Hi everyone,

After months of preparation, today was the day I started my 2200km run from Hanoi to HCMC to raise funds for children’s education, healthcare and to end human trafficking.

After an awesome fundraising day at The Fitness Village Hanoi on Saturday (more pics to follow in a future post) a group of 10 legends met me to begin the run. Members of the Blue Dragon team (an amazing charity that are working tirelessly to stop trafficking) came and joined me as well as Emily from Saigon, Chris and Fiona from TFV and other Hanoi hero’s!

We ran through small hems (Vietnamese narrow streets) and quickly out into fields of bananas. I was surprised how quickly the city became countryside. The group chatted and pushed each other until we reached a small shack serving Cha Da (iced Vietnamese tea), where we chilled out amongst the banana trees and added some songs to my running playlist. I’ve vowed to not skip any songs so I think people’s choices were interesting!

After 4km we waved goodbye to the blue dragon team. I’ve loved spending time with them, their positivity is infectious. At the 5km mark we waved goodbye to Emily. This was the furthest she has run in 2 years after pretty terrible knee issues. She has been an epic support in the leadup to this event and made the video attached to this post.

The remaining group pushed out another 5km where we had a much needed coffee stop. By this time the temperature was pretty warm! After 10 amazing Kms it was time for me to continue on my own. I couldn’t have asked for a better, more positive team to start this adventure with! THANK YOU!!!!!!

14kms later and I reached my destination for the night. I’ve treated myself to a lovely apartment, had a hot shower and am now off to the pool to sort out my route for tomorrow!

Thank you for reading. Please share my page and donate as little or as much as you can to help change the lives of children over here in Vietnam!

Love Naomi (aka Nam)