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.