MANILA, Philippines ? More than being an ?in? sport and a relatively inexpensive way to stay fit, running, few people realize, is an activity that anyone can do. I?m certainly proof of that: then close to 30, with average athleticism and a desire to do the opposite of hours of sitting and thinking as a writer, I attempted to run around the pretty little park in the village where I lived. The run ended quickly as I was too winded to finish a lap around the park that measured less than one kilometer.

But an unexplainable affinity for the sport (and, my greatest asset, a hard head) urged me to keep trying and trying. Months later, I was running laps, albeit awkwardly; soon, I was venturing around the village?s streets, which then led major thoroughfares, when I decided to sign up for the then few and far between road races.

Despite my goofy stride and unscientific approach to training, I managed an occasional finish among the top 10 women of national footraces.

Somewhere along the way, running became more meditative than competitive, so in 2002, I walked away from racing and headed towards the quiet and little known path of ultrarunning?that is, running longer than the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometers.

Sure, it cost to put your own long, multi-day runs together; for a time, my modest personal resources forced me and my running partner Mateo Macabe to reach destinations hundreds of kilometers away with nothing more than a change of clothes in backpacks strapped tightly to our bodies.

Ultimately, ?ultra? is the operative prefix: if ultrarunning can be ultra painful and ultra difficult, it has also brought me ultra happiness, ultra fulfillment, and ultra unforgettable experiences. Runs from Manila to Tagaytay, Nasugbu, Rizal Province, Baguio and across the Philippines from Davao City to Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, have left lasting memories in my mind, the kind that still makes me smile and gets me excited just talking about it.
God only knows what Takbong Pangarap, our 12-state, 5,000-km run from California to New York will yield once Mat and our project manager Chuck Crisanto finish in September, but at the very least, I?m sure there will be more stories to tell.

First awkward jog

Looking back, this ambitious run across America?and all other runs before it?would not have happened if I didn?t take that first awkward jog around the park. Running may or may not lead you to the same road that I?ve tread, but it?ll definitely lead you to other great things?among them, a trim figure, healthier heart and body, new friends and an affordable alternative to exercise. Here?s how to get started.

Get your doctor?s okay before starting. This is an important rule, especially if you?ve been sedentary for years or have pre-existing conditions like hypertension and diabetes.

Walk. Friends who jumped into the sport with no exercise background have sworn off running after waking up with sore and stiff legs after a first attempt. Get your legs and heart used to the activity by walking in a leisurely place for 30 minutes to an hour. When that gets easy, alternate walking with an easy jog (try the one minute walk/one minute jog ratio). And when that gets easy, lengthen your running time over your walking time until you find yourself running all the way.

Follow your own pace. You can worry about speed later when you start joining road races, a fun way to meet new people. See how you do against fellow runners in measured distances and set foot in roads that you would otherwise cross in a car. Build your stamina for the sport, allow your body to slowly ease into the activity and be patient with results like weight loss, endurance, speed and running form: if you keep at it, these things will come in time.

Go for a shoe fit rather than a shoe size. For instance, it took years on the road (not to mention huge blisters and dead toenails) for me to realize that I run well on US men?s 9 ? shoes. Buy socks that aren?t too thick that they cramp your shoe, or too thin that you feel the ground you?re running on. A shoe that blends cushioning and stability is your best bet. Don?t be shy to try as many styles and brands until you find your right match: shoes are the most important tool of the sport, so invest wisely.
Eat and drink like a runner. Carbohydrates are running?s fuel, so this isn?t the time to practice the South Beach Diet. Eat a balanced mix of complex carbs (whole grains, vegetables) and protein (fish?s omega-3 fatty acids bode well for the heart and joint support), and load up on rice and pasta if you?re going to run long. As for hydration, water is fine for easy runs that last no more than 30 minutes. Reach for an electrolyte-rich sport drink when your run lasts longer than 30 minutes or is under extreme heat.
Have fun. It?s my number one piece of advice. People get into running for different reasons, but if you?re not enjoying yourself, or find yourself asking ?Why am I doing this?? then perhaps the sport isn?t for you.