Friday, 10/9, Army Ten Miler Expo

• 2:30 p.m.-3:00 p.m. Strong Heart, Strong Finish: The Physiology of Peak Performance

Learn how your heart drives performance on race day. This session breaks down VO₂ max, heart‑rate zones, lactate threshold, and practical ways to keep your heart healthy while training. Dr. Ankit Shah, a nationally known sports cardiologist, will discuss simple, science‑based strategies to train smarter and finish stronger. Dr. Ankit Shah has worked with athletes from teams including the New England Patriots, Boston Bruins, Washington Capitals, Baltimore Ravens, Baltimore Orioles, Washington Mystics, and D.C. United. 

• 4:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m. The Champion's Playbook: A Conversation with Sam Chelanga, Two-Time Overall Army Ten Miler Winner 

Hear directly from Sam Chelanga, the 2024 and 2025 Army Ten‑Miler Overall Champion. Sam is an American distance runner, who is originally from Kenya, and who currently serves as a captain in the United States Army. Sam will offer an inside look at how champions approach racing and training. Bring your questions or simply come ready to learn from one of the best.

Saturday, 10/10, Army Ten Miler Expo

• 11:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Ten-Miler Tactics: Race Strategy with Shannon Smith and Sean Hicks

Shannon and Sean are seasoned masters runners with decades of racing experience across every distance. Together, they’ve logged hundreds of races—and learned just as many lessons along the way. In this seminar, they’ll break down their most effective race‑day strategies, share honest stories about what not to do (yes, including going out too fast), and answer your questions to help you approach the Army Ten‑Miler with confidence and a smarter plan.

• 2:00m.-2:30 p.m. The Final 5: Mental Strategies for Conquering the Final 5 Miles

The last stretch of the Army Ten‑Miler demands more than fitness—it demands focus. RRCA‑certified running coaches Kelly (VP for Training for DC Road Runners) and Joe Fisher (President of DC Road Runners and 3-time Boston Marathon qualifier) will break down the mental strategies that keep runners strong when the course gets tough. Learn strategies to help you through the final five miles, avoid late‑race slowing, and conquer the 14th Street Bridge. You’ll leave with practical, confidence‑building tools to stay steady and confident and to finish fast.

• 4:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m. Running, Recovery, and Rehab: An Athlete's Guide to Injury Prevention and Recovery  

Long distance running is an exhilarating sport. It is also physically demanding. Dr. Michele "Shelly" Weinstein, Medical Coordinator of the Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Miler and advisor to World Athletics Endurance Medicine, will discuss basic principles of injury prevention, techniques for effective recovery, and when it might be a good idea to see a physical therapist. Come with general questions and be prepared for a lively and informative session.