Discovering life through sports - Hector Yuzon
Running - a big part of Hector's life
31 year old Hector Yuzon is an avid runner and triathlete who is currently living in The Philippines. He is a familiar face in the Manila Filipino running community as he owns two running specialty doors in The Philippines and is frequently seen at local running and triathlon races. The Secondwind Running Store is a result of his passion for running.
It is heartening to meet like-minded runners that share the same passion for running as me. And the passion that Hector has for running is evident. His running specialty door is what I would call, one of the few authentic running stores in Asia. They remind me of the running stores that you would see in the U.S. As Hector puts, he literally lives and breathes running now. No complaints. It is a dream that he has successfully pursued. Perhaps, his story might inspire or motivate some of you to follow your dreams and turn it into a reality.
Preparing his gear for a triathlon race
Speaking at a shoe expo
What does running mean to you?
Running to me is a journey into self discovery - both literal and metaphorically speaking
You love running so much that you left your job in a corporate company to pursue your passion and opened a running specialty door. Was it an easy decision to make and how has owning a running specialty store fueled further, your passion for running?
I loved my life with Nike. I love the brand and how it motivates all athletes in different shapes and sizes. The main difference now, is that I am able to concentrate on the one sport that I love - running. Live it, eat it and breathe it.
What is the best advice that someone has given to you, with regards to running?
One word. Pacing.
If you were trying to persuade a friend to pick up running as a sporting activity, what are the top 3 benefits that you will list?
1) Meeting people through group trainings - great opportunity to do social networking.
2) Setting personal bests. There is always a new target to set for yourself, no matter the level that you are at.
3) Knowing yourself more physically and metaphorically.
What is your favorite distance to run in a race? Why so? Do you just focus on one distance and try to improve on your performance for it or do a variety of distances?
My current favorite distance is 21km/half-marathon. It is just enough to push yourself and see how much you have in your tank. Currently, I’m trying to focus on my 10k timing and hoping to achieve an improved timing.
Last year, in the middle of a race, you proposed to your fiancée, why did you choose that proposal method?
Running is pretty much a large part of my life and I wanted to pay tribute to it. It was also through running and Secondwind where I first met her.
Recently, you were sponsored to participate in a marathon in Los Angeles. How was it like running in a race overseas compared to The Philippines?
The main difference in the race experience for the LA Marathon versus a local race back home, is that the former is well-supported by not only the organizer, but also the spectators. Also, the weather is different from what most are used to back in Manila so if anyone were to participate in a race in the U.S, do give yourself enough time to climatize!
The current trend is for runners to travel abroad to join a race be it a triathlon or a marathon. Do you feel that participating in a race overseas is a beneficial experience for runners to at least have once in their lifetime, or it is just a fad? Why?
I see it more as a slot in every runners' bucket list.
We all want to run a certain race because it is both a vacation and a chance to travel to a new place. The marathon is the perfect excuse.
In the past few years, many running blogs have populated and blog runners are increasingly sponsored by various sporting brands to endorse the brand, write reviews or run in a race to promote it. Do you feel that if you are running in a race because you are sponsored, that you will feel pressured to perform well? Also, if a blog runner is endorsing specific brands, would their reviews be biased in favor of the sponsor?
In my personal opinion, yes, sponsored athletes are pressured to perform well as there are expectations to meet. As for a sponsored blogger, yes, reviews would tend to be biased as he or she will be given free products from the brand and there is an expectation to give a favorably review.
Do you follow any specific routine pre-race and have any favorite ‘race outfit’ or items that you will always use for a race?
My pre-race outfit would be my Nike split leg shorts, Nike singlet and optic nerve shades that has a self adjusting tint.
If I want to be inspired to run, what book will you recommend me to read?
Honestly, I don't read. A book that I often hear runners talking about is Once a Runner by John L.Parker Jnr.
Finally, who is your running idol and why?
The age grouper and the chase pack. Because they are the runners who have more heart and fuel to finish what they have started!