Little known stories about runners

hard work

"Over the past 7 years, I have participated in many marathons, successfully conquering the distances of 21 km, 42 km and especially the 160 km forest road in Sa Pa. Of course, I had to train very hard to achieve this achievement," said Mr. Mac Van Vung (48 years old) - Head of Chi Linh Running Club.

At the end of 2018, Mr. Vung accidentally learned about running when he went to Ha Giang to watch a marathon there. He was impressed by the way the runners persistently conquered the difficult and challenging stages. He started to set a goal to become a runner.

At first, Mr. Vung thought that he would become a runner by just carrying his shoes out on the street. But it was not that simple. He suffered from constant injuries because he had no experience and did not know how to regulate and distribute his health. Inadequate nutrition caused him to lose weight from 78 kg to 67 kg. "I researched information, learned from the experiences of those who went before me and started applying a scientific but strict training program from time, diet, recovery exercises... I had to run every day, adapt to many weather conditions, gradually increase the distance, set myself new challenges and always had to be steadfast in my goals, never give up," Mr. Vung shared more.

Mr. Vung has now become one of the famous runners in Hai Duong. Although he is no longer young, he still maintains running every day, inspiring the younger generation.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Phuong, an employee of Pham Ngu Lao Ward Health Station (Hai Duong City) has also become a "true" runner after conquering dozens of marathons across the country. The longest distance she has ever run is 80 km at a marathon held in Da Nang City. To achieve such an achievement, Ms. Phuong said that she must have a strong sense of discipline and a steadfast will to achieve her goals.

For the past 4 years, Ms. Phuong has maintained running from 4-6 am almost every day. Every week, she spends 3-5 afternoons and evenings at the gym to support her physical strength. Weekends are the time for her to participate in long-distance running or marathons. She does not rest in hot weather or rain. Maintaining a serious and strict training regimen and overcoming physical pain has helped her conquer difficult journeys. "Being a woman requires me not only to overcome hardships but also to arrange suitable training time to take care of my family and complete the work assigned by my agency," Ms. Phuong said.

Mr. Chu Van Vinh (53 years old, employee of Ford Hai Duong Factory) also experienced hardships and difficulties in the training process to become a runner. Mr. Vinh informed: "Although I am no longer young, I have conquered the 70 km forest marathon stages in Sa Pa, Ninh Binh. The nature of my job requires me to work night shifts, so I also set up a suitable training regimen to ensure my health. Now I still maintain running from 150-300 km/month combined with cycling, jumping rope... to maintain my physical strength".

Many benefits

The first benefit that many runners in Hai Duong share is that their physical and mental health has improved significantly since pursuing their passion.

Previously, Mr. Pham Minh Tan (42 years old, working in the electricity industry) was sedentary, overweight, and had fatty blood disease. Since becoming a runner, his body has become toned and balanced, and his weight has decreased from 74 kg to 61 kg. "For more than 1.5 years, I have almost never missed a day of running. This sport has helped me form a scientific, healthy lifestyle, completely quit drinking alcohol and smoking, and always feel happy and love life," Mr. Tan said with a smile.

Ms. Phuong feels younger, with more energy to work better. Mr. Vinh said that since he started jogging, it has helped him relieve all the pressure and stress in work and life. His health indicators are all good and his degenerative spine disease has almost disappeared.

Joining the club and regularly participating in marathons helps runners have the opportunity to learn about new lands and enjoy the natural scenery of many regions across the country. Thereby, enhancing communication, learning, solidarity, bonding, and helping each other in work and daily life...

Mr. Vung also encouraged his wife and two children to join in running. His whole family has participated in several marathons in Vietnam and some countries such as Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos. His health and family relationships have improved significantly. Family members have learned perseverance and promoted solidarity when participating in running.

Runners in Hai Duong also join hands to do useful things for the community. Mr. Dao Anh Tuan, Chairman of Hai Duong Runners Club, said that every year, members regularly participate in online running races to raise funds to support house building, give Tet gifts to the poor... "We will continue to participate in meaningful races like this, at the same time contributing to spreading beautiful images of Hai Duong land and people to domestic and international friends," said Mr. Tuan.