Tabal braces for tough challenge in LA Marathon

CEBU, Philippines - Mary Joy Tabal, the country’s marathon queen, is extra motivated to do more than what is expected from her as she competes in the Los Angeles Marathon this Sunday (U.S time) starting at the Dodger’s Stadium in Los Angeles, California.

It’s not going to be as Tabal will be facing a deep field of elite runners from all over the world. Aside from Americans, runners from 54 different countries are also set to see action.

Tabal is ready even if her long-time coach John Philip Dueñas will not be there to pace as the latter could not secure a US Visa.

Tabal had been to several international events without Dueñas that include last year's Paris Marathon where she secured a spot in the top 20 rankings. She is bent on improving as she competes alongside Raphael Poliquit Jr.

The two enjoys an all-expense paid trip by Nestle Philippines for the LA Marathon as an incentive for winning last year's National Milo Marathon.

"I just wanna improve my performance from Paris, my ranking and my time in Paris. I'm better prepared now compared to that in Paris but mas shorter yung preparation ko nang LA compared to Paris,” said Tabal.

Tabal is more prepared as she had given enough attention from training, nutrition to her conditioning.

"Basta I wanna do my best for him (Dueñas). I'm also thankful to Milo also for giving me this opportunity again to race with the elite runners from different countries and help me increase my level of competence. This would be another good experience for me," she added. — Caecent No-ot Magsumbol (FREEMAN)