Running Towards his Goals: Wittenborg Student Completes Zandvoort Circuit

02.06.2025

Arshia Baharloueiyancheshmeh Shares Journey of Physical and Mental Fitness

For Wittenborg student Arshia Baharloueiyancheshmeh, running is more than a hobby – it is a way of life. Currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Sports Business Management, Arshia began running while still living in Iran.

“I started practising more seriously after arriving in the Netherlands in August 2023. At first, it was just a way to clear my head and deal with the stress of moving to a new country, not knowing anyone and adjusting to a new environment. It quickly turned into a routine, kind of like my own space to reset and reflect,” he says.

According to him, the biggest positive effect of running has been mental. “Running gave me a sense of control and accomplishment, especially when everything else felt uncertain. It also helped me stay disciplined, which translated into my studies, coaching and daily life. Plus, it’s a great way to explore new places and meet like-minded people, whether during events or just out on a trail.”

One of Arshia’s recent accomplishments was completing the Zandvoort Circuit Run, which partly takes place on the famous Formula 1 track and along Zandvoort Beach. In March, he ran both the 4 km course in the morning and the 12 km course in the afternoon. “This wasn’t my first event; I’d participated in a few smaller races before, like 10 Ks and local runs, but this was my longest race so far and one of the most memorable. I’ve always been passionate about fitness, but I wanted to push my limits both mentally and physically,” he comments.

In addition to regular practice, the student’s preparation for the event included a balanced diet. “I prepared for about three months, following a structured plan that gradually increased my mileage each week. I usually ran twice a week – a shorter run on weekdays and a long run every Sunday. I also incorporated strength training and stretching to avoid injuries. Moreover, I focused on a balanced diet with a good mix of carbs, proteins, and healthy fats. A week before the race, I started carb-loading,” he explains.

Most of Arshia’s training was solo, but he did occasionally run with a few friends who were also preparing for the race. “On race day, I ran alone but had friends cheering me on, which really helped.”

According to the student, the beach section was the most challenging part of the race. “It was windy, and the sand made it tough to maintain rhythm. But the nicest part was entering the racing circuit, with music and spectators around. That gave me a burst of energy! Finishing the race was a mix of exhaustion and pure joy. My legs were tired, but I felt an incredible sense of accomplishment and pride. It was one of those moments where the mental victory outweighs the physical pain.”

Looking ahead, Arshia is planning to take part in other races and eventually complete a full marathon in the Netherlands. In addition to running, he is involved in several other activities, including serving as the president of Wittenborg’s student representatives and volunteering as a coach for the U18 basketball team at WSV Basketball Club in Apeldoorn.

The student highlights that he got involved with the club shortly after moving to the Netherlands, adding that coaching these young athletes has been one of the most rewarding parts of his journey.

“At first, I helped with small tasks during training sessions but eventually, I was trusted with leading a team myself. The club is very community focused. We work a lot on player development, teamwork and confidence, both on and off the court. Most of the players are between 16 and 18 years old, and it’s been amazing to watch them grow not just as athletes, but also as individuals. It’s honestly like being part of a second family,” Arshia concludes. 