The VIRA Island Race Series Bazan Bay 5k took place on a beautiful Sunday morning, on April 8, 2018.
Having done this race a number of times now, I knew that this was a fast and flat course. I ran my personal best here a few years back and I’ve always enjoyed the course.
My biggest challenge with 5k races is not to underestimate the distance. Usually, what happens is that I start too fast and then run progressively slower every km.
With CAF Running Nationals coming up at the end of May, I wanted to see where I’m at with the 5k. The 5k is the distance that I’m running there. When it comes to the CAF Running Nationals, I want to make sure that I’m ready to do my best.
Prior to the race:
I knew that I wasn’t in PB shape this year, but I was prepared to run a relatively strong race. I’ve been running consistently but have not done any speedwork yet.
Therefore, I had to be realistic of my own expectations. It’s very important to be realistic given the training leading up to it.
Running is always a work in progress and I have to keep that in mind. I also have to recognize that if I set my expectations too high before a race, then I will cross the finish line disappointed.
Given that this is my first season back to racing, I have to give myself some slack.
“Don’t start too fast” was the only thought I had in my head as we lined up at the start.
During the race:
Then, we took off. I started with a pace that I thought I could manage, but I didn’t look at my watch.
Then, I heard a beep. When I looked at my wrist, I saw that I had done 1km in 4 min.
I thought: “Oops…I started too fast. Maybe I should slow down a little.”
Then, the 2nd km was 3:58. Still too fast. Then, I thought that maybe I can keep this going and surprise myself.
The final 3kms were definitely slower than that. However, they were not THAT much slower. They were all under 4:15, which I was happy with. I still had a strong push to the finish line in the last 100m.
Above: Photo by Ken & Lois DeEll. Sporting my Public Myth tank top, Garmin Watch, JP Activewear leggings from Dream Strides and Endur Socks.
After the race:
It was great to reconnect with some friends and high-five my coworkers. Also, the food, as always, was great!
If you are looking for a 5k personal best, then you must do this race next year.
My time was 20:39. It was exactly what I predicted it would be given that I haven’t done speedwork.
Maybe, I could have been a little bit faster if I didn’t start too fast.
There were quite a few very fast ladies in my category for this race. I finished 7th in my age group and 35/260 women overall.
Awards Ceremony. We are definitely missing a quite a few people from this photo because age group awards go up to 10th place for each of the Island Race Series. Photo by Ken & Lois DeEll.
There is definitely a good reason for why over 500 people typically take part in this race. It’s a very popular event.
Although it’s a short race, it provides people with an opportunity to PB. Not only that, but it also allows people to see where they are at in their preparation for the Sun Run and the TC10k.
Highly recommended. Hope to see you next year.