Shedding 26 lbs and revitalizing her mental well-being, Gel's story is a beacon of hope, proving that it's never too late to renovate your life through fitness.

When I first started, I never envisioned myself going this far, but I firmly believe that with Pinoy Fitness and the unwavering support from this inspiring community have been instrumental in my ability to sustain this sport for such an extended period.

Sa mga katulad ko, kailangan subukan mo muna bago ka umayaw. Unti unti lang, huwag mong biglain, observe. Kahit lakad lang, ilang minuto lang. Kapag makapag adjust ka na, hahanapin mo na yon.

The TBR Dream Marathon 2023 was definitely something that I will cherish for the rest of my life.

Running alone is definitely a profound endeavor. It reminds me of a hero’s personal battle, like the journey of Hercules (cue in Michael Bolton singing “I will go the distance”) just to prove one’s worth – more to yourself than to anyone else.

The race is not just a competition, it's a reward for all the hard work and dedication put into preparing for it.

Self-love is finding the balance. In a world where everything is trying to get your attention, it’s a good challenge to be comfortable with some quiet me-time.

I saw this marathon as a personal goal and challenge; a commitment only I could embark on. Dito natin pwedeng sabihin ang “the pandemic made me do it.”

Unless you’re blessed with favorable genetics suitable for running, beating the SUB1 10K challenge requires a certain level of dedication, consistency, and hard work from those who would dare to try.

Running a SUB1 10K is a real challenge, especially for runners who just started during the pandemic.

“If you’re starting now, and you're stuck at one point, then start again, as long as meron ka pang goal, alam mo kung saan ka papunta, just keep on starting, and focus. Kahit Day 1 nang Day 1, that still sums up to more than none.”

When asked about one of her best realizations, Aless said that the first and most important choice you will make is either “Day 1 or one day?”

After that first session, he remembers saying to himself that he enjoyed the sweat, “Nabuhayan ako. Ang sarap pala mamawis!”

While virtual challenges have already been out there before the pandemic, the scene became even bigger because of the lack of physical races and a need for motivation.