My second race in the VN Express series and just two weeks on from Ha Long. Did I learn from the last race, or was I doomed to repeat the same mistakes!?
Build up
A very bittersweet build up as I checked out of the Da Nang Beach Hotel for the final time. Made my way down to Quy Nhon in a 6 sleeper train cabin on the Friday evening, so I had the whole day Saturday to prepare.
My homestay was just a 5 minute stroll from the expo/start line area – I awoke early so went straight down in the morning to pick up my goodie bag, and then took it easy for the day. Early to bed as another 2am wakeup call was in order – still not used to the middle of the night race starts!
I got down to the start area just as some other Tag athletes arrived. We did a stretch, wished each other well, and were off at 3:30am.
Race Report
Much better race management this time around, with a healthy negative split, which helped me finish 4 minutes faster than Ha Long in 1:35:18 🙌
It didn’t feel quite as hot as Ha Long, but the undulated finish over a couple of bridges was tough – both physically and mentally.
| KM | Experience |
|---|---|
| 🏁 0-1k – Easing in | A slow first km, easing gently into the race from the back of the pack. |
| 🤝 1-10k – Finding my rhythm | Settled into a steady pace early on. Got a boost from a high five with Dylan along the way! |
| ⚡ 10-14k – Feeling strong | Pace dropped from high 4:30s to low 4:20s. Feeling inspired and moving well. |
| 🌀 14-18k – Digging in | Legs tiring a bit, dropped the pace again, but still holding steady. |
| ⏱️ 18-20k – Target in sight | Could feel ~1:35 was on without pushing to the limit. Confidence building. |
| 🏃♂️ 20-21.1k – Final push | Last 3k averaging around 4:10s, felt strong but just couldn't catch Elliot! Finished around where I expected |
Post-Race
Hung about after the race with the Tag gang and we got some nice pics as a group - my last run with these legends.
Tag on Tour!
After I had my fill of free ice-cream I dandered up the road to relax for a bit – pretty pumped after the run but succumbed to the slumber after a while.
Eventually got up again and after a few beers at the gaff, strolled over to the karaoke district for a great night with the gang – good to give the vocal chords a run out for a change!
All in all, another excellent VN Express event – really well organised in terms of the race itself and the expo, and with a lovely medal, and free gear as well.
I’d love to have done a few more races in the series and add to my half marathon medal haul, but that’s it for my Vietnam races in 2025.
DavAI SummAIriser
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