Training Log Archive: dkonotopetz

Warm-up.

I woke-up at 3:20 am. and made my way down to the Rama 8 bridge. When I arrived at the bridge at 5:00 am. I passed through a very secure security check point, where they seached through my backpack (all this extra security is likely due to the bomb that went off on Monday night). I got my number and t-shirt under the bridge. After that I got ready for the race I walked-up the stairs to the top of the bridge. There was a mass of people on the top of the bridge, but I managed to find some semi clear road beyond the mass of runners. I positioned myself near the front of the pack (about 6 people back). It is very difficult to get near the front of the pack in non chip timed races in Thailand! Then everyone stood in complete silence as the princess arrived 20 minutes late to the start of the race. The Kenyan runners who were running the half marathon and nearing the finish were told to stop short of the line because of this. A big publicity stunt to start the race with old gizzards who work for Muang Thai Life Insurance, 3 Thai beauty queens, fancy dressed runners and many other people who should not be at the front of a start line! It was quite interesting and dangerous! After the horns went off I got passed the mess and suttled into a pace. I was feeling ok, but not that fast. I counted 3 other runners in the 16-29 age category infront of me and then I rounded the turn around and made my way back to the bridge. My pace began to slow slightly around the 8 km. mark. One runner passed me with about 1 km. to go and then 2 runners (in my category) passed me with about 500 meters to go. The runners infrot of me had to jump the centre barrier to get on the right side of the bridge (poor course planning). I ended-up placing 6th overall in the 16-29 age category, just missing a trophy. Not a good race.

Route: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6695436
Results: N/A
Race Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58us_9Q5cgY