Pre-Race
I was coming into this race still way underdone, but we had travel booked to Bangkok with this race specifically planned, so we set off anyway. Bangkok in May is always hot and humid, and this race was no exception. I’d only been back running for a week, so expectations were low. In the lead-up I managed three runs, including a ‘race prep’ session including 3k at supposed race pace — but if I’m honest, it felt harder than it should have, and I was holding around 4:38/km compared to sub-4:20s before the break.
The day before the race we spent the day at Siam Amazing Park, plenty of time on my feet in the sun. I was half-tempted to pull the pin altogether, but after stopping by the mall for bib pickup, I talked myself into lining up.
Race Day
It had been raining overnight so humidity was near 100%, with a little fog still sitting on the lake. I set out at about 4:30/km, quickly realising that pace wasn’t sustainable. I slowed to the 4:40s letting runners go by and tried to get comfortable, but there was nothing comfortable about it. I kept slipping into the 4:50s. Around that time, we had to dodge a giant water monitor on the path — a quintessential Bangkok park running experience.
Seeing Prae and the kids cheering at the halfway point gave me a lift. They were waiting at the gate where we left the main park and entered the trails around the lake. There was even a small staircase to negotiate. From there, the course includes on two long out-and-backs: one down a berm in the middle of the lake, the other right around the outside, before doubling back just before the bridge that would close the loop. run for a bit with @yaolovestorun a top Thai age group runner, instagrammer and sacuony sponsored athlete. It was tough going and I couldn’t keep pace with her for long. Sweat soaked my shoes, and every step squelched. Some runners ahead had worked their sweat and chafe balm into a foam that was running down the back of their legs — not a great look.
Back down the stairs and towards the finish, I found myself questioning why I was out there. This wasn’t a PB attempt, and I wasn’t doing myself any favours in that heat. Still, I stuck it out. My legs felt heavy and the pace kept slipping, but I managed to bring the last kilometre back under 5:00/km. Average heart rate was 174 — basically threshold, right where I’d expect for a half — and I finished absolutely drenched in sweat.
Reflection
In the end, I crossed the line in 1:43:38, good enough for 49th overall. Just like last week, a year ago I would have been stoked with that, but now not my best day out, but a solid effort given the circumstances. If I’d been in the shape I was before the break, I would have been pushing for age-group trophies. As it stands, I’m glad I showed up. It’s an enjoyable course, almost like a race track through the park, and I’d love to give it a proper hit-out with some decent training under my belt.