Local Time in Phuket
Local weather forcast
No training on Sundays. Thank god for that! 2 days in and I’ve got blisters on my feet and I look like a lobster. Why do I always do it? I never learn and I put Sun cream on too! I guess that’s what happens when your Wife’s no longer around to rub the Sun cream on your back. Another consequence of her decision that she didn’t take into account!
Had a bit of a wobble last night as it’s a shame that I’m not sharing this experience with a certain person. It’s a shame every time I do something nice and enjoyable I can’t help wondering how much nicer it would be if that person was here and how much she would genuinely enjoy it.
Anyway after an early night last night,I woke up at 5.30am and today has been good so far. I guess it’s a combination of the time difference and lack of alcohol because something’s not right. It’s not like me to be up before 11am on a Sunday. Coming to think of it, before I came over here it was pretty much a rare occurance on every day with a ‘y’ in it.
I mooched around for a bit then decided to get a coffee somewhere. Most places nearby were closed as it’s Sunday but the local shop opposite the hotel was open so I went across to get a coffee. As I walked across the road I was greeted first by the owner shouting Andy! Yeah, I’m his new best mate since I told him I could be here for a while. Funny that. He seems to be friendly with everyone to be fair. I think he told me his name is Super or maybe he was just boasting about how great he was. Outside the shop sat at the table were 5 or six lads. I’m not sure if any of them are training at the gym but one looked familiar and said ”alright mate”? The others momentarily took their heads out of their hands and looked up. They’d had a pretty heavy night by the looks of it and the table was strewn with bottles of Magners. ”Where did you go last night” I asked? “Here” they all groaned. If there was ever a point when I was wondering if having an early night last night was the right thing to do then this was the confirmation
Anyway Super wasn’t so Super. His coffee machine was off as he had to go into town so I decided to walk the route we took yesterday to the beach as there were plenty of shops and restuarants on the way. Hence the blisters.
I thought I’d walk as far as I could and maybe as far as the coast but then the Sun came up and I remembered the Sun burn on my back. I also realised I’d gone quite far and my feet were telling me to do one because they knew they’d have to walk the same distance back. In addition to that every bit of grit was getting into my sandals which was really pissing me off. This is important to those people around me who keep telling me I should buy sandals. I like wearing trainers because they are comfortable so in future please just accept it and leave me the f@ck alone! I turned back and decided to have breakfast in a cafe on a crossroads so I could just watch the traffic going by. It’s unbelievable how many people they fit on these scooters! It’s crazy but I saw 4 on one yesterday. Mum driving with 2 kids behind and one in front. The child in the front was in between Mum’s arms drinking out of a baby’s bottle! This must be where the Imps motor cycle display team get their members from
After breakfast I think I sat for 2 hours reading Michael Macintyre’s autobiography and watching the World go by and then decided to walk back and go for a swim forgetting the Sun burn. But wait, Aha! I had a cunning plan. I’d keep my shirt on I sat in the pool, for an hour listening to the birds and just thinking about this and that and nothing much. A perfect morning / early afternoon.
Saturday morning training sessions are held at the beach, weather permitting. Today the weather was perfect and my second session was as tough as the first. Can’t fault the location though.
A few months ago I was in South Africa looking on in horror as the locals travelled around packed like Sardines into the back of pickup trucks. Well little did I know that a short time later I’d be doing exactly the same clinging on for dear life as we travelled to the beach :-( It was another good workout but I was way off the pace compared to everyone else. It is only the second day and as long as I can stay injury free I know the fitness will come.
Turned up this morning a bit apprehensive about having to do the 3.5km run. The trainers that were around at 7.00am didn’t speak much English so it was a bit nervy to start with. A couple of the trainers helped me get my wraps on then I wandered around until I spotted someone else getting ready and asked her “does everyone do the morning run”? When she said no I thought ‘result’. Probably not a positive way to start but I haven’t slept all night and have been having problems with shin splints. I may do it at some point but after the morning training session I understand why the runs are reserved for the fighters and anyone who wants to do it rather than being compulsory for everyone.
Before the session started everyone lined up for the warm up. It was at that point I thought “F@ck me is that my feet? Someone’s pits are a bit wiffy”? That will give you some idea of the aromas wafting around the gym.
Arrived at the Happy Elephant Hotel. Decided to go for one of the Bungalows for the first month until I find my feet. It’s directly opposite the Cashew Nut restuarant and just down the road from the gym so it’s perfectly located. Seems to be a lot going on and everyone gets around on scooters. Not sure if I’ll join them though as I value my life but we’ll see.
Everyone seems really friendly so far. It has rained a few times today but it never lasted long and it is really hot over here so it dries up pretty quick. Sweating buckets and off to bed now ready for an early start
Checked in at Heathrow and waiting to board the flight. Thank you to everyone for your support
Signing off for now. See you on the other side ……
The journey begins at the Rawai Muay Thai camp in Phuket, Thailand. I’ll be arriving in Thailand on the on the 23rd of May. My 44th birthday. What better way to start a new year! I’ve spent the past 5 weeks trying to get in some sort of shape to deal with what is to come. I’ve been swimming, running on the treadmill, doing weights and also had sessions with a personal trainer and so far I’ve put on half a stone, have suffered from shin splints, a dodgy knee and a sore finger so I’m in tip top condition as I prepare for possibly the toughest 3 months of my life.
You can follow my progress or spectacular failure through this site. What’s the worst that could happen? 3 months on the beach in a beautiful country or maybe not. Have you seen the weather?