The VIRA Island Race Series 2019 Synergy Management Ltd. Bazan Bay 5K takes place this Sunday, April 14 at 11:00 am.
As the VIRA Island Race Series draws to a close, I am grateful that I’ve been able to take part in this amazing run series, for yet another year.
While deep down I am a little bit sad that it is drawing to a close, I’m choosing to smile and be happy because I was a part of it and hopefully will continue to be a part of it for many years to come.
I can think of it as: “Oh, I’m so sad that it’s over for the year”. However, I can also thank my lucky stars that, unlike in 2016 and 2017, I’ve been able to successfully complete each event of the VIRA Island Race Series. I will reveal all the other things I’m working towards in upcoming posts.
This has been a very busy first quarter of the year for me with all the exciting things that I’ve been involved in. Maybe that’s why time has gone by so quickly. 😉
So, now we are one-quarter of the way through 2019, I hope that if you are reading this, then that means you are still chasing your running goals. 🙂
Also, if you missed one of my earlier posts this year, I revealed 19 ways to improve your life in 2019 and yes, running/physical activity is one of them.
Bazan Bay 5k course description:
The Bazan Bay 5k is a favorite amongst many elite and beginner runners alike. The reason why this race is so popular with runners of all levels is because it offers a fast and flat out and back course.
Taking place along the beautiful ocean front in Sidney on Lochside Drive/Trail, this is a run you don’t want to miss. Even if you have never done a 5k before, you will enjoy this event.
If you are seeking to run a personal best, then you should definitely be at the Bazan Bay 5k. Back in 2015, I ran a personal best there, finishing in 19:25.
Bazan Bay 5k course map.
The run starts at Tulista Park on Lochside Drive. As you run 2.5km southbound on Lochside Drive towards the turnaround point, you will notice one thing- NO hills and the path is practically straight.
The 2.5k turnaround point is just before Cy Hampson Park.
Then, you will return to the finish line at Tulista Park.
After that, your cooldown will consist of an 800m walk/jog back to Mary Winspear Centre, where you will enjoy the post-race festivities, awards ceremony and FOOD.
How to run the Bazan Bay 5k:
When racing a 5k, you simply do not have enough distance to be too conservative at the start, although you still shouldn’t start too fast.
Your first mile (of the 3.11 mile race) should be relatively conservative compared to the rest of the run.
In the first 2k (or even 2.5km), it’s ok to be up to 3 seconds per km slower than your target pace.
If you are more than 10 seconds slower than your target pace, then it will be difficult to make up that time in the last half.
If I run this race properly, then I will wait until after the turnaround before trying to speed up substantially (if I can). I don’t see the point in speeding up before the turnaround because I will be forced to slow down to take the turn anyways.
After the turnaround point, you will need to really increase your effort in order to run faster. If, leading up to the halfway point, you were 3 seconds per km slower than your target pace, you will need to pick it up a bit. Luckily, at that point, you will be over halfway done.
This is where you will benefit from keeping pace with a few runners who are going slighty faster than you. Try to stay with that group as much as you can. Let them pull you along. Draft if you must. Try to stay relaxed and keep your cadence high.
If you’re trying for a personal best, recognize that no matter who you are or how fast you run, after the 3k mark, the last 2k will be tough.
When you shoot for a personal best, you are running faster than you ever have before. If it was easy, everyone would be getting a personal best at every race every time.
Here’s a shot of me on my way back to the finish at the 2018 Bazan Bay 5k. Photo by Lois DeEll
However, this course is definitely a beauty!
With 1km to go, you know that this will be over relatively soon, regardless of how fast your pace is.
The last km is a good time for you to find a few people ahead of you and try to catch them. Once you catch up to them, try to pass them and finish strong.
Final thoughts:
Even though I talked about catching and passing people, at the end of the day you are racing against yourself. Use other runners around you as motivation to keep going but don’t beat yourself up if you don’t catch or pass them. After all, we are all in this together and we need to celebrate ourselves and celebrate each other.
I often take time to congratulate those who pass me towards the finish as well as thank those who pull me along as I enter the last km of a race.
To me, a 5k feels like a long sprint. I’m not a 5k specialist, but I always want to improve my 5k racing techniques and regain some speed in my legs.
It’s important to start slow enough to avoid burning out half way through, but not so slow that you risk not being able to make up the time (because the 5k is short).
Looking forward to seeing you all there!