American Runner

Today, November 7th, 2025 is a pretty significant personal milestone for me. On this day 45 years ago my family migrated from the Philippines to the U.S. I was 11 years old. I distinctly remember three things from that day. Our first meal, which was a piece of cold Kentucky Fried Chicken from my uncle's house. Second, how cold the weather was, especially coming from a country known for two weather types, hot and humid. Finally, I remember exhaling a sigh of relief. America. We were in America. 

Fast forward to 45 years later I wish I could honestly say the America I came to, grew up in, got to know and love most of my life is the same America today. Sadly, it's not. Today the America I see is very divided. And it hurts me. It scares me. It seems that race, background, choices and political views have divided us. And for me being an immigrant, because I came here instead of being born here I sometimes feel unwanted. Today the color of my skin makes me feel inferior. 

But I refuse to give in. I refuse to carry fear. Despite all that's going on in the world, I am lucky to have a haven. I discovered it about 30 years ago and the importance of it today is more profound than ever. It's called running. My running friends and all other runners around me are the most wonderful people I can be with. There is no division with running. Because no matter your race, age, background, choices, beliefs, color, immigrant or not, there is no division. I am also lucky to work for a local Run Specialty store where everyone I've met, work with has done nothing but make me feel safe and wanted. 

As a running coach, it makes me so happy that my 5am Tuesday track sessions brings out everyone. White, Black, Asian, Hispanic. The young, the old (my hand raised here), gay, lesbian. This is one of the benefits I get from the running community. The people I surround myself with help me learn and grow as a human being. When I'm at the start line of a race, whether it's a 5k or the marathon, I always look around and see the most diverse group of people. It's a very inspiring experience to be part of. It is humbling. This is the America I knew and hope to know again. Whether you're in the front of the pack, middle of the pack or the back of the pack, everyone's goal is the same. Get to the finish line and to be successful. All along the way we support and encourage each other, push each other and lift each other up. It doesn't matter who you are or where you are from. Because it shouldn't. In my eyes, every runner here in America is an American Runner. Running makes me feel like I've got it figured out. I don't. But at least for a few miles, it feels like I do.

a Quintessence of Running

once upon a run

Tearing Up the Track

Getting up at 4:30am sounds miserable. Even more so getting up at 4:30am and heading to a local track by 5am to do a workout sounds miserable AND terrible. Here’s what I would say because someone said it to me, it’s mind over mattress. It’s not that bad. I know it sounds simple, just get up. Once you’re up, lace up and head out. I’ll be there, waiting for you.

Once 5am hits, let’s do a little warm up. One mile broken up by 4x 400 with a 60-90sec rest. A tad faster each lap just by a few seconds.

Now you’re ready. Ready enough. Here comes the workout: A pyramid, cut down, ladder, maybe throw in a mile. Why not? What else are we going to do? We’re already here. Now when you’re in the middle of the workout, at the backstretch rounding the turn, arms pumping, breathing heavy, opening up that stride, your heart rate is elevated. You are in a fight. A battle with yourself. Each lap you run by me, each lap you finish you win the fight. Over by the 200, above the tree line the sun comes up. It’s so beautiful, the sunrise. Next thing you know we’re down to the last interval. This is when I say Gut It The F**K Out! And you do. You always do. I see it. The effort is amazing to watch. It’s so inspiring. That’s why I’m out here coaching. You inspire me.

Everyone is welcome here. This oval place. It’s our weekly 5am domain. Spring to Fall, I’m here waiting to welcome you. I don’t care what your pace is. That’s because when you’re here, you do not worry about anyone else except you. The most important thing you do here is improve yourself. There is no first place, no middle place, no last place. This is every runner’s place.

Love. Run. Repeat.

When I wake up in the morning knowing I'm about to go for a run, that day is going to be a special day. What makes it special is the simple fact that I get to do something I truly love. I love getting up early, putting on the appropriate apparel, grabbing my choice of running shoes, lacing them up and heading out before the sun rises. When the sun finally rises and you happen to strategically or accidentally be running in a spot where the sunlight hits your face and you feel its warmth, it’s when I feel the most alive. 

I love the quiet, the stillness and peaceful atmosphere of an early morning run, especially out on the trails. It's my temple, a place to do my runs. It feels like the whole world is still asleep and I am already moving. I love feeling my body slowly come to me, my breathing sits into a rhythm as my heart settles into a rate that is neither pushed or laxed. I'm just in this flow. I know this sounds strange but I feel almost nothing. It's just me and my run. 

A run can sometimes be euphoric, a dream state. It takes your mind elsewhere. As I'm running I think about the people, places and things I love. The story in my head swirls like the wind. It touches every aspect of my life. Sometimes you visit the past but it's always better to look ahead, see where you are going and be in the moment you are in. It's like watching the trail in front of you. Pay attention and picture your life and where it's going. I love my circle of true friends who keep me lifted during my times of feeling down. How lucky I am I have these kinds of people around me. Sometimes friends come and sometimes they go. The truest ones will never go no matter what you go through. l love the job I have working for a small run specialty business. It allows me to connect with runners in the community. I hear their stories. When you become part of their story it becomes even bigger. I love how my running helps me get through my dark moments. We all have these unpleasant times and they derive from many things. A loss of a loved one, an illness, an injury that halts or impacts your running. Relationships you are in that you realize carries more hurt than happiness. It makes you wonder whether it's worth it or not. A run can help you see it more clearly. Sometimes you just have to let it go. 

Running is universal. It’s the human body's most raw form of freedom. It overcomes your body. It will make you stronger. Along with the good runs there will be bad ones. It's just life. You have good days and bad days. But do your runs right. Run just enough for you and no one else. It will keep you healthy and it will help your mental and spiritual state become solid. You will believe that you can can handle any fucking thing life throws at you. For now I will keep looking for trails, roads and mountains worth bringing my stride to, landing my feet on. Runs that will continue to give me make profound experience. I know one day all this will cease. My body will age, my mind will falter and I will become part of this world.

Until then I will Love. Run. Repeat. 

Youth Running Camp

For some running starts at a young age. Whether gearing up for cross country, track or getting ready for another sport, kids benefit from having a commitment and a routine. A routine that help them be accountable, stay active while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This summer Once Upon A Run launched its first youth running camp. OURun camp’s purpose is not only have these young runners be in this routine but to make sure its driven by two components, two have FUN and then RUN!! We are happy to have the maximum 15 kids in camp.

Jodi D - Testimonial

A couple of years ago I hired Vic to train my boys during Covid. I wanted them to keep active while staying safe. At that time, I told Vic I had some goals and maybe we could talk about them once he was finished with the boys. Not really thinking that I would actually have him as my coach. My first goal was to be able to run a 5k without walking. At that time, I could barely run a mile. The first time we ran together I was embarrassed and couldn’t imagine what he was thinking. Well, that embarrassment was short lived. Vic was so understanding and supportive of where I was in my journey. He always encouraged me and cheered me on. We have become great friends over our many runs together. With his help, not only was I able to run a 5k without stopping, but I also just finished my first half marathon. I couldn’t have done it without him, and I wouldn’t have wanted to. Thanks for the times I talked you into breakfast instead of running and I’m sorry for all the times I said I hated you. Love you! #bestcoachever.

Stefanie F. - Testimonial

I have been running for about 10 years and training on my own, never working with a coach. When I made the decision to run my first marathon, I knew I could not tackle it alone. After meeting with Vic, I knew he was the right coach for me; he was genuine, extremely knowledgeable, and interested in my goals as a runner and as a person. After thoroughly discussing my goals, Vic created a personalized plan that balanced running and strength training, while also prioritizing rest and recovery. Throughout the entire process, Vic was honest, supportive, and responsive. He was just as invested in my training as I was. We spoke daily and adjusted the plan as needed based on my feedback and performance.

After 20 weeks, Vic’s plan and support got me to the start line injury free and feeling confident and strong. I am certain that without Vic, I would not have been able to confidently accomplish my goals. He’s more than a coach; he’s a friend, a mentor, and an inspiration.

Why I Run

A Quintessence of Running

This is a foot race. But in many ways, it’s a little more than just a foot race. 100 kilometers in Wyoming’s Red Desert. A desolate, somewhat barren landscape. But yet it holds a peaceful beauty in itself.

This is not a race to win. This is not a race against the other participants. What this is, is a race against the course, the 19hr cut off and most important, a race against yourself.

Often the question why comes up. Why intentionally put yourself in a harsh, rugged and lonely environment where your body and your mind are being pushed to the brink. For me, the answer is personal. For me it’s the only true way of continuing to discover myself, finding out through the pain and misery what I’m capable of. At the same time the hours of being alone allows my thoughts and emotions to let go of all things negative and look forward to things of the opposite.

I have this gift to endure. I use it to my advantage. If I don’t push myself beyond my limits, I will never get stronger. So, while my mind and body still allow me, I will keep pushing because I want to get stronger.