The Bazan Bay 5k was the last VIRA Island Race Series event this year. It took place on April 14th. As I mentioned in my race preview, I was a little bit sad that the series was over for the year.
At the same time, I was grateful that my body (and my life) allowed me to do it once again this year. In other words, this is code for: “I’m thankful to feel healthy enough to be able to do it and I’m also extremely grateful that I don’t work seven days a week anymore, so I actually have Sundays off.” I remember the days, several years ago, when it was a challenge to take Sundays off to go to races.
So, how did the Bazan Bay 5k go for me?
Unfortunately, I woke up a bit late on race morning and I think that threw my whole day off a bit. I ended up eating very quickly and heading out the door. Then, when I got to Mary Winspear Centre, I realized just how late I was because there were no parking spots left.
I ended up driving around for a few more blocks before I found somewhere to park. When it comes to parking at an event, this was definitely a “you snooze-you lose type situation.” In this case though, I literally snoozed and I lost out on a parking spot. That’s what I get for sleeping in! Haha. If you’ve ever slept in and had to rush out the door in order to get somewhere on time, you know exactly how I felt.
By the time I got around to picking up my bib, it was already 10:30am. The next thing I knew, it was time to warm up and head to the start line.
At the start line and during my warm up, I got to chat with a few friends, which was great!
Just after the start of the Bazan Bay 5k 2019. Photo: Ken DeEll
I definitely wanted to start slower and then pick it up after the turnaround point. When the gun went off, many people busted out of the gate.
Since I ate a bit too close to the race, I didn’t want to start too fast. From past experiences, I recalled that if I ate right before a race and then started too fast, then the race itself wouldn’t end well. After the first 2k, I knew that I wasn’t going to get a personal best because I simply started too slow.
By the time I got past the 2.5km turnaround point and reached the 3km mark, I realized that I was going way too slow and speeding up in the last 2k won’t save my race. However, the ocean to my right looked beautiful on the way back.
For the last 2k, I definitely sped up and finished strong. However, my strong finish did not make up for my slow start.
Bazan Bay 5k 2019-approaching the finish line. Photo: Lois DeEll
I ended up finishing in 20:42, which is more or less the same as last year.
It was good enough for 3rd place in my age group and 21st out of 227 women. I definitely can’t complain about my placing.
Bazan Bay 5k 2019-Age Group Awards.
The post race snacks were great too!
Final thoughts on this year’s Bazan Bay 5k
This race was well organized and I loved the atmosphere.
I’m excited for the day I can run fast again, but until then, I will use these races to connect with as many like-minded people as possible and make new friends. 🙂