The Race I Didn’t Run (But Still Won) 🏃

#50 Sometimes, the best part of the journey is just showing up.

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Now jumping into today’s blog:

The Perfect Training Plan… Until It Wasn’t

I had a plan. After my holiday, I was laser-focused on training for my second half marathon on March 9th. I only had two weeks, but the first week was solid. My legs felt strong, my pace was good—I was in the zone.

Then, life happened.

Right when I needed my body to cooperate, it betrayed me. I got sick. One week before the race, I was still hoping for a miracle recovery. But as the days passed, so did my chances of making it to the starting line.

Frustration Kicked In

I wasn’t just sad—I was mad. Not because of the money I had spent, but because I wouldn’t be running alongside my friends. That’s what stung the most.

By Thursday, I had to accept reality: I wasn’t going to make it. I officially dropped out. And honestly? I felt low. Maybe it was the sickness, the lack of sleep, or just the disappointment settling in.

But then, something clicked.

The Bigger Picture

I asked myself—why did I sign up in the first place? Was it just about running 21km? No. It was about being part of something. About growing together. About showing up.

So I made a new plan.

I jumped into our group chat and announced that while I wouldn’t be running, I’d be waiting at the finish line, cheering them on. If I couldn’t run with them, I could still be with them.

A Different Kind of Race Day

This morning, I woke up early—no snooze button needed. By 6 AM, I was there, soaking in the race-day energy. The music, the buzz, the adrenaline—it was contagious. I even found myself dancing a little while waiting (because let’s be real, a finish-line party needs hype).

Then, one by one, they started crossing the finish line.

First, the 10K runners like

The Vapor Trails

, Ha. Then came

Nhung Le

, smashing her 21km goal, followed by Huyen and

Thong Vong

, Linh, Trieu, and

H3

. Each time I saw one of them sprint towards the finish, I celebrated like I had just run the race. I recorded their moments of triumph, cheered so loudly my voice almost gave out, and felt every bit of their victory as if it were my own.

The Unexpected Reward

And then—because the universe works in funny ways—they surprised me.

Turns out, my friends had planned some birthday gifts for me. Even though I wasn’t running, even though I almost let my disappointment keep me at home, they made sure I was part of the moment.

Imagine if I had stayed in bed, sulking in self-pity. I would’ve missed it all.

#mydailylearning

This day wasn’t about a medal or a finish time. It was about being there. Showing up, even when things don’t go according to plan. Because sometimes, winning isn’t about crossing the finish line—it’s about who you’re there with when they do.

Thanks supporting Son of a Viet Kieu. If you want to check out other blogs, here are my favorites!

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Keep staying awesome! #yeudoi