The Rochelle-Merrell Connection

CEBU, Philippines - Living is like running. Along the way on your track in life, essential questions come to mind: "Who am I?", "What am I here for?", "Why am I doing what I do?" Upon approaching the finish line, you look back and ponder some more on how it had all been for you.

It's running - actual running - that lends meaning to Cebuana triathlon champ Rochelle Tan's life. In fact, a very sound life, as it's the thing that closely connects her with her father, Tyrone, who is a big influence in her passion for running. Back in grade school, she remembers, the two of them would run lapses.

Later on, the distance to conquer stretched into miles, as her father encouraged her to take up a commercial flying course. That way, he told her, she could both "fly low and fly high."

Her feats in road races and trail runs qualified this 21-year-old runner to represent the Merrell brand of footwear and apparel for women who are into sports and athletics.

According to Team Merrell, Rochelle is chosen as one of the brand's ambassadors because she embodies what a Merrell woman is: strong, driven, passionate, goal-oriented, and an influencer among the youth, women and outdoor enthusiasts.

Merrell marketing associate Denice Sharina Lao says Rochelle Tan excels in her chosen sport and exhibits versatility by being into triathlon and aircraft flying and, thus, is perfect to represent the global leader of outdoor performance footwear that Merrell is.

In our chat with her, Rochelle revealed herself further:

The FREEMAN (TF): You've got such a pretty face and nice skin, and yet you're not afraid of the sun.

Rochelle Tan (RT): I have been much into sports. I'm very athletic ever since, so the sun is never an issue to me. It's my mom (Ma. Cristina) who consistently reminds me "don't get too dark, papangit ka na nyan." It's really just a matter of hydrating yourself properly and dabbing on a healthy supply of sunblock or sunscreen.

TF: What are your responsibilities in this partnership with Merrell?

RT: Ever since naman Merrell has been very supportive to Cebu runs, so I've known the people and the product for quite a while na. But lately lang, there's this endorsement (deal) where I'm expected to share about Vibram technology and the close-to-barefoot run.

TF: I've read about the merits of barefoot running, that it is actually advisable since the brain is more receptive to strong sensation and immediately adjusts to the needs of the runner. Very smart, right?

RT: Yes, it is. In fact more and more runners train for barefoot running. But we also have to consider cushion to our feet to prevent further injury. We should go for shoes with sticky rubber sole grips that allow users to experience a barefoot stride, are waterproof, and with shock absorption plate for added foot protection. Safety is always on top of the (number of) kilometers that a runner can tackle.

TF: Have you had an injury because of wrong shoes?

RT: Yes. I think every runner always has his share of that. Sa case ko, it was a sprain lang naman. The pain was kind of managed well. Pero the worst that I went through was a bike injury in Pampanga. I had this hairline crack in my clavicle. Pagod kasi kami sa trip and the race started early, so while I was on my 400-meter race, nakatulog ako onboard the bike! (Laughs)

TF: Let's get to personal matters: I'm curious about your "potential" in attracting the male runners. I'm sure some are eyeing at "forging a partnership" with you, is that right? (Laughs)

RT:  Ay! I don't want to be assuming. (Laughs)

TF: Or maybe you're not keen on entertaining those glances of interest because you're already taken.

RT: I am!

TF: Who's the pretty lucky guy?

RT: My gym-mate. Two years my junior. He's into running too, but not really the competitive type.

TF: Seriously now. In running, you flaunt "Mercury Wings"; in flying, "Iron Wings". Running and flying are both done against the wind. There's a close relationship between the two, am I right?

RT: Both require patience and discipline (time discipline especially). Being late (for example) is mortal sin in a pilot's work. I've learned of an airline company that sacks pilots who are tardy three times in a row.

TF: This is a silly question, I know. Well, silly is as silly comes; I'll throw it in anyway. Why can't runners wear knee pads and elbow pads to save their bones? (Laughs)

RT: It's too heavy. If you notice, runners are getting into skimpier clothing. The little there is on, the greater the advantage. Light as a feather.

TF: I'm just thinking: If there's barefoot - or almost barefoot - running, maybe protective pads can also be devised ultra-light but still offer extreme protection?

RT: Anything is possible. But as for now I think runners would align with ways they could reap real advantage of.

TF: You've taken up BS Biology. Are you aiming for a physician's job?

RT: It's kind of a fallback. If I can't be where I would want to be in flying, there's always a four-year degree course to back me up. But my heart is into completing flying hours right now and my direction would be to find a job in a local airline company to acquire sufficient training, then move on to be among women pilots internationally.

TF: As part of the Merrell campaign, will we be seeing more of you then in run clinics and race seminars? Or perhaps motivational talks in schools?

RT: I'm not so sure yet about tour plans or any campus itineraries. But, yes, I will be speaking on the merits of owning a Merrell pair of running shoes for its exceptional benefits. I will be raising awareness that the M-Connect Series is designed not only for serious runners, enabling solid ground connection, but for hikers and other multi-sport athletes and enthusiasts as well.

TF: Which pairs should go into the shopping list?

RT: The M-Connect Series. M stands for minimalist. It's made up of four key collections - Barefoot, Bare Access, Mix Master, and Proterra. Each collection was built for a different purpose, yet they all address the specific needs the outdoors demand, offering heightened ground feel and new design.

TF: I noticed the shoes are in multi-colors. Any particular reason for this?

RT: Oh, the runners have grown "kikay" through the years. Many would love to use a combination of striking colors, as these also serve as reflectors. These shoes also feature improved ground traction, secure fit, and made with quality microfiber and breathable air-mesh material. The catch is that you can get a pair for less than P4,000. (FREEMAN)