Runner Stories | Ma. Lourdes “Chu” Manalastas

Runner Stories | Ma. Lourdes “Chu” Manalastas

WOMEN are NOT physically CAPABLE of running a MARATHON.

This was a long-standing belief until 50 years ago. 🤯

Thanks to the mighty women who fought before us, we are witnessing FEMALE MARATHONERS break barriers! ✊

An example is @chuzitam13, who recently completed the highly-coveted 6 World Marathon Majors @wmmajors. ⭐️

With her "1 mile at a time" mantra, she has covered hundreds of miles in races and training, resulting in these race times:

🇩🇪 Berlin 2019 - 4:56:56
🇺🇸 Chicago 2019 - 4:21:29; 2022 - 3:58:30, 2023 - 3:50:18
🇺🇸 NYC 2019 - 4:51:54; 2021 - 4:04:56
🇬🇧 London 2021 - 4:16:38
🇺🇸 Boston 2022 - 4:04:18
🇯🇵 Tokyo 2023 - 3:44:37

She squeezes her runs in between dropping off her kids to school and going to work. 🙌

Her training regimen includes
5 days of running, 1 day of cross training, and 1 day of full rest. 👌

During races, Chu offers each mile to a loved one with a short prayer. 🙏 She also counts to 100 to synchronize her speed and cadence.

Oh, her personal bests? 💁‍♀️
⭐️ 5k 23:48
⭐️ 10k 49:50
⭐️ 21k 1:49:43
⭐️ 42k 3:44:37

Chu started running with the intention to LOSE weight, but she GAINED so much more in values—discipline, consistency, time management, and hard work. 😉

You can't keep a STRONG WOMAN down! ❤️⚒️
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