Cavite: The ASICS META: Time: Trials (MTT) Philippines, a distinctive 10K race emphasizing personal performance over traditional competition, is scheduled to take place on October 19 at the Vermosa Sports Hub in Cavite. The ASICS Running Club (ARC), the official training ground for MTT participants, offers structured programs led by seasoned coaches Precious Aguilar, Jasper Tanhueco, and Dean Ellison Cunanan.
According to Philippines News Agency, the ARC focuses on setting personal goals for beginners, whether it’s completing a first 5K or achieving a new 10K personal record. Aguilar, a former track and field athlete, emphasized progress over speed, stating that the journey is about personal growth. Cunanan, a former collegiate runner and Garmin coach, added that pace groups assist runners in training at their current level while striving for improvement.
Tanhueco highlighted the importance of warm-ups, cool-downs, and drills to prevent injury, stating that success stems from consistency and proper form rather than intensity. ARC organizes free group runs for both beginners and experienced athletes every Tuesday at Glorietta 2 in Makati and every Friday at the Mall of Asia Sky Garden.
These sessions are designed not only to enhance fitness but also to build community, foster accountability, and create a supportive training culture. Tanhueco, also the secretary general of the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA), noted the strong sense of community among the runners.
Cunanan emphasized that live coaching, proper pacing, and shared experiences make training more effective and enjoyable. He mentioned that keeping the energy high through humor or singing encourages participants to push harder.
Aguilar highlighted the importance of mental strength, urging runners to stay connected to their purpose and remember their ‘why’ during challenging moments. The coaches advise runners to remain consistent, trust their training, and not be intimidated by the clock, focusing instead on personal bests and enjoying the journey.
Cunanan advised runners to adjust their effort on Vermosa’s rolling terrain, while Tanhueco cautioned against last-minute changes, emphasizing that consistency surpasses intensity.