MY three friends – Aussie Pete, Pierre from Sweden (the world record holder for the Koh Samui ring road walk) and his very fit lady friend Kat – and I did the Lamai half marathon a few weeks ago, but we walked and finished last!

Pete, Pierre and Kat did it in three hours and eight minutes, and I one minute longer, thereby becoming the very last person of the event to cross the finish line. My booby prize for this “magnificent achievement” was an extra can of Leo beer. Boy, was I ready for that!

The event had a few minor problems, but they didn’t stop us from thoroughly enjoying ourselves. I estimated that over 300 people took part and it was great to see people using their feet for a change, rather than using their cars and motorbikes.

There were entrants from all over the world and of all age groups, but all with a common goal: to give feet a chance. Our feet weren’t designed to press accelerators, brakes AND clutch pedals. So, walk!

If there were 300 participants, that would mean that maybe 200 vehicles were not polluting the atmosphere for an hour or two. A step in the right direction.

I heard there was another marathon planned for the end of May, from Nathon this time, but this only catered to 5km and 10km competitors, so we didn’t enter it.

The more the better, so let’s get up off our fat backsides (although that doesn’t really apply to me because I’m a skinny git!) and get fit!

I thought 5.45 a.m. was too early to start; I walked the two kilometers from my house to the start line, in the dark. Also, it meant that I had to get up at 4 a.m. (that’s half way through the night). Starting at 8 or 9 a.m. would be a much better idea and then we could all benefit from a free “detox” by running or walking, in the hot Samui sun. Many people might disagree with that, but I believe that as long as you drink electrolyte (two sachets should be enough) during the run/walk, you won’t have a problem (except for the fact that you will sweat like a hooded rapist). Getting up at 4 a.m. put my body clock completely out of sync!

The drink stations on the route only had water or coke but no electrolyte, (could that be the reason I came in last??)

Now that some people are beginning to realize that their feet aren’t just designed for the A, B & C (accelerator, brake and clutch), I’d like to know whether there is sufficient interest in Samui for me to arrange a ring road walk? As far as I know, only three people have done it so far: Gier from Norway, Pierre from Sweden and myself.

So, if there are any other walkers out there who would like to have a crack at it, please e-mail me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . If I get enough names, I’ll go ahead and plan it. I’m giving you plenty of notice because the date I’ve penciled it in is for the 10th October 2010 (10/10/10).

After reading this, I’m sure that some of you will consider selling your superfluously big 4WDs and motorcycles? (This comment is of course made tongue in cheek!) I was planning to ask one of you good motorists if you would be kind enough to measure the exact circumference of the ring road (before you sell your vehicle). But last night a friend told me it was just a fraction under 52 kms. So, it’s not too daunting a task, after all!