On November 5th, 2017 I completed my eighth full marathon. I did not maintain a high mileage training volume this cycle, so the results were fair. However, the course was nice and we had decent weather. The race was well organized. There were showers available and good food....and beer!
This was the first time to take the train to a race site, which proved to be convenient for getting there since I didn't have to worry about finding parking for my car. I took the train with two friends and in Changhua we had the car to ourselves until it filled up with each stop. On the way back, it was crowded. We were forced to stand and after a marathon, & that wasn't easy!
We are ran at our own paces during the race so I didn't see my friends after a mile in (until after the race). For anyone watching from Taiwan, this is a race that you might consider for a PR since it is relatively flat. There are a few bridges crossing a river. If you just run for fun, there is a canal section where you can actually enter and walk through water at the half-way point (We did that last year). You change into sandals that you pick-up at a table before entering the water. They also give you a hat and a bag to carry your shoes. There are lifeguards to guide you in and out.
If you want to skip the water, you can just run on the side. The only problem with going for a PR/PB is that November weather in Taiwan is a bit unpredictable. It is still not yet the ideal lower temperatures for the best performance in marathoning. December through February would be better.
Shetou Township Half Marathon in Taiwan
This was the start of our fall season of running races, albeit still in the 90s by midmorning with 50% humidity. Only a half hour from my home in Changhua, Taiwan, the Shetou Township race offers a taste of the BaGua Mountain range abound with fruit trees without too much vertical. Most of the race was on the plains in a town famous for socks!
In fact the quality socks, T-shirt, and towel (& food) were nearly worth the entry fee! JC and I used this race as training for our upcoming marathon in Ershui (also in Changhua County). For a stretch we ran with Peter, a PhD student at National Yunlin University of Science and Technology. After the race, I ran into some old friends! It was nice to see them!
As always, after checking out the various vendors, JC and I set up a make-shift campsite to cool down and relax a bit before the drive home.
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