Went for a marathon in Hatyai, Thailand with Joan and her mom and other members of the Pacesetters Club.
We are supposed to leave at 10pm but end up the bus arrived around 11 something and we left at 12am. Waited for so long that we got bored and cam-whore.
We begin our journey to Hatyai and we reached the hotel at 10am (Thailand time: 9am).
Hungry and exhausted because was not able to sleep well in the bus, therefore we all went to a shop opposite the hotel to have our breakfast.
The noodles looked disgusting, but it tastes yummy. *slurrppss*
After breakfast and checked into the hotel, we sat on a 'tuk tuk' to Prince of Songkla University to register our names for the next day's race.
Once we got our number and our shirt for our race, we went to McDonald to try on Samurai burger. Seriously is super delicious, tasty and juicy. Is a must try burger!
Next, we went to floating market
Entrance of the floating market
So many 'sampan', mostly selling food
Caught a picture of a very sour face lady. Maybe no one was buying anything from her, that's why
We bought this drink which is made of clay with the design of a Hello Kitty. You won't believe how much it costs. Is super duper cheap. Only RM2.50 a cup with any drinks you like and the good thing about it is that we can actually bring it home! How nice is that?
See how happy we are
Joan's mom looking happy and smiley=))
Then we all went for dinner and back to hotel to rest for tomorrow's marathon.
Woke up 4.30am for the race and looking awful with our face so swollen.
Didn't took any pictures on that day as it was troublesome to carry our cameras during the race.
The first category, 21.5 km run, starts at 6.55am.
For the 10.5 km that we registered, starts at 7am.
Almost 7am, the count down begins and signals were given and we all begin our race.
At first my energy level was very high, was running non-stop for about 20-30 minutes, then slowly I started to get tired and my legs have not much strength to carry on. So, I started to walk and try to breathe in air through my mouth. But the air was so polluted, everywhere was vehicles and whatever breath I took was the air produced by those vehicles. I think I going to die soon. My lungs already not good and now is even worst. The air was so terrible. I thought nature run supposed to be filled with trees and breathe in fresh air. However, it turns out not.
When I started to slow down, many people started to run passed me and this uncle that look 70+ years old, passed me by, encouraged and told me to walk faster. He was so motivating and really made me to want to walk more faster and don't give up. He was seriously fast, I could not catch up with him unless I jog. The uncle was really good and nice, salute him to the max.
The uncle that inspired me
I took about 1 hour and 29 minutes to finish my race. Guess what? I got no. 7! So unbelievable. Not only I got medal for the race, but a trophy as well. Was so happy and it was a great achievement. First time winning a trophy and was proud of myself finishing the race.
Joan also did well. She got no. 8, just right after me.
Me proudly receiving my trophy
Joan happily smiling with her trophy
No. 5, 6, 7, 8 are all Malaysians and all from the same Pacesetters Club. The organizer was so happy for us and feeling very proud.=))
Group photo
Both me and Joan's trophy
Joan's mom did very well also. She even more better than us. She took part in 21.5 km run and she got 5th place. I don't think I can beat her, she is really a good runner.
After the race, we all went back for a bath and it was free and easy. We can go anywhere we want. This means shopping time.
We went for lunch first. We ate chicken rice and Bak Kut Teh.
Me with Joan's mom and Aunty Corine
Joan and her mom
Both of us looking fresh and ready for shopping
We not only went for shopping but we also did oil massage. Real enjoyment after a tiring race. My legs was so weak and shouting in pain. Have to use both hands to race my legs. However, it will be a waste if we just rest and not shop in Thailand.
Even how tired and in pain we are, we just leave it aside, enjoying the moment of shopping. We shopped until late night only decided to go back and rest.
Some of the things that I bought
The next day, we woke up about 8.30am. Have breakfast and check-out. Ready to head home.
Nice bunch of people
Before crossing the immigration. Joan saw fried chickens that she has been craving since the first day we arrived in Hatyai. It was cheap. 3 for RM10. The chicken was big and delicious.
Yum yum...
Joan's craving chicken
All in all, it was a great trip. I really enjoy myself to the max. We were more excited for shopping than running. But it was worth it to go for the race and bringing back a trophy and a medal. Maybe I will run again next year. Wish me luck.
Have to start training and hopefully I can sign up for marathons every year. My life goals.
My trip will not be an enjoyable one without a good companion. It was fun having her around, if not I be bored without anyone to talk to.
The happy us
P.S: Some of the pictures I took from Joan and the Organizer. Credit to them=))
