What About Vietnam - S2 - 21 - The fun of trail marathons in Vietnam

If you love competitive running and enjoy the spirit of a trail series, then this episode will cover what you need to know and much more. However, if you see this title and immediately think this is NOT for you. You may do a 360.  Like I did.I am assured you don’t have to be a super athlete to have fun and enjoy the spectacular scenery you will experience by joining any one of the Topas Trail Series marathons. David Lloyd,  Sport and Race Director for the Vietnam Trail Series and my guest on today’s show, tells me you can go as slow or as fast as you like;  and you only have to be of average fitness and enjoy walking and being outdoors.Yes, "that's me", I hear you say!  Okay, so training starts now!I am warning you, David will woo you with the idea as he talks about the stunning views and the fun sharing with other competitors. David says “ joining one of these events is a great leveler. When you are walking or running with someone that may be by day a shopkeeper, a banker, or a tech genius. It doesn’t make any difference when you are on that trail and climbing those mountains. You are all competing for the same trophy, and possibly feeling the same fears, exhaustion, and muscle pain.”.He will make you laugh about some of the experiences of the most ardent competitors; You’ll hear about how much planning and work goes into managing groups sometimes 3-4,000:  From accommodation to tasty food to medical support. David offers up some of those special "stand-out moments" that you just HAD to be there to capture. Plus, you will hear how these marathons contribute substantially to the work of Operation Smile, Newborns Vietnam, Blue Dragon, Hue Help and Sapa o Chau.  These charities are obviously close to David's heart as he says they also carry out local projects in villages along the route. A little bit about David Lloyd:- David Lloyd is originally from the UK, but has lived in Hoi An since 2011. His background includes journalism and photojournalism. He has had work published in The New York Times, and he has also written guidebooks on Vietnam and Laos. He is an active participant and competitive runner and cyclist. David is full-time Sport and Race director of all events for Topas Travel ……...and has been since 2016 when he was involved in the original race. By race…..I mean the Vietnam Trail series. Marathon Dates coming up: VMM -  12/6  (NEW) Mountain - 27/8 Jungle - 16/10 You can find all about this trail series here - www.vietnamtrailseries.com www.topasecolodge.com www.topastravel.vnwww.topasriversidelodge.com  Please check out the transcript at www.whataboutvietnam.com Please rate and review on Iphone - https://apple.co/3djTvox Follow on your favourite pod channel, email directly to [email protected] Keep abreast of news on our social pages on FB, IG,LinkedIn and TikTokLet me design your #customised #private tour of Vietnam  - See our Travel ServicesDo you need a #Dental Procedure?  Why not find out what’s possible through our Dental and #Cosmetic Medical partner Worldwide Beauty Hospital. Mention #whataboutvietnam to receive 5% discount at Worldwide Beauty Hospital