Do Quoc Thinh (Thinh Suy), famous for hits like "Mot Dem Say" and "Chuyen Rang...", is a Gen Z singer-songwriter with a large fan base, boasting around 730,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. He began running 6 years ago, initially as supplementary training for soccer. However, it wasn't until a serious leg injury over a year ago that he began to take exercise more seriously.

Singer Thinh Suy during the 21km VnExpress Marathon Libera Nha Trang. Photo: VnExpress Marathon

Singer Thinh Suy during the 21km VnExpress Marathon Libera Nha Trang. Photo: VnExpress Marathon

"I suffered a severe leg injury that required crutches," Thinh recalled. "That's when I understood the importance of health and how precious it is to be able to exercise purposefully. So, I decided to take running more seriously, both to learn to listen to my body and to feel the daily changes within myself."

Four months before the VnExpress Marathon Libera Nha Trang, the 1999-born singer set a goal to achieve a sub-2-hour half marathon. He planned to participate with a friend. "We wanted to experience a major race together, and Nha Trang, with its beautiful coastal route, was an obvious choice," he shared.

To achieve this, Thinh Suy created a detailed training plan spanning over three months. He maintained a weekly running volume of 30 to 60 km, incorporating tempo runs, interval training, and long runs. He monitored his heart rate while being cautious of his previous injury. "This was the first time I'd followed a structured training plan for a specific goal," Thinh stated. "I didn't miss a single session, even with a busy performance schedule."

His dedication paid off. He finished the Nha Trang half marathon with a time of 1 hour and 57 minutes—a remarkable achievement for an amateur runner. After posting about it on social media, Thinh Suy surprised many fans accustomed to his melancholic and contemplative stage persona.

According to Thinh Suy, structured training not only improved his physical fitness but also helped him maintain mental clarity. Long solo runs on quiet roads became valuable moments for organizing his thoughts. Melodies and lyrics flowed more naturally during these times.

"The discipline from running also cultivates focus in my songwriting," he shared. "As a result, I feel my creativity is more sustainably nurtured." The 26-year-old artist says he hasn't planned his next race yet.

Trong Trung