This year’s VIRA Island Race Series Port Alberni Paper Chase 15k took place on March 10.
When I wrote the preview for it, I mentioned that there was a small change to this year’s course due to potential safety concerns.
Since we weren’t going through the McLean Mill National Historic Site, we could expect slightly faster times.
I don’t think I could have asked for a better day on race day. When I woke up, the weather was absolutely beautiful. The drive was amazing and the race location was easy to get to.
I arrived at the Cherry Creek Community Centre approximately one hour before the race is supposed to start. It was a great opportunity to catch up with a few people that I haven’t seen since the last race.
It’s a relatively long drive from Victoria, but I believe it’s totally worth it.
The next thing I knew, it was time to head to the start. As we were lining up at the start line, I said to Jessica, “I think you’re going to win.”
I mean, after all, here’s me, lining up at the start line without my Garmin and without any expectations. Without my Garmin, I’d have no idea how fast I was going. Maybe, just maybe, I like to have a little bit of “risk-free” uncertainty in my life.
The gun goes off and we all take off. I like to think that I started at a good pace, meaning that I didn’t bust out of the gate. I picked a pace I knew I could keep for most, if not all, of the race.
Then, as we are making our way to the first turnaround point, I noticed I was in the lead (for the females).
Keeping it together mid-race. Photo by: Ken DeEll
I was thinking, “What is going on?” and “HOW am I in the lead?”
I never thought that I would ever be even remotely close to leading any race.
Once we got to the 5k mark, Jessica caught up to me. Then, for the next few km, we ran really close together.
As she was passing me, I said, “Great work, girl!”
I genuinely meant every word. Jessica works hard and has been running very well for the last couple of years. Therefore, I’m happy to see that she is making good progress.
I was also stoked that things were going so well for us both!
As we made our way to the next turnaround, Jessica started to slowly pull away from me. My whole goal was to stay within a minute of her the whole way.
Then, I saw Joe Crazy Legs Camilleri pass me. He was moving at a great pace and I witnessed him speed up.
What’s even more impressive about him is that he is 69 years old, yet he runs faster than many 25-year-olds I know. He is an inspiration to runners of all ages.
The older runners look up to him because of his impressive speed and dedication. He also inspires the younger runners to keep on running as they get older.
I tried to stay with Joe and having him there definitely prevented me from slowing down.
When I reached the 10k mark, I was still feeling great. My body was feeling strong and in my mind, I was heading towards a personal victory (which has nothing to do with where I actually end up placing).
Feeling re-energized, I approached the rolling hills with excitement. I consider these hills to be relatively small compared to what we encountered at the Hatley Castle 8k.
The next few km after the 11k mark were a smooth sailing. I actually enjoyed the rolling hills.
As we were turning the 2nd to last corner before the finish, I saw Jessica and I believe she was approximately 250m-300m in front of me.
Approaching the finish. Definitely looking a little bit tired.
At that point, I knew that I would not be catching her but I still felt like I had a great run.
With 400m left before the finish line, a gentleman started sprinting and I tried very hard to stick with him so that I have a strong finish.
As I ran the last 50m to the finish line, I felt a sense of relief knowing that I came in 2nd out of 121 women. Not only that, but I was also thrilled to win my age group.
Added this age group gold beauty to the wall. <3
I managed to hold a 4:22/km (7:02 per mile) pace to finish in 1:05:36. The week before, at the Cedar 12k, my pace was 4:21, so there was virtually no change in pace despite running 3km longer.
Age group awards.
Overall, the Port Alberni Paper Chase 15k is a very fun race and if you missed it this year, I hope you will be able to come out next year.
I urge you to take part in events like these because I know that when you cross that finish line, regardless of how long it takes you, you will feel proud of yourself.
Stay tuned for my preview of the Comox RV Half Marathon, which will take place on March 24.