K time you provide on the entry form:
- Kirt West Beginner Training Program Presented by ASICS (starts late January)
- RunCoach Intermediate and Advanced Program (accepted runners will hear from Runcoach about setting up your program after lottery registration ends in December.)
Those not wishing to participate in a training program will have the opportunity to OPT-OUT on the entry form.
Kirt West Beginner Training Program Presented by ASICS
This FREE program is designed for entrants with projected 10 mile times over 1:55:00 or projected 5K times over 37:30. Coach Kirt West provides a program that begins with a walk-run approach and is the right choice for beginners and those coming back from a long layoff.
Questions about the program and whether it is the right program for you can be sent to Coach West at [email protected].
Signup for those who don't register for the program during Lottery Registration will be available here in mid-June 2021
Runcoach Intermediate and Advanced Program
This FREE program is designed for entrants with projected 10 mile times faster than 1:55:00 and 5K times faster than 37:30.
As a participant you will receive a FREE log-in to Runcoach where you can build a free and personalized training plan. Runcoach allows you to plan your workouts and track your runs at no additional cost to you.
Signup for those who don't register for the program during Lottery Registration will be available here in mid-June 2021
Runcoach Gold Program ($20.00)
Runcoach also offers a specialized training program that provides more personalized coaching for a $20 fee.
ONE-TIME offer for $20 (Regular Value $160). Runcoach GOLD offers even more support and 1:1 contact with certified, U.S.-based Coaches. You will be assigned to a Coach. An email with instructions for activating your Runcoach training program and profile will be sent to all runners picked in the lottery who selected this training option when registering. (If you are not selected in the lottery, you will not be charged for the program.)
Signup for this progam will be available here in mid-June 2021
In-Person Training Program Hosted by PR Training for Runners at All Levels
Registration for these programs takes place on the PR Training Programs links provided below.
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.
The program is brought to you in partnership with =PR= Training Programs. Programs are designed for beginner, intermediate and advanced runners. Training sites include Arlington/DC (time split in Georgetown (at K Street under Whitehurst Freeway) and in Rosslyn); Reston; and Vienna.
The program will kick off at the end of January and culminates with the race! It includes weekly group weekend morning runs and the option to add weekday speed workouts.
You will receive a 10-week schedule based on your background/race goal, which 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, and also communicate with you via email each week to keep you engaged.
There are two programs - the Premium Program, which includes a race entry, and the Standard Program, which is for individuals who have already obtained entry into the race. The content of both programs is the same.
Signup for both of these progams will be available here in mid-June, 2021
The closing date for sign-ups will be June 30, 2021.
