At the weekly DaNang Runners Club gatherings by the Han River, passersby often spot Ha Thi Lan, a 53-year-old woman, with her signature glasses, cheerful demeanor, and bright smile. Club members affectionately call her "u", a term of endearment, recognizing her enthusiastic support, from providing fruit to ensuring everyone has water.

Lan's respect among peers extends beyond her supportive role. At 53, an age when many women opt for gentler exercises like yoga or walking, she transitioned from a desk-bound office job to a disciplined, high-intensity athletic lifestyle.

Ha Thi Lan (left) with runner Cao Van Tuan at the DNIM 2018 race. *Photo: Participant provided*

Her athletic journey began in 2018. While supporting colleague Cao Van Tuan at the DNIM 2018 running race in Da Nang, Lan observed the unwavering determination of runners under the intense sun. "I saw their incredible resilience and thought I could do it too, with a goal and a specific plan," she recalled.

She started with running, finding it the most accessible sport. Initially, competition was not her goal. "Watching the city each morning and feeling work pressure gradually disappear is what I enjoy most," she stated. As her health improved, each run gained deeper meaning. She discovered a running community free from age or distance barriers.

At the Hue Marathon 2019, she completed 21 km in 2 hours 15 minutes, ranking in her age group in her debut. One year later, at the VnExpress Marathon Quy Nhon 2020, her first VnExpress Marathon event, she finished 42 km in 5 hours 48 minutes, after just five months of marathon training.

Lan later transitioned to trail running. At the Vietnam Mountain Marathon 2024, she completed 50 km in 18 hours 5 minutes, securing a top 10 spot in her age group. She then conquered 51 km in 10 hours 34 minutes at the Yok Don National Park Trail 2024, earning 3rd place in her age group.

Lan and her daughter on the VnExpress Marathon Da Nang course on the morning of 19/7. *Photo: Organizers*

However, Lan's ambition extended beyond running. She decided to challenge herself with multisport, even though she didn't know how to swim or cycle. Four fellow DaNang Runners Club members, affectionately calling themselves the "bear sisters," joined her on this journey.

Over five months, they trained rigorously. This included cycling up to 100 km for long rides, swimming in the ocean to Hon Sup islet and the oil tanker, and running in temperatures of 38-40 degrees Celsius to build heat resilience. This intense preparation paid off: in May this year, she successfully completed the Ironman 70.3 in Da Nang, an event comprising a 1,9 km ocean swim, a 90 km bike ride, and a 21,1 km run.

Lan during a warm-up run with DaNang Runners before the VnExpress Marathon. *Photo: Danang Runners*

This July, Lan is competing in two races within a single week. She completed 10 km in 1 hour 14 minutes 45 seconds at the VnExpress Marathon Da Nang on 19/7. She will then tackle the Half Aqua distance, which includes a 1 km swim and a 10 km run, at Hoiana Aquaman on 26/7.

Unbeknownst to her, Lan's journey has become a powerful source of motivation for others. Younger members of the DaNang Runners Club often remark, "Seeing 'u' cross the finish line inspires us to learn to swim." Currently, about 10 club members have begun swim training with aspirations of competing in Ironman 2027.

"Nothing is impossible if you have passion and dreams," Lan declared. At 53, this woman, who once lacked swimming, cycling, and running skills, continues to embody that spirit every morning by the Han River. *By Duc Anh*