Cherry Blossom 10 miler next week..say what!?!

I just finished the RnR DC half and now it looks like Cherry Blossom 10 miler is on the horizon.  Since I really didn't run much for RnR DC..I'm hoping for an ok, run for Cherry Blossom.  My plan is to run 8 miles this weekend.  (it is supposed to rain all weekend, so I'm hoping to squeeze in 8 outside on Sunday..if not hello dreadmill).  Then run some 4 or 5 mile runs throughout the week and hopefully I will be ready by next weekend for 10 miles. 

no cherry blossoms for this year's picture

Why oh why did they accept our entry into the Cherry Blossom? The Cherry Blossom 10 miler is probably my least favorite run.  The only reason I sign up for it is to run with friends.  I hate the crowds and feeling like I am running on top of people at the start of the race.  When I get to Haines Point I dread the fact that I am running for miles without much crowd support.  I do look forward to seeing the random guy sitting with free beer and oreos at around mile 8 (I somehow missed him last year).  The cherry blossom will probably be all gone by race day too.   I love the brunch afterwards, hanging out with friends.  I just find I don't enjoy the race.  This will probably be my last Cherry Blossom 10 miler that I run.  I prefer the Army 10 miler over the Cherry Blossom (even with the uphill climb towards the finish line).