The 2019 Esquimalt 5k took place on April 6. Presented by LifeMark Health, it is often referred to as the most scenic 5k in the region.
The beautiful route takes you through the quiet streets of Esquimalt as well as Saxe and Macaulay Point Parks.
The Esquimalt 5k welcomes runners of all levels as well as walkers.
Over the years, I’ve seen some sub 15 min 5k runners taking part in this event. I’ve also met walkers who are taking their first steps towards a healthier lifestyle at the Esquimalt 5k.
To me, each group inspires me in different ways.
I admire the elites for the several years of hard work and dedication that they have put into their training.
I also admire the walkers and beginners for bravely stepping onto the startline and making positive changes in their lifestyles that will go a long way. Sometimes, making lifestyle changes is very uncomfortable and this is why I always want to encourage those who are working towards positive changes. I know that change is hard and I have been there before so I know exactly what it feels like.
After all, we all start somewhere and this is why I always take the time to get to know runners of all levels.
If you are a newer runner/walker reading this, I want you to know that I am (and always will be) rooting for you (and so will the rest of the running community).
Whether you run a 15 minute 5k or take 1 hour or longer to complete a 5k, I will always respect you.
Events like the Esquimalt 5k provide runners of all levels and walkers with a comfortable and welcoming environment.
Leading up to this year’s Esquimalt 5k, I decided to do something a little different.
Last year, I paced the 30 min group for the Esquimalt 5k. In previous years, I raced it full out and even finished in the top 3 for the females.
This year I knew I wanted to run hard but not too hard. I also wanted to be involved with this event in a different way. The race organizer and I recalled that last year people were asking about doing a route familiarization with a few participants.
With that in mind, for this year’s Esquimalt 5k, I volunteered to take a few participants for a route familiarization run/walk on the Wednesday leading up to the race.
I loved connecting with the runners and walkers. We got to chat about running goals, events we have done before and much more. It was fun!
Then, race day arrived faster than I anticipated.
Starting the Esquimalt 5k 2019
Man, it was a windy day!!
I was a bit concerned with what will happen at Macaulay and Saxe Point Parks.
At that point, I realized that I probably didn’t wear enough clothes. At the same time though, I wanted to go out there and have fun no matter what.
Seeing Marty The Marmot at the startline brought me great joy on that windy and somewhat chilly Saturday morning. Marty is awesome and I love what he does in our community!!
As the race started, I excitedly busted out of the gate. I started fast because I knew that I will have to slow down when I get to the windy portions of Macaulay and Saxe Point Parks.
Based on the direction of the wind, I also fully expected a headwind for the last 300m of the race. I can never control the weather, but what I can control is my attitude towards it.
I slowed down a bit as we made our way through Macaulay Point Park. Then, I was able to speed up a bit as we came out of the park.
Next, we made our way through Saxe Point Park, which was a very windy out and back portion of the race. I was trying to get through it as fast as I could but the crosswinds made it a challenge.
I was once again able to find refuge from the wind as we made our way down Admirals Road.
The next thing I knew, it was time to make the final turn onto Lyall Street, where the finish line and post-race festivities await.
Immediately after I made that final turn, the remaining few hundred meters were a challenge due to the headwind.
Still, we all pushed through towards the finish, secretly wishing that the wind was blowing at our backs and not our faces.
Once I finished my race, I went back to find my running friends to see if I could cheer for them and block the wind during the last few hundred meters.
I ended up finishing my race in 21:30, which is not my best time. However, it was good enough for 4th place overall for the females.
The post-race festivities were great too and I definitely hope to be able to do this again next year.
If you feel like you missed out this year, I highly encourage you to sign up next year.
The cost to register is very reasonable and you get chip timing, a healthy living marketplace, refreshments and coffee, mini-massage treatments (limited quantities available, please sign up at event), and children’s corner with a variety of activities for all ages.
If you are intimidated by the concept of a “race”-I urge you not to be. Plus, you will meet some great people who have your best interest in mind and who want to see you embrace a healthier lifestyle.