The world of running is full of incredible stories, and Thế Anh is one of the most inspiring. He’s been documenting his journey as a runner since 2020, sharing his triumphs and struggles along the way. As he prepares for the Danang MANULIFE Marathon, we’re excited to hear more about his passion for pushing his limits.

The famous quote “I don’t run to add days to my life, I run to add life to my days” perfectly captures Thế Anh’s experience with running. He began his running journey casually in 2019, but the pandemic transformed his perspective on the sport. During the lockdowns, running became a lifeline, providing a much-needed escape from the monotony and a way to stay active.

What started as short runs around Gia Định Park quickly evolved into a serious passion. Thế Anh found himself pushing his limits, exploring new routes, and gradually increasing his endurance. The joy of running became an integral part of his life, offering a sense of freedom, accomplishment, and mental clarity.

The Positive Side Of Peer Pressure 

As Thế Anh recalls, “Sometimes, all it takes is a little push from a friend to change your life.” This was certainly true for him in 2020 when a friend convinced him to participate in a 5K race in Ho Chi Minh City. Despite initial hesitation, he decided to give it a try and was pleasantly surprised by his performance. Finishing the race in under 25 minutes ignited his competitive spirit and made him wonder what he was truly capable of.

The subsequent pandemic lockdowns provided the perfect opportunity for Thế Anh to delve deeper into running. With limited options for physical activity, running became his primary outlet for staying active and maintaining his mental well-being. As he continued to train and compete, he experienced significant improvements in both his physical fitness and overall quality of life.

Running Community Building – Online and Offline 

Thế Anh’s passion for running has extended beyond the physical act of running itself. He has leveraged his love of content creation to build a thriving online community that far surpasses the reach of his local running mates. By sharing his moments and milestones with his 640K followers on TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook, he has connected with runners from all walks of life.

This online presence has had a positive ripple effect on his offline community as well. People who have discovered Thế Anh’s content have reached out to him, expressing their interest in joining his running activities. As Thế Anh explains, “Running has become a common language that allows me to connect with complete strangers.” This shared passion for running has created a sense of camaraderie and belonging within his community, both online and offline.

Four Hours Of Torture 

While running can be a source of immense joy and community, it’s important to acknowledge the physical challenges it presents. Thế Anh experienced this firsthand during his debut marathon, which he describes as “four hours of torture.”

“Around the 22-kilometer mark, things took a turn for the worse,” he recalls. “My body was exhausted, and I felt a sharp pain in my knee. To make matters worse, the weather had become scorching hot.” Despite the physical discomfort, Thế Anh persevered, stopping five times along the way but ultimately finishing the race.

Thế Anh acknowledges that chronic pain is a common issue among runners. He shares his strategies for overcoming pain, such as applying muscle relief spray at medical stations and taking short breaks when necessary. However, he emphasizes the importance of listening to your body and avoiding pushing yourself beyond your limits.

To motivate himself during challenging moments, Thế Anh employs a three-pronged approach. First, he engages in positive self-talk, encouraging himself to keep going. Second, he focuses on his goals and the sense of accomplishment that awaits him at the finish line. Finally, he listens to his body and adjusts his pace accordingly.

The recovery process from that first marathon was demanding, taking six months. However, Thế Anh used this time constructively, educating himself about running, replenishing his energy, and setting new goals. Despite the challenges, he believes that the elation of crossing the finish line makes it all worthwhile. The sense of accomplishment and personal growth that comes with completing a marathon is truly indescribable.

“I only compare myself to how I was yesterday.”

This is the mantra that guides Thế Anh in his running journey. While he acknowledges the inspiration he draws from other runners, he believes that true progress lies in comparing oneself to one’s past self.

Thế Anh sets challenging and diverse personal goals, striving to achieve something new with each training session or race. He encourages others to adopt this mindset, emphasizing the sense of accomplishment and pride that comes from conquering personal challenges. As he puts it, “Try it and see, because when you conquer yourself, you will feel happy and proud, I promise!”