The highly anticipated Bau Trang Triathlon is set to take place this Sunday, March 23, 2025. As the event approaches, I find myself filled with a mix of excitement, nervousness, and a tinge of fear. Bau Trang is renowned for its scorching heat, powerful winds, and grueling elevation—factors that make it one of the most challenging triathlon courses in Vietnam. However, despite the difficulties, my focus is on embracing the experience, enjoying the race with my team, and pushing my limits.
A Rough Few Weeks Before the Race
The past few weeks leading up to the race have been far from ideal. Three weeks ago, I fell seriously ill due to continuous work-related travel. This period is typically when training intensity peaks before the tapering phase, but I was unable to train properly. Missing out on crucial workouts was frustrating and left me feeling unprepared for race day.
I had planned to attend a weekend training camp with my swimming team in Vung Tau, but my health took a turn for the worse. That Saturday morning, while packing for the trip, I started feeling cold and fatigued. Listening to my body, I made the difficult decision to skip the training camp. Later that day, my condition worsened—I developed a severe cough, throat pain, and overall weakness. Being someone who rarely falls sick, this experience was eye-opening. It forced me to reflect on the importance of rest and self-care, especially when training for high-endurance sports like triathlon.
Adjusting My Race Plans
In the weeks that followed, I attempted to balance recovery with training, but my energy levels remained low. My intense morning workouts were followed by extensive travel to various provinces for work, which only further drained my body. Eventually, my coach decided that I should shorten my race distance from the originally planned 70.3 miles to 56.50 miles. While this decision upset me, I understood that prioritizing my health was the right choice.
Master Coach Dong reassured me that Bau Trang is not my ultimate goal for the year. Instead, my focus should be on the upcoming Ironman 70.3 race in Da Nang this May. Knowing that I have another opportunity to test my endurance at full distance helped shift my perspective. It reminded me that setbacks are part of the journey, and each race serves as a stepping stone toward bigger goals.
The Value of Coaching and Team Support
Reflecting on my journey, I feel incredibly grateful to be training under a team of talented coaches at LVD International who guide and support me. It has been almost a year since I started working with them, and their expertise has significantly shaped my approach to training, racing, and recovery. They have not only helped me improve my performance but also taught me valuable lessons about resilience, discipline, and self-awareness.
For this upcoming race, my mindset is to enjoy every moment. Rather than dwelling on what could have been, I am choosing to focus on the joy of the experience. Bau Trang offers a stunning natural landscape—its serene lake, rolling sand dunes, and coastal winds create a picturesque yet demanding race setting. Being surrounded by fellow athletes, sharing the excitement with my team, and pushing through personal barriers make the event worthwhile.
About Bau Trang and Its Triathlon Challenge
Bau Trang is a breathtaking freshwater lake located about 30km from Mui Ne and 65km from Phan Thiet, in Hoa Thang Commune, Bac Binh District. This hidden gem is often referred to as the “Little Sahara” of Vietnam due to its mesmerizing white sand dunes. The landscape provides an incredible yet tough race environment, with extreme temperatures and strong headwinds posing significant challenges to athletes.
The Bau Trang Triathlon consists of a swim in the pristine lake, a cycling leg through the scenic yet windy sand dunes, and a run under the intense sun. Athletes must prepare for fluctuating weather conditions, unpredictable gusts, and the demanding elevation gain throughout the course. It is a true test of endurance and mental strength, making it one of the most exciting races on the Vietnamese triathlon calendar.
Race-Day Mindset: Pushing Through and Having Fun
With my adjusted race plan in place, my goal is simple: to give my best effort, have fun, and connect with fellow athletes. Every race is an opportunity to learn, grow, and strengthen both my physical and mental endurance. The triathlon community is incredibly supportive, and I am looking forward to sharing this experience with like-minded individuals who understand the highs and lows of endurance sports.
Beyond the competition, events like the Bau Trang Triathlon remind me why I fell in love with the sport in the first place. The thrill of racing, the camaraderie among athletes, and the sense of accomplishment at the finish line are all elements that make triathlon such a rewarding journey.
This journey has reinforced the importance of listening to my body, balancing training with recovery, and maintaining a long-term perspective. Although I had to scale back my race distance, I know that setbacks are temporary. The ultimate goal remains—the Ironman 70.3 Da Nang in May, where I will have another chance to push my limits and prove to myself that I am capable of conquering the full distance.
For now, my focus is on Bau Trang—embracing the challenges, enjoying the race, and making the most of every moment. Whether I finish with a personal best or not, I know that showing up, giving my best, and celebrating the experience with my team will be the true victory.
As I prepare for race day, I remind myself that endurance sports are about resilience, determination, and the willingness to keep going despite obstacles. The Bau Trang Triathlon will be another milestone in my journey, and I am ready to take on the challenge with an open heart and a strong spirit.
