FOR JOHN Philip Dueñas, the trainer of multi-titled runner Mary Joy Tabal, his prized ward is ready for the Boston Marathon.
Tabal capped off a 49-day training in Japan under the tutelage of renowned Japanese marathoner Akio Usami to prepare for her biggest race set April 18 in the USA.
This race is a qualifier for the Rio Olympics this August, which makes it really important for Tabal.
The qualifying time for the Rio Olympics is two hours, 45 minutes and three minutes.
Dueñas told Cebu Daily News that Tabal learned a lot in Japan.
“She is very disciplined right now in terms of her diet, self-confidence and other aspects of her skills in running,” Dueñas said.
He added that the 2015 Southeast Asian Games women’s marathon silver medalist also learned a lot of new techniques that can help her land a spot in the Olympics.
Tabal already showed improvements when she dominated a 21-kilometer half-marathon race in Japan. In the process, she shattered an eight-year-old Philippine record for the 21-kilometer half-marathon.
Tabal clocked 1:18.44, besting the 2008 record of Christabel Martes, which was 1:18.46.
“Her training there was really good. I think the only thing she lacks is her familiarization of the route in Boston,” Duenas said.
Tabal is set to fly to Boston today. She will be with Milo Marathon officials in her campaign there.
Tabal qualified to the Boston Marathon after winning in the Milo Marathon National finals.