I was excited to run the Navy’s Bay Bridge Run 10k. New for 2025, they added a 10k in addition to the 4-mile race. The race goes over the Coronado Bridge, and if there is anything I like, it’s bridge races. So anyway, I was excited to run. The last time I raced was in 2022, shortly after having the flu. Honestly, I’m not sure running that year was a great idea. I felt like garbage, I ran like garbage, and it likely hindered me recovering from the flu. It was also the last time I was in either downtown San Diego or Coronado. Since my brother moved in 2023, we really haven’t gotten down there as much. I digress.
Before the Navy’s Bay Bridge Run 10k:
We headed down to San Diego a little later than we anticipated, but there was minimal traffic. We stopped for a quick dinner where I got a buffalo chicken burger and then stayed the night in Coronado. I always appreciate races that mail your bibs, and we didn’t have to worry about packet pickup. (LOL, just needed to remember the bib).
I got pretty good sleep the night before and was up around 5 for the 8 a.m. race. I took the shuttle from Coronado to the San Diego race start. From there, I did a 3-mile warmup and headed to the Navy’s Bay Bridge Run 10k race start. I felt neutral. I didn’t feel amazing, but I didn’t feel awful either. The Navy’s Bay Bridge Run 10k went a few minutes before the 4-miler. I have mixed emotions about the 4-milers because I am sure they were weaving around 10kers. I’m not sure what the right answer is there, but probably to start the races at the same time. The lead men went by me around mile 3ish.
My goals for the Navy’s Bay Bridge Run 10k were:
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Run faster than the 7:30 pace I ran here a few years ago
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Reach goal: under 7-minute pace
Navy’s Bay Bridge Run 10k:
The Navy’s Bay Bridge Run 10k race start went off right at 8 a.m. The first mile has a couple of hills, but you don’t go over the Coronado Bridge until mile 2. I ran a 6:55 first mile and thought: I would be so happy if this ended up being my average pace. I couldn’t see super far ahead but counted at least three women in front of me.
As I began mile 2 of the Navy’s Bay Bridge Run 10k and started climbing the Coronado Bridge, I took in the sights. It was such a gorgeous view of San Diego and Coronado and all of the ships. I found myself pretty relaxed on the bridge. By the time I knew it, we were at the top, and I was kind of shocked because I was like “that wasn’t so bad,” and I logged a 7:36 mile. At the top, I passed a woman and then headed into the steep downhill.
Over the past few years, I’ve become a much stronger downhill runner. When we first moved to the West Coast (5!!) years ago, I wasn’t great at downhills and sometimes I think I ran uphills better. Now, I can crush downhills. Am I the best? Absolutely not. But I have improved. I pushed the downhill as much as I could and ran a 6:34. To be honest, I felt a little bit disappointed like I could have pushed more. I think I held back knowing there was still a 5k after getting off the bridge.
From there, I knew the Navy’s Bay Bridge Run 10k was pretty flat. It’s kind of nice to get the hard part over and then a flat second half. As we hit mile 4 near the golf course, I saw the leaders coming back. I had no idea what place I was in for females. I couldn’t see any women ahead, but I also know the Navy’s Bay Bridge Run 4-mile race is usually won by women in sub-6-minute pace, so I definitely did not think I was in first.
As we neared the Navy’s Bay Bridge Run 10k turnaround, I realized I was indeed the first woman. My heart nearly stopped because I just wasn’t expecting that. I was also shocked because I ran mile 4 in 6:33, and it was completely flat (versus the careening downhill of mile 3).
I was really pushing myself, especially after realizing I was probably in first. I honestly didn’t believe it and spent a mile nervous someone would catch me and also shocked. I ran a 6:37 mile 5 and 6:39 mile 6. We rejoined the 4-milers sometime shortly before mile 6. It was divided, so luckily I wasn’t running into anyone. But the last quarter mile it did open up, and we were all running together to the finish. This was tough because I was weaving in and out of a crowded 4-mile race.
We headed onto the field for the Navy’s Bay Bridge Run 10k finish, and I finished amongst a sea of four-mile racers. I was proud I was able to finish in 6:22 pace and really work the final kick even weaving between racers and finishing on a field.
When I finished, I really had no clue if I was first or not minus what I saw (which was disappointing), so I just waited for results to confirm.
Navy’s Bay Bridge Run 10k Thoughts:
I am super proud of this for a few reasons. The last time I ran, I ran 7:26 pace for 4 miles, and this was almost 40 seconds faster per mile. Running miles 4, 5, 6 in the 6:30s when they were flat was also very surprising to me. I’ve been training hard and know I’m in better shape than I’ve been in a little while, but it’s still hard to believe when I actually run the times that my training says I can run. Based on my training lately, I know I’m in 6:35 10k shape, at least, but I don’t really believe it, so it’s nice when I have a good race. I’m looking forward to fast girl summer and running a bunch of 5ks and seeing where I’m at.
Finally, in my earlier running days/twenties, I took winning races for granted. But now? I’m going to brag about that for quite some time since it doesn’t happen as often LOL.
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Questions for you:
Have you run a bridge race?
What is your favorite race?