[Teacher's Blog] Why Running and My First Marathon

If you’re a student at NOVA online, you probably already know that all of our English teachers are from the Philippines.

Aside from improving your English skills, learning about the culture of English speakers from different parts of the world can give you fresh insights and make your communication even more natural.

Since my first steps into running, I never expected it to become anything more than a way to clear my head. But somewhere between early morning jogs and the nerves of a marathon starting line, it turned into something bigger — a quiet teacher showing me how to handle challenges, setbacks, and small victories, both on the road and off it.

This is the story of how a simple habit shaped the way I see life. From choosing sunrise runs over extra sleep to crossing finish lines despite the chaos along the way, here's what running has taught me — and maybe you'll see a bit of your own story in mine too.

Why Running and My First Marathon By Teacher Rose

Running is my go-to for reducing stress and improving my sleep quality. There's something almost meditative about lacing up my shoes and hitting the pavement — the rhythm of my breathing, the steady beat of my footsteps, and the quiet that settles in my mind after just a few kilometers. Plus, it's incredibly cost-effective. No fancy equipment, no monthly gym fees, just a good pair of shoes and the open road.

Since I'm an early bird, I usually head out for a jog or run early in the morning on my days off. There's a special kind of magic in running while the city is still half-asleep — the streets are quieter, the air feels fresher, and watching the sky slowly shift from deep blue to gold makes every early wake-up call worth it.

Signing Up for My First Marathon

I've also participated in our city's premier annual marathon, which features 6 km, 12 km, 21 km, and 42 km races. So far, I've registered for both the 12 km and 21 km events. Every time, it's a memorable experience — a chance to explore new places, discover parts of the city I'd never normally see, and meet new people who share the same passion for running.

The first time I signed up, I was a mix of pure excitement and nerves. My hands were practically shaking at the starting line. The second time around, those same feelings returned, but with an extra dose of motivation. I knew what to expect this time, and that made the butterflies feel more like fuel than fear.

Granted, the event wasn't perfect. Runners faced a few hiccups along the way, and the distribution of food and medals wasn't as smooth or well-organized as we had expected. Long queues, mismatched sizes, and a bit of chaos at the water stations tested everyone's patience. But despite those organizational issues, I felt incredibly grateful just to cross the finish line.

There's nothing quite like that final stretch — legs burning, breath ragged, but somehow finding one last push of energy when the finish line comes into view. As I approached the end of the race, it hit me: running is a lot like life.

What Running Taught Me About Life

No matter what challenges or problems we face, we shouldn't give up. Life must go on despite the surrounding negativity. There will always be moments that don't go as planned — the equivalent of poorly organized water stations or unexpected hills — but if we stay positive and keep pushing forward, something rewarding always awaits us at the end. Sometimes that reward isn't a medal or a finishing time; it's simply the proof that we didn't quit.

Every runner has a story — a first race, a personal best, or a moment on the track that changed how they see life. What about you? What's your marathon story?

Teacher Rose from Philippines

https://youtu.be/2XQu5voa8Fk?si=qTDq6kvvTvdOLsKl

Meet Teacher Rose through her warm greeting to you!

Why do we study English? There are many reasons: We study to improve our communication skills and to achieve our goals and dreams. Hi, I'm teacher Rose, and I'll be your teacher soon.

I have been teaching with different levels of students; NOVA Speed English: Daily English Conversation for teenagers and adults, Callan Hi-Speed Communication: the fast and efficient way to develop your Speaking Skills, Executive Business: focusing on Workplace English and Business Situations and NOVA Kids English: designed for young learners aged 3 and up.

I am friendly, a good listener, and approachable. Teaching is my passion; I don't just teach; I also motivate my students.

So be optimistic and discover how fun the English language is. I look forward to seeing you in my class.🌟

Learn English One-on-One with Teacher Rose

NOVA Speed English

NOVA Kids English

ทำไมต้อง NOVA online ?

• เป็นสถาบันเดียวในประเทศไทย ที่ได้รับการรับรองอนุญาตให้ทำการสอนหลักสูตรภาษาอังกฤษ Callan

• สถาบันระดับ TOP ของญี่ปุ่น ปรับหลักสูตรเพื่อคนไทยโดยเฉพาะ

• สอนโดย Professional Teacher คัดเลือกและอบรมอย่างดี

• พร้อมให้คำแนะนำ พัฒนาภาษาอังกฤษได้ตรงจุด

• คอร์สเรียนพูดอังกฤษ ออนไลน์ สะดวก เรียนได้ทุกที่ ทุกเวลา

• เลือกคอร์สให้ตอบโจทย์ได้ตามไลฟ์สไตล์

สอบถามข้อมูลเพิ่มเติม

ติดต่อเรา

02-109-5196 กด 1

LINE : @novaonlineth