It was somewhat of a relief after two long days of riding in a van for 7 hours each day. We took it slow and allowed for breaks for lunch and coffee on the long trek from BKK to Phuket. It was also a relief to be able to don my trusty pair of PGT5 and took a slow MP run along a familiar route. This was the start of the Phuket marathon route. Just managed 5 km to the village before turning back.
It was comforting to inhale familiar smells along the village streets - from vendors selling breakfast to the arid urine dog urine! Also familiar was a spot where a number of urgent runners took to, about 4 km into the race.
Managed about 6:30 to 7:15 pace. System checked out fine, except a little tightness in the right leg. The inner right knee felt a little sore, a carryover from the tempo run 2.5 weeks ago. It was a good thing this problem didn't act up during the SCBM.
This is the week leading up to the Phuket Triathlon, scheduled for Dec 7. Interesting distances. 1.8k swim, 55k bike and 12k run. The swim leg is out into the sea and back, before continuing across the lagoon. The bike route appear to overlap substantially with the marathon route. The run leg is over two laps in the Laguna grounds. Last year's event saw many winners from Australia and Europe. During this morning's run, I saw a few triathletes on their bikes. Coming a good six days before the race just to familiarize!
Rounded off by going down Canal Village into the wedding chapel. This is the night view:
Along the route, I noticed a new kindergarten, set back from the road for parking and children playground. Really nice. Testament to the claim that Phuket has good international schools. Also many signboards advertising villas and land for sale. Bet it would be harder to attract buyers for the next few months given the problems with BKK. But then again, someone at the Bahrain conference two weeks earlier claimed that prices in Phuket do not come down.
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Dec 2, 2008
Second morning in Phuket saw MBH and I out for a short jog/walk. It turned out to be longer than we'd planned - about 5 km - due to my curiosity to explore. Ouch!
Easy pace to Canal Village, Wedding Chapel and then to Laguna Residences and Homes, where luxury villas await occupants. Most have been sold, but we didn't see many people. Maintenance is immaculate, though.
Nice views of the Phuket Laguna gold course.
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