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Hoi An International "Mini-Marathon" 2017

#nextchaptervietnam
When I moved to Vietnam, I made a promise to myself that I would sign-up for some races in and around South East Asia in order to spice up my travels a bit. 
A few weeks ago, I decided I should start off the race season with a 10km run and so I registered for the Hoi An International "mini-marathon". 
With that said, after being sick for 2 weeks and not doing any form of exercise, I was feeling a little anxious about the idea of running 10km. 
In the week leading up to the big day, I was feeling better and so I tried prepping my body as best I could by attending 2 Crossfit classes, 2 Training For Warriors classes and doing 1 long (TORTUROUS) training run. There really wasn't much more I could do at this point.

In the days leading up to the race, I found out there was a big Typhoon that was suppose to hit the area around Hoi An. I wasn't even sure anymore if I'd be able to go on my little weekend getaway and participate in my first race in Vietnam. Luckily for me, the storm passed through the country the day before my departure and I was good to.
Map showing HCMC in the South and Hoi An in Central Vietnam
I flew into Da Nang on Saturday mid-day and went straight to my hotel in Hoi An. My hotel was absolutely lovely and in a great location. Furthermore, upon my arrival, I was excited to hear that I was geting upgraded to a nice villa at the back - it was PERFECT! 
Hoi An Silk Boutique Hotel - WONDERFUL place to stay
After picking up my race pack in the afternoon, I went on to explore Ancient Town, which was cute and charming. I ate some street food and a nice dinner, and of course, I got talked into buying a few things in the market- in this case I was going to get some clothes made...overnight! 
Google images of some street food - Banh Xeo??? (Hoi An Pizza) and Banh Chuoi Thai??? (Banana Pancake)
Ancient Town - in the afternoon
When the sun went down, the lights came on and the streets got busier with tourists, I decided it was time to head to bed. After all, I had a big morning ahead of me!
Ancient Town - at night
The next morning, I woke up very early around 3:15 am, I had a bite to eat and I began getting ready for the event. I walked over the start line, warmed up and just as the race was about the start, the sun rose and the excitement sat in.
Race Start Line
As soon as the race started at 5:30am, energy was flowing and off I went. Passing one girl, and another girl, and another girl...and of course some guys...and then...hmm...around the 5km mark, I figured out that I was in the top 10, and likely the leading female runner. There was no stopping me then. I was feeling strong and determined to win this race. The last 5kms were not easy, but my competitive edge led me to the finish line and won me 1st place for the women. Though it wasn't a PB, I was soooooooo incredibly proud of myself.
After race picture, breakfast from the hotel and after-race food pack
Following the race, I treated myself to a nice shower, some clean clothes and some very yummy breakfast before heading back to receive my trophy. 
Awards ceremony
I then spent a little more time walking around Ancient Town, eating more food (duh!) and of course, picking up my tailor-made clothes!
Saturday night dinner (Com Lau???), Sunday juice and smoothie snack and Sunday lunch (Com ga???) 
2 pairs of shorts and a dress made just for me overnight
I ended off my time in Hoi An with a little bit of rest and relaxation by the pool.
Pool time before my departure
Now don't judge me, but at the Da Nang airport, as I waited for my flight, I treated myself to some Burger King - so so bad, but oh so good - and at the HCMC airport, I grabbed myself one last treat from Starbucks - some delicious banana cake - . Surely I deserve all of that after winning a 10km race, right??? :) 
Sunday dinner at Burger King
Sunday dessert at Starbucks
I've got a few fun events coming up in October, but the next big challenge will be a 21km race in November or December - still trying to decide which one I'd like to do! Cambodia? Thailand? Singapore?...stay tuned to find out...

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