Last weekend, I participated in a 10k running event called Garmin Run Asia Series 2025. As the name says, it is organised by Garmin every year, in different cities, across Asia. This time, the Bangkok run was organised at Hua Mak Stadium. I also participated in this event last year where I didn’t come away too impressed. However, I decided to give it another shot this year.

One of the main problems with this event is that it starts too early in the morning. The guns go off at 04:00 and they asked everyone to report by 03:00. This meant I had to wake up by 02:30, which is almost inhuman. When the alarm went off, I almost didn’t get off the bed.

The Race & Statistics

As before, I rode my motorcycle to the venue; parking was easier this time. We kicked off on time, as you can see below.

I didn’t understand how everyone else had so much energy at such an ungodly hour; singing, dancing, taking selfies. I felt like shit for the first few kilometres, considering going back home, but somehow continued. After the first few kms, I got into a groove and set a personal record for the 10k.

As you can see, I shaved off almost 9 minutes from my previous time and almost 50 seconds off my previous pace.

I maintained a HR higher by 10 bpm and burnt more calories.

As you can see, I started out strong in the first few laps and then slowed down a bit, but maintained a consistent pace, not letting my pace go above 6:00.

I ran mostly in Zones 4 and 5, instead of 3 and 4, like last time.

I rode back while it was still dark and was home by 5:30, to watch the sun rise after a shower and with a mug of coffee.

Recently, I participated in a 10k running event called Garmin Run Asia Series 2024. As the name says, it is organised by Garmin every year, in different cities, across Asia. This time, the Bangkok run was organised at Rajamangala Stadium, where I went a day before to collect the race pack.

The Run

Since the run started in the stadium, it had a sporty feel to it. However, outside the stadium, most of it was in the back-alleys behind.

It had rained the night before, so the weather was cool, although humid.

Overall, I didn’t find the run as well-organised as the others I have done before. I couldn’t see any pacers in our run, although the event page did say they would be there. Also, it was a bit scary running on roads with buses whizzing by at high speeds inches from you. Even though there were traffic cones, one slip on the wet roads would have sent someone under the buses.

The Statistics

Unlike my previous runs where I go all-in for the first 5k and then sort of fizzle out, this time, I maintained a more or less steady pace throughout.

You can see how the heart rate was more or less steady, rather than a sine-wave like before.

As always, my favourite part was riding back after the run and watch the sun rise. Bangkok is beautiful early in the mornings.

This was also my new watch’s first 10k, after I sold my older one.

Recently, I participated in a 10k running event called 12th August Half Marathon 2024, also called “Run for mom“. It is organised on the Thai mother’s day every year on the birth day of Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother of Thailand. The event is held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center also bearing her name. It was my fourth 10k in Bangkok.

In previous runs one of my main problems was getting transport to the venue so early in the mornings. However, thanks to the motorcycle, it was not a problem this time.

The Run

The run was very well organised and started on time. This run also attracted some important people, including the governor and a handful of ambassadors. Coming from India, it was weird to watch them running with regular people and no security around.

The run was quite fun because we had to go over 3 flyovers and the last 2 had a view of the river, although it was a bit too dark.

The Statistics

I did slightly better than the last run, but still could not break the 1 hour barrier.

I made very good time for the first 5K, but kind of died after that.

Keeping in mind that I am not getting younger, I don’t think my performance will get significantly better anymore.

However, turning 40 next year, I would be among the youngest in the next age bracket.

This was also probably my watch’s last 10k, as it is at the end of its legs.