The running era in the Philippines is in full-swing. Wala nang pipigil pa. All the big events get sold out in a matter of days, minsan minutes lang! Pocari Sweat and Gatorade are sometimes out of stock. Tignan mo sa grocery, madami pang bawas ang Pocari kesa coke.

This is a really good sign. Being healthy is part of a healing community. At yan ang isang maganda about having a hobby together, it builds a stronger foundation ng samahan at unity.

Pero bakit nga ba sikat na sikat ang running sa Pinas?

Una’t sa lahat, hindi ko na sasabihin na murang sport to. This has been proven wrong many times over! From the shoes to entry fees and sometimes having to stay in hotels to participate in an event, magastos tumakbo. Lalo na if you have a competitive fire and the desire to be number 1 in your heart.

So hindi totoo ang cost of the sport.

Ease of the sport? That’s a pretty good one. Gusto mo mag exercise? Put on your shoes and run outside. Sa loob ng village, sa highway, sidewalks, or even sa garahe mo lang pwede na kung isa kang pinagpala. You don’t even have to change clothes sometimes. You can see people run in their pajamas while wearing Hoka Mach 12.

Cycling was very popular because it gave people the ability to go out, socialize, and get a sweat in. Running is almost the same pero hindi mo kelangan mag tune up ng bike and prepare tons of gear just to go out. Literal na medyas, sapatos, go.

Pero siguro isa sa mga pinaka malaking reason bakit sikat na sikat ang pag takbo? Millenials.

Those born between the 80s and 90s have A LOT of baggage. Endurance sports always give that dopamine rush to help cope with the daily burden of life. At alam mo isa pang malaking reason?

Millenials are entering their 40s. And as they say, life begins at 40. Dahil dyan mo unti onting nararamdaman yung sakit ng katawan, kakaibang tibok ng puso, at kung ano ano pang sakit.

Some of the most common health problems Filipinos face are diabetes, hypertension, and kidney disease. All of these are related to our lifestyle and food. At lahat ng ito ay matutulungan ng proper exercise. And as mentioned, running is one of the easiest sports to take on. Sapatos, go.

Di mo kelangan matuto mag dribble ng bola gamit ang kamay or ang paa. Di mo kelangan mag tatalon sa court ng dala ang raketa. Di mo kelangan ng ibang tao para lang mag laro. Just your shoes. Yung iba nga wala pang sapatos eh.

At the end of the day, running is a form of healing. In the physical sense.. In an emotional sense. And even mental healing. It can be a source of achievement. A source of nutrition. And a source of inspiration.

All of these can help build a healthier life, and a happier smile. And we all know we can use a bit more happiness in this world.