I have a personal tradition that I’ve been keeping for 7 years: every year, on New Year’s Eve, I would run from my house to Hoan Kiem lake carrying a camera, take a selfie with the fireworks, then run back.
Why I Do It
This all started in 2013 when I wanted to see the fireworks, but I realised that riding my motorbike there and parking it would be a massive headache (and not to mention extremely costly). So I figured it’s only 3 km between my house and the lake, so what the heck, why not just run.
During the later half of 2013, I neglected running and was focused on lifting and gaining mass. So when I attempted to run again in 2014, I was completely out of breath. My lower back hurt from the new mass I’d gained.
This unacceptable lack of stamina was a wakeup call, and so I made a pact with myself that every year, no matter what, I would make the 3 km run from my house to the lake in at least 15 minutes (plus the 3 km back) and still have the energy to enjoy the fireworks. The only exception is when I’m injured.
This serves as a reminder for myself that whatever happens in life, I am to never skip running. I must always be ready and in the physical shape to run a measly 3 + 3 km. That’s the least I can ask!
Some Memories
From 2013 – 2017 I was wearing a backpack with my wallet, keys, camera, wind jacket, and a water bottle in it. This year I thought all of that was too cumbersome so I just grabbed my phone and ran barefoot in my shorts and tank top. Feels great to be so minimal and light.
Every evening I’d have the last meal of the year at my grandparents’. Then I’d spend the evening, sometimes watching Táo Quân with my dad, sometimes doing other things. At 11.15 pm I’d leave the house and run along Kim Ngưu – Lò Đúc – Phan Chu Trinh.
I’m always wearing a tank top. Each year comes with a different colour too. 2014 was the only year I was in a sleeved T-shirt. Next year I’ll make sure to find a new colour.
The scenery along the way has never changed much. It’s alway people dressed up in winter clothes walking / driving to the lake to watch the fireworks with their loved ones. I rarely see people going alone. It’s hot this year but I remember 2015 and 2016 were pretty cold, so the sight of me running in a skimpy tank top caught a lot of attention.
On the way back I always see people burning the ghost money thing in front of their houses. Frankly I hate this as the air is always filled with smoke and residues from the burnt paper.
2017 was when I was in the best shape of my life. I was running a sub-20 5K and was lifting 4 times a week then. 2017 is also the year they decided to not shoot fireworks in order to save money. I thought it was a joke — surely they’re not going to cheap out on a once-in-a-year event in the heart of the capital right?? Well they did. So I had to take a pic with a kid’s handheld firework.
2017 was also particularly memorable. As I was running back this young guy on a Honda Wave Alpha pulled next to me and told me to hop on, he’d give me a ride. I politely refused because my house was 500 metres away. He started to get irritated and yelled at me and shouted profanities. Honestly I thought I was about to get mugged there. I didn’t say a word and just kept on running. After following me for a bit he just drove off. Never sure what his intentions were but I’m pretty confident I could outrun him in a foot chase. Cardio helps!!
Anyway, happy new year! I’ll come back in 2020 and fill that blank space in the upper right hand corner.