Nong Thi Chang - a promising young star of the Vietnamese marathon

More than 20 minutes after Ha Thi Hau won the MetaSports Marathon Ho Chi Minh City Midnight 2023 championship, the runner-up position was determined. That's Nong Thi Chang, a 3rd year student at Dai Nam University. The 21-year-old girl won the first runner-up in a MetaSports Marathon system after participating in 4 times, setting PR (personal record). Chang shared that he was very happy when he stood next to the idol Ha Hau on the podium, but was also worried when he realized the difference in qualifications between the two.

"I reached the finish line almost exhausted and exhausted while Ms. Hau was still fresh even though she ran more than 20 minutes ahead. I think I need to practice and work harder if I want to achieve higher results," Chang said. .

Nong Chang not only likes to run, but also runs disciplined, with a clear destination. From the beginning, she set a goal to follow in god's footsteps to become the MetaSports Marathon champion as soon as 2023. Despite being the runner-up, the runner knew that she had to work harder to reach the sub3 goal (run 42km in under 3 hours) and register. I entered the ranking of Vietnamese running stars.

Nong Thi Chang has a similar background to Ha Hau. Runner is a farmer's son, in Loc Binh - the border district of Lang Son. Since childhood, Chang was used to climbing passes and wading streams. Outside of school hours, the female runner followed her mother over three hills, waded through a few streams to go to the forest to collect firewood and break bamboo shoots. The summer vacations of border girls are also associated with the days of sketching pine forests until dark.

In middle school, when she only had to study for one day, she went to the forest every day. "I like going to the forest with my mother, but I'm afraid of ghosts. I always try to go as fast as I can to stick to my mother's back. Working in the fields, going uphill a lot, so I'm used to exercising," Nong Chang said.

High school had a busier schedule, so Chang couldn't go to the forest with his mother. She chooses to walk to school every day instead of driving to be active. Chang's house is near Mau Son mountain range. Having free time, the 21-year-old girl climbs to the top of the mountain to enjoy the feeling of being in harmony with nature. Conquering steep roads becomes a passion, helping to build a physical foundation, developing musculoskeletal muscles, suitable for marathon competition.

However, Chang's talent for running was only discovered when he was 18 years old when the gym teacher chose to participate in the defense sports competition in Lang Son province. The female student then finished second in the 800 meter event carrying a gun, after a young athlete. No one thought that a small, plump student could have such a fast speed.

In college, Chang was more exposed to sports, participating in clubs. Runner was evaluated with a lot of potential, but in the beginning, he suffered many injuries due to running the wrong way. The economic condition of the farming family does not allow the female tourism student to invest in nutrition, equipment or participate in big races, despite her desire. There were times when she was depressed and wanted to give up. "The brothers and sisters in the club supported me to qualify for some tournaments. Without your support, I think I would have stopped before I had a chance to start," Chang confided. .

With the support of the club CGPT-ANTA, Nong Chang started his journey to assert himself at the races. In 2022, a female student was selected to run alongside the 31st SEA Games with many big names in the marathon. Chang produced unexpected results as the first female athlete to reach the finish line.

Impressive results helped her receive an invitation to compete at MetaSports Marathon Quy Nhon 2022. It was the first time that a young runner was invited to a race, supported with airfare and hotel expenses. It feels like "touching a dream with one hand". When not under financial pressure, Chang's legs seem to have wings. She won the first prize in the MetaSports Marathon Quy Nhon 2022 age group. Her performance also increased steadily through each tournament. After winning the runner-up at VM Ho Chi Minh City Midnight 2023 in February, the champion ran the 21km distance of the Tien Phong Marathon movement, mid-March.

"The past year has been my dream time when I was able to pay my own tuition fees, cover living expenses with money to run. Participating in tournaments across the country also realized my dream of traveling and discovering the world. my world," the third-year student shared.

At the MetaSports Marathon Hue on April 16, Nong Thi Chang aims to increase her achievement to 3 hours and 15 minutes, to be in the top three finalists. Despite the desire to win a VM tournament in the year, the runner evaluated should not be in a hurry. She actively increased the intensity of the exercise, carefully planned the lesson plan and followed it more strictly. The goal is to shorten the time to the finish line through each tournament. With the right drop and luck, Chang can achieve the desired results in the second half of 2023. She also set an additional goal of 1 hour 22 minutes for the half marathon.

Along with practice, Chang still maintains a regular schedule of classes. Third-year students have always achieved good academic results since going to university. The secret is that she blends her studies and passion for sports into one. Studying helps Chang gain confidence and create discipline, necessary in practice and competition. Sports help relax, reduce stress, thereby learning better. Chang is also supported by the school and teachers whenever he goes to a long-distance competition.

The female runner's dream is to graduate with honors and continue to develop herself in the tourism industry. Sports are also a way to help her expand her understanding and realize her dreams. Chang wants to combine sports and tourism, returning to Lang Son to develop his home province.

These days, Nong Thi Chang is actively training for the MetaSports Marathon Hue 2023. This is also the first time the 21-year-old girl competes in the ancient capital. She had heard a lot about the tournament with its green, flat track with ideal conditions. "The feeling is very nervous but also excited. I know I'm on the right track and confident to take on challenges in the future," said Chang.