Vanessa at the Goldstream 5K Salmon Run
By Leslie Ann Bent
Despite the inclement weather, STARRs were out racing this weekend in 3 separate events. Congrats to everyone who raced and all posted fantastic results.
Vancouver Island Trail Series – Mt. Tzouhalem
This weekend marked the final race in the Vancouver Island Trail series – Mt. Tzouhalem. This race offers two distances – a 13k long course and 7km short course. Compared to the other races in the series, the climbs were not as hair raising – just a steep climb at the start. This year the race was wet, muddy and tough. STARR was represented on the long course as usual by Pauline Nielsen, Greg Balchin and Jonathan Dvorak. They all had lots to say about this last race of the season. A special congrats to Pauline who placed first in the F50-59 for the whole series.
Jonathan summarized the race. “The race was fun. I felt the steep climb at the start after having run the marathon last week but pushed through. Finished 12 overall. I placed 4th for my age. I was happy. Really was the best I could do with how I felt. This was the last race and they had a wrap up party. The nice thing was we all (STARR) came home with prizes for the series overall and won draw prizes. The crew was lucky. Pauline won the big prize of running shoes too. It was so wonderful to run the trail series. Strongly recommend it. I am proud of Greg and Pauline with the trail series. It was fantastic to run with them. They truly inspire me!!”
Pauline, Jonathan, Manu and Greg at Mt. Tzouhalem
Pauline had similar comments and explained a new challenge. “The race was a lot of fun. We started off in the rain and headed up the mountain. Once at the top, I didn’t feel bad, I was keeping something in reserve as I thought there was another climb. Unfortunately, they had changed the course, sending out the course map the day before. I have a poor sense of direction so I glanced at it, thinking I’m never in the lead I’ll just follow those in front. At one point there were some guys on bicycles pretty much pointing saying everyone went that way. I just happily followed along. However, further into that section a few racers ahead stopped and said we had already done this loop. We could continue on or double back. At this point they said if we doubled back, we would be doing closer to 20 k. They believed we might as well push on. I was like “ Oh well I’m out here to enjoy myself, and I am. This course is great” We passed a few people who named us “The Double Loopers” In the wind up we all managed to come away with some loot. Greg won an entry to The Finlayson Double. The hundred k followed by the 28k the next day - to which he informed me I would be joining him on his ultra as he did the 50k for my 50th birthday year. And, he’s decided to do this for his 60th. I guess we’re in😜”
Greg mimicked Pauline’s account of the hijacked signs. “Our only complaint was that some trail cyclists deliberately moved the markers, and stood in front of our final turn sign, directing us back up the hill. Consequently, at least half of the trail runners added nearly 4 km to the run. The long course was supposed to be 13 k and we did over 16k. Pauline did really well in spite of this, coming in ahead of her personal best time from last year (having run an additional 4k to boot!!) Many people were frustrated by the sabotaged signs, but the response from all the runners was to simply have the bragging rights to having completed an even more challenging and fun trail run. They didn’t realize, that making a trail run longer is just what we live for!”
Results
Jonathan Dvorak 1:19:40, 2nd place M40-49 for the series
Greg Balchin 1:50:58, 3rd place, M50-50 for the series
Pauline Nielsen 1:58:47, 1st place F50-59 for the series
Goldstream 5K Salmon Run
Vanessa and Willow
STARR runner, Vanessa White and her daughter, Willow, ran on Saturday in the 5k Salmon Run. The event is for everyone, focusing on families. It raises funds for the Goldstream Nature House and salmon programs for children. Participants are encouraged to stay after the run for home baked treats and great door prizes. Vanessa filled me in on her experience. “I believe my time was 33:47. My last 5km race was 38 minutes so I was amazed at the result. Still, I ate my daughter’s dust. It was a wet and chilly run - but lots of families, kids and dogs kept it fun. Hoping the dashboard gets updated soon.”
As of race report print time, the official results we not yet posted.
Cowichan Autumn Classic – Run Now, Wine Later (or maybe not)
Donna
The Ceevacs hosted the Cowichan Autumn Classic this past Sunday. The race boasts three options - 5k, 10k and combo (15k), plus a children’s race. Swag and an awesome medal are all part of the race package. STARR runner, Donna Heeley, took part in the 5k option and had some comments about the race.
“The race today was OK. We ran/walked on the road for the first 2.5 k. Then we were on a trail for about 1.5 k, and then back on the road. The road had a lot of cracks and holes so you had to watch your step. Also a few times, I twisted my ankle on the trail. I'm not sure yet if I would do this race again. There is a short glass of wine at the end which was nice, but at the wine tasting, they ran out of wine. I walked this one. Nice thing too is that I won a door prize (2 engraved wine glasses) so that's kinda of fun.”
Results
Donna Heeley 46:28
Once again, a big high-five to all of our runners.
Donna at finish