For any triathlete, training weekends are where strength, discipline, and grit are forged. This past weekend was one of the most intense yet rewarding experiences in my triathlon journey so far. With back-to-back brick sessions and a scenic escape to Can Gio Island, I found myself not only physically challenged but mentally recharged.
Brick Training Sessions: The Core of Triathlon Preparation
“Brick” sessions—the combination of cycling followed immediately by running—are an essential part of any triathlon training plan. They help simulate race day transitions and prepare your body for what it truly feels like to shift gears under fatigue. This weekend, I had double brick sessions—both Saturday and Sunday mornings—followed by afternoon swims.
Saturday in the City
Saturday’s training was based in the city. Despite the noise, traffic, and heat of Ho Chi Minh, I pushed through the morning session with focus and energy. The roads were familiar, which allowed me to zone in on my pacing and rhythm. In the afternoon, I cooled off with a swim session to loosen up the tight muscles from the ride and run. It’s always a relief to end a hot, intense day with cool, quiet laps.
Sunday Adventure to Can Gio Island
Sunday was an entirely different experience—a long-awaited training trip to Can Gio Island, known for its coastal roads, mangrove forests, and fresh ocean breeze.
My alarm went off at 4:30 AM. Still half-asleep but excited, I got ready and made my way to Bình Khánh ferry port, opting for a cab instead of cycling across the Phú Mỹ Bridge. The bridge is an impressive sight in Ho Chi Minh City’s skyline. This cable-stayed road bridge crosses the Saigon River, linking District 2 to District 7. It’s not just a feat of engineering but a vital part of the city’s infrastructure, forming a key component of the southern ring road.
Constructed between March 2007 and September 2009, the bridge spans a total length of 705 meters across the river. With six lanes, it accommodates heavy traffic, including separate lanes for motorbikes and pedestrians. The bridge’s elegant H-shaped towers rise 145 meters high, supporting a 27-meter-wide main span. This bridge is a challange for any cyclists.
Bình Khánh Ferry: A Peaceful Passage
It was a holiday in Vietnam, and the ferry was packed with locals and travellers heading to Can Gio. We waited until 6:30 AM to board, soaking in the early morning ambience.
Despite the crowd, I always enjoy this ferry ride. There’s something peaceful about being on the water while watching the sun rise behind the city skyline. The golden glow bathed Ho Chi Minh City in soft light, making the entire scene feel like a moving painting. The breeze touched my skin. I closed my eyes for a second—grateful, grounded.
Onboard, a fellow cyclist named Mr. Duc recognized me. “Haven’t seen you in Sala lately,” he said with a smile. I explained that I’ve been training on the Saigon Bridge route to improve my bike handling skills. Sala is beautiful, but its terrain is too flat, too comfortable. I needed something that pushed me further.
Welcome to Can Gio: Nature’s Playground
After a 10-minute ferry ride, we landed on Can Gio Island, officially part of Cần Giờ Mangrove Biosphere Reserve, recognized by UNESCO in 2000. Located about 60 kilometers from central Ho Chi Minh City, this area has transformed into a beloved destination for both nature lovers and athletes.
Can Gio is known for its expansive mangrove forests, diverse wildlife, and peaceful roads that stretch endlessly—perfect for long-distance cycling. It’s also a stark contrast to the urban chaos, offering fresh air, tranquility, and a slower rhythm.
The Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve lies in the coastal zone and spans an area of over 75,000 hectares. It plays a crucial role in climate regulation, coastal protection, and biodiversity conservation. For triathletes, it offers a unique training ground that combines physical endurance with mental calm.
Riding with Daniel Lê: A Day of Learning and Pushing Limits
For this training, we joined Daniel Lê’s group. Daniel (nicknamed Mad Dog) is not just any triathlete—he’s a seasoned pro with countless national and international titles under his belt. Since I started my triathlon journey, I’ve looked up to him. His discipline, humility, and drive are all things I admire deeply. Whenever I get the chance, I try to train alongside him.
And I’m always reminded why he’s a champion.
The Can Gio route is breathtaking—coastal, open, wild—but it comes with its own challenges. The wind was relentless that morning. Every push forward felt like a battle. But that’s what made it worthwhile. After 62km of cycling and a 7km run, my body was completely drained. But in that exhaustion, I felt proud.
After the session, we all gathered around—Daniel, Tri, and a few other athletes—and shared training tips, race strategies, and just good old camaraderie. There’s something powerful about being surrounded by people who are equally committed, equally tired, and equally passionate. Everyone was focused on the upcoming Ironman race on May 11. You could feel the determination in the air.
On the way back, Tri kindly offered me a ride, and we stopped for a delicious bowl of phở. That moment—legs sore, stomach full, heart happy—was pure joy.
I got home, rested for a bit, and then headed out for my swimming session with coach Hùng. My body was beyond tired, but somehow it still moved. That’s the thing with endurance training—you find fuel even when you think you’ve run out.
To wrap up the day, I gifted myself a 90-minute massage. My muscles needed it. My mind needed it too.
Reflections on Endurance and Life
Sunday was one of those training days —not just physically, but emotionally. It pushed me to my limits, but also filled me with deep gratitude. Training with someone like Daniel reminded me of why I started. Talking with fellow athletes reminded me that we’re never alone in this journey.
Long, difficult days like these are more than just workouts—they’re lessons. I learn how to suffer well, how to find joy in fatigue, how to keep moving when everything hurts. I learn that the body will follow the mind if the mind is strong enough. And I learn that even when it’s hard, even when it’s long—it can still be fun.
Triathlon training is just like life: unpredictable, sometimes painful, but always rewarding when I show up fully.
I may have ended the day sore and sun-kissed, but I also ended it stronger—physically, mentally, and emotionally. And that’s the real win.
