• Bangkok Marathon Debrief – A Whirlwind Adventure

    Bangkok Marathon Debrief – A Whirlwind Adventure

    This marathon wasn’t exactly planned. It all started on a lazy Sunday with a casual coffee shop conversation that somehow turned into me signing up for a race in Bangkok, just six weeks away! Having run marathons before, I knew what I was getting into, but my training had been less than ideal. Still, I figured I could rely on experience and just enjoy the journey.

    The Race:

    Bangkok at 2 AM felt strangely similar to a midday run back home. The heat and humidity were definitely a factor, but the early start provided some relief. I focused on running economically, and for the most part, it worked.

    The course itself had its ups and downs (literally and figuratively!). There was a long stretch between 18km and 38km that was essentially an out-and-back loop. It felt never-ending and definitely tested my mental strength. But hey, I got it done!

    Highlights:

    • Amazing Support: The race organizers did a fantastic job. Aid stations were plentiful and well-stocked with water (chilled and un-chilled), electrolyte drinks, and even snacks. They also had massage, first aid, and paramedics on standby – talk about comprehensive support!
    • Clean Toilets: This might seem like a small detail, but having access to clean toilets along the route was a huge plus.
    • Photographer Paradise: I’ve never had so many race photos! There were photographers everywhere, and the best part? Over 100 photos were available online the same day, for free!
    • Post-Race Pampering: The post-race spread was impressive, with a wide variety of food, drinks, and even desserts. They also had ice baths for recovery – a welcome treat after a hot and humid marathon.
    • Nike Everywhere: The branding was on point. Nike’s “Run Bangkok” slogans and motivational running quotes on every billboard added to the overall atmosphere.

    Lowlights:

    • Crowded Start: Starting the 21km and 42km runners together in the same waves made for a congested start. It took a while to find my rhythm.
    • That Never-Ending Loop: Seriously, that out-and-back section was a mental challenge. It felt like I was running in circles!

    Lessons Learned:

    • Don’t Underestimate Training: While I managed to finish, I could have had a stronger race with proper training. Next time, I’ll prioritize sticking to the plan.
    • Embrace the Unexpected: Sometimes, the best adventures are the unplanned ones. This spontaneous trip to Bangkok pushed me outside my comfort zone and reminded me of the joy of running.

    Overall:

    Despite the lack of training and the challenging course, I had a positive experience at the Bangkok Marathon. The incredible support, festive atmosphere, and personal sense of accomplishment made it all worthwhile. Would I recommend this race? Absolutely! Just make sure you train for it. 

  • Bangkok Marathon Adventures: Dirty Coffee, Divine Phad Thai, and a Kipchoge Quest

    Bangkok Marathon Adventures: Dirty Coffee, Divine Phad Thai, and a Kipchoge Quest

    CentralwOrld and the Expo

    Today was all about prepping for the big race! After an amazing breakfast spread at the hotel (seriously, how do they make fruit taste so much better here?), our group headed to centralwOrld for the marathon registration and expo. This place is massive! The registration was surprisingly smooth and efficient (take note, other marathons!), and the expo itself was a runner’s paradise. They had everything from the latest shoes and apparel to energy gels and recovery drinks. Of course, I had to snag some official race merch – gotta commemorate the experience!

    Coffee Run and a Quest for Tech

    Next up was a caffeine fix at “Drop by Dough” I tried my first “dirty coffee” – basically an iced latte with a shot of espresso. Strong and delicious! While the rest of the group grabbed some lunch, I went on a mission to find a small camera to document my Bangkok adventure. Success!

    Lumphini Park and a Chance Encounter

    After a quick break back at the hotel, I got a message from the group: meet up for a run at Lumphini Park… where Eliud Kipchoge himself had been spotted earlier! Challenge accepted. I decided to run the 5km to the park from my hotel. Lumphini Park is an oasis in the middle of the city, and the running path was perfect for a few easy laps. No sign of Kipchoge, though… maybe next time!

    Chinatown Adventures

    Post-run, we hopped on the train to Chinatown. This place is an assault on the senses in the best possible way! The sights, sounds, and smells are incredible. I managed to find some delicious halal food down one of the alleyways (a huge win!) and, of course, had to try some Phad Thai. No trip to Thailand is complete without a 7-Eleven stop, so we stocked up on snacks before heading back to the hotel via the subway and sky train.

    Another amazing day in the books! Bring on the marathon!

    Some of the awesome pics were taken by Ziyaad Solomon the not so awesome ones were taken by me

  • Bangkok Bound! First Impressions

    Bangkok Bound! First Impressions

    Off to Bangkok!

    My Ethiopian Airlines flight to Bangkok via Addis Ababa was quite the journey. The first leg from Cape Town to Addis Ababa was okay, but the in-flight entertainment was broken, and I couldn’t charge my devices at the airport. I did manage to grab a bite to eat and chat with a fellow passenger headed to Jordan for Umrah via Jerusalem.

    The second flight from Addis Ababa to Bangkok was much better, with working entertainment and a surprisingly tasty beef pasta meal. I even managed to get some sleep!

    Arrival in Bangkok

    When I finally landed in Bangkok on 27th November 2023 at 12:30, the weather was hot and humid. Things got a bit chaotic when I arrived in Bangkok. I was delayed at passport control because I didn’t have a yellow fever verification. Thankfully, I had my vaccination certificate, which helped. Then, my eSIM took ages to activate, and I missed important information relating to my hotel transfer which caused me to miss my driver due to lack of communication.

    Because of these delays, I had to rearrange my hotel transfer and pay a penalty. Ugh. The drive from the airport to the hotel took around 40 minutes and the traffic was surprisingly light for a major city. After what felt like forever, I finally made it to my hotel, Amari Bangkok. The check-in process was smooth, and I was so relieved to finally shower and relax in my well-appointed room with its modern fixtures and fittings before heading out for a proper meal.

    Despite the hiccups along the way, I was excited to start exploring Bangkok!

    Evening Escapade: River City Bangkok and Icon Siam

    As the sun began to set, we hopped into a Grab (think Uber, but local) and headed to River City Bangkok. This place isn’t just a mall, it’s a cultural hub for art and antiques. We wandered through galleries showcasing a fascinating blend of traditional Thai art and modern international works. The air buzzed with creativity – they even host film screenings, musical performances, and talks! And of course, there were shops filled with unique arts, crafts, and books – perfect for souvenirs.

    Next, we took a boat across the Chao Phraya River to Icon Siam. Finding the entrance from the river was a little tricky – we ended up navigating a slightly sketchy alleyway! But once inside, this massive mall was a sight to behold. It’s one of the biggest in Southeast Asia, with countless shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. We even spotted a movie theater, an aquarium, and a rooftop observation deck with stunning city views.

    As the evening drew to a close, we took a boat back across the river (thankfully, no dodgy alleyways this time). We’d planned on using public transport back to our hotel, but after a day of exploring, we decided on another Grab. It was the perfect ending to an evening filled with art, culture, and a touch of retail therapy – a true Bangkok experience!