Duong Hang - the youngest female pacer in MetaSports Marathon history
Hang's passion for pacer came quite early, when participating in MetaSports Marathon Ha Long in July 2022. It was also the first time, a final year student at the University of Transport Technology tried her hand at a distance of 42km, after just over a year of running. Hang doesn't put a lot of weight on goals, just wants to try to see how much she limits herself. Thinking she was young, Hang chose to follow the sub4 FM pacer group (4 hours). If she can't keep up, she expects the achievement to be around 4 hours and 30 minutes.
Under the summer sun in Ha Long, the pacer team continuously encouraged the group of more than a dozen runners behind to "try to everyone, breathe evenly, remember to refill the water when you arrive at the station". Pacer carefully advises on watering, keeping breathing and constantly shouting to motivate the spirit "Only 10km left, everyone try to keep pace, the goal is about to be reached". They also constantly observe to know the runner's condition. Those who are overworked will be advised to reduce the pace. Those who haven't done their best are encouraged to speed up in the final stages to improve their performance. As a result, Hang did not fall behind, but also reached sub4 the first time she ran a full marathon.
Witnessing the image of the pacer winding up the spirit of the runner, Duong Hang was excited and wished to try this job once. "Conquering a full marathon is very difficult. Runners need a companion, support and mental push without giving up. Whenever they slow down or get discouraged, the pacer is the one who lights the fire of enthusiasm", Duong Thi Thuy Hang - who plays the 42km pacer at 4 hours and 30 minutes at MetaSports Marathon Imperial Hue 2023 shared.
Only two months later, with the support of 84Race - a group specializing in training and providing pacers for races in Vietnam, Duong Hang was able to do what she wanted. "Becoming a pacer is harder than I thought. Not only does it run well, with steady legs, the pacer has to be disciplined in every training session," the girl from Bac Giang shared.
To pass the pacer selection of 84Race, Hang had to complete a very heavy lesson plan, weekly fitness tests. On average, she had to run from 80-100km during the one-month period before the tournament. Besides, the pacer must be well trained about the incidents that occur on the running track. The speeder is like a companion, reminding runners to keep their spirits up, paying attention to the bends, watering points or taking pictures... The to-do list is so long that it took Hang many months to get used to and practice before the next time. head to pacer HM sub2.
Up to now, Hang has had 4 times of experience doing speed work, including pacer full marathon sub4:30 at the night race in Ho Chi Minh City. The job requires many qualities, female students always have to run with a group of three pacers, taking turns covering the situation of the people behind. Their task, besides leading the runner to the right destination, is also to ensure safety. She must be aware of unusual situations in order to get help in time. Along the way, the 22-year-old girl kept her face fresh for the runner to feel most comfortable.
"Many people think of pacers as running machines that are programmed to run at the right speed, but they are not. Most importantly, we have to become a flamethrower, a friend that every runner can trust," Hang affirmed.
Being a leader is also a challenge. According to Hang, each race has different competition conditions, requiring racers to carefully study the location of roads and stations, and discuss appropriate tactics with members. They must understand every turn and turn to ensure that they do not get lost or lost. In Huhua, she believes that the competition conditions this year are quite hot, even though the competition starts 3 o'clock earlier. There was a slope in the second half and careful calculation was needed to increase speed and reduce the correct speed. Pedestrians must undergo higher intensity training two weeks before the competition to adapt their bodies. The training intensity is between 80-100 kilometers. In addition, ensuring speed can also affect the water supply process on race days.
Duong Hang thinks that the speeding experience in Hue is worth the wait. This will be her first visit to the ancient capital. Hang will come early to find out the route and have time to prepare mentally and physically. "I'm eager to explore Hue on my own. I also hope that the runners in the sub4:30 pacer group can achieve good results, making the most of the experience at MetaSports Marathon," Hang said.
MetaSports Marathon Imperial Hue 2023 has nearly 30 pacers at HM timelines sub1:45, sub2:00, sub 2:15, sub2:30, FM sub3:30, sub4, sub4:30 and sub5. The pacer group is selected based on many criteria such as the ability to run faster from 15 to 30 minutes depending on the pacing time, running experience and training discipline.
In addition to being a pacer, Hang alternately participates in many marathons. New female runner running since the beginning of 2021, the achievement increased rapidly. The personal record is 3 hours 41 minutes. At first, female students came to jogging, but the method of reducing the pressure of studying online, improving health during the outbreak of the new Covid-19 epidemic. Gradually, sport becomes a habit in life. "Every day I try to run a little further. My health has improved significantly, my spirit has become more relaxed and positive. I am more confident and open to those around me," said Hang.
Students of the University of Transport Technology have participated in more than a dozen races in the past year. She made an impression with a youthful and fresh image when competing. Hang aims to be a pacer at least 4 tournaments in 2023, the rest will participate as a runner. Accompanying her are experienced members at Van Quan Runners (Hanoi). From here, Hang aims to break personal records at VM Hanoi Midnight or VM Hai Phong at the end of the year.
