CdM Scenic 5k 2025 Race Report

This year's CdM Scenic 5k was a total last-minute decision. My husband decided to get hotel rooms for us and for my Mother-in-law for her birthday. It turned out to be a total bummer because right after we registered for ALL the races for the 2025-26 season, including the CdM, I found out that my pay was about to be drastically cut. It felt so tragic to know that the money was already spent and we couldn't get it back. We were living like millionaires and about to be collecting the salary of a grad student. But anyhow, here is the race report:

The event itself: Where? How long? When? Weather?

We stayed at the Newport Beach Marriott Bayview for two nights. With parking and everything and paying for two rooms, the total cost was almost $1500.00. Staggering. The weather was good, as expected, cool and humid, overcast for the race morning. The course was the same as previous years, but we decided to walk it. I had registered Albert for the kids race, but his grandparents wanted to spend the morning with him so he didn't end up running. It turned out to be okay because somebody misplaced the box of medals and nobody got one.

Course description and evaluation of event logistics

There were plenty of port-a-potties and there was even an tiny gear check which I used because I didn't want to run in my longsleeved shirt but I also didn't want to toss it. I started with the men's race because I didn't want to wait around and that was kind of bad because now it looks like I ran SUPER fast. I noticed that I had a super fast time for a previous year, so it must have been something I've done before. If you register for the women's race, it assumes your start time was the women's gun time, so it only records your finish time.

How did you train for the event

As it was last year, there are a lot of runners in this community that are strong and fast. It was fun to get passed by the first women and the other super fast ladies. I did run across the Goldenrod bridge because there were fast women behind me and I was warmed up by that point and I wanted it to look like I was running in the photos. I didn't really train. I was trying to enjoy my "off-season." I have since been evaluated by my sister and she said I have a weak hamstring, weak glute, and a strong hip flexor. As a result, my adductor is overcompensating to take the load off the pelvic floor. She said I also probably have a tight back (erector spinae). So she recommended working on my pelvic floor and cleared me to start running again on June 28.

Gear and Nutrition

I don't remember what I ate before the race, but we brought a bunch of food for the weekend. I don't think we ate out at all. We went to downtown Disney after the race. I wanted to buy a photo frame and Mike wanted to get a coffee. It was good to do some active recovery. I wore my Crowned Athetics set from Powerful Hermana for the race and no regrets it was perfect.

Specific experiences

We tried running with intervals (Tabata) but my husband didn't end up liking that. I tried to share my earloop headphones, with each of us having one, but he was not a fan.

Finish and associated emotions

We crossed the finish line together holding hands. It felt like this was the first race of the 2025-26 season. I've registered Mike for a bunch of races this year, so I'm looking forward to bringing him with me across many more finish lines.

Overall evaluation of the event

Overall, the finish line food did not disappoint. We got to eat overlooking the Coronal del Mar state beach. The air was so fresh and clean. All the tables were occupied by the time we finished, but we found a bench near the gear check which is where we sat last year too.

Budget

Registration $39.07 for Albert, $55.25 for Kayla and $55.25 for Mike
Downtown Disney Parking at Gardenwalk $8
Coffee at the Disneyland Hotel $12.40
Parking at CdM State Beach day before race $25.65. Race day parking is free.
World of Disney photo frame $37.70
Room #1 $680.66 for 2 nights
Room #2 $795.82 for 2 nights
$1749.42 total

We did end up using the pool at the hotel, and the jacuzzi. The pool there is half sunny and half shady, you can swim under the hotel. The hot tub is in a sunroom that has windows but it is fully shaded. It feels very spa-like with loungers and umbrellas and cabanas.

Packing List

Overnight Duffel Bag
🩷 Underwear (2)
🩷 clean socks (2)
🩷 PJ
🩷 Regular everyday bra (2)
🩷 Running shorts / top
Running shoes (wear it)
🩷 Sports bra
🩷 Toiletry bags
🩷 Bedtime books
🩷 Night bag w/ eye mask
🩷 Three hats (wear it)
🩷 Three sunglasses
🩷 Park bag/purse
🩷 Jackets
🩷 Phone charger
🩷 Roku

(non-insulated) Snack Bag
🩷 milk

🩷 juice
🩷 bananas
🩷 goldfish / cheez-its
🩷 coffee pods / sachets
🩷 Honey / snacklebox
🩷 Bagels

Insulated Cooler
watermelon

🩷grapes
🩷blueberries
🩷strawberries
🩷Raspberries
🩷Cream cheese
🩷Carrots / hummus
🩷plastic fork
🩷knife
🩷reusable straws
🩷 Hard-boiled eggs
🩷 Galactic Grill Salads
🩷Chips
🩷 Easy Mac
🩷 Ramen
Half and Half for coffee
Yogurt

BOB stroller
🩷 Beach chairs
🩷 Blanket / towel
🩷 Umbrella
🩷 Sand toys


Would have been nice to have our own trash bags.