Chiang Mai Marathon Recap

Marathon #10 is complete. And it was a memorable one for sure. I did go halfway around the world to hit this milestone. And since Thailand has been on my list of destination for years, Chiang Mai seemed like a place to do one. And luckily the city was nice too.

Picking up my bib at Tha Pae Gate.

I can't believe a week has already gone by. Training goes on for months, and the morning of, you try to not think about how the race goes on for hours. You want to enjoy it, but you know it's going to hurt and you kind of hope it goes by relatively quickly. And then it's over. Just like that. 

So last Saturday, I had my final pasta dinner before the race and got ready for bed. I was lights out around 8pm. Why so early you may be wondering. Well my alarm was set for 2:15am. This is more of a nap than a night's sleep. But since the race started at 4am, I had to get up earlier to eat my peanut butter sandwich, cereal bar, and banana, and drink my Nuun.

Pre-race spaghetti.

I talked to my sister for a few minutes (you know since it was Saturday, 2:30 in the afternoon in NYC). And got myself ready. All of a sudden it was 3:40. I had to get to the start line. Fortunately the race was so close, and so small, that I had no problem getting to the start line. I dropped off my bag (which really only had my phone, a t-shirt, and chapstick), and made my way to the front of the start line. My friend Jane advised that is what I should do, and that was my intent all along. I didn't think I was going to win, but I figured I'd be a top runner, so should be up front with the other runners, whether they were fast or not. This is what happens with no corral system in place. 

At the start.

I'm trying to catch a GPS signal when I realize that I need to change my watch to kilometers and to switch it to manual lapping. Once that was done, the horn went off. I checked to be sure I had full signal and crossed the starting line. I was on my way in complete darkness, and in 72 degree temperatures and 64% humidity. Definitely not as cool as I was hoping. The forecast said a low of 60, but maybe that was in the evening, not morning? Since I trained in some brutal humidity, I hoped for the best and just ran.

The route consisted of some kilometers around the Old City and then proceeded to take us outside of the city. Since it was complete darkness, I couldn't tell you anything that I saw. Except for the 7-Elevens that seemed to be on every corner. I've seen them everywhere, but had no idea they were this popular. It's everyone's go-to for grocery shopping I think. On top of the markets of course.

I tried to settle into a groove, but every kilometer I clocked, it seemed a bit off. Either it was faster or slower than what my pace was telling me. At some point, I had to forget about my splits, but I still tracked them for a record. But I did get to a point where I either missed some markers or they were not on the course. And eventually they stopped all together. Kind of wish I kept the automatic lap setting on.

For the most part, there were lights all along the course, until I got to the 12k point. Then I was in complete darkness. And I know I sped up here and for the following kilometers. I think being in complete darkness made me nervous and I hurried a little to get out of it. After a couple of kilometers, we were back on a well-lit road.

At the 17k (according to the map not my memory), there was an out and back. When I turned to go back the way I came, some volunteers were handing out something. I instinctively go to grab it, but then miss. It had looked like a hair tie and thought that was a bit strange and wondered what Asian running custom this was. The 2nd time it happened before the 23k mark, I successfully grabbed it (actually 2 of them) and realized why they were handing them out. Since the timing mats were limited on the course, this was their way to ensure that runners were actually doing the out and backs. So I now have a nice collection of different colored hair ties.

Somewhere along the course.

Throughout the course, I steadily passed people, and was feeling generally ok. It was hard to exactly pinpoint my pace though. My intent was to stick below the 5 minute/kilometer pace (this would put me at a 3:30 marathon). If I could go faster later, that would be excellent. I feel like that is what I was doing, but definitely had doubts when some of the kilometer splits came through. I had to remind myself to just run and hope for the best. At some point in the first 3rd of the race, a guy went to pass me, but I was able to stick with him for a little while. I got the general sense that he was actually trying to pace me. I thought he could go faster and leave me in the dust, but he didn't. He also repeatedly looked behind him to ensure I was still there. Again, I didn't get the sense he was worried I was going to pass him. But who knows. Later in the race he asked me whether I was going for a PB (personal best) and told him it would be great, but didn't think it was going to happen. So I think he thought maybe he was helping me achieve that. He was helping me for sure, but not enough for me to get a PR (personal record as us Americans call it). He also wanted to be sure I had a gel (which I had 2). So yes, I think he we looking out for me for some reason. Unfortunately, towards the end, with about 10k to go, he pulled ahead and I couldn't stick with him. But I continued to look for him and tried to keep moving as fast as I could. Which may have been slower than I think but since the kilometer markers stopped at 34k (which I think was wrong), I have no idea what my splits were like. And of course I can't recall my pace now. 

There were 2 other races going on besides the marathon, the half marathon and a 10k. When I got to the half marathon turnaround point, I caught up to the back-of-the-pack people. Unfortunately, this involved a little bit of winding in and out of people as there were runners coming at me, and I was passing runners going in my direction. This wasn't great and I'm sure I expended some unnecessary energy. But that was nothing until we joined up with the 10k runners. Oh boy. At this point, traffic was stopped twice. I of course yelled out that this wasn't ok and tried to keep running, but also not get hit by a car. I still don't think it's ok to stop the slower runners, but to also stop the marathon runners towards the front trying to finish? Not ok. Earlier that morning, there was a car trying to turn down a street that I told to stop and the guy behind me also yelled them. That was nothing compared to this. And it happened again. Right as we joined up with the 10k runners. I wasn't happy at all. I'm just glad I wasn't as close to my PR as I hoped. Otherwise, every second is precious. But my time would have been a little faster if this hadn't happened.

Me in the far left. The photographer was too focused on the
 10k runners and I was trying to avoid them.

So all of a sudden, I'm amongst so many more runners. For most of the race, I felt like I was kind of on my own. Not anymore. I also had a moment of panic that I wasn't supposed to be on the 10k course. From what I remember of the course map, I thought I wasn't going in the right direction. I slowed down and tried to ask a few people whether this was the full course and got blank stares. That's what happens when you run an international marathon I guess. Even though I wasn't positive, I decided to keep running. I then saw a 2k left marker and figured I was on the right track. So I kept running around all the 10k runners and tried to focus on finishing. I eventually came to the 1k left marker and knew I was going to do ok. No PR, but still pretty good with all things considered. As I approached the finish line, they had 3 lanes for the different racers. Someone directed me to the 21k lane, but after looking, I realized their error and got in the 42k lane. And ran into a bunch of dancers. Right before the finish lane. What?!? So I squeezed through them and finally made my across the finish line.

I was done. I was handed my medal and a lanyard that had #1 on it for my age group. I was a little out of it, and a little confused. I thought at first I was the winner. Then looked closely and realized it was only for my age group. But still awesome. I think I was in a little bit of shock and the volunteers were telling me I should be happy. I think all that energy spent from running and the hiccups at the end of the race left me in disbelief. After collecting water, food, and my finisher t-shirt, I made my way to the race organizers and sure enough, I was first in my age group. I still wasn't sure what place I was overall. After I returned with my ID, I counted the others in the 40-49 age group and it looked like 4 runners had a faster time. So I think I got 5th female. After checking the results, I did in fact get 5th, and of course 1st in my age group. I also confirmed my time, which I had wrong by 10 seconds. Remember that first traffic stop? I instinctively stopped my watch as that's what I do when I go out running normally. I realized my error around 10 seconds later and restarted it. Another reason why there shouldn't be any traffic stops.

Jane and I hanging out post-race.

Even though running in the heat wasn't ideal, it was ok to hang out post-race. I got some liquids in me and found Jane. We hung out for a while waiting for the awards. She won the half marathon, so we both had some prizes coming our way. Jane encouraged me to do an ice bath, which I have never done. I'm a little bit of a wuss when it comes to staying in ice-cold water. I can jump into the ocean for a Polar Bear Plunge, but then I'm out immediately. I did the obligatory 5 minutes and actually felt better after. Partly due to numbness.

Ice bath.

We got some ice cream and local Thai food to recover with. I'm usually not starving after a marathon, but this food was perfect to consume so quickly after. I of course was going to be on the lookout for a burger and beer later on.

Post-race Thai food.

After doing the 10k and half marathon awards, it was finally time for the marathon awards. I got to go up on stage and collect my prizes which consisted of a heavy duty trophy, a Banana Boat gift basket, and 10,000 baht. Pretty amazing. My prize money was taxed of course, but I walked away with 9500 baht, which is about $262. The only money I've ever won in any race.

5th overall female and 1st in my age group.

I showered and cleaned myself up, and Jane I went to celebrate with a burger and beer. My usual post-marathon meal. And it was delicious. I spent the rest of the day resting a bit and consuming local food to get back all those calories back. 

Post-race Western food and beer.

I've taken a week off of running, which has been good. But I am getting anxious to run again. Being at the beach when it's hot to rest was actually good, since my motivation was to get to the beach instead of going for a run. We'll give it a few more days and think about getting back into it. Maybe I can find a race in Australia. 

Marathon #11: Berlin 2016.

One Week

One week until I run marathon #10. First, I can't believe I've done 9 of these. I was never going to do one. Then I was like, "one and done". And now it's time for #10. I wanted this one to stand out in some way. The last few definitely have stood out, so this one needed to stand out in a different way. Marathon #7 I finally BQ'd. #8 gave me such a great PR. #9 was Boston. What could I do for #10? How about incorporate a marathon during my trip around the world. 

I did a lot of research to see which one I should do. I focused on Southeast Asia, since that worked from a timing standpoint. Although there was one in Jordan that I thought about for a hot minute. But after running Boston and a crazy summer at work, I wasn't fully committed to training and the race was in October. I was also too tired. I also had to be sure I was actually going on this trip around the world. So I gave myself a bit of a buffer and looked for one later in the year. 

For a little while, I considered doing one in Malaysia, which would have been a great place to visit. But I decided running over a 13-mile bridge and back may not be as much fun as it sounded. So I looked even later in the year and finally selected the Chiang Mai Marathon in Thailand. Thailand has been a place I've been wanting to visit for years, so running a marathon here seemed very fitting.  I was concerned that the race was too late in the year. Typically at home, I like running a marathon in October. This one is December 20th. The holidays just get a bit crazy and training part of the way into a NYC winter isn't appealing. However, I wasn't going to be in NYC. So no holiday parties and splurging, and no cold temperatures. So I registered. 

I knew absolutely nothing about Chiang Mai, but as I told people about it, they all praised the city. So this was a very good sign. And it's the 10th anniversary of the race. A nice coincidence to tie it to marathon #10.

First step, register. Second step, train. And boy, was training a challenge. You would think that by not working, you'd have all the time in the world to run. Not necessarily. I want to say I averaged running about 4-5 days a week, as opposed to my normal 6 days for the past few marathons. Also, Central Park was my go-to spot. Living so close was pretty amazing and I knew where I needed to go for long runs, speed sessions, and tempo workouts. Moving around to different cities and countries required a bit of research for route planning and a little bit of hope that it would all work out. 

At first I googled routes to run and had luck finding some spots in major cities, like Istanbul and Tel Aviv. Runner's World was helpful and I was able to get some solid short and long runs in without too much effort. But the further I went away from home, the harder it got to find routes on google. So I then started using the Strava heat map. This eventually became a key resource as I was able to see where other runners have gone in both the larger and smaller cities. I wasn't actually too concerned about small towns, as I grew up in rural upstate New York, so I know I can just run down a road and not deal with too much traffic and obstacles. And it tends to be nice scenery. 

I was able to get a long run in every country I have visited so far. Which is pretty cool. I ran in some crazy heat in Turkey and Israel, and humidity in Sri Lanka and Vietnam. I dealt with nonstop honks in Jordan, and cities like Amman weren't even close to being runner friendly. Dogs chased me in Sri Lanka and Thailand, and cows have gotten in my way in India.

Regardless of this, it was all fun and what an experience. I ran along tea plantations in Sri Lanka, I ran with other Israelis along the Mediterranean, I ran in the desert and through the jungle. I ran on rock formations in Turkey and on trails in Laos. I've seen elephants and monkeys (fortunately not chasing me). I've had people cheer me on and look on in disbelief. 

Getting speed and tempo workouts in were a little bit of a different story. Locating a track outside of the US has proved itself impossible. At least for me. I know there must be tracks out there, but I didn't come across any. Even with all my Google Earth searching. I had to make due with basketball courts and uneven paths in tiny parks. Tempos were a little easier as you just need the road. But you also need it uninterrupted, which was tough unless you were out in the middle of nowhere. I was pretty good about getting these key workouts in at the beginning, but it got tougher and tougher, so they became less frequent. I hope some of those earlier workouts will still benefit me, but it may have been too long ago. 

In NYC, I also have my running team and endless people to run with. Running isn't really something that's super popular around the world apparently. Getting honked at in Turkey and Jordan was just inappropriate and stressed me out a little on those runs. Israel was great since there were a lot of active people in the various cities. People in Sri Lanka were just very smiley and supportive. I saw a lot of walkers in India, as well as in Vietnam. I was definitely left alone in Cambodia and Laos. So many times I was just out running on my own. Other travelers like myself gave me a lot of looks. Like why am I running on vacation. I almost found a running buddy in India, but we never connected. I have seen other runners out there, but it's been rare. But I always give a smile to them. And even though I do wish I had someone to run with every once in a while, it's more for them to see what I see more than anything. 

So how do I expect next week to go? I have absolutely no idea. One of things I had hoped for was a lead-up race to the marathon. Ideally running a half marathon about a month out. Unfortunately I couldn't find any, or I was just a little too early. I was a week early for 2 races, one in Vietnam, and the other in Cambodia. I've gotten my long runs in. But my mileage is down a lot from previous training seasons. I haven't done as many key workouts either. So I can't really assess my fitness level. I know I'll finish the race. I would love to PR (who doesn't?), but I do need to set some sort of realistic expectation. I have a range of paces that I'm looking at. I plan to start somewhat conservatively and hope to speed it up as the miles tick by. The weather looks promising, especially at 4am when the race starts. It's supposed to be a flat course, although I do need to check on the elevation of Chiang Mai itself. I get to the city on Wednesday so will use those to days to check out the course and prepare myself. 

If anything, I get to say I ran a marathon in Thailand. Not too may can say that. So here goes nothing.