文 / Pheng Sarou
日期 / 2025年8 月
My name is Pheng Sarou. I am the principal of Pleroma School for Girls. I started working with the Pleroma ministry in late 2014, at a time when our school was still under construction. In 2015, when the school officially opened, I became an English teacher in the primary school. After several years of teaching, I was promoted to vice principal in 2019, and eventually high school principal in 2023. Through my time in education and leadership, I have learned that being a good example for my students is one of the best ways I can help my community.
In this article, I’d like to take you through my journey and show how running became more than just exercise—it became a way of life. As a Cambodian, I can say that running is not a common sport for women here. In some parts of our culture, there is a belief that women should prioritize domestic duties and avoid activities that might affect their appearance or health. Traditional gender roles often discourage women from participating in activities perceived as masculine, like running, which can lead to societal pressure and a lack of support. Moreover, safety is one of the biggest concerns for women here. We don’t have many safe or suitable running routes in the city where I live, either.
In 2017, while I was an exchange student abroad, I found myself feeling lost and out of place in a new environment. Everything around me was unfamiliar—the language, the people, the food, even the weather. I missed home, and I struggled to feel like I belonged.
During that difficult period, I began searching for something to help clear my mind and lift my spirits. Every day after school, I rode my bicycle back home. On the way, I often stopped by a park to read, learn the word of God, and started to journal my journey as a stranger in a foreign land. While sitting alone in the park one day, I noticed people jogging—some even running. I thought to myself, Should I try running or jogging like them? But then I quickly said, No, running isn’t for me. So, I let the thought go and forgot about it.
Seven months later, just before my exchange program ended, I was sent to another location to work as a volunteer. That’s when I re-connected with running. Most of the other volunteers at the camp enjoyed running in their free time. The camp was deep in the wild—no traffic, no cars, not even any stores nearby. I was in the middle of the forest.
One afternoon, after we had finished working with the first group of campers, my Colombian friend and I decided to jog from the campsite to the nearest store in town. We ran a bit, stopped, ran again, chatted, and eventually reached the store after about two hours. From that day on, we made it a habit to run together every weekend. I began to fall in love with running through this outdoor experience.
After I returned to Cambodia, I started getting into running. I usually ran 2 kilometers, sometimes 3 or 5—the longest distance at the time. At first, it was simply a way to spend time alone and breathe. I didn’t run far or fast, but each time I ran, I felt a little more alive and a little more in control of my emotions.
Running was something I did occasionally—no real training, no sports watch to track my distance. I just ran for fun.
In August 2018, I signed up for my first running event: a 10 K race. I didn’t have proper running shoes or any special gear, and it took me 1 hour and 45 minutes to finish. Still, I was proud because every step I took brought me closer to the finish line.
This first race inspired me to try longer distances. So, in 2019, I signed up for a 21K. Unfortunately, it wasn’t a great experience—I got sick after running such a long distance.
Since it wasn’t common to see women running in my community, I got stared at. Others questioned what I was doing. At times, I felt embarrassed or even judged. But I kept going, because I knew what running had given me. It gave me confidence. It helped me understand my body, clear my thoughts, and feel proud of who I was becoming.
In August 2024, Pleroma School began collaborating with a running club called the SUSU Running Team. We recruited some students who were interested in running and eventually formed the Pleroma School Running Team. I was assigned as the team leader, responsible for guiding the students and leading regular training sessions at school.
Pleroma High School Running Team training session
Since August last year, I’ve come to realize that running is much more enjoyable when shared with a community that loves the same thing. I began to see the bigger picture: running isn’t just about jogging down a small road in my neighborhood or crossing a finish line alone; it’s about having people around you who believe in you and support you.
Being part of a running community has inspired me deeply. I’ve discovered many amazing female runner role models I can look up to. I started thinking about how to challenge myself to run faster and become more committed to training with my teammates.
I never imagined I could finish a 10K without taking a break, but now it’s possible. I recently completed one in under 60 minutes.
On March 23rd, I earned first place in a 5K race in my hometown, finishing in 26 minutes and 37 seconds. More recently, I set a new personal record by finishing a 5K in 26 minutes and 34 seconds, earning 4th place in another race called the Women’s 5K race.
Received first place at the 5K race and 4th place at the Women’s race
Today, I’m also a committee member of a women’s running club called SheRuns. I believe that through my journey, I can help promote running and inspire more women in Cambodia to take part in this empowering activity.
SheRuns training session with some committee members.
I thank God for the SUSU Running Team, whose support has meant so much to our school. They have helped both me and our students discover our potential and understand the true capacity of our bodies. I’ve truly enjoyed inspiring our students to run together once a week after school.
With the support of the SUSU Running Team, we participated in many running events this year—and we accomplished more together than we ever could alone. Through these experiences, I’ve seen our students become more energetic, confident, and mindful of their health and helped them to achieve their goals even on a long, challenging road.
Pleroma School Team on Running Events with SUSU.
I firmly believe that being healthy is not just a personal benefit—it’s a contribution to the community and the country. I believe that our girls, with their growing strength and confidence, will be the future leaders of Cambodia.
Today, running has become more and more popular in my community. Many running clubs now are promoting running as not just a hobby or form of exercise, but a way to build friendship and offer peer encouragement. For me, running is a personal declaration—proof that I can do something just for myself, regardless of what society thinks or how stressed I may feel.
Now, I run with purpose. It’s a part of who I am!
Running has shaped my mindset and strengthened my patience in facing life’s challenges. It has improved my health and given me a deep appreciation for what my body is capable of. While running, I often reflect on God’s goodness in my life—thanking Him for giving me strong legs and a healthy body to enjoy this activity, whether alone or with others.
And sometimes, it simply reminds me: I am strong.
If you’ve ever considered running, I encourage you to give it a try. It doesn’t matter how fast or how far. What matters is showing up—one step at a time. Because in the end, it’s a competition between you and you.