The VIRA Island Race Series 2018 Synergy Management Ltd. Bazan Bay 5K takes place this Sunday, April 8 at 11:00 am. It’s the last race in the series.
I cannot believe that we are about to run the last 2018 VIRA Island Race Series event. It seems like January started just yesterday. It has definitely been a very busy quarter of the year. Time truly goes by fast when you are having fun.
So, now we are one-quarter of the way through 2018, I hope that if you are reading this, then that means you are still chasing your running goals. 🙂
The general 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 course.
Taking place along the beautiful ocean front in Sidney on Lochside Drive/Trail, this is a run you don’t want to miss.
If you are seeking to run a personal best, then you should definitely be at this event. Back in 2015, I ran a personal best here, finishing in 19:25.
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 slightly 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 and FOOD.
How to run this race:
When racing a 5k, you simply do not have enough distance to be too conservative at the start.
However, 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 3-5 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.
After the turnaround point, you will need to increase your effort in order to run faster. If, leading up to the halfway point, you were 5 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. Try to stay relaxed and keep your cadence high.
The 5k can be as easy or as hard as you want to make it for yourself.
If you’re trying for a personal best, recognize that after the 3k mark, the last 2k will be tough. If you are trying to get a personal best, then that means you’ve been running at a faster pace than before. The pace itself is what will be challenging. 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.
At this point, if you are looking to get a personal best, stop staring at your GPS watch.
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.
Above: I’m #268 engaged in a battle to the finish with #8 at the 2015 Bazan Bay. My technique that I described in this post resulted in a PB that year. Photo by Chris Kelsall of Victoria Sports News
Final thoughts:
Although I mentioned trying to catch and pass people, in the end, it’s not so much about beating other people as it is about trying to keep pace with them in order for you to have a better time.
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.
In the past, I used to start a bit too fast, especially in the 5ks. This resulted in a tough last 2km. I want everyone to have an enjoyable finish.
Try to set a realistic target pace in order to avoid burning yourself out in the beginning.
Looking forward to seeing you all there!