This was my first time participating in the Canadian Running Series, Vancouver East side 10km. Adrian was the driving force behind our decision to run, this was mainly influenced by the souvenir T-shirt and the dog-tag style finisher’s medal. I signed us up knowing that with my recent health issues it wouldn’t be my best time. I figured, being out participating was better than not participating at all.
Eastside 10km- 2015
We woke up Saturday morning to lots of rain, a miserable day for running. We decided to drive down and park in the Easypark Parking lot indicated on the website. We arrive with ample time and there was more than enough parking. We sat in the car for several minutes watching the rain come down, contemplating just going home…. but I argued that we committed to completing it so we had to follow it through. I reassured both of us that it would only be an hour and we wouldn’t even notice the rain while running.
Much to my surprise the bathroom line-up were minimal, and there were lots of covered areas along the starting line so we managed to keep dry till race time. Adrian was in the Blue Coral expecting to finish within an hour, and I was in the green coral expecting to finish in an hour and a half.
Course Map
We started the race at the Dunsmuir Viaduct at Beatty Street and headed east along the Viaduct, continuing along Prior St until Campbell Ave. North to Union St, Union east to Raymur Ave, and then Raymur north to Cordova St. Following Cordova west, we took Hawks Ave to Alexander St and follow Alexander, continuing along Water St. A left turn onto Cordova St takes runners back east towards Carrall St, where they head north to Powell St before taking Powell east to Heatley. Heading north on Heatley, returning to the finish via Alexander, Hawks, Cordova, Raymur, Prior, and the Dunsmuir Viaduct.
Eastside 10km- 2015
There were porta-potties and Aid Stations at the overlapping sections of the route which were 3km/7km and 4.5km/5.5km. I stopped at each location in both directions making a total of 4 bathroom breaks in a 10km race, not one of my finer races 😉
Finish-Line Photo
I finished in 1:21:25 a personal worst 10km time, but faster than I anticipated finishing. Adrian finished in a respectable 1:02:25, not his personal best but a respectable time nonetheless. After the race, we grabbed a banana, Powerbar, and some yogurt. With the miserable weather we were soaking wet so we didn’t stay long.
Despite the weather and my turtle like time I enjoyed myself. I was happy to be able to participate, and proud that we followed through in less than desirable conditions.
Overall I give this race a 3 out of 5, and would do it again hopefully in dryer conditions.
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