Leidz Ramirez
QEHS Executive
Running was never my thing. Until it is. I was going to take some time off after running OSIM Sundown 2019 when my friends engaged a coach to help us improve our run. I found it absurd for me, reason being I never intended to be a “pro” in this, much so to train regularly for it. I enjoyed casual running but training might not be for me, and so I thought. Doubts and hesitations aside I went on with it and joined the weekly training.
It was tough. I vividly remember that first core strengthening and drills session we had. I had to push myself hard to keep up. I had to watch closely how the drills should be done, that is the technique, the target muscle, etc. It took me two days to recover from muscle pain. But I went back the following week expecting to be pained and stretched to my limit once again. It was a battle between the mind and the body. In the end, both have to agree that they both want it if I want this to happen.
On alternate weeks the team engaged in long runs and interval training. And as weeks passed I was beginning to notice the changes. I felt my performance improved. I was running with a better technique and a stronger body. I found myself enduring long runs better compared to a few months back. I realized that by committing to train I actually gave myself a chance for something new. It brought me to see myself in a different light. I can actually do this, i thought to myself!
It was since June 2019 that I started to train under Coach Chris of Triathlon Philippines. After 5 months, I was able to redeem myself from OSIM Sundown’s timing of 3:10 to my SCSM timing of 2:39. I owe it a lot to the motivation and encouragement the team is giving me. Team Grit!
