Nhi Le’s Journey of Endurance and Passion
For many students, the final year of university is a whirlwind of thesis deadlines, job applications, and the bittersweet anticipation of graduation. But for Nhi Le, a senior at HSE’s World Economy faculty, this summer brought an unexpected twist—one that transformed not just her routine but her entire outlook on life. Nhi, a Vietnamese international student, discovered a new passion: marathon running.
What began as a casual attempt to stay active quickly evolved into a dedicated pursuit of endurance sports. Now, as she balances academic rigor with rigorous training, Nhi’s story is one of perseverance, self-discovery, and the surprising parallels between marathon running and the challenges of student life.
The Starting Line: How It All Began
Nhi had always been active, but long-distance running was never on her radar. "Back in Vietnam, I often hit the gym, played badminton and did some swimming, but running? I thought it was boring," she admits with a laugh. Her perspective changed when a friend invited her to a 5K charity run in Moscow last spring. Hesitant but curious, Nhi agreed—and something clicked.
The atmosphere was electric," she recalls. "People of all ages, different fitness levels, all running together. I didn’t finish fast, but crossing that finish line gave me a rush I’d never felt before."
That experience planted the seed. By summer, Nhi had set a bold goal: to run a half-marathon by the end of the year.
Like many beginners, Nhi faced skepticism — both from herself and others.
Some friends asked why I’d ‘waste time’ running when I should be focusing on job applications," she shares. "Even I wondered if I could stick with it."
But Nhi approached running the same way she tackled her studies: with research and discipline. She read books on endurance training, followed professional runners on social media, and even adjusted her diet to optimize performance.
I treated it like an experiment. Could I, someone who used to groan at the idea of a morning jog, actually become a runner?"
Her first breakthrough came when she completed her first 10K. "It wasn’t fast, but it proved to me that progress was possible. That’s when I knew I was hooked."
Training Through the Struggles
by muscle soreness, busy academic schedules, and Moscow’s unpredictable weather. The first few weeks were brutal. There were days when she had to study until midnight, then force herself to wake up at 6 AM for a run before class.
To stay disciplined, Nhi followed a structured training plan, gradually increasing her mileage while incorporating strength training and rest days. She divided her week into:
- Speed workouts (interval training at a local track)
- Long runs (weekend endurance sessions, increasing distance each week)
- Recovery days (light jogs or cross-training like swimming)
- Strength training (focusing on core and leg stability)
She also learned to listen to her body.
There were days I skipped a run because my muscles needed rest. At first, I felt guilty, but I realized recovery is part of training."
Physical endurance was only half the challenge. Nhi quickly discovered that running is as much a mental sport as a physical one.
There’s a point in every long run where your brain screams, ‘Stop!’ That’s when you have to dig deeper."
She developed mental strategies:
- Breaking distances into smaller chunks: Instead of thinking 15K to go, just get to the next kilometer.
- Positive self-talk: ‘You have done this before, you can do it again.’
- Visualizing the finish line: Imagine how proud you would feel when reaching the goal, and that will keep you going.
As Nhi logged more kilometers, she began noticing unexpected benefits beyond fitness. Running became a form of meditation, a way to decompress from academic stress.
When you are alone with your thoughts for an hour or two, you start processing things differently," she reflects. "I’ve solved more thesis problems during long runs than in front of my laptop."
Loss and Gain: Parallels Between Running and Studying
Nhi drew clear connections between marathon training and her academic life:
- Consistency Over Perfection: In economics, we analyze long-term trends. Running taught me that small, daily efforts matter more than occasional bursts of effort.
- Pushing past resistance: Both marathon training and thesis writing require confronting mental barriers head-on.
- The Power of Routine: Setting a schedule for both studying and running helped me stay balanced.
Not every run was a success. Nhi recalls a particularly discouraging training day when she had to stop halfway due to exhaustion. "I felt like a failure. But my running mentor told me, ‘Bad runs are the price of admission for great ones.’ That changed my perspective."
She applied this lesson to academics.
When I struggled with a difficult course, I remembered that setbacks are part of the process. You don’t quit, you adjust and keep going."
One of the most rewarding aspects of Nhi’s journey has been the connections she’s made. She joined a local running club, where she met fellow students and professionals who shared tips and encouragement. "There’s a special bond among runners. Even if you don’t speak the same language, a nod or a high-five during a race says everything."
Nhi’s running club became a second family. Members shared:
- Training advice: How to prevent injuries, best running routes in Moscow.
- Emotional support: Pep talks before tough workouts.
- Accountability: Group runs kept her motivated.
She also connected with other international students who shared the same interest, like exploring Moscow’s parks together. Running gradually made the city feel like a second home.
Her involvement didn’t stop at training. Nhi began volunteering at races, handing out water or cheering on participants. Seeing elite runners and beginners alike pushing their limits is incredibly motivating. It reminds that everyone has their own pace, their own race.
The Ripple Effect: How Running Transformed Nhi's Academic Performance
One unexpected benefit of Nhi's running journey has been its positive impact on her studies. "At first, I worried training would take time away from my coursework," she admits, "but I actually became more productive." Research supports Nhi's experience as studies show regular exercise improves memory, concentration, and cognitive function.
Nhi noticed specific academic improvements such as:
- Enhanced focus during lectures: She no longer has to fight sleep in morning classes.
- Better time management: Running taught her to use small pockets of time effectively.
- Increased mental stamina: Three-hour study sessions feel easier than before.
- Improved stress management: When exams get overwhelming, a run helps her reset.
This academic-running synergy has become Nhi's secret weapon. "It is not about choosing between studies and running," she explains. "They fuel each other. The clarity I get from running helps me think critically, and the problem-solving skills from economics help me strategize my training."
As Nhi prepares for graduation, she's considering how to maintain this balance in her professional life. "Wherever I work, I'll keep running. It is not just exercise anymore, it has become essential to how I think and live." This holistic approach to personal and academic development makes Nhi's story particularly inspiring for fellow students seeking ways to thrive in all aspects of university life.
The Finish Line Ahead
As Nhi prepares for her first half-marathon this fall, she reflects on how far she’s come. "A year ago, I never would’ve imagined calling myself a runner. Now, I can’t imagine my life without it." Her ultimate goal is to complete a full marathon before graduation.
Even when preparing for her thesis, Nhi had fine-tuned her schedule:
- Use running as a study break: A 30-minute jog will clear your mind better than scrolling through social media.
- Prioritize sleep and nutrition: You can’t perform well in exams or races if you’re exhausted.
- Plan workouts around deadlines: If you have a big paper due, you’ll need to run early in the morning before your brain gets tired.
Advice for Fellow Students
Nhi hopes her story inspires others to step out of their comfort zones:
- Start small: You don’t have to run a marathon tomorrow. Try a 5K first!
- Find a buddy: Everything’s easier with a friend. Get yourself healthy physically and mentally.
- Celebrate progress: Every kilometer counts!
Nhi’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of passion and perseverance. In the demanding world of academia, finding an outlet like running can be a game-changer—not just for physical health, but for mental clarity and personal growth.
Life, like a marathon, is about pacing yourself, embracing the struggle, and enjoying the ride. And when you cross that finish line, no matter how long it takes, you’ll realize it was worth every step."
Nhi Le’s story also underscores the value of holistic student development—a core focus of HSE Illuminated. Her journey reminds us that passions outside the classroom don’t distract from success; they redefine it.
Shared by
