Filipinas prove women can be excellent runners too

MANILA, Philippines – Who run the world? 

Despite challenges, Filipina runners had a good showing in the recently concluded Tokyo Marathon in Japan. 

This, despite various issues, both internal and external. 

Karen Mirano, who was the second fastest female Filipino athlete in the Tokyo marathon, said that women have distinct advantages against the male runners.

“While men may have natural anatomical advantages, endurance running requires a lot of patience and mental toughness which, we women, have a lot of," Mirano said. 

The runner, a brand executive at Unilab, said she was able to power through difficulties during her training, but it did not pull her down from finishing the marathon. 

Christine Boller, the third fastest Filipina athlete in the marathon, said that during her training, she had to balance her schedule as a banker, a businesswoman and a running group leader, along with her training. 

She made it a point to listen to her body's "distress signals," and made sure to focus on nutrition to ensure that she will be on tip-top shape. 

Cecile Duran, an EENT Doctor, was able to achieve a personal best in Tokyo.

This, as she made a few tweaks in her training.  

Cecile Duran with some of the WeKenRun Women.

WeKenRun

“A marathon is not something you take lightly. I learned from my past mistakes and incorporated strength training into my routine,” she said.

Marline Capones, who ran in her first international race, said that after giving birth to her child, she went into training. 

Motherhood, then, made her a "better runner." 

Marline Capones.

Philstar.com/Euden Valdez

“I want to be strong and healthy for my daughter and someday set a good example for her to emulate. Running and motherhood have empowered me and led me to appreciate my God given strengths and capabilities,” added Marline.

Endurance sports are usually tied to men. 

Now, more and more women are participating in running and races, as Coach Ken Mendola, founder of WeKenRun, said. 

Mendola bared that there are now more men than women members in the group.

“I am amazed at how our female members, many of whom are juggling full time work and motherhood, are able to show up diligently for training and exhibit that they have the strength and willpower to excel in this endurance sport,” she said.

And with the current trend we are seeing now, expect more females to dominate the sport.