Training Log Archive: dkonotopetz

What an epic (and hard) race through the town, jungle and beach on Koh Phanang, Thailand! I started out the race alright, but it soon became apparent that the heat and humidity would be very difficult, as the sun got up and the temperature started to rise. I got to the aid station at 9 km. and I was feeling fine (I even had some water left!) I filled my Camelback to the top, took a gel and carried on. By the time I got to the 15.5 km. mark I was almost completely out of water, which was not good since the "big" climb was nearing (700 meters up to Rha Mountain, which is the highest point on the island). As I was running along the road I saw a water container, so I approach some people sitting next to a house and asked the in Thai if I could fill-up. They said yes, so I filled-up and took another gel. By the time I made the tough "slog" to the top of the mountain I was completely out of water. It was extremely hot and 100% humidity. I was drenched and out of water! I made my way down the mountain slowly, as I was exhausted and it was supper sketchy with fallen trees, rocks and uneven ground. I needed water! Luckily the trail got closser and closer to a stream. I saw some pipes running next to the trail carrying water, so I figured that the water must be safe. I drank about 750 ml. from the stream. About 500 meters past this point there was an unofficial aid station where I chugged some more water, took a gel, jelly and filled-up. Not far after this point I stopped at the official aid station that we were informed about prior to the race starting. I took some more water and carried on walking at this point. I was out of gas and struggling hard! I took another gel at the 26 km. mark. I was feeling so bad that I was not sure if I would be able to make it to the finish line. The last 4 km. were along the beach in the blazing hot sun. I finally crossed the finish line! What a relief. I estimate that I drank 6.150 liters along the course and that was not enough! I had severe cramping all over my body, so bad that the nurses were about to take me to the hospital due to my "electrolyte imbalance". All my vital signs were normal, just a severe case of heat stroke and dehydration. Drank around 5 liters of water at the finish and I was still dehydrated for 24 hours after. Placed 14/287 overall and 7/65 in the 26-35 age group.

Route: https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7388589
Results: https://my2.raceresult.com/128893/?lang=en#1_FE17B...
Race Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxIt4Q8IFl0