Columbia Master Trail XI

Running an ultra trail—any distance beyond a marathon—is a goal that many marathon finishers aspire to achieve. Whether it’s 50km, 100km, or even more, the distance is daunting and the challenge immense. For me, after completing my first marathon, the next milestone I set my sights on was the 100km mark. But before reaching that goal, I knew I had to conquer the 50km distance first. And so, I chose the Columbia Master Trail as my very first ultra.

This was the 11th edition of the Columbia Master Trail, but it was my first time participating in the event. Held in Nong Yai District, Chonburi, it wasn’t too far from Bangkok, but quite a drive from Chiang Mai. I opted to drive down, knowing that the event, organized by AMA Events, would be well-run and up to the standard I expected.

This was my second trail run, following Khaopratubchang just a month earlier, which served as a training ground for this event. While that trail was fun, it didn’t compare to the excitement and challenges I anticipated for Columbia. I was confident that I could finish this race, and my goal was to make it into the top 100—a tough feat considering this race attracted many elite runners.

BIB Pickup Day

After arriving in Nong Yai with my team, I immediately regretted driving to the race. The fatigue and drowsiness from the drive sapped my energy (mistake #1). I had just received my BIB two hours before the race, barely in time, as the Thai postal service delayed my package in Lamphun overnight.

The first thing I needed to do was change the name and details on my BIB. I had received it from P’Eric of the ประหยัดรันนิ่ง (Prayad Running) team, along with a size 2XL shirt that fit me like a HipHop outfit. Thankfully, AMA Events allowed us to change these details, so I updated everything, including swapping out the shirt for a smaller size the next day.

The event area was bustling with food vendors and gear booths offering special prices. I had prepared most of my gear ahead of time, so the only thing I picked up at the expo was a pair of DryMax socks.

After handling my race essentials, we headed to our nearby accommodation, took care of personal needs, and prepared for a good night’s rest before the big day.

Race Strategy

In the days leading up to the race, I was mulling over my strategy. I had a course elevation map and route details to guide me. Thanks to the members of the Ultra & Trail Runners group, I had an Excel file that helped me calculate the timing and distance between aid stations and elevation points.

Looking at the map, there were nine hydration stations, but the key ones were WS7 and WS8, which were the cut-off points. Missing these cut-offs would mean a DNF (Did Not Finish). However, based on the elevation profile and my past experience, I was confident I’d make it on time.

I calculated my pace and estimated the time needed for each section of the course. I planned to maintain a pace of around 5 minutes per kilometer for the flatter sections, as the early part of the course wasn’t too steep. For the remaining sections, I used my experience from training on Doi Suthep’s trails to estimate how long it would take me to tackle the inclines. My estimated finish time was around 7 hours and 56 minutes, but with the heavy rain, I wasn’t sure how realistic that would be.

Gear Check

I had planned and packed my gear well in advance to avoid last-minute chaos. My essentials included SaltStick capsules, which are hard to find but crucial for preventing cramps. I packed six capsules, planning to take one every 10km, with an extra one just in case. For fuel, I brought five packs of Dever gel, a Thai brand I hadn’t tried before, again planning to consume one every 10km. I also packed my trusty hydration vest, my new DryMax socks (two pairs), with the intention to change them at the 25km mark.

The day before the race, I made the mistake of adding a few more items to my pack (mistake #2), which I shouldn’t have done. I packed a rain jacket, thinking I might need it if it rained (what was I thinking?), and wet wipes, which might be useful for some, but I knew I wouldn’t need them. All these extra items were unnecessary and only added to my load.

Race Day: The Course and Start

Not having run the actual course or familiarized myself with the area, I was relying solely on the elevation chart and the images posted on AMA’s page. At 2 AM, it started pouring rain—an ominous sign. I thought to myself, “This is going to be a mess.”

The first section of the course was on a long stretch of concrete road. At this point, none of the runners knew what was in store for us. When the starting horn blared, everyone dashed out as if it were a road race, with paces ranging from 3 to 5 minutes per kilometer. It wasn’t until we hit the first left turn into a palm plantation that reality started to set in—it wasn’t going to be as bad as I thought.

The initial stretch through the plantation was a mix of grass and light mud, nothing too difficult. Most runners kept up a pace of 4-5 minutes per kilometer. As we moved on, the terrain began to incline, and then came the mud.

This was where things got interesting. As we climbed, the mud became thicker, and the trail more slippery. Some runners fell, while others slid back down the hill. My Salomon Speedcross shoes, with their grippy soles, were my saving grace. I managed to ascend with relative ease, even helping a few others along the way. I was feeling good about my shoe choice.

After the clay hills, we reached WS1, where I took a quick water break before continuing. The trail became steeper and muddier as we progressed, with small ponds forming along the path. This slowed many runners down, giving me the chance to overtake them. My strategy was to walk quickly up the inclines, keeping my pace under 15 minutes per kilometer.

The trail then took us deeper into the forest, with a ridge to our right shrouded in mist or rain clouds. The air was cool, and the inclines began to level out, allowing me to pick up the pace for a while.

When we reached the first summit, the trail leveled off, running along a grassy ridge. The grass was tall, and I could feel my shoes getting wet—a sensation I had been dreading. I tried my best to protect my feet, but the DryMax socks could only do so much.

Wet Shoes and Sore Feet

As we descended into the forest again, the trail turned into a series of rolling hills that vehicles could navigate. The mud puddles continued, and my right ankle began to ache slightly. I hoped the pain wouldn’t get worse. I stuck to my strategy of walking the uphill sections and running the flats and downhills.

By the time I reached WS3, the distance between WS2 and WS3 was about 7km, and I was hoping for some watermelon or bananas to refuel. Instead, there were just gels, so I grabbed one, sat down, and wrung out my socks. The DryMax socks didn’t retain water, but my shoes were another story—they were holding water like a sponge. This meant running with wet feet, which led to the blisters and foot pain I had feared.

The situation worsened as my feet started to swell from the moisture, making my shoes feel even tighter. I had anticipated this, but it didn’t make it any easier to deal with. I tried to keep my pace steady but couldn’t push hard on the downhills due to the pain.

After WS5, the trail led to a vast grassy plain. This was one of the most beautiful parts of the course, a wide open field that stretched for over a kilometer. I would have enjoyed it more if my shoes weren’t soaked and my feet weren’t aching.

At the end of the grassland, we faced another long climb, which seemed to go on forever. I walked the entire ascent, only managing to run short sections when the trail leveled out. After the climb, we entered a forest road where we encountered a parked forestry vehicle. This was where the trail became confusing. We weren’t sure which way to go until we saw an arrow pointing to the right.

The Rocky Plateau: The Peak of the Course

This was where we encountered the steepest part of the course. If I were to compare it to the trails I trained on in Chiang Mai, it was similar to the second section of the trail before reaching Khun Khan’s bend. But this was more than just a climb—it was a muddy, slippery mess. The earlier 25km runners had already churned up the mud, making it even more challenging. My Salomon Speedcross shoes performed admirably here, gripping the slick ground as I made my way up.

At the top, an official sitting by the trail remarked, “Those shoes are good, huh? How much did they cost?” After I told him, he responded, “You paid that much for shoes just to come out here and suffer, huh?” I wasn’t sure if he was complimenting or mocking me.

After the steep climb, we emerged onto a rocky plateau, likely the highest point of the course. Some runners were taking pictures of the breathtaking views, while others were tending to injuries or simply catching their breath. The scene was both beautiful and intense, with the rocky terrain and sweeping vistas offering a brief respite before the challenge continued. I didn’t linger long, though, as I was eager to press on and finish the race. The thought of warm food and a comfortable seat kept me moving forward.

The Descent and the Challenge of the Slopes

After leaving the plateau, the trail took us on a descent, but it wasn’t the smooth, easy run I had hoped for. The slope was steep and the ground was still wet from the rain, making it dangerously slippery. My shoes, which had been my saving grace on the ascent, now struggled to grip the slick earth. The uneven, slanted terrain made each step feel precarious, and I had to slow down to avoid twisting an ankle or worse. It was frustrating to be so close to the finish but unable to push my pace due to the conditions.

Eventually, the trail flattened out, leading us through more palm and rubber tree plantations. My feet, now sore from the constant moisture and the impact of the rocky descent, were beginning to feel the strain. I pushed on, but every step was a reminder of the toll this race was taking on my body.

Barefoot Decision

As I reached WS8, which was also a cut-off point, I made a bold decision: I took off my shoes and socks. My feet had had enough. The relief was immediate, and for the first time in the race, my feet felt free. I knew the remaining distance was less than 10km, and I figured I could manage it barefoot.

Running barefoot through the rubber and palm plantations was surprisingly pleasant. The soft earth cushioned each step, and I was able to pick up the pace again, moving at around 6 minutes per kilometer. Many runners were walking by this point, likely fatigued from the earlier challenges. Crossing a small stream, I felt a renewed sense of energy and determination, despite the growing discomfort in my feet.

But as the trail transitioned back to concrete, the pain returned with a vengeance. Running barefoot on the hard surface was excruciating, and I had to slow down significantly. An official on a motorcycle even stopped to check on me, but I assured him I was okay, albeit in considerable pain.

The Final Stretch

With just a few kilometers to go, I pushed through the pain, alternating between running on the softer dirt paths and gingerly stepping on the concrete. As I neared the finish line, I saw the final stretch was on yet another stretch of concrete. By now, my feet were throbbing, but I was determined to finish strong.

I picked up the pace, ignoring the discomfort, and sprinted the last few hundred meters. The sight of the finish line and the cheering crowd gave me the final burst of energy I needed. Crossing the line barefoot, I was greeted with astonished looks and comments from other runners and spectators. “Barefoot? That’s incredible!” someone exclaimed. But I was too focused on the relief of being done to care.

Final Time: 07:58:02

I finished the Columbia Master Trail XI in 7 hours and 58 minutes, just under my 8-hour goal. It was a challenging race that tested me in ways I hadn’t expected, from the relentless mud and steep climbs to the decision to run the final kilometers barefoot. But in the end, I conquered my first ultra trail, and it felt like a significant milestone in my running journey.

Reflections and Lessons Learned

Completing my first 50km ultra trail was a huge achievement, but it also taught me a lot about preparation, strategy, and perseverance. There were many lessons learned from this race that I’ll carry forward into my next challenges.

1. Hydration Pack: I carried a 2-liter hydration pack, but in hindsight, it was unnecessary. With well-stocked aid stations, I ended up lugging extra weight for no reason. In future races, I’ll assess whether a hydration pack is truly needed based on the course layout and aid station spacing.
2. Excess Gear: I overpacked, bringing items I didn’t need, like a rain jacket and wet wipes. These added unnecessary weight and were more of a hindrance than a help. Next time, I’ll streamline my gear and focus on essentials only.
3. Shoes: My Salomon Speedcross shoes were great for traction, but they weren’t ideal for long distances. The narrow fit caused discomfort as my feet swelled, and they held water, leading to wet, blistered feet. I’ll be looking for a new pair of trail shoes with a wider toe box for future ultras, possibly switching to Altra.
4. Managing Sweat: I sweat a lot, and during the race, it ended up in my shoes, contributing to the moisture problem. I need to find a solution to keep sweat from pooling in my shoes during long runs.
5. Nutrition: I relied too much on the aid stations for food, which was a mistake. For future races, I’ll be more self-sufficient, carrying my own nutrition to ensure I have what I need when I need it.

Gratitude and Looking Ahead

A big thank you to everyone who shared this journey with me:

• P’Mon: For your endless support and encouragement.
• P’Mod: For the camaraderie and laughs along the way.
• Liang: For your energy and humor, always keeping the mood light.
• Nemo: For being a strong and inspiring presence.
• P’Sanya: For the motivation and role model you’ve been.
• Ratchie: For the fun in finding my doppelgänger.
• Snail Gang: For the warm friendships and support.
• Running Turtle Group: For always being there with encouragement.
• Buzzwoo! Asia: For the great shirts and constant support.
• Buzzwoo! Active Team: Every kilometer I run helps us donate to orphaned children and stray dogs. I’m proud to be part of this mission!

You can check out my race on Strava: Strava Activity

Next up: Panoramic 100km. I’m ready for the next challenge!