Mena Westhaver Archives - Vancouver Island Race Series

Every step we take involves a choice

Well this was a first…

I was late to the start line! Some may argue they are late to the finish line but mine was a bit of both on the day of the Hatley Castle 8K at Royal Roads University. Having said that, this is not what my message is about. My message is about making choices in life and remembering to make them based on your “whys.”

Yes, I arrived late to the start line and at that moment I had a choice: run, walk, or turnaround and go home.

I knew when I arrived the timing would be tight. I realized quickly as I meandered through an unfamiliar campus, that the likelihood of me arriving on time was gone. It was confirmed when I showed up at 11:06 am to a very lonely start line that I was definitely late. I crossed with no noise made so then I made the choice to run to the timing van to see if it was “okay” to still run. I was answered with a quick, “if you crossed the line, you are being timed.”

I had a choice…

My decision took no time at all — run Mena run! That’s what I signed up to do, that’s why I drove out there, that’s why I signed up for the Vancouver Island Race Series and that’s why I pinned on my bib! I had made a choice to be a part of something. Does it really matter what your numerical time is (okay — I am a runner at heart so I will say I do love numbers) BUT — what’s really important is the time that you experience and I was about to enjoy a very special time throughout this event; one that was unexpected. It was an experience like no other and full of awesome realizations. I didn’t see anyone for about 500 metres except a photographer that really had no choice but to shoot my smirk of desperation to find a crowd of people somewhere in the distance. Then I came across a powerful walker who quickly informed me that they had come out to walk no matter what position they finished in. Their smile was full of pride and confidence — this was cool.

Then I passed a couple of familiar faces on the out and back, but typically I would be on the “other side” of them, they were thrilled to see that I had showed up. Despite where I was, and what joking was shared, they made me feel a part. I witnessed people of all ages, stages, and abilities push up hills and push through pain. It was clearly demonstrated that there wasn’t a single person I passed that was not working their hardest. Each of these walkers and runners had made the choice to show up and do the best that they can.

Every finish line is special and in this case on this day, I cannot imagine missing the opportunity to run downhill through a beautiful forested area to the sound of cheers and encouragement.

So as we near a new and exciting course — the McLean Mill 10K — think about why you “show up.” Make choices based on your whys. Don’t worry about your time in performance but the potential of the experience. I want to be a part of a community, a part of the run community, a part of the Vancouver Island Race Series. I want to feel strong, athletic and physically fit. I want to feel that sense of accomplishment when I cross the finish line.

Thank you to the crew of the Island Race Series for providing me a space to make choices to participate and to feel like an athlete. I have a feeling my “whys” are similar to most that show up in shorts, spandex run tights, tank tops and run hats on chilly Sunday mornings

…. I hope to see you again on Sunday, April 2nd!

I was super stoked to race the Cedar 12k, but…

Yes, I was super stoked to race the Cedar 12K, however, doing all the right things to prime myself for a great event didn’t quite pan out. It was all good except for the part about going on an airplane and catching a virus that gave my asthmatic respiratory system a real kick — ouch!

One of the beauties of leading others in physical activity is enjoying their experiences, their finish lines, their accomplishments.

Witnessing Margot cross event finish lines never gets boring.

She was apprehensive about racing the 12K because she felt she hadn’t run that distance in a long time but and this is a big but, she has accomplished long distances including a marathon on her own pace and discipline during the pandemic. Margot is strong both physically and mentally. However, “we” signed up together with the intention of making a trip out of it and now she was flying solo — there was an “out” if she wanted one.

BUT that’s not how this story ended

Margot’s first triumph — the coach goes down sick and she says, “I am doing it, I signed up for it.”

Recently, Margot shared with me her new way of thinking, “I am going to do it now while I can,” a message she was reminded about from her late father. Don’t put it off. We chatted a couple of times the day before the race and she diligently went through a short session reminding her body about how to move quickly and efficiently. During her drive up to Cedar, we spoke in length about the experience. Get comfortable, find your groove, take the first 6K and make it a comfortable tempo run. Break down the remainder in pieces focusing on 1K, and one step at a time and when you are done 9K remind yourself of how strong you feel and you only have 3K to go — easy peasy. You do that all the time.

Margot reported back and I saw it on her Strava that kilometre 10 was her strongest and fastest. She had the mental capacity at that point to think about what we discussed….she was three-quarters done. Margot finished the race crushing her goal by more than three minutes and ironically surpassing my predicted finish time for her by three seconds — yes.

I predicted her time without telling her because often we don’t realize just how strong we are.

Margot #158. Photo credit: Joseph Camilleri

Training for yourself is fun, challenging, rewarding and at times can be frustrating when faced with injuries and/or illness. Training someone that is full of great discipline, desire and determination is rewarding and humbling. I have great respect for those that are brave enough to get to the start line and learn from every finish line — whether it’s my body or theirs getting across it.

Thank you Margot and a big congratulations on your first ever ribbon. Yup — the icing on the cake — Margot earned a ribbon in her age category for her efforts and when she told me it was her first one ever, in my mind it turned into a huge trophy. I wish I was there to personally witness it but the pictures sure tell a lot.

The moral of this story…

Do it when you can!

Ambassador media, Cobble Hill 10K, News

Mena’s joy of racing at the Cobble Hill 10K expressed as gratitude to her fellow runners

Hello Runners,

I want to begin by sharing with you that I feel participating in the Vancouver Island Race Series alongside elite-to-recreational athletes is an honour.

The truth is, my primary sport was on the ice, and shortly after retiring from show skating, I needed to channel my passion for physical activity in a new way. I fell in love with my running for many reasons, may be like some of yours; the flexibility of the 24-hour open gym — I could go anytime, the variety in the scenery and soon the opportunity to create a space for others to enjoy this common passion. The sport of running is unique. What other sport combines elite, recreational and potentially first-time participants into the same race?

Now that I am officially classified as a middle-aged athlete, I thought I would share with you my Cobble Hill 10K experience.

Right from the start line I embraced gratitude. I am so grateful to be able to be physically active in a beautiful place. A huge thank you to all the residents of Cobble Hill who welcomed us to their beautiful neighbourhood and for flattening out most of the hills ;)…!

My performance? Well, I now gauge performance by “lived experience” and no longer watch the clock, but I do anticipate with joy kilometre markers or a safety vest-wearing volunteer as I pass by, cheering me on and pointing me in the right direction. Thank you to all the organizers and the impressive group of volunteers and sisters.

Years ago, my passion for physical activity led me to create a group called Sole Sisters Victoria, and still to this day we continue to meet in groups, clinics, and strength train together. At Cobble Hill, there were five of us Sole Sisters out there on the course.

A sister’s mantra is to begin celebrating right from the start line because we all know that is the hardest place to get to. I will go as far as saying, I really enjoyed this event, pushing myself with an edge of tenacity. Now do not misinterpret that, it still hurt. However, as we all know, seeing the final arch at the line melted all the pain away and shortly after, really just simply wanted to do it all over again (maybe not right away — you know).

My post-race event routine is always to turn around and run back to find the next sister in sight. it is like participating in multiple events all on the same day as I get to celebrate their finish lines with them. It truly is an honour.

So, what did the last 72 hours involve? My recovery run on Monday was enjoyed on my stationary bike and then an upper body gym workout with lots of water throughout the day. I did a short run on Tuesday and with amusement questioned how I ever managed 10K. The legs felt heavy, but I knew a good stretch and a soak in the hot tub would rejuvenate me.

So, what is the real message that I want to share with anyone who has endured reading this to the last line? Being physically active is a lifestyle choice however you choose to live it.

The beautiful sport of running, welcomes all levels of athletes to participate in community events. It truly is inspiring.

And what is my favourite part about participating? Cheering on a fellow runner. I know they are working, just as hard as I am, despite the rank in which they finish before or after me. We are each pushing ourselves to a place of discomfort and together, it brings us comfort when we hear our name as we approach the finish line.

Thank you to the Vancouver Island Race Series for bringing us all together!

Enjoy the next race, Sunday, February 12 at the Cedar 12K