Tra Giang (1995, Ha Tinh), currently lives and works in Hanoi. She started running by practicing walking every morning to work more effectively.
“I learned about and started participating in online races, then met and connected with many people at running clubs near where I lived. After that, my friends and I gradually increased both the distance and speed. It was a gradual process and now 'running' has been quietly with me for three years,” Tra Giang shared with Travellive.
For Tra Giang, every weekend, in addition to participating in running races, she also combines traveling to explore new lands and meet new friends. Currently, thanks to running, she has been to many provinces, discovering new routes and beautiful scenery.
Tra Giang turned to jogging as a way to improve her physical strength and working spirit.
When running is also traveling
Many times, while running, Tra Giang did not pay much attention to the scenery but only enjoyed the scenery after the race because there were photographers on the track to capture the moment. Running on the track, she mainly interacted with people, those were runners from all over the country encouraging and talking to each other, or the cheers and welcomes from the locals, all of which were memorable memories for her.
Tra Giang recounted: “The last time I was able to go to Lai Chau, the ride here was quite difficult, and it was not the most beautiful place I had ever been to. But I was very impressed by the people of Lai Chau because they were honest and hospitable. While running, I was enthusiastically cheered by the uncles and aunts, given free water on the road, the children stood and shouted 'keep it up' continuously, and was also cheered by the soldiers... The climate was fresh and the weather that day was very cool, an experience running on a harsh, steep road was challenging but also unforgettable. In addition, the cost of food and hotels here is quite cheap, when we went out in the evening and saw motorbikes left on the road, we didn't have to worry about losing them, we even joked with each other that it was 'unique in Lai Chau'. At 12 midnight, I asked the taxi driver for directions to the snail restaurant and he took me there for free. Very cute.”
Thanks to running, she has also been to many provinces and cities, discovered new routes and made new friends.
Up to now, Tra Giang has participated in more than 40 running competitions and has been lucky to win more than 25 awards. In 2022, she competed in 15 42km Full Marathon competitions, the most memorable of which was the time she joined 200 runners to accompany the 31st SEA Games at My Dinh Stadium...
Every time there is a race in a far away place, Tra Giang always takes advantage of that trip to check-in or enjoy the specialties of that region. She compares the races to normal travel, the only difference is that she gets to experience new routes. Because in Hanoi, to run, the only way is to go to the park, but it is still quite crowded, the routes in the provinces are always new and the runners enjoy. Sometimes just running on those routes is a great happiness for Tra Giang.
Each race is also an opportunity for Tra Giang to explore new lands.
The Secret to the Perfect Running Trip
According to Tra Giang, to prepare for a race in a province, you have to prepare quite a lot. She also gave some basic tips that athletes often pay attention to before participating in the race.
Running bib (race bib number of each athlete):To participate in the race, you must buy a bib, which the organizers will sell on fan pages/websites. The earlier you buy, the cheaper it will be. Runners who buy in groups early will get the best discount.
Plane/bus/train tickets:Plane tickets must be booked early, just like normal travel; if you go by car/train, you don't need to book early, but if you're running far away, traveling long distances is quite tiring, so you should consider choosing a suitable means of transportation.
Hotel:Runners often travel in groups so they will book hotels together, one to several months in advance, depending on the race.
Those are the three basic things you need to prepare before participating in a long distance race. The cost will vary depending on the location, the only difference between normal travel and buying a running bib in advance.
“The race usually has a few thousand participants, so traveling and having fun like a runner is very different from traveling to see beautiful scenery. The emotions and spirit of participating in a race in a place with beautiful scenery are hard to describe, I think it's great,” Tra Giang excitedly said.
Jogging is not only a sport that trains physical health but also requires willpower.
Besides, Tra Giang also pointed out 5 steps to note when participating in a race that she often prepares.
Schedule:Each race will have a schedule from start to finish, taking place and ending on a Sunday morning. The remaining time will be scheduled for you to play before and after the race depending on each person with the goal of achieving good results or running for beauty, running for experience...
Health:Runners usually need to train enough to be able to complete distances of 5-10-21-42 km. Health is an important thing for everyone to pay attention to, have fun but healthy, eat enough nutrients and sleep early to have the best physical condition for the race.
Finance:Travel, accommodation and shopping costs are things you must calculate in advance to budget.
Belongings:Bring all the necessary things like traveling, and for runners, bring extra clothes, sneakers, hats, hand and foot calves, sunglasses and nutrients for a good run.
Run to explore new roads and lands
And then, invite your friends to join, so you have someone to run with, live a virtual life with, or wait to film you at the finish line. Finally, open your heart to the people around you because you will meet many new people on the road who are willing to run with you to the finish line, laugh a lot and talk a lot, spreading a positive and cheerful spirit.
Nowadays, combining tourism into sports running routes to help tourists and athletes have authentic discoveries and experiences is gradually becoming popular through marathon races.
Tra Giang believes that each person has their own way to discover new things. She wants to set foot in all the provinces and cities of Vietnam, to feel it and not just pass by. Currently, running races are developing more and more, present in all provinces and cities. You should consider choosing the race and the place you want to go to have more new experiences.
Races usually have several thousand participants, so traveling and having fun like a runner is much different from traveling to see beautiful scenery.
“There are many people who regularly participate in long-distance races like me, but for me, 'running' is more important than 'playing'. That's why I always practice and think about the race more than where I will visit. Immersing myself in the race route, focusing on each kilometer, I forget where I run, but there are moments when I suddenly look to both sides of the road and am startled 'oh so beautiful'. Those are the small romantic moments of a runner who loves running", Tra Giang said.
