Building a solid stride: Beginner-friendly tips for the BPI #BestLifeRun Corporate Race

A transition from basketball and weightlifting in 2013 sparked Coach Ryan Rentillo’s running journey, leading him to complete his first full marathon at The Bull Runner just a year later. For Ryan, the ultimate appeal of running is its convenience for the 8-to-5 corporate routine, allowing busy professionals to easily log miles early in the morning or after office hours to beat the city traffic.

While training offers individual flexibility, the BPI Best Life Corporate Race brings powerful team energy back into focus—proving that you aren't just running for yourself, but alongside your peers. To help you navigate the pavement, Coach Ryan shares his essential, practical tips for participants ready to cross the finish line and kickstart their collective "running era."

What should runners in the 5K, 10K, and 21K distances focus on as race day approaches?

Coach Ryan: For 21K runners, trust your training. Gamitin ang taper week para makabawi ng lakas ang katawan at mag-“sleep bank,” dahil madalas mahirap nang makatulog sa mismong gabi bago ang race.

For 5K and 10K runners, mas nakapokus sa bilis ang training nito kumpara sa 21K. Ang pinaka-tip ko, huwag magpadala sa adrenaline ng gun start para hindi ka agad mahila sa mabilis na takbo. Magsimula muna sa mabagal na pace, i-control ang heart rate sa unang 2 to 3 kilometers, saka dahan-dahang kunin ang target training pace mo.

Sa mismong karera, huwag makipagsabayan o ma-pressure sa takbo ng iba. Kung ano lang ang pinaghandaan at tinrain mo, doon ka lang mag-stick.

For a total beginner who has never joined a running event like the BPI #BestLifeRun Corporate Race, what do you think is the best way for them to start this habit? 

Coach Ryan: Magsimula muna sa shorter distance. Huwag mong i-pressure ang sarili mo na tumakbo agad nang mabilis o malayo. Sa simula, huwag mo munang isipin ang pace—i-build mo muna ang solid foundation kahit sa walking lang. Habang tumataas ang mileage mo sa training, isabay mo ang strengthening workouts. Kahit bodyweight workouts lang at hindi ka mag-gym, okay na yun, basta consistent.

What should runners eat and drink before and during the race?

Coach Ryan: The day before race day, avoid muna ang spicy, high-fiber, and oily food. One hour before the race, kumain ng light pre-race snack—ang meal ko usually ay sandwich, banana, and peanut butter. Then 30 minutes before, mag-load ka ng around 300 ml ng electrolytes. Kung gagamit ka ng energy gels, sundin lang ang instructions kung kailan ito dapat kunin.

During the race, sundin mo lang ang nutrition at hydration plan mo. Huwag mong isagad na uhaw na uhaw ka na bago ka uminom. Every 2K pwede ka nang mag-hydrate.

One of the unique aspects of the BPI #BestLifeRun Corporate Race is that participants run in groups, whether registering as a company or as part of a running club. What do you think is the benefit of running with a group of friends or colleagues versus running completely alone?

Coach Ryan: Malaki ang difference ng training alone kumpara sa pagiging bahagi ng isang team o run club. Kapag may kasama ka tulad sa Best Life training natin, nagkukwentuhan kayo kaya hindi mo napapansin ang layo ng distance at hindi mo gaanong ramdam ang pagod o pressure. Malaking tulong din ang run club sa motibasyon; dahil may set schedule at kasama ang mga kaibigan, mas madaling i-convince ang sarili na mag-workout kahit sa mga araw na tinatamad ka dahil masaya ang buong session.

What is your number one tip for anyone joining their very first BPI #BestLifeRun Corporate Race?

Coach Ryan: Ang pinakaimportante sa kahit anong event, lalo na sa Best Life, ay ma-enjoy mo yung race dahil yun naman ang ini-aim ng BPI. Huwag mong masyadong i-pressure ang sarili mo. Enjoy the run lang para magaan ang pakiramdam mo habang tumatakbo. Ang mahalaga, mag-enjoy ka lang from start to finish.