Runner-up Thuy Tien: 'Jogging helps me stay healthy and alert'

Runner-up Thuy Tien said that jogging regularly helps her develop herself, improve her health, keep her mind clear and complete all plans well.

On March 3, Thuy Tien - Miss Universe Vietnam 2022 runner-up - participated in the VPBank VnExpress Marathon Ho Chi Minh City Midnight 2024, a distance of 21km. Two days after the race, she gradually recovered her physical strength and continued to complete art projects. On this occasion, the beauty talked about her first half marathon at the VnExpress Marathon and her biggest regret.

- Why did Thuy Tien choose 21km at VPBank VnExpress Marathon Ho Chi Minh City Midnight on March 3, instead of 10km like other races she had participated in?

- The Ho Chi Minh City Night Race is my first race in 2024, marking my third time participating in the VnExpress Marathon series. Since the beginning of the year, I have outlined a systematic training strategy, set goals to participate in many sports activities and create motivation for a year of enthusiastic work.

I chose 21km for many reasons, partly because I wanted to explore my own limits, and partly because I wanted to enjoy the fresh air and see one of the most vibrant cities in the country at night. There are many roads and streets that I have traveled during the day, but have not had the opportunity to admire them closely.

Additionally, I hope to get to know many half marathon runners, learn how they distribute their energy, and learn specific strategies.

In another race in 2021, I chose 21km but failed. Now I focus on warming up well, maintaining a moderate, comfortable pace in the first leg to avoid pushing my heart rate up, and accelerating towards the end. I finished in 3 hours 14 minutes and 8 seconds, an improvement over before but not the PR (personal record) I wanted. Hopefully, next race, I can achieve a sub 2:30 (under two hours 30 minutes).

Thuy Tien highly appreciated the medal design, engraved with a series of symbolic works of Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Duc Dong

- What impressed Thuy Tien the most at the tournament?

- At the Quy Nhon race last year, I was surprised by the race-kit with so many items. The Ho Chi Minh City night race was no exception, the gifts were very useful.

I was also impressed with the professionalism and thoughtfulness of the organizers. Because it was "midnight", the lighting conditions were predicted to be quite difficult, however, the organizers lit up the routes for the runners with many means. Throughout the race, we experienced countless water and nutrition stops.

The running track was cool and smooth, and everyone else and I got to see Ho Chi Minh City at night, surrounded by the enthusiastic cheers of volunteers. Specifically, the 21km runner crossed many central and arterial roads such as Dong Khoi, Nguyen Hue, Vo Van Kiet, Ton Duc Thang, Mai Chi Tho, To Huu, Nguyen Huu Canh...

In addition, the 21km runner also experienced many bridges. I remember clearly that there were still 3km left to the finish line, I thought the obstacles were over, but no, there was still a bridge in front of me, quite steep, easy to lose strength. That was a happy and special memory.

I also feel lucky to join the runners' club, meet and ask for many good tips from everyone. Hope to meet my fellow runners again at the next marathon, to cheer each other on to achieve better results.

- What does Thuy Tien regret the most?

- Before the race, I spent a lot of time exercising on the treadmill, and invited friends to run outdoors to increase my endurance and get used to the high heart rate. Near the race day, I took the opportunity to rest, focused on eating and sleeping enough before the race.

I was quite regretful because for the first 12km I kept up with the pace plan of 7 (7 minutes to complete 1km), but near the end I got cramps and couldn't run continuously throughout this stretch.

Runner-up Thuy Tien (Bib 83391) with 21km and 42km athletes before the finish line. Photo: Duc Dong

- What did Thuy Tien learn after the night run?

- Running at night in the city is often less dusty, the air is cool and pleasant, and the runner will be more focused. However, it should be noted that this time frame is opposite to normal biological clock, so the lesson is to ensure adequate nutrition and sleep before departure day.

I also tried to get enough energy, especially carbs, and sleep the afternoon before to have enough health and spirit to participate in the race. When we lack sleep, our mind and muscles are easily overloaded, leading to not finishing the race as expected.

- According to Thuy Tien, what benefits do marathons bring?

- Over the past two years, running has helped me develop myself and improve my health. My mind is clearer, I complete all my plans well and connect with many talented people, I still keep in touch with them.

Since I started my new passion, I have invited quite a few friends to practice and register for races with me. Health is the most important thing, I want to spread this spirit to my relatives, friends or those who love and follow me.

This year, VnExpress Marathon is organized in 8 provinces and cities (Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Da Nang, Quy Nhon, Nha Trang, Hai Phong, Ha Long, Hanoi). If I can arrange my time, I will participate in all the races, no province is left out.

Each place has its own characteristics and experiences, runners can both travel and run to improve their health. For me, having the opportunity to experience the beauty of Vietnam through races is wonderful.

Runner-up Thuy Tien took a souvenir photo with a group of spectators after the race on the morning of March 3. Photo: Do ​​Quang Hieu

- What are Thuy Tien's upcoming plans?

- Besides work, I will spend more time training. In the next race, I will still register for the 21km distance, follow the discipline and do better than the previous result.

Thi Quan

VPBank VnExpress Marathon Ho Chi Minh City Midnight starts at 0:00 on March 3, the opening event for a series of 8 races in 2024 of the VnExpress Marathon system. The organizers welcome 11,000 runners, including 600 international runners. The route of all four distances meets AIMS standards, starting from Truong Dinh Street, right at Tao Dan Park and finishing on Le Duan Street, in front of the Zoo and Botanical Garden (District 1, Ho Chi Minh City). Athletes can use their achievements from this race to register for major races such as Boston Marathon, London Marathon, Berlin Marathon, Tokyo Marathon...

The event marked two experienced names in organizing and operating large-scale running systems - VPBank and VnExpress Marathon. Previously, the two sides signed a strategic cooperation agreement to accompany the Ho Chi Minh City night race for 5 years (2024-2028). Last October, the two units succeeded with the VPBank Hanoi International Marathon.

Source link: https://vnexpress.net/a-hau-thuy-tien-chay-bo-giup-toi-khoe-manh-minh-man-4718772.html