SEA Games gold medalist Erika Burgos offers inspiring advice to aspiring runners, encouraging them to embrace the hard work and develop a passion for the process.
Starting your running journey can feel like stepping into the unknown.
The first few runs might leave you breathless, your legs heavy, and your mind wondering if the whole endeavor is worth it.
But SEA Games gold medalist Erika Burgos knows exactly how those early struggles feel—and how powerful it is to push through them.
At the recent Pasay Leg of the Sante Barley Trilogy Run Asia, Erika raced to victory in the women’s 21km category with a time of 1:28:45. But her real win is the mindset she’s built along the way—and the message she wants every new runner to hear.
“It’s going to be hard at the beginning,” Erika says, recalling those first tough miles.
“But when you finally find your rhythm and start to see yourself improving… that’s when everything changes. Improvement isn’t just about time or distance. Sometimes it’s your mindset, sometimes it’s your body, and it’s different for everyone."
Ask yourself: Why do you run?
Is it because running makes your body feel stronger? Is it your mental escape from a busy day? Or maybe it’s the small, satisfying moments when you realize you’re better than yesterday.
Erika stresses the importance of discovering your own reason to run.
“Hindi pwedeng running lang ako kasi nakikita ko ginagawa ng iba. Dapat nakikita mo sa sarili mo na gusto ko mag-run kasi healthy siya for my body, or nakakatulong siya na break when you work. Or simply, because you want to see that you’re improving every day.”
Running isn’t only a physical challenge—it’s a mental battle too. There will be days when every step feels heavy, when giving up seems easier. But as Erika reminds us:
“You just have to get over the hard part because the improvements are all worth it talaga.”
So when the next run feels tough, remember this: every painful step is part of your progress.
The grind will test you, but it will also grow you. Find your rhythm, hold onto your why, and trust the journey—because every step forward is a step closer to your strongest self.
Watch the full interview here: