One of the things I love most about my job is being able to meet and write about some of the most inspiring, amazing individuals. On the cover of the July-September issue of Runner’s World Philippines, we featured eight exceptionally talented runners who can serve as our “life pegs”—people who motivate us to overcome obstacles, lead a healthy lifestyle, and be better runners.
Here are a few of their words of wisdom:
The Funnyman
“Fall in love with running. ‘Yung love kasi, laging nare-relate sa romantic sense. But running is exactly like love! If you see the beauty in the person and you love being with the person, then it’s love.” —Sam YG, DJ and marathoner
The Marathon Queen
“Hindi naman maiiwasang matalo, pero sa bawat talo ko, ‘dun ako natututo. Mas lalo kong pinagbubutihan ang training ko.” —Mary Joy Tabal, 2013 Milo Marathon winner
The National Athlete
“Learn how to say no. If it takes you away from your goal, say no.” —Nikko Huelgas, Team Captain of the Philippine National Triathlon Team
The Pro Paralympian
“Lahat naman merong destiny. Isipin mo lang kung saan mo nakikita ang sarili mong mag-excel at ‘yun ang pagtuunan mo ng pansin.” —Sixto Ducay, member of the WetSHOP Para Tri Team
The Ultrarunning Champ
“Train hard and set a goal. Don’t just finish—finish strong.” —Keshia Fule, 2012 Bataan Death March 160-K Ultramarathon winner
The Community Coach
“Kung ano ‘yung natutunan ko, gusto kong maituro din sa kanila para balang araw, malayo rin ang marating nila.” —Roel Ano, RW Challenge Coach and founder of Run for Kids
The Early Starter
“If you win, that’s amazing—but if you don’t, it’s okay too. You don’t lose as long as you finish.” —Sophia Almendral, triathlete since seven years old
The Fitspiration
“Running is the best workout. It’s the easiest way to lose weight if you do it regularly and at the right speed. The key to being fit is moving regularly and finding your own beat.” —Solenn Heussaff, celebrity runner (and my personal fitspiration! Can you believe she used to be overweight?)
So there you have it! Eight truly inspiring runners we can emulate and look up to. Read their full stories in the July-September 2014 issue of Runner’s World Philippines. (Buy it in bookstores and magazine stands nationwide or download a digital copy at summitnewsstand.com.ph.)
Kudos to my amazing team for helping organize this crazy cover shoot!
Photos by Jay Tablante
The Running Angel 