Virtual Fitness PH

Jewel de Luna’s Running Journey: From Pandemic Hobby to Marathon Dreams

In 2021, amid the global pandemic, Jewel de Luna was seeking a physical activity to keep herself occupied and healthy. This quest led her to discover running. Her journey began with a virtual race organized by 7/11, where she completed a 21km run. This initial experience sparked a passion for running that would soon become an integral part of her routine. Running 3-4 times a week, Jewel found solace and purpose in the sport.

The virtual runs and cumulative runs provided Jewel with structured goals to aim for. These events gave her something to look forward to and a sense of community, even in the virtual space. However, the beginning was challenging. Jewel struggled with her breathing and overall stamina, but her desire to improve drove her to train relentlessly. She ran every night after work or early in the morning before her job, dedicating her weekends to training under the sun to acclimate to the heat.

In October 2022, Jewel participated in her first road race, the Sub1 10km. This experience was a turning point. The excitement and sense of accomplishment from the race solidified her commitment to running. Without a coach or running group, Jewel relied on her own research and online tips to guide her training. She continued to participate in local races, gradually increasing her distance from 10km to 21km. The idea of running a 32km race and eventually a full marathon started to take shape in her mind.

The path to her first full marathon was filled with rigorous training, personal discipline, and significant expenses. Jewel’s preparation spanned over two years, but the effort paid off when she crossed the finish line of her first full marathon. The sense of achievement was profound, validating all the hard work and dedication she had poured into her training.

A major source of inspiration for Jewel came from seeing Anne Curtis, a well-known Filipino actress, complete two of the world’s major marathons. This accomplishment showed Jewel that women could also excel in the marathon world. Motivated by this, Jewel set a new, ambitious goal: to achieve a six-star medal by completing all six World Marathon Majors and achieving a good finish time.

With this goal in mind, Jewel’s dedication to running intensified. She understood that the journey would be long and challenging, but she was prepared to face it head-on. The support of her training team, Endurance VO2 Max under Coach Matt, played a crucial role in her progress. The guidance and encouragement from her coach and teammates provided her with the motivation and confidence needed to push her limits.

Jewel’s training philosophy revolves around two key principles: embracing the pain and not complaining. These mantras have helped her navigate the toughest training sessions and races. They remind her that every runner, regardless of their speed, faces their own challenges and triumphs. The essence of running, for Jewel, lies in enjoying and embracing the sport, regardless of the pace.

Running has brought about a significant transformation in Jewel’s life. It has taught her resilience, discipline, and the importance of setting and pursuing goals. Each race, training session, and small victory has contributed to her growth as a runner and as a person. The friendships and support she has gained through running have added a communal aspect to what can often be a solitary pursuit.

Looking ahead, Jewel is excited about future races and the progress she will continue to make. Her journey in running is far from over, and each step brings her closer to her ultimate goal of earning her six-star medal. To anyone considering taking up running or pushing their boundaries in any sport, Jewel’s advice is simple: start small, stay consistent, and embrace the process. The journey may be tough, but the rewards are immeasurable.