A few days ago, I finished my 10km run in the HOKA Trilogy Run Asia National Finals. The event was held in Manila, which served as the epic culmination after finishing the three (3) races conducted this year.
It was my first experience to participate in TRA, and I'm glad that I did it despite having second thoughts. Flying to Manila just for a running event seemed to be a luxury for me as a non-athlete, obviously because I just did it for experience and not to become a podium runner. But at that moment, I wanted to see a new perspective outside my comfort zone so then I decided to join and feel the moment. And indeed, it is true that even if we don't need to spend a lot to become healthy, there is always a "race day magic" whenever we join annual events.
For those who don't know, HOKA Trilogy Run Asia (formerly known as "Runrio Trilogy"), was a multi-destination running event founded by Rio dela Cruz that challenges participants to finish within a year. Various distances were available ranging from 5 up to 42 kilometers, and the races were strategically arranged in a way that prevented runners from injury. The three races (Leg 1, Leg 2, and Leg 3) took place in cities like Baguio, Cebu, Bacolod, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, and Manila. You can read more details about this from my previous post last July 2024.
Unfortunately, I got injured a day before the Leg 2 event, so I decided to give the slot to my brother instead of selling it to someone else. In the venue, I was there to support him as his personal photographer LOL and I think he enjoyed the experience. :D
After finishing those races, the qualified participants were encouraged to join the National Finals event which was only held in SM MOA Complex. So, as a newbie runner in the TRA, I decided to participate in Manila as well, in order to see and enjoy the culmination. I was happy to meet some participants from Davao, and just like me, they flew to Manila just for the same reasons as mine, but I believe they were more prepared than me because they brought the three medals with them. I realized at the hotel that I actually forgot to bring those interconnecting medals!!!! Huhuhu please don't do the same mistake that I did.
Anyway, the event was so organized and there were lots of freebies too. We took a lot of photos, and enjoyed listening to the music while the program was going on. I noticed some participants that were injured in the race, no wonder they prepared many stations to give first aid. The ambiance was great, and honestly, I have no regrets in joining TRA this year despite the cost.
So this was the final outcome after finishing and collecting all four medals. I had no choice but to forgive myself from the mistakes, and move on hahahha XD Anyway, I really like the design and its vibrant theme, very suitable for athleisure wear. I hope that my friends and coworkers would be interested too, as it will also spark motivation if they want to join the running era.
#runningera #sport #runrio #personalstory
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