CVHS Senior Nathan Nguy may seem like your typical running enthusiast at first glance, but delve a little deeper, and you’ll uncover a story of unwavering dedication and consistent pursuit of self-improvement. With his involvement in running starting three years ago, Nguy has taken a unique approach to his sport, characterizing his commitment based on perseverance rather than pleasure.
“No, no I don’t [enjoy running]. It’s hit or miss most of the time now,” Nguy said.
For Nathan, running isn’t about outpacing competitors; it centers more on personal growth and development.
“Running for me has never been competitive because it’s sort of a sport where you only really compete with yourself rather than others. So the only real goal is self-improvement,” Nguy said.
Although focused on surpassing his benchmarks, he still regularly prepares for track meets with the CVHS track team and marathons with his family, which is something he considers to be one of his most impressive accomplishments in running.
“I was capable of running a marathon in four hours and 15 minutes. That marathon is 26.2 miles down,” said Nguy. “In the past year, I’ve run three marathons.”
Considering the monotony of running’s nature, a factor Nathan personally acknowledges, and the time he dedicates to the activity, Nathan prefers solidarity and quiet during his runs to minimize distractions and optimize his performance. Despite his rigorous weekly training regimens, Nathan emphasizes the recreational aspect of his running pursuits and never disregards his physical limitations.
“On average, during my training I run about 30 to 35 miles a week,” Nguy said.. “My training stays mostly consistent, just easy paced runs at a sort of conversational pace so that I’m not burning myself out and so that I can continue to run the following day. I wouldn’t do too many hard days within a week, maybe like once or twice, but mostly just easier running days.”
Reflecting on past obstacles, Nathan recognizes the transformative power of adversity, as he previously experienced a serious injury that became the catalyst for his journey towards self-discipline through running.
“My injury facilitated my running experience. It’s what made me start running because I wanted to turn myself into a person that wouldn’t have to worry about the physical and psychological stress that an injury would get a person,” said Nguy. “My biggest support was my family. My whole family runs.”
Surprisingly, however, Nathan describes himself as very frequently burning out and not wanting to run, but chooses to use that as motivation in of itself to keep pushing himself to continue.
“Since it requires so much diligence, that’s exactly what keeps me in it. The uniqueness of the fact that anybody can go on a three-four mile run. But what makes this one different is that the consistency and the dedication it takes to keep running the following day in the following week, in the following month, without having to give up. That’s the main reason why I keep going,” said Nguy.
Looking towards the future, Nathan sets his sights on the infamous and formidable challenge, the Ironman, set to test his limits and athletic capabilities.
“My goal within the next few years is to complete a 140.6 Ironman Triathlon. It’s a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, 26.2 mile run consecutively,” said Nguy.
For Nathan, true excellence isn’t measured by speed or distance but by the pursuit of progress, day after day. To those embarking on their own running journeys, Nathan offers sage advice: embrace the process, persevere, and above all, keep moving forward.
“Start out easy. And make sure to come back the next day.”
