Chilly Chase: Chasing the Chicken

Back in 2015, I ran 12 half marathons in 12 months. It was my #yearofthehalf. The first race that year was the Chilly Chase Half Marathon – and it was a struggle. That day, I learned to respect the half marathon distance. This year, I was offered a complimentary race entry, and was thrilled to try out the 10K distance for the 2018 Chilly Chase by TRY Events!

I felt a bit more prepared for the race this year, since I already had already run the Icebreaker 8K in the driving winds a week before. Plus, Coach Tony has put me on a strict training regimen, so I had both the mental and physical aspects locked down.

Pre-Race

Debra kindly picked up my bib on Friday night, since she lives nearish to the pickup location. I would have gone myself on Saturday, but pickup that day was held way out in Burnaby, so I was very grateful to Debra (as usual!).

Per Coach Tony’s directions, I added on a few pre-race kilometres by running to the start line at Creekside Community Centre. It was a bit drizzly, but nothing that the average Vancouver runner isn’t already used to. I arrived in plenty of time to catch a few snaps with Debra, and fellow BibRave Pro, Jeannine.

 

To make things even better, BibRave Pros Brie and Karin were there, too! (Joined by honourary BibRave Pro and ultra diva, Tanja!)

On the Run

The Chilly Chase is distinctly unique in that it has four run distances: 5k, 10k, 15k and half marathon! They all start within a few minutes of each other, longest distances first. So we sent Debra off on her 15k run, and then Brie, Tanja and I embarked on the 10k, along with THE CHICKEN. Jeannine and Karin ran the 5k.

The route is very, very familiar to me, since we run the False Creek Seawall route around Science World every Monday with Coach Carey. Every race distance was an out-and-back course, each one going a bit further, although both the 15k and the half loop Lost Lagoon.

So I headed out. THE CHICKEN was just ahead of me. To be clear, THE CHICKEN is a local runner who frequently races in costume. I’m told that he ran the Berlin Marathon dressed as the Gingerbread Man. For the Chilly Chase 10k, he was dressed as a chicken. And he was ahead of me on the run.

We looped Science World, headed along the north side of False Creek and passed the 5k turnaround and the first water station. It wasn’t until we reached Sunset Beach that the first 10k runners passed me on their return. And then, just before the 10k turnaround at English Bay, THE CHICKEN blew past me!

On the way back, my honey was waiting to snap a few pics.

Then I was on the chicken’s heels…

And somehow I got ahead!

Back the way we came. Picked up the pace. And although we had to dodge a few pedestrians with inordinately huge umbrellas, it wasn’t long before the finish line was in front of us.

Done!

Awesome medal!

And in plenty of time to watch THE CHICKEN cross the finish line!!

Post-Race

I reconnected with Karin and Jeannine, but then I had to add on a few extra kms. Out for a short run the other direction along the Seawall. Then headed back to the Community Centre, picked up my bag, and headed home for brunch and a nap!

Turns out, I came third place in my age category, too! No medal, but I still get bragging rights! And I’m pretty stoked that this race was my fastest 10k since the 2016 Eastside 10k (aka the Wettest 10k Ever!)

Final Results

Chip Time: 49:32
Average Pace:
Overall Place: 15/190
Place in Age Category: 3/11

Click here for complete race results.

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Quick Recap – Chilly Chase 10k

Social Media:

Packet Pickup: Pickup was held on both Friday (in Kitsilano) and Saturday (in Burnaby). Thanks again to Debra for pickup up my bib!

T-Shirt/Swag: The Chilly Chase doesn’t include a t-shirt, but there were Chilly Chase socks to be had! Unfortunately, the sock shipment was delayed due to snow storms in the US causing delays. We were giving the option to pick up our socks at a future date or (my choice) to donate them to the Lookout Society, this event’s charitable partner.

Course: All four distances including out-and-back routes along the False Creek Seawall, with extensions to English Bay (10k) and around Lost Lagoon (15k, half marathon).

Post-Race: It’s always nice when a winter run has some inside space – and the Creekside Community Centre is a great place to be. Post-race included bananas, treats from Nature’s Path, and lots of good people!

Would I Run It Again? January is always a challenging time for a race, but I like the motivation of a run early in the year. Having run the half and the 10k, maybe I’ll try one of the other distances in 2019!