Interview #10 for Inspiring Women Who Run.
Dyna Lopez Aves is a lady runner from Quezon City who I ran with at the recent Run United Philippine Marathon. We became friends on Facebook last October when we were both embarking on our first half marathons in our respective home countries so it was such a pleasure for me to finally meet and run together with Dyna in Manila. I find Dyna inspiring because of her love and passion for the sport and her strong will to finish with respectable timing at races! Curious to know more? Read on below.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I am a 47 year-old mother of two boys aged 21 and 19. I am presently connected with BDO, the number one bank in the Philippines today as Junior Assistant Manager handling loans accounting.
What made you get into running and how long have you been doing it?
My best friend Ryan is the one who encouraged me to run, he registered me – against my will – for a 5K distance in SlimmeRun last April 17, 2010 and the rest is history!
What’s your typical training pattern like?
I don’t have any specific training pattern, I just run and enjoy it. If I have time I do workouts to strengthen my legs but not regularly because I still prefer to just run, especially outdoors.
Do you have any special diets?
Next question please, haha! Kidding. I have tried a lot of diet programs but nothing works! I’m not exactly eating “all you can” at present but at least I ensure that I consume enough energy food to sustain my training. I eat a heavy breakfast with viand (main dish) and brown or red rice (1 cup only), light lunch without rice then have my dinner on or before 5pm (last meal) with rice again.
What is your favorite race distance and why?
My favorite race distance is the half marathon because I can finish the race still strong and not be totally drained. In fact I can still dance hip-hop even after running 21km! My personal best time for this distance is 2:19.
What was your favorite race? Where was it and why?
My favorite and most memorable race is the 37th Milo Marathon 2013 the country’s longest running-footrace, because this is where I ran my first full marathon with a time of 5:10:26 and ranked no. 1,067 out of 2,268 runners and no. 5 in my age category & gender. It will always hold a special place in my heart.
Tell us about your proudest achievement in running to date?
Again, I am super proud of my performance in Milo Marathon. I got the most coveted medal before the 6 hour cut-off. Runners who reached the Finish Line 6:01 up were not give the medal and the Finisher’s Shirt.
Go out and run, not later, not tomorrow but now! – Dyna Aves
Do you have any other goals which you have not yet achieved in running?
Yes of course! I want to run a marathon with a sub-5 time!
Tell us what the running experience is like in the Philippines?
Filipino runners keep on saying it again and again: Running is More Fun in the Philippines! Pinoy runners talk, laugh, jump, hop, dance or sing while they’re running, unlike in some races where runners barely speak and all you can hear is just feet stomping on the ground. We love to smile and pose for a picture even at the toughest mark while we are catching our breaths to make sure we look good at the photos for uploading on Facebook right after the race! Running photographers are everywhere here in the Philippines every time there is a race and yes, it’s free! We have big races almost every Sunday and registration kits are selling like hotcakes.
Do you have additional advice or shout-out to say to all lady runners out there?
I just love to run. Running changes everything and I can’t imagine life without it. Go out and run, not later, not tomorrow but now!
~*~
Thank you Mama D for this interview. Philippines is definitely a fun country to run in!
Fairy
Latest posts by Fairy (see all)
- How I Started Open Water Swimming - April 21, 2018
- Life’s Lessons at SMH Half Marathon 2017 - May 25, 2017
- The Royal Coastal Walk recce - August 30, 2016