Hannah Pangilinan recounts how she transformed her love for running into both a personal mantra and a communal calling
Things come and go as swiftly as the next viral TikTok trend. More recently, local communities are embracing a love for a heart-racing, sweat-inducing activity: running. At the forefront of this exhilarating wave is Hannah Pangilinan who has transformed her love for the sport into both a personal mantra and a communal calling.
What began as a simple desire to stay fit during the pandemic has evolved into something far more profound for Pangilinan—a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and an unshakable connection to a growing community of runners who share her passion. Today, as she leads the charge with her club, Just One, she isn’t just running, she’s setting the pace for a cultural shift that’s as much about mental clarity and collective spirit as it is about crossing the finish line.
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On getting started
The pandemic, while a tense time, offered pockets of opportunity for people to slow down. Pangilinan was no stranger to this experience and embraced running for very human reasons: fitness and feeling good. “There was nothing to do, and I also thought it would be nice to be a little bit more fit because I didn’t work out at all when I lived in Australia.”
This return to fitness was more than just a way to pass the time; it became a critical part of her life, filling the gap left by her once-active high school days. “I was an athlete in high school, so it was very unlike me to not work out… I was just not happy with my fitness level.”
Over time, a humble approach to fitness led her to join the Boston Marathon with her friend, Abby Corvera. Luckily, they were neighbors, which allowed them to train regularly and hold each other accountable throughout the process.
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While she started running with a simple goal in mind, that mindset morphed into something more sustainable. “Running was more out of necessity at the time.”
She notes, “I started running because I wanted to address a concern, but I’m continuing to run because I realized that in pursuit of that goal, there were so many benefits I didn’t even consider in the first place. Better sleep, how much I eat, my exposure to sunlight… Your body craves it. I definitely think I’m a happier and more well-rounded person.” Running has exceeded her own expectations and is now an integral part of her lifestyle.
Chasing more
“I think the main thing is that we can’t always be chasing a goal.”
When asked about what running has taught her, Pangilinan expresses how she’s learned about looking beyond a goal. “I was in a talk a few weeks ago where the speaker said, ‘We can’t live life just for milestones.’” She points out that while working towards something is important, it is equally important to be able to sustain that progress and prevent it from declining. “I should just always be at a level where I’m fit enough to compete in these races. So I’m trying to make training a lifestyle thing now instead of something I do just because I have an upcoming race.”
Running also showed her what she can do—the capabilities of her mind, body, and soul when she sets her mind to something. “It’s not just physical training. It’s also training the mind to go for hard things and to convince yourself that you’re capable. If I put the work in, I’m capable.” She even disclosed that when she is not entirely physically prepared, her mind still grants her the willpower to see things through. “It’s crazy what the body and mind can do together. I did a race a month ago where I know I didn’t train properly, but I raced better than I thought I could.”
Leading a community
Just One is a run club that launched in June 2024 and has amassed one of Metro Manila’s largest running communities to date. This is an initiative by Pangilinan and coach Ani de Leon, and introduces a simple, non-intimidating approach to running.
When it came to starting the club, she already knew her north star. “I have a guiding verse in every project I do. This one is Zechariah 4:10, and it’s even on the back of every medal. It goes: ‘Do not despise the small beginnings.’” She acknowledges the difficulty in starting something, especially when you have an end in mind or a version of yourself you find too far from reach. “That’s the whole concept of Just One. I wanted to help people recognize that beginnings, though they are small, are so powerful. I wanted people to sign up for the fun run and say, ‘Okay, this is my beginning.’” Indeed, small efforts always go a long way.
Aside from getting across her message, she wants to share the joy she experiences from running with others, and hopes that it will keep them going.
What she finds great about the system of a run club is its inclusiveness to all kinds of people, from beginner runners to professional ones. Just One has four different pacing groups depending on fitness levels and intensity, so members are able to regulate their effort as they please. Moreover, the community aspect lifts some pressure off your shoulders. “It helps in the relatability aspect. You’ll run with everyone. Even if they’re professionals or they’re elites, you see them having a hard time breathing. I’m also having a hard time breathing. It humanizes people.”
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Running on the rise
It is safe to say that running has become a well-loved sport over the years. Pangilinan observed that a reason for this may be the sport’s accessible nature. “It’s not a sport that has a lot of parameters—you don’t have to be a member somewhere or you don’t need expensive gear to start.”
The community-building part may also be a reason for this phenomenon. “People feel FOMO! We’ll do things if our family is doing it—if our friends are doing it. Fun runs and run clubs seem like a good enough excuse to get yourself outside of the house.” There is also the necessity for social interaction alongside that exhilarating feeling of getting ready to go somewhere. “We want to go out. We want to get ready. We want to post about it. I think running is a perfect way to marry fitness with our social batteries.”
Pangilinan duly notes that in tandem with the growing demand for running is light being shed on a need for better public spaces, community initiatives, and government intervention. “We don’t have the best roads. We don’t even have sidewalks. But since the fun runs are happening, there are lots of road closures. That helps. I think our communities are recognizing that people need space.”
Once the trendiness of the sport dwindles, she believes it will evolve into something that is better integrated into our lives instead of being a one-off event occurrence. She also thinks it will reinforce our need for social interaction beyond our closed circles. “I think that’s why run clubs are so fun. You’re meeting new people and we’re losing those abilities to be able to do that. We need that as humans—as a species—and we are losing that. I hope that running evolves into us just being more open.”
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Charging forward for Hannah Pangilinan
As someone who has created a space and nurtured a community, seeing people progress is among the beautiful things Pangilinan gets to experience.
She is constantly inspired to see people taking that first step, and deciding it for themselves. For her, these are worth celebrating, whether those steps take you far or last for a few moments. It encourages her to keep going, too. “It’s not like I’m giving and giving and giving. I watch them get better and they thank me. I’m also on the receiving end and it makes me want to do this more.”
Pangilinan encourages those who want to give running a shot to simply make the decision and charge forward. “It’s worth trying because what are you gonna lose?” To her, the simplicity in going out for a run is actually what can rid one of excuses. “There’s no barrier. You can do one and you literally just ran. You’re a runner!”
“The joy will come. I wouldn’t say it’s instantaneous,” she follows up, explaining how people run for different reasons, therefore finding your anchor is what will keep you going. There are people who run to be around others, people who run with a race or goal in mind, people who simply need to step outside because they spent the whole day working from home. “I encourage whoever wants to go for a run to find your ‘why.’ Everyone’s gonna have a different reason.”
All things considered, running will always circle back to the same philosophy for her—simplicity and power with just one. “So why not run? What is it gonna do?”
Just One is hosting the Just One Fun Run on Sept. 15, 2024, in Vermosa. If interested, register here.
