By Mariah Louise Miciano and Joshua Kyle Beltran 

Since the start of the year, many people have taken interest in a familiar yet underrated sport—running. Whether it is to set a new personal best (PB) in a half-marathon or begin their health journey, the physical activity has skyrocketed in popularity, proving itself to be more than a pastime. As we set foot into the running era, let us take a look into how this endurance craze has gotten people to lace up and join the movement themselves. 

One step forward, a step back from life’s difficulties

Behind people’s partaking in the fast-paced sport is the commitment to change. By being progressive in tackling one’s goals, it has, in turn, created a consistent tempo of purpose and fulfillment.

In an online interview with FEU Advocate, fourth-year Exercise and Sports Science student Miguel Enrique Fabros mentioned he wanted to switch up his fitness regime. 

“I started running this year and entered my ‘running era’ solely because I want to get back in shape. When I was still consistent on exercising, I was just 50 kilograms. I’m 76 kilograms right now, [so] I want to explore more about this field,” Fabros shared. 

To keep track of his pace and progress, Fabros started a challenge he calls ‘#MarchMove’ where he runs every day to build his foundational base. This is to establish better endurance and fitness in order to perform more intense runs later on. 

As for fifth-year Architecture student Peter Floyd San Jose, he shared how running can create a sense of discipline, such as when prepping for a full-42k race.

“My ultimate goal [in running] is to run a marathon and [eventually] an ultramarathon! Along the journey of preparing for those, I aim to have discipline not just in training but also in my lifestyle… It is easier said than done, but once you have the discipline to do so despite your personal challenges, improving other aspects of running will follow,” he shared.

As the saying goes, “discomfort is temporary, but PBs are forever.” This means that we must learn to recalibrate our habits and deal with hardships to attain our ultimate goals.

Amid the challenges of being a student, second-year Medical Technology student Stephanie Nichole Ian Casem emphasized how the cardio-induced workout distracts her from the pressure of school. 

“Running felt like the perfect way to disconnect from all the academic pressure while also working on my physical and mental well-being… It also gave me a sense of accomplishment and allowed me to stay active, which was something I hadn’t focused [on],” Casem expressed. 

Just like when a runner trains for a race, one must remember to maintain the balance of taking it slow on easy days and going all-out on the hardest to prevent burnout and to further boost toward our goals in life.

Familiar faces, shared paces

Running can also be a way to form deeper connections with your friends or to develop new relationships with fellow runners. Undoubtedly, running alongside others gives you the boost you need to continue grinding towards your target pace. 

In turn, the influx of runners has created a sense of community among others, influencing one another to engage in the sport, which explains its popularity. 

Fabros agrees that running together with close friends eases the physical demand and intensity of track days.

“[It's] super enjoyable tumakbo kasama ng friends kasi nagiging bonding niyo na rin lalo na ngayon some of my friends are really busy na… Ang benefit din siguro na kapag friend mo ‘yung kasama mo is hindi mo ramdam ‘yung pagod (It's super enjoyable to run with friends because it becomes your bonding too, especially now that some of my friends are really busy already… Another benefit is when you run with friends is that you don’t feel the exhaustion),” Fabros said. 

This sentiment is similar to San Jose’s; discovering a pack to join is a refreshing start on the track side. This led to the creation of the Far Eastern University (FEU) Run Club.

The FEU Run Club is a group initiated by third-year Accountancy student Margarette Macatangay. It encourages Tamaraws who share the common interest to connect with each other and put in the steps together.

“I used to jog with a few friends and orgmates, and we would always call ourselves the ‘FEU Run Club’ whenever we posted about our runs on Instagram… What started as a playful joke turned into a real community of Tamaraws who share running tips, plan group runs, and support each other in staying active,” Macatangay reminisced.

On the other hand, Casem is grateful that running is starting to be acknowledged as a way to bring people closer together while taking care of one’s well-being.

“It’s more than just a trend; it's a way of life that helps people feel better. The community of runners is really inspiring too. There’s a sense of connection among runners, whether you're a beginner or someone who’s been running for years,” the Medical Technology student shared. 

Indeed, the sport not only promotes physical health, but also healthier interpersonal relationships. 

Where's a good sprinting spot? 

Part of the joy of putting on your shoes is how it takes you to new places. Whether you enjoy the nature breeze or the city lights, its element of discovery is what sets it apart from other sports—giving a sense of thrill and refreshment.

Common locations such as the Academic Oval in the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman Campus have gained popularity among runners. Despite the distance for some, Tamaraws who reside within the University Belt choose this spot for their speed sessions.

_{In Photo: Runners enjoy the sunset while jogging their daily steps during Eid’l fitr at UP Diliman, last March 31. (Joshua Kyle Beltran/FEU Advocate)}

Casem emphasized how the atmosphere in UP Diliman helps her run more efficiently. She described that the trees around the campus help with her breathing, while the peaceful ambiance calms her mind—far from the usual noisy city life. 

Other known running routes include Ayala Avenue in Makati City and Tomas Morato in Quezon City. Car-free initiatives are also present along Gil Puyat Avenue in Makati City just recently.

_{In Photo: Runners and bikers trail Ayala Avenue during a car-free Sunday morning. (Rappler.com)}

While it is not a requirement to run in these spots, its people-tailored spaces reeled in more runners and in turn increased the demand for more open, safe spaces.

Third-year Financial Management student Raezon Gonzales, who initially ran along España Boulevard, supported such initiatives.

“I like these car-free initiatives because they provide a safer and more conducive avenue for runners like myself. I hope that there would be more avenues like these kasi mas maraming taong ma-e-engganyo tumakbo (because it encourages more people to run),” he said. 

As runners started picking up the pace, so did foot traffic, which has highlighted issues regarding safety. From blocked sidewalks, narrow roads, and congested traffic, Tams are urging for more favorable running conditions.

San Jose emphasized the value the car-free programs offer to common citizens. 

“It is high time that we bring the streets back to pedestrians... As we are seeing the value of our health and social life more, I hope that all cities and towns invest in open and public spaces,” he stated.

Meanwhile, fourth-year Business Administration student Kenneth Thomas Canque hopes that such programs are implemented for the sake of the people and not the personal gain of political candidates.

“I think car-free initiatives are good, I just hope they’re going to be around forever. [But] the sad part about going car-free is that it’s used as a platform to popularize [political] candidates. Don’t get me wrong, hindi mali mangampanya pero (it’s not wrong to campaign but) the fact that it was used for political plus points just irks me… Nonetheless, I welcome the new change,” the student shared.

In this era of Tam runners, healthier habits, stronger relationships, and firm stances are formed. Having the time to focus on our well-being is just as important as making an effort to assess what’s better for the community. Thus, the currently trending sport is not merely a chance for clout, but rather an opportunity to elevate the platform for runners—formulating the ultimate game plan and striding towards an active lifestyle. 

(Illustration by Mary Nicole Halili/FEU Advocate; Photo by Joshua Kyle Beltran/FEU Advocate; Photo courtesy of Rappler)