Training Log Archive: dkonotopetz

I rented a 50 THB bike and biked from Chiang Khan to Kang Khud Ku and back, then west 5 km. along the highway.

Around the trails at Phu Kradung National Park, Thailand.

Down from the campground of Phu Kradung National Park, Loei, Thailand to the base of the mountain. Legs really burning on the way down!

Climb from the base of Phu Kradung Mountain to the summit at 1,316 meters above sea level and then another 3.6 k. on the top to the campground.

Hike up to the summit (1,316 meters above sea level) of Phu Kradung National Park, Loei, Thailand. 5.5 km. from the base of the mountain to the summit and then 3.6 km. to the camping area. Lots of stairs and quite tiring, especially after the overnight bus ride and marathon on Sunday.

I woke up at 1:00 am. I had a PowerBar and I made my way to the start/finish area in the certre of the old part of Chiang Mai. As I was walking to the start I was feeling great despite the early hour and not getting as much sleep as I would have liked. I had trouble getting to sleep so early, possibly partly because of my excitement for the race. When I got to the start area there were many people that were getting ready for the race and I did the same. As the start time got closer there were more and more people and the anticipation was building! The horns went off and the mass of runners made there way towards the Tha Phae Gate and the moat around the old city. The temperature was a nice 18°C with no wind, although the humidity was 83%. I was moving at a good pace from the start, but I was also feeling comfortable and relaxed early into the race. I passed the 9 km. mark and I took a gel, which gave me a boost of energy. Now I was heading south towards the outskirts of the city along a well lit road that was surrounded by darkness and no spectators. I took a gel at the 16 km. mark and then I quickly passed U-turn point #1 at the 17.5 km. mark. Then I passsed the halfway mark still feeling strong! I was mainly running alone in this section and for most of the race. I passed the U-turn point #2 just past the 22.5 km. mark. I took a gel at the 23 km. Soon after came the U-turn point #3 at the 26 km. mark where I took another gel. At the 28 km. mark I made a left turn into the road leading to the Chiang Mai Night Safari and the Royal Park Rajapruek. I circled the roundabout just past the 29 km. mark and I started to make my way back towards the old city. As I looked at my watch I remember thinking that my time looked good (so far), but the race was just starting and I had 13 km. to go. My pace was slowing slightly, but overall I was doing well with my pacing and maintaining my position. I took another gel just past the 31 km. mark and I continued along with an extra kick. I took a final gel at the 37 km. mark and then I tured righ just before the 38 km. mark, as the finish line was now very close. I was still doing well with no walking breaks! As I got closer to the finish line there was some cars that were sharing the road with the runners (only separated with some pylons). This was anoying and unsafe! I tried to and did increase my speed as the finish line got closer. I surged across the line for my 5th fastest marathon and my fastest marathon in Thailand! I placed 26/807 overall and 13/? in the 18-39 age group. I am very happy with my time and result!

Route: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6512599
Results: http://themuangthaichiangmaimarathon2014.itsyourra...
Race Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfygsLbov90

Phetkasem Rd. to Buddhamonthon Sai 4 Rd. and back.

5-4 loss vs, the Sports Corner Snipers, 1 goal, 1 assist, 1 fight and 4 penalty minutes.

Unique Running Ayutthaya Marathon (10 km.)

Warm-up.

I got to the start area not feeling 100%. I was tired and the race had not even started! I was not sure what to expect, but I was about to give it everything that I had. The horn went of at 6:00 am. and the pack made their way into the darkness of the ancient Thai capital of Ayutthaya. I started off at a comfortable pace with the lead group. By the 3 km. mark I found myself in 1st place overall with another foreigner from England slightly behind me and a young Thai kid. By the 4 km. mark it was clear that it was going to be a 3 man race. The three of us ran together until around the 7 km. mark when the Thai kid and myself got slightly ahead. I accepted my arm bracelet to confirm that I went past that point on the course. A few hundred meters later I saw the 9 km. sign and I knew it was time to pick-up the pace. I did just that, but the problem was that so did the Thai kid. We were about to make a 90 degrees turn over a bridge and I planned to overtake him at this point. There were about 600 meters left in the race and I did not want to get into a srint race with him. He took and corner wide and I passed him on the inside. I made a few looks back and he was around 25 meters behind me. I knew I had it in the bag and then I raised my hands up as I crossed the line! Placed 1st overall for the first time in Thailand!!! I won a trophy, a 4,000 THB Merrell shoes gift certificate and lots of Kikkoman soya sauce products.

Route: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6497405
Results: https://uniquerunning.goodsportsthailand.com/ayutt...
Race Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oogl4TPRCGQ

Nakhonthon Mini Marathon

Warm-up.

A mid-week holiday race. I did not feel that good from the beginning of the race. I felt tired and slow with minimal energy. I settled into a pace that I struggled to maintain. I manage to hold off most of the runners behind me. Unfortunately a runner in my category passed me around the 6 km. mark. I tried to stay with him, but he was too strong and I dropped off. I crossed the line in second place in the 16-29 age category and got a trophy.

Route: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6763436
Results: N/A

5-4 win vs. the Ramkhamhaeng Red Wings.

Suwannaphum, Thailand.

6-4 win vs. the Sukhumvit Stars, 1 assist.