At the start of 2011, Twila Manlogon made a decision. \u201cI was pregnant with my son when I took an interest in running. Of course, I still couldn\u2019t back then, but I couldn\u2019t wait to do it once I gave birth and I was good to go.\u201d She took inspiration from the people around her, naming her friends, colleagues, and even her doctor as examples of people who were enjoying the sport she wanted to try. \u201cI was so amazed that they could still train despite their hectic schedules. I wanted to be that kind of woman, too\u2014the modern day alpha female could kick ass, fulfilling her work and familial obligations, and still having some quality time left for herself.\u201d<\/p>\n
But Twila had to put her ideal on hold after giving birth, realizing the many changes a single mother had to face. \u201cI tried my best to be everything and do everything at once, and yet it still felt like my life was spinning out of control.\u201d She took a break from work to focus on being a new mother, but this still left her at a loss. \u201cI was able to take care of my son, but I felt useless and miserable because I couldn\u2019t do the things other people could do. I gained even more weight, and my self-esteem was an all-time low,\u201d Twila recalls.<\/p>\n
Months passed, and Twila slowly picked herself up. Twila worked the night schedule at a BPO, and she used this to her advantage. \u201cI was already used to being up before the sun was out, and I live less than a kilometer from a mall with an open parking lot. It was the perfect time and place to start.\u201d<\/p>\n
As with any new endeavor, Twila met challenges: \u201cI first started jogging, and I could barely complete a lap around the mall\u2019s perimeter. It felt like I was dying every time!\u201d But the early difficulties did not stop Twila. With each day, Twila found herself running longer and longer distances, until the day arrived that she felt that her day wasn\u2019t complete without a run. From the parking lot perimeter, Twila found herself exploring nearby towns, picking up her speed at each kilometer.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll of these, I did and achieved on my own,\u201d Twila reflects. \u201cNo one forced me to get out early, and nobody ran with me all the while. I took comfort in the solitude and got to know myself better. I haven\u2019t stopped running ever since.\u201d<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Twila Version 2.0 Text Block” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” text_font_size=”14″ use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]<\/p>\n
Twila Version 2.0<\/strong><\/p>\n Twila labels her struggles before running as the \u201cDark Ages” of her life. From short-distance runs, Twila progressed and took on longer distances\u201410Ks, half and full marathons, and eventually, ultramarathons. Twila became a boni fade runner, bagging finishes that would land her on the podium, beaming at each instance.<\/p>\n The single mother didn\u2019t just kick start her running career\u2014she also received a promotion at work. She credits the positive changes in her life to running. \u201cRunning is the best decision and longest commitment I\u2019ve ever made. It is the fuel that energizes me to become a better mother, a better career woman, a better person. Why should I stop when it brings so much positivity in my life?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cToday, my goals have changed, and I run not only for fitness, but because it makes me feel good. It brings endless optimism and sunshine into my life. And I would like to be that sunshine to other people. Passion is contagious and with mine, I would like to encourage women to take control and kick some ass!\u201d<\/p>\n Looking back, Twila realized that the changes didn\u2019t stop with her career and motherhood. \u201cBefore all this, ayoko man lang na pagpawisan ako<\/em>. Ngayon<\/em>, I\u2019m super outdoorsy, outgoing\u2026 Before medyo suplada ako<\/em>! But now, I feel like the best has been brought out of me.\u201d In her runs, Twila has met many people who have shared their life stories with her\u2014and for a girl who seeks inspiration from the world, Twila has found the motivation to keep going. \u201cI get inspiration from everywhere. And this inspiration is what you translate into other parts of your life.\u201d<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image” src=”http:\/\/www.atletaako.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/CPL_30944.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”on” url_new_window=”off” animation=”fade_in” sticky=”on” align=”left” force_fullwidth=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” text_font_size=”11″ use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” custom_css_main_element=”line-height: 150% !important;||margin-top: 20px;”]<\/p>\n Photo by Charisma Lico, Edge of Light; Make-up by April Feliciano; Hair by Jannet Saberon. Clothes by Running Skirts and Alii Sport, Shoes by Saucony, and Shoelaces by EZLaces \u2013 all from www.atletaako.com.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image” src=”http:\/\/www.atletaako.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/CPL_30712-e1448179039712.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”on” url_new_window=”off” animation=”fade_in” sticky=”on” align=”left” force_fullwidth=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” text_font_size=”11″ use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” custom_css_main_element=”line-height: 150% !important;||margin-top: 20px;”]<\/p>\n Photo by Charisma Lico, Edge of Light; Make-up by April Feliciano; Hair by Jannet Saberon. Clothes by Running Skirts and Alii Sport, Shoes by Saucony, and Shoelaces by EZLaces \u2013 all from www.atletaako.com.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_text admin_label=”On to New Adventures Text Block” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” text_font_size=”14″ use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]<\/p>\n On to New Adventures<\/strong><\/p>\n For the past four years Twila has been on the road, one thing she has learned is not to look back. Even with the distances she has run, she remains humble: \u201cI strive for continuous improvement.\u201d<\/p>\n Twila knows that her journey would not have been possible without the support of her loved ones. \u201cI have a great relationship with my family and friends. They understand my work, and where I\u2019ve come from. That\u2019s why I am able to do everything I\u2019m doing.\u201d With a good support system, time management, passion, and determination, Twila is able to achieve everything she sets her mind to.<\/p>\n Today, Twila treats herself with care. After work, she trains at least four times a week before going home to do her chores. She eats mindfully. And she tries new things that will bring even more joy into her life. Recently, Twila has found herself running on trails, finding more stimulating experiences. \u201cIt\u2019s very rewarding\u2014the views, yung pagod, yung init.<\/em> I don\u2019t know, really. When I tried it, I fell in love with it! I\u2019m trying to get better now. I\u2019m not as strong yet, but it\u2019s okay. Nag-e\u00ad<\/em>enjoy ako.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s never too late,\u201d Twila says as her message to women who want to start an active lifestyle. \u201cThere\u2019s no deadline for anything, but you\u2019ll have to really want it for yourself. Circumstances will dictate, and then dire-diresto<\/em> na \u2018yan. They will see the positive effects over time, and they will see results.\u201d<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image” src=”http:\/\/www.atletaako.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/CPL_31402.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”on” url_new_window=”off” animation=”fade_in” sticky=”on” align=”left” force_fullwidth=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” text_font_size=”11″ use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” custom_css_main_element=”line-height: 150% !important;||margin-top: 20px;”]<\/p>\n Photo by Charisma Lico, Edge of Light; Make-up by April Feliciano; Hair by Jannet Saberon. Clothes by Running Skirts and Alii Sport, Shoes by Saucony, and Shoelaces by EZLaces \u2013 all from www.atletaako.com.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”Row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Twila’s Journey Title Block” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”center” text_font_size=”25″ use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]<\/p>\n Photos from Twila Manlogon<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider admin_label=”Divider” color=”#e5e5e5″ show_divider=”on” divider_style=”dotted” divider_position=”center” divider_weight=”1″ hide_on_mobile=”off” height=”5″]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”Tiled Gallery” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”center” text_font_size=”14″ use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]<\/p>\nTwila’s Journey<\/h1>\n
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