2012 is for runners
By Jessica Woollard
Ah, January... the month of fresh starts and fitness regiments. Like several million people around the world, I’m committed to staying in shape through to the end of 2012—after all, it might be the last chance I’ve got!
I’ve made this promise to myself in past years, along with eating more broccoli and buying fewer flavoured coffees; but while I still cringe at the sight of green flowers on my plate and give in, at least once a month, to the sweet aroma of a Caramel Brûlée Latté, I have found the key to sticking to a fitness plan: signing up for races.
Photo/Tony Austin
I am not a great runner, but commitment to specific racing events throughout the year has made all the difference to keeping my New Year’s resolution. Turns out the life coaches and guidance counsellors have had it right along; you are more apt to meet a goal if the goal is a specific one, like mine was a few years ago: “I will finish the TC 10K on April 26, 2009.” And I did.
To set you on course for a year of fitness success and personal achievement, here is a list of a few upcoming races in Greater Victoria in 2012:
The Free Run 5K - Friday, April 13
A 5K is an achievable goal to reach in a short time, which makes this race a good choice for beginners. If you’re a seasoned runner, timed races are great markers of progress. And this one’s free! It doesn’t get much better than that.
Times Colonist TC 10K - Sunday, April 29
Victoria’s biggest 10K event, this race attracts more than 10,000 runners and walkers of all levels. Between the support of community volunteers and the gorgeous views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic Mountains, you won’t have any trouble mustering up the inspiration to finish the race.
Peninsula Runners Oak Bay Half Marathon & 5K - Sunday, May 13
After running a 10K, a 21K is easily within reach. The gorgeous scenery in Oak Bay serves as a backdrop for this one, encouraging you every step of the way. Make sure you follow a safe training program when attempting long distances.
Canada Day Run 7K - Friday, July 1
7K is a great distance—long enough to be a good workout, but not too long for new runners. The race happens in the morning, so there’s plenty of time to do the run and still get downtown for all Victoria’s fantastic Canada Day events.
Goodlife Fitness Victoria Marathon - Sunday, October 7
If you have your heart set on marathon running, you are in the big leagues now! Be sure to follow a safe training program before attempting this 42K monster.
Frontrunners Island Race Series - various dates
The Island Race series offers two races per months of various distances and at different locations. If you’re committed to running monthly, this is a great schedule to follow.
The 2012 dates of a few other local favourites have not yet been released, like the Father’s Day Do it For David run for prostate cancer or August’s Navy 10K. Keep up with races in the Victoria area here:
BC Athletics Event Calendar
Running Room Race Calendar
Remember: set yourself a specific goal and you are more likely to meet it. It also helps that Victoria has such gorgeous paths for training—the Galloping Goose, the Lochside Trail, Dallas Road. Inspiration is everywhere in Victoria; take advantage of it.
Good luck, and happy running. And let’s hope we can race these all over again in 2013!
Text by Jessica Woollard© (originally published on the A-Life BC Travel Blog)