Coronado Valentine’s Day 10K

I love themed runs!
The sea of red and pink tutus, socks, fuzzy ears, and heart shaped goggles gets you into the mood… running mood that is! ;) There were even some men in running skirts, and rollerblades for some reason. Lol.
Gear pick up (no Expo) was simple — you pretty much pick up your gear, and that’s it. The Friday pick-​up was conveniently at McP’s Irish Pub in Coronado. They offered an All-​You-​Can-​Eat Spaghetti dinner special for $ 7.95. You’re just not allowed to enjoy it Lady and the Tramp style with a single noodle that ends with a kiss. Lol. jk. ;)
Saturday gear pick-​up was at Gordon Biersch in Mission Valley. I forgot what they offered that day because I went with the Friday pick-​up at McP’s. Picking up my stuff art McP’s gave me an idea of where to park, where the run was located and some-​what an idea how to maneuver around Coronado if I decide to get lost. If you don’t know, parking at Coronado isn’t the greatest.
The run was actually pretty easy (ie pretty flat), and scenic. I was impressed that they had a gear check-​in! That’s always a plus in my book. After the run, there were TONS of giveaways. I stocked up on soooooooo much Muscle Milk, Powerade, water, Cliff Bars and who knows what other items are currently tucked away in my kitchen cabinet.
I loved their long sleeved tech shirt. Yes, tech shirt, not shirt-​shirt. Annnnnnnd, it’s not nauseatingly filled with hearts, all lovey-​dovey and pink. Medal was pretty sweet and sturdy too.
Overall, I had a good experience. Thank-​you lovely Coronado-​ians! Coronado-​ers! Er, wonderful people of Coronado! :)

My first 10K, so don’t have a lot to compare it to, but I thought it was a great event. We’ll organized, lots of volunteers, plenty of free samples (coconut water, naked juice, protein drinks, bars, etc.). The course was beautiful — from Tidelands Park along the beautiful bay and golf course, past the Del and back. Cool long-​sleeved Ts and medals for all finishers (definitely would not have received a medal otherwise!)
There was a post-​party afterward at MCPs, which was fun, w/​live music, free Gordon Biersch beer and tasty breakfast buffet for $ 10. Great first experience. I’d do it again!
TIP: Parking in Coronado is tight. I got there at 6:30 am for 8:00 am race and had to park a mile away. Next time, I’d get there by 6 or 6:15 at the latest.

I’ve run this race all three years. It’s fast and flat in beautiful Coronado. The event has gotten better and better every year. The medal has also gotten better. I will continue to run this race year after year.

Beautiful run along Tidelands Park. Coronado’s Valentine’s Day 10K run is a flat course and not really hard at all.
Due to the number of registered runners parking can get tough. Arrive early for parking. Register with your significant other =).
Definitely will run it again next year.

3.5 stars. i’m rounding down.
so this was a valentines themed 10k.
a lot of couples ran this.
whether you’re a single seasoned runner. T_​T
or just a couple that has become complacent. and needs to get off their lazy
assess and do sh*t already.
it works. as a great motivational tool.
the proceeds also go to benefits the islanders sports foundation.
that’s the local high school.
it was flat.
non threatening.
a great place for a girl to be like.
hey. i’ll run slower. and at your pace. to cheer you on. and help you reach some lofty. yet personal goal.
great bonding experience.
^hahaha. yeah right.
thanks. for emasculating me and sh*t.
oh. and the scenery was. not so great.
but still better than its older sister the silverstrand half. and without that weird sewage smell.
but anyways.
i enjoyed it enough.
it’s still new. and only on its second run.
can it get better. mebbe.
does it need to improve significantly.
i just don’t see how. and i don’t think it really matters.
oh.
and i came to destroy.
couples. that is.
to run in between them. and be like. sorry.
but not be sorry at all.

LOVE IS *STILL* IN THE AIR !!!
I loved the inaugural event in 2011 and decided to sign-​up yet again this February 2012 ! What can I say? Major upgrade !!!
PROS:
— Better looking finisher’s medal (see pic)
— Better looking tech t-​shirts in my opinion
— More vendors to hook you up with freebies — Sports drinks, snacks, coupons, fruits
— Fairly organized event (2 packet pickups prior to race day)
— Beautiful and flat course — We got lucky it didn’t rain hard
CONS:
— Much more participants signed up this year thus parking became an obstacle. Plan to arrive über early (630am at the latest) to get a close spot or expect to walk. I didn’t mind it though. What’s another mile right? :D
— More porta-​potties please. Small bladders coming through !!!
— Lack of water stations (maybe 2 or 3), but not like I really needed it for each mile, but the ones I did see barely had volunteers handing out water.
— Not a lot of entertainment along the course. Although, this little kid sure rocked the gee-​tar !!! Kudos to him and my music ipod shuffle.
— Wave splits would help as well as a wider course at certain points (first and last mile). Again, almost got run over by a stroller. Damn those wheels are fast !
VERDICT:
— A heartfelt 5 STARS. For a 10K and a second year in a row event, they really stepped up their game. Great seeing the old and young couples wear matchy matchy outfits and run together. /​sigh
Will I attempt a third in 2013 ??
Hells to the yea I will !!! Xoxo