Lace Up Victoria

January 8, 2016

Joining the running world can feel like a commitment, for some an exciting challenge and for others a scary undertaking. As a non-runner moving to a city that seemed to be running central, I felt the pressures from all around to at least try. After treating myself to a new pair of shoes, I hit the treadmill with co-workers and slowly moved to pavement. Let me be the first to tell you, starting off running with no experience is hard, but it does get easier! I took the challenge and sign up for a Langford women’s 10k and getting to the start line was almost unimaginable. Race day came and I was committed, I couldn’t back down now, the race began and I started off feeling great, that quickly changed when I realized I was going too fast – I slowed down and found support from the women around me to keep going. The 10k felt like an eternity, but once that finish line was in sight the sense of accomplishment took over – what a feeling!

Now I’m part of a running committee helping plan and execute that same run I first completed and I’m excited to be part of a new race series at Bear Mountain Resort. This new series in Langford will offer four untimed runs and is welcoming to all fitness levels! It’s the perfect training for kids, first time runners or you can take it seriously and cross that finish line in record time! Get out those runners or buy a brand-spanking new pair and lace up for the first run in the series on February 13th. Team up with your girlfriends, your partner or your children for the Diamond Dash and celebrate Valentine’s Day with your chance to win Lugaro Jewelry! What better way to get you running when you know there will be diamonds at the finish line?

Start off the series with a 1.5K walk and build up to the 5k run or challenge yourself to run all five! With no pressures to watch the clock and tons of entertainment along route – fitness has never been so fun! Plus, to top it off – each race will end with a party in the Ballroom! What’s different about this series is, if you complete all four runs, you’ll get four medals that can be connected to make one beautiful giant medal. Be sure not to miss a race or a medal!

Hone you’re inner leprechaun and run for that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow as you make your way around the race route and celebrate at the St. Paddy’s 5K on March 13th. Don’t forget to treat yourself to a festive Irish beverage and a pat on the back for completing the second run in the series!

Dig through your wardrobe and find your red & white for the Canada Day Run! Make this year memorable with a 5k and then stick around for the post-race festivities, family fun, pool party and backyard BBQ!

The final run is a bit grueling – not! You get to trick or treat your way through the course collecting goodies in the Monster Run! Let out your inner Monster out and fill your loot bag as do the monster mash across finish line of the final event in the Bear Mountain Run Series! All that running allows you to eat as much candy as you want – don’t quote me on that, dentists may disagree.

Each run is presented by 107.3 KOOL FM and helps support one or more of the following charities: CFAX Santas Anonymous, BC Cancer Foundation’s Ride to Conquer Cancer, Help Fill A Dream Foundation & Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island.

Remember, “No matter how slow you start off, you are still lapping everybody on the couch.”

Sign up today!