I’ve not been motivated to do much the past few days, including writing. My energy is low. It could be due to having four hours sleep some nights.
Last night I made sure to get eight hours as I had arranged to meet some local Thai runners at the bottom of Koh Rai (tallest mountain on Koh Phangan). The idea was to do an easy up and down and I wanted to feel rested. And shake off this tiredness.
My alarm sound at 5am, within 18 minutes I was showered, dressed and ready to leave.
I met P Chong he was waiting for me in his white Mitsubishi 4x4 pick up out the front of my bungalow.
By the time all the runners had arrived we were a group of five. Everyone pressed start on their watches and we set off running a incline, so steep I could reach out in front of me in touch the ground with my hands.
Just before we started P Chong said to me “today we are going for the record”, I responded saying “no way man, I’m going to go slowly”. I know too well what it’s like to race up a mountain and the pain thats induced.
But for some reason I couldn’t help myself and the excitement of everybody had me keeping up with the runners at the front. Eventually it was just myself and other runner ahead of me.
At this point I decided brisk hiking would be a more efficient way to cover the steep inclined dirt road. The runners ahead continued Running. But I could see I was gaining on him.
Each time the incline lessened the runner in front walked. I believe it was due to regaining oxygen debt. I did the opposite and jogged instead of hiking.
Soon enough I caught up with him and then passed. I was not racing him but my competitive spirit had been awakened. I continue going my own pace hearing the sounds of the Runner behind me get more distant as I pushed on.
The climb starts off with a wide jungle road at first then eventually turns into a jungle path where no cars can go. I was at my VO2 max limit but kept on driving forwards, hands on knees stepping over the many roots and rocks.
After what felt like a super intense, extended Parkrun I neared the Summit. I saw a 100 meter sign and new I would soon be there. Just as I entered a small opening at the summit I glanced down at my watch to see 34 minutes something.
At the top I sat down on a rock and almost passed out. This was my first big effort up Koh Rai and it came unexpectedly. My time placed me in the all-time top five runners to have completed this trail.