I found my corral; lined up with everyone, national anthem and we were off about 15 minutes after the first corral started. The first two miles weren't bad (just a bit cold) but after coming off the Memorial Bridge around mile three, I started to get warm. I took off one jacket and tied it around my waist. At this point, the 5k had started and I saw some of the fast runners around mile four for me. All that I could think of was that I needed to be faster because CB has a strict time limit of 2 hours and 20 minutes. Panic set in as I saw those runners and thought I still have six miles to go and can I make these time limit. However around mile six (the second jacket had come off so now I had two jackets around my waist), I realized that I would not only make the time cut-off but be okay with my time. I slowed down and enjoyed the race more at this point as I was coming into Haynes Point which is quite beautiful. I also managed to grab a great picture with the Washington Monument and Tidal Basil. It was extremely cold as there was nothing blocking the wind from the river front but I didn't want to put a jacket back on due to time. At mile nine, I realized that I had only one more mile and several volunteers at the water stop recognized me, hugged me and congratulations me for running the race. A huge THANK YOU to the volunteers that day either at the water stops, mile markers who were shouting out the miles, medical and police. You chose to support us in this cold, windy race and we couldn't have done it without you!!

As I started off Haynes Point towards the finish line, I always forget that there is a small incline around mile 9.5. I struggled through the wind front and crossed the finish line with the time that I had last year. A bit disappointed but overall happy given the weather conditions! Quick pictures but no medal (I actually borrowed someones) because I forgot to order one early.I love this race and can only hope that I will be able to run it again next year for my third year in a row. Did you run Cherry Blossom this year? How did you do considering the weather conditions? Would you run it again if you were chosen in the lottery?