A Journey of Endurance and Friendship: My Experience at the Bhutan International Marathon 2023
By Thinley Lhendup, 2023 Runner-Up
As I sit down to reflect on my experience at the Bhutan International Marathon (BIM) 2023, I’m filled with a wave of emotions. The journey leading up to the event was nothing short of transformative, both physically and mentally. A few months before the marathon, I had been training relentlessly for an international marathon with my coach and fellow national athletes from the Bhutan Amateur Athletic Federation. Every day was a test of my limits, filled with early morning runs, grueling workouts, and the constant challenge to push myself further.
But beyond the physical training, what truly made those months special were the people around me. We weren’t just athletes running together; we became a family. We supported each other through every obstacle, every tough day, and every small victory. That bond, forged through shared pain and determination, is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
When the day of the BIM half marathon finally arrived, I remember feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. The energy at the starting line was electric, with runners from all walks of life gathered to take on the challenge. As the race began, every step felt like the culmination of months of hard work, not just for me but for all of us who had trained side by side.
Crossing the finish line in second place is a moment I’ll never forget. It wasn’t just about the medal—it was about everything that had brought me to that point: the early mornings, the sacrifices, the unwavering support from my family, my coach, my teammates, and my best friends. I could feel their pride as I crossed that line, and in that moment, I knew that this wasn’t just my victory—it was ours.
Running has changed my life in so many ways. It has taught me discipline, resilience, and the importance of setting goals. Each day of training has helped me realize that the real battle is within ourselves—the constant struggle to push past our limits, to wake up and run even when we don’t feel like it. The habit of running has grounded me, giving me focus and clarity not only in sport but also in life. It’s a time to reflect, to clear my mind, and to find balance. And this habit is something I believe everyone should embrace, even if you’re not a competitive runner.
Running, at its core, is about more than just physical fitness. It’s about mental strength. It pushes you to keep going when your body wants to stop, and that mindset carries over into every aspect of life. It teaches you how to manage stress, how to stay determined, and how to find joy in the simplest of achievements. Whether it’s a short jog or a marathon, running helps build a habit of perseverance that can uplift every area of your life.
Looking back, I realize that while competition pushes us to be our best, it’s the friendships and shared experiences that truly fuel our journey. The camaraderie I found during the marathon, both with my fellow runners and with the supportive crowd, reminded me of why I started running in the first place. It’s not just about winning; it’s about the people who believe in you, the ones who cheer you on even when the road feels too tough.
Today, as a national athlete under the Bhutan Olympic Committee and the Bhutan Amateur Athletic Federation, I continue to run, driven by the same passion that fueled me through BIM 2023. But now, more than ever, I know that the path ahead isn’t one I walk alone. It’s filled with the strength of my community, my friends, and the memories of races like BIM that remind me of why we keep pushing forward.
So, to anyone thinking of running a marathon, I say this: It’s not just a race. It’s a journey—one that will test you, shape you, and in the end, connect you with something much bigger than yourself. And trust me, the habit of running might just be the best gift you ever give yourself.