Blogs from Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand, Asia - page 10

Thursday already. This feels like a good hump day for me. I think if I can get through both sessions today, with my little foot injury, I’ll be able to start making some progress on my endurance in the ring. I can feel the power in the kicks and punches, and I know exactly when I don’t have it and why. The running hasn’t been a problem so far, and neither has the jumping rope. I checked the Fitbit log, and yesterday was 13.6 miles, and 3290 calories. I need to make sure I eat better. I was really feeling worn out and exhausted. I sort of skipped lunch yesterday for a needed nap, and appears that wasn’t the best choice. I made sure to have breakfast this morning, and I’m having a light lunch now ... read more

Last night, a little bit of soreness was setting in along with foot and leg cramps in the middle of the night. Always fun. The problem was once awake, there was no going back to sleep. Probably going to need a nap today. The more I was thinking about it last night, the more I think I’m going to pass on the afternoon workout today. That was a fault last trip, trying to do too much too soon. I’ll do some additional shopping and looking around this afternoon - maybe even go to the pool! This morning even the breakfast buffet, usually jumping at 6:00 is really quiet. I’m going to try and be a little more relaxed on my arrival time this morning. It looks like it’s going to be a nice day and shouldn’t ... read more

It’s finally here. After all the planning, booking, training at home, it’s time to see just where all that work has gotten me. The butterflies are with me this morning in excitement of getting back to training here. Breakfast is wide open at 0600, which is fine since I’ve been up since about 3:45. I’m not really hungry, it at least it gives me a chance to get out of the room and gather my thoughts for the day. Right now, I don’t feel tired, but let’s see how if feeling lasts in a couple of hours. On the way home from dinner last night, I got trapped by an epic thunderstorm with lightning crashing right overhead, so I have just enough money to get the train up and back this morning. Obviously it will be ... read more

Day 4 – Started out looking a bit bleak but a glimpse of clearing weather meant we were off with Gareth & Mika to visit Ko Kret Island. The island dates only to 1722, when a canal was constructed as a shortcut to bypass a bend in the Om Kret branch of the Chao Phraya River. As the canal was widened several times, the section cut off eventually became a separate island. The island continues to serve as a refuge to the Mon tribes who dominated central Thailand between the 6th and 10th centuries and have retained a distinct identity in their version of Buddhism and, particularly at Ko Kret, their pottery. There is also a Islamic community. The walk (or in our case bike ride) around the island is 5.2 kms across a series of ... read more

Day 3 – an earlier rise than anticipated as we got texts awaking us around 7am. John took the opportunity to visit the gym (probably the best-equipped hotel gym he has experienced) whilst Julie updated her Facebook. After another excellent breakfast we decided to set off for The Royal Palace only to be turned back by the hotel porter who advised we didn’t meet the required dress standards of no knees, shoulders or ankles showing (the latter was incorrect as we found out) so a trip back to the room to change into longs was required. We caught a taxi there and joined the healthy group of tourists and a pretty hot and humid afternoon amplified by the state of our over-dress. Boy it was hot and sticky! The temples and the Royal Palace exhibited the ... read more