Training Log Archive: dkonotopetz

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