Every step became a small prayer of gratitude—thankfulness for the strength of my legs, the air in my lungs, and the quiet reminder that I was never truly alone.

A Race I Never Planned to Run

If someone had told me years ago that running would become a meaningful part of my life, I would have laughed and said, “Running isn’t for me.”

Today, not only do I run regularly—I lead a school running team, mentor young women, and have completed several races, including a 10K in under an hour and a 5K where I earned first place. But beyond medals and finish lines, running has become a reflection of something deeper: perseverance, gratitude, and the quiet presence of God who strengthens me step by step.

Finding Purpose in Leadership

My name is Pheng Sarou, and I am the principal of Pleroma School for Girls. I began working with the Pleroma ministry in 2014, when the school was still being built. When it opened in 2015, I joined as an English teacher. Over the years, I was promoted to vice principal in 2019 and principal in 2023.

Through my time in education and leadership, I’ve learned that the most powerful way to serve my community is by being an example—living with compassion, humility, and hope. My work has always been about helping young women see their potential and discover the light within them. Running became one of the unexpected ways this mission unfolded.

When the Path Feels Foreign

In 2017, while I was studying abroad, I faced one of the loneliest seasons of my life. Everything was unfamiliar—the language, the people, even the weather. I missed home and felt invisible.

Each day after school, I cycled home and stopped by a quiet park. There, I would read, reflect, and spend time in God’s Word. Writing in my journal, I poured out my thoughts as a stranger in a foreign land.

In those quiet moments, I found peace—like a whisper of assurance that I wasn’t alone.

One afternoon, I noticed people jogging—free, focused, joyful. For a moment, I wondered if I should try. But I quickly dismissed the idea. Running didn’t seem like something I could do.

A Spark in the Wilderness

Seven months later, I was sent to volunteer in a remote forest camp. With no cars, no shops, and no distractions, life slowed down. One afternoon, a friend invited me to jog to the nearest store—about two hours away.

We ran, stopped, laughed, and encouraged each other. That day changed me. For the first time, I experienced the simple joy of movement—the rhythm of breath and heartbeat, the freedom of open space.

In that stillness, I felt alive again, and sensed a quiet whisper in my heart: You are not alone. Keep going.

Returning Home, Running Forward

When I returned to Cambodia, I continued running—two or three kilometers at first, sometimes five. I didn’t have proper shoes or a training plan. I just ran to clear my mind and breathe.

Each run became like a prayer in motion—thankfulness for strength, for life, for the One who renews me from within. It wasn’t about speed or distance; it was about showing up.

In 2018, I joined my first 10K race. It took me 1 hour and 45 minutes, but I finished with tears of joy. Every step was an act of perseverance—and faith. Encouraged by that, I joined a 21K the next year, though I fell ill afterward. It was a humbling reminder that true strength is not only about endurance, but about listening—to my body, my heart, and to God’s gentle guidance.

Running Against Expectations

In my community, running—especially for women—was rare. Many believed women should focus on family duties and avoid sports that might affect their appearance. When I ran, people stared. Some questioned my choices. Sometimes I felt embarrassed.

But running gave me something precious: confidence, clarity, and freedom. It helped me understand my body and emotions, and to feel proud of who I was becoming. More importantly, it taught me that courage often grows quietly, in the space where faith overcomes fear.

Running Together, Growing Together

In August 2024, Pleroma School partnered with the SUSU Running Team to form our very own Pleroma School Running Team. I became the team leader, guiding our students in weekly training sessions.

Since then, running has transformed from a solitary act into a shared joy. I discovered that the real beauty of running is not in running alone, but in running together.

It’s in cheering one another on, sharing encouragement, and learning that we are stronger as a community.

Through this partnership, we’ve joined several events and achieved more together than we ever could alone. Watching our students grow more confident and resilient fills me with deep gratitude. I often think of it as a glimpse of grace—a picture of what happens when love and encouragement take root in young hearts.

The Joy of Community and Calling

Today, I also serve as a committee member of SheRuns, a women’s running club that empowers Cambodian women to grow stronger and healthier together. I’ve met many inspiring female runners—role models who reflect dedication, humility, and light.

Running has strengthened my patience and shaped my mindset to face challenges with peace and perseverance. It reminds me that life is a journey—one that’s not meant to be rushed but run with purpose and trust.

When I run, I often reflect on God’s goodness—thanking Him for strong legs, clear air, and a heart that still beats with joy. Every step is a small act of worship, a reminder that true strength flows not from willpower alone, but from grace.

Passing the Baton of Hope

I thank God for the SUSU Running Team and for everyone who has walked—or run—alongside me. Together, we’ve helped our students discover their potential, build confidence, and understand that caring for their bodies is also caring for the gift of life itself.

When our girls grow in strength and self-belief, they don’t just transform their own lives—they uplift their families, communities, and nation.

I believe that health, wholeness, and faith are all interconnected. These young women will become leaders who carry light into every sphere of society.

More Than a Race

Running has taught me many things: patience, gratitude, and trust. It has shown me that the finish line isn’t the goal—the journey itself is the reward.

And sometimes, when I run, I hear a quiet assurance within: “You are strong…because I am with you.”

If you’ve ever thought about running, I encourage you to take that first step. Don’t worry about how far or how fast. Just begin. Every step forward is a step of faith—a small but beautiful way to move closer to who you were meant to be.

“Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (Hebrews 12:1).

*Pheng Sarou is the principal of Pleroma School for Girls in Cambodia. Her desire is to inspire others to walk in faith with strength and love guided by God’s grace.