The Cherry Blossom 10 Miler Sunday morning started promptly at 7:50am for the largest crowd on record in the history of the race.  The weather of course could have been a little more cooperative but overall it could have been worse.  Temperatures hung in the 40s the whole race and most of the rain held off until the race was finished or at least for the latter half of the race for most of the runners.

Since I had to do 16 miles that morning as I'm tapering for the marathon, I ended up getting the worst of the weather, with the showers before the race and the showers afterwards.  The 10 miler in wet shoes wasn't exactly the most fun but it worked, good to add another level of toughness!  I thought the new course was pretty good but it seemed to me the start was a little tight as you went out towards East Potomac Park and Hains Point which was on those skinnier streets compared to the old course which lead you through wider streets and eventually onto the Memorial Bridge.  I did like the new course with the Rock Creek portion gone, I just thought that was a long out and back which wasn't too appealing to the eyes and made you think about one thing, running.  The new course is a little better with different attractions, though I bet some years will be tougher than others as you run right along the windy Potomac which was relatively tranquil the Sunday morning.  My main problem with the race was to have the Memorial Bridge last, as I find that to be the toughest part physically and mentally, but I don't want to be a wimp, so I guess I can deal with it continuing to be towards the end.

What were your thoughts on the race?  If you post on our blogs, it doesn't show up right away as the comments have to be approved so if you don't see it at first, don't think that it didn't make it through.  I will check the system often so I can approve the messages and get your opinions online.  Thanks!