Tabal trains in a facility in Japan. (Contributed photo)
STILL MONTHS before she returns to Cebu, Mary Joy Tabal is already eager to share what she has learned from renowned Japanese marathoner Akio Usami with the kids of Barangay Guba in Cebu City.
Tabal is currently in Japan to train for her stint in the Boston Marathon slated April 18. A lot is at stake in her Boston stint as she is aiming to qualify for a spot in the Rio Olympics this August.
While in Japan, Tabal said she has learned a lot from Usami. And she can’t wait to share these with aspiring Cebuano kids who are under her grassroots program for running with the partnership of the Cebu City Sports Commission.
“My main motivation here is to do my best to accomplish the Olympic dream. But I am learning so much that I can’t wait to share these new ideas with everyone, especially the kids,” said Tabal, whose training in Japan is backed by MotorAce Philippines.
Some of the things she learned was routine, coaches and athletes behaviors, nutrition and discipline.
“It made me realize what was lacking in our training. And I know that if we bring this to the country, our Filipino athletes will be world-class as well. I was blessed to have been given this opportunity and I will make sure I share this when I get home,” said Tabal.
When she gets back from her stint in Boston, Tabal said that she is planning to tap Kawasaki Motors, Milo, GGC, Asics and her team Motorace Racing Team to help her realize her plans of sharing her knowledge in the country.