Nguyen Van Lai: ‘I want to find a new limit after the SEA Games’
HanoiThe 5,000m and 10,000m SEA Games champion Nguyen Van Lai plans to switch to running full marathons to challenge himself.
Van Lai is a veteran runner of Vietnamese athletics, dominating the 5,000m and 10,000m distances at the SEA Games in 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2022. After completing the task at the congress at home on 17/02. 5, Thanh Hoa athlete cherished the intention to compete at 42.195 km.
“I wanted to challenge myself and see where my limit was, so I thought about switching to playing full marathons,” Van Lai replied in an exchange with Mr. VnExpress May 26 afternoon. “Changing the content is both a new way of motivating to move forward and renewing myself. Maybe I will play a 42km race or two to see how it goes, if it’s good, I will. continue”.
Nguyen Van Lai on the men’s 10,000m track at the 31st SEA Games on the afternoon of May 17. Image: Duc Dong
Before entering the 31st SEA Games competition, the 35-year-old runner tried his hand at the 21km VnExpress Marathon Hue 2022 in April. Although only considering this as an extra exercise for the main task of the year, Van Lai still finished first. with an impressive achievement of 1 hour 10 minutes 36 seconds.
However, the transition to a full marathon takes time. Van Lai said: “I can’t say for sure about the time to play 42 km, because I still can’t balance both work and family. Practicing for this content requires a lot of time and mind. I play away from home often, so I also love my disadvantaged wife and children.”
After completing the double gold medal with victory in the 10,000m content, Van Lai admitted that he began to feel the burden of age. The runner born in 1986 explained more about this in today’s exchange: “Every victory at the SEA Games is glorious and happy. But I really don’t think I’m at this age range, I can still win two. Gold medal”.
Nguyen Van Lai (right) next to Nguyen Thi Oanh and Hoang Nguyen Thanh in an exchange of VnExpress today. Image: Giang Huy
According to Van Lai, the recent victory at My Dinh was really valuable because it was the result of his own persistent training efforts and the sacrifices of his family. “The time I spent away from home to gather with the team and train in China has paid off. During that time, my wife single-handedly took care of the whole family. I want to dedicate the two gold medals I just won. for my wife – who is always a solid rear for me to play with peace of mind,” added the SEA Games champion.
Nhat Tao
at Blogtuan.info – Source: vnexpress.net – Read the original article here
