Before the Corona Del Mar 5k:
I arrived to pick up my bib at the Newport Civic Center, and I appreciate that it’s a really easy process to pick up your bib and t-shirt. From there, I actually got a sandwich for dinner and visited the reptile zoo. As many people know, I’m in my snake girl era, and I’m trying to be more comfortable with snakes, so I’ve decided to immerse myself in them. I mean, who doesn’t want to hold an 11-foot python? Anyway, after an eventful evening, I opted to relax in my hotel.
The Corona Del Mar 5k starts at 7:50 for men and 8:20 for women. I got to the Corona Del Mar 5k start around 7, as I didn’t want to miss out on parking. I derped around for a bit, then warmed up about 3.5 miles. I felt okay, not terrible, but also not amazing either.
Corona Del Mar 5k Race:
The Corona Del Mar 5k start was very abrupt. I wish they had counted down, but they were more like, “OK, go,” and we jolted off. I found myself as the 8th woman during the first mile. I was kind of disappointed, considering I placed second last year, but not disappointed enough to lose sleep. I ran a 6:22 first mile, and since it’s hilly, I was surprised. I took it out 8 seconds faster than the previous year.
I knew the second mile was the fastest since it had more downhill than up. I pushed it and passed several women, finding myself in fourth. Around 1.5 miles, a car almost backed into me doing a 3-point turn. I was a bit confused about why they were allowed on the course. The first 3 women weren’t that far ahead, which was honestly shocking. I ran a 6:30 second mile, the same exact split as last year.
The third mile of the Corona Del Mar 5k hurt. I likely took the race out a bit too fast for what I was capable of, but I just focused on the end. We rounded the corner, and after a few more rollers, I knew we were pretty much done with the uphill. I passed the third-place woman and could tell I was gaining on the second, but I just didn’t have enough space to catch her.
I finished the Corona Del Mar 5k in 20:28 and as the third woman overall.
Corona Del Mar 5k Thoughts:
Truthfully, I thought I was in a bit better shape than last year, but I think between the 10k on Monday and just eating like garbage last year, I was not feeling my best. I can’t really complain, though, because 2 seconds faster than last year and not feeling great is a good sign. I’m really looking forward to racing shorter distances for the summer.
You can see all race recaps here and Strava here.
Love running? You can subscribe to my weekly newsletter or read more about running shoes in my ebook.
Questions for you:
What is your favorite 5k?
What’s the hilliest 5k you’ve raced?