Santa Monica Classic 5k (20:58)

The 2024 Santa Monica Traditional was shortened to a 5k and an unofficial 10k resulting from excessive warmth in Los Angeles. It was very popular within the LA space—simply as scorching because the desert that day. Actually, I wasn’t too dissatisfied when the race was shortened. I initially signed up for the Santa Monica Traditional 10k, however when the choice to run the 5k got here up, I took it. It’s humorous as a result of my aim was to run 15-16 miles that day, and but, right here I used to be lining up for a 5k.

To be clear, 15-16 miles was my aim however it felt like rubbish, it felt unsafe, or the vibe wasn’t there, I wouldn’t do it. For me, security is at all times a precedence and simply another excuse I used to be joyful the Santa Monica Traditional saved the runners security in thoughts.

Earlier than the Santa Monica Traditional 5k:

The Santa Monica Traditional 5k and 10k had been fully revamped, with a brand new begin close to the pier. I left my home Saturday afternoon, arrived in Santa Monica with no points, and went to mattress tremendous early. Recently, I’ve been so busy with work that I really feel like all I wish to do on weekends is sleep. (And but, for some motive, I hold signing up for races! LOL.) Sadly, my evening of sleep wasn’t nice, and I awakened feeling drained.

I jogged the 2 miles to the Santa Monica Traditional 5k begin line. Typically, your warm-up feels horrible, however you find yourself operating nice. Different occasions, your warm-up feels off, and the race follows swimsuit. For me, the Santa Monica Traditional 5k fell into the latter class.

As a result of warmth wave in Los Angeles, they modified the Santa Monica Traditional 10k to a 5k, with an choice to run an unofficial 10k (which was actually simply 6.1 miles). I wasn’t feeling as much as it, particularly contemplating how tough I felt that morning. The warmth additionally meant they needed to implement wave begins due to the sheer variety of runners—7,000 individuals between the 2 races. I can’t think about how difficult the logistics had been, however I’m grateful they made it work. Oh, and one thing that wasn’t talked about a lot: the 2024 Santa Monica Traditional 10k and 5k race programs had been fully new this 12 months. They’re much less hilly and also you get extra Ocean Avenue. I favored the outdated course and the brand new course for the Santa Monica Traditional 5k is nice too. (Clearly I’ll inform you in 2025 in regards to the new course of the Santa Monica Traditional 10k).

Santa Monica Traditional 5k Race:

Instantly after the beginning, I felt horrible. I glanced down at my watch and noticed I used to be operating a 6:15 tempo. Since I’ve run in Santa Monica loads, I’m conversant in the gradual hills. They sneak up on you, and immediately, you’re questioning, “Why does operating really feel so onerous?” The primary mile and a half climbs 120 toes, after which the final mile and a half is downhill.

I in all probability ought to have began additional again, however it was chaotic in the beginning, and I didn’t wish to danger being pushed round or caught behind somebody within the unsuitable corral. I hit the primary mile in 6:35, which was sort of disappointing after so many latest 5k miles at a a lot sooner tempo.

Because the climbing continued, I felt progressively worse. Working simply didn’t really feel good for me that day. By the point we rotated, my tempo had dropped to 7:15. I knew the final mile and a half can be downhill, however I used to be hurting. I hit mile two of the Santa Monica Traditional 5k in 6:54.

The ultimate mile was motivating as a result of I may see buddies operating in the other way. Although I wasn’t feeling nice, I informed myself to simply maintain on. I ran the third mile in 6:39. The final mile is identical as earlier years of the Santa Monica Traditional 10k, the place I’ve often run sooner, however it simply wasn’t my day.

I crossed the end line of the Santa Monica Traditional 5k in 20:58, ending because the tenth lady total and 1st in my age group. I used to be fairly shocked to win the age group award.

Afterward, I ran 10 further miles to hit 15 for the day. I’m testing the waters with lengthy runs to see if I wish to practice for a winter marathon. Sarcastically, I felt higher throughout these 10 miles within the heat climate than I did within the 5k! Throughout my long term, I consumed one bottle of Hammer Heed, one bottle of Electrolyte, and one bottle of Gatorade water, plus three UCAN gels. I’m engaged on getting my intestine used to taking gas once more 🙂

Santa Monica Traditional 5k Ideas:

I do know I’ve been operating some high quality miles and exercises recently, so I used to be undoubtedly untapered going into this race. That may be powerful to acknowledge, particularly once you’re operating slower occasions than you’d like. However I’m trusting the method. Lengthy story brief, I’m pleased with my time, however racing untapered is at all times difficult.