Mr. Nguyễn Văn Thái, Mr. Vũ Xuân Nam, and Mrs. Bùi Thị Hà are considered the “golden names” among the runners of SVTECH Hanoi Office. Curious about what brought them to running and why they’ve stayed committed to it? The short interview below reveals this — along with many “first-time” secrets.
Interviewer: What brought you to running?
Mr. Nguyen Van Thai (Deputy Head of System): In 2012, I injured my knee while participating in a sports activity. Even after visiting many clinics, the pain didn’t go away, and I couldn’t join any sports that involved running or jumping.
After three years of inactivity, my health declined significantly — I often had shoulder pain, and my allergic rhinitis frequently flared up. At the end of 2014, a friend asked me to take photos for their running group at a race.
Watching everyone run long distances sparked something in me. I decided to lace up and try running myself. My knee still hurt, but day by day I kept going: first a few hundred meters, then 3 km, although the pain forced me to stop. Eventually, I managed to run-walk 5 km. The more I trained, the more I enjoyed it because I could run anytime, anywhere.
But it wasn’t until 2018 that I could complete 10 km with run-walk intervals and registered for my first trail race — the Vietnam Mountain Marathon in Sapa, 15 km.
Running strengthened my muscles, which reduced my knee pain. By 2022, I completed a 70 km trail race at VMM (still partly running, partly walking).
Mrs. Bùi Thị Hà (HR Generalist): My journey with running started when En tricked me into joining the FIT team (SVTECH Hanoi’s running club). Later, “he” tricked me again into doing FIT’s reporting files. When he quit, I had to “take the bullet” and became the club’s treasurer. And just like that… I’ve been part of it ever since
Mr. Vũ Xuân Nam (QA Manager): I used to run in school, usually 2–3 km during summer breaks. But after graduating, I stopped, In 2019, after joining SVTECH, the company organized a “6000 Steps” challenge to promote physical activity, and that event officially brought me back to running.
Interviewer: What changes have you noticed since sticking with running?
Mr. Nam: There are many, but here are the most noticeable ones:
- Health: As my running distance increased, my physical health improved significantly. I rarely get sick now, and I feel more energetic and motivated in everything I do.
- Mindset: As an introvert, running helps me recharge. It eases stress from work and life, lifts my mood, and helps me feel happier. It also trains my discipline — even when I’m lazy, I still force myself to run.
- Relationships: Thanks to running, I’ve connected with more people in the running community—positive, disciplined individuals who inspire me.
- And of course… lots of great race photos for Facebook (laugh).
- I love milk tea and ice cream, and running allows me to enjoy them without guilt.
Mr. Thái: The first benefit is connection. Running helped me meet many colleagues I might never have spoken to. With the Hanoi office spread across three floors and many new young members, it’s not easy to get to know everyone without shared activities.
The second is health. My physical and mental well-being has improved dramatically. In previous annual check-ups, my cholesterol levels were always above the normal range. But for the past four years, all my results have been normal. My shoulder pain has decreased by more than 90%, and my sinus issues occur far less frequently.
The last benefit is discipline and persistence, which help me improve in all aspects of life.
Mrs. Hà: The biggest change is realizing that my own beliefs used to limit me. I thought I couldn’t run long distances
Yet I completed 21 km with a surprisingly good result. I thought I wasn’t disciplined enough to run daily.
But during Thai’s challenge, I managed to run 50 consecutive days, 5–6 km each day. And I’ve seen many members achieve things they once thought were impossible.
Interviewer: What would you like to say to other SVTECHers?
Mr. Thái: Relay running teaches teamwork, unity, and the spirit of fighting for a shared goal. So don’t hesitate to join the running event at SVTECH Autumn Olympic 2023. It’s an experience you won’t regret.!
Mr. Nam: Youth is like a cup of tea — if you don’t run now, it will fade away. Let’s register and join the running team at SVTECH Autumn Olympic 2023
Mrs. Hà: Wishing all SVTECHers a wonderful time running alongside your teammates at SVTECH Autumn Olympic 2023. May you conquer new milestones together — even the ones you think are impossible today. Love you all!
