Maritess De Ocampo

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Ayn Bernos

<p>For many beginners, running can feel intimidating even before the first step. There are fears of being too slow, not looking athletic enough, or feeling left out beside more experienced runners. It does not help that social media may make the sport seem reserved only for elite athletes.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:514px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1778497893791Ayn Bernos_2.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner"><em>Ayn Bernos at the 2026 FCC Women’s Run PH </em></span></span></span>But for content creator, host, and multisport athlete <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aynbernos/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ayn Bernos</a>, the beauty of running is far simpler than that. In an interview with ABS-CBN Lifestyle she says, “Running is for everyone. As a slower runner, I used to feel intimidated by more seasoned athletes. But it is your journey and no one else’s, so try to focus on your own pace and your own progress. Run for you.” </div><p>That mindset became more meaningful during the 2026 FCC Women’s Run PH, where more than 16,000 women gathered at SM Mall of Asia to compete and celebrate movement in all its forms. Some participants chased personal goals. Others walked with friends. Many showed up just for themselves. </p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:513.865px;display:block" width="513.865"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1778498096134Ayn Bernos_1.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:513.865px;height:auto" width="513.865"/><span class="fr-inner"><em>Ayn Bernos proudly finishing the race with more than 16,000 women in celebration of International Women&#x27;s Day</em></span></span></span>Bernos shares, “It was so lovely to be surrounded by so many women while running,” she shares. “Some were chasing personal records and others were walking just to celebrate International Women’s Day. It really reminded me how we could be in such different stages in our lives but still be united by movement.” </div><p>With wellness conversations shifting to being more inclusive and less obsessed with perfection and weight-loss, Bernos’ approach feels especially relevant for people who have always wanted to try running but never believed they belong or they are good enough.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/health-beauty-fashion/2026/4/16/no-need-to-go-to-the-gym-try-this-15-minute-routine-to-feel-energized-1804" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">RELATED STORY: No need to go to the gym: Try this 15-minute routine to feel energized</a><strong></strong></div><div><strong>You Don&#x27;t Need to Be “A Runner” to Start Running </strong></div><p>One of the biggest misconceptions of beginners is the belief that runners are born naturally athletic. Bernos understands this because she once felt like this too. </p><p>“I grew up saying, ‘I’m not a runner,’” she admits. “Unlearning that has been the most empowering experience for me, especially now in my 30s, because I learned that there is so much I’ve yet to discover about myself.” </p><p>For beginners, that may be one of the most important lessons of all. Running, in fact, does not require a certain body type, speed, age, or fitness level. Instead of focusing on distance or pace from the get-go, Bernos encourages beginners to think about movement as a form of self-discovery rather than self-punishment. </p><p>“How amazing is it that you get to unlock new things about yourself no matter your age?” she says. </p><p>That shift in perspective can make running less intimidating and overwhelming. The goal is not to become the fastest person in the room overnight. The goal is simply to begin.</p><div><strong>Why Beginners Quit Too Soon </strong></div><p>Bernos believes that for many first-time runners, the hardest part is not physical exhaustion, but rather, comparison. Some stop because they think they are not progressing fast enough. Others become discouraged or pressured after seeing more experienced runners. Many also assume that if running does not feel easy right away, they must be failing. </p><p>But she thinks otherwise and feels beginners need to give themselves more grace. </p><p>“I would often feel bad for my lack of speed and performance to be honest,” she says. “But I always have to remind myself that I am a recreational athlete with a lot of other responsibilities outside of this.” </p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:514px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1778498712858A_HOKA_S26_D_Mach7_DTL_197.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner"><em>Photo courtesy of HOKA</em></span></span></span>Not every run has to be extraordinary. Not every athlete has to compete professionally. For Bernos, real strength is not defined just by medals or finish times alone. </div><p>“It’s showing up every day despite our other priorities,” she explains. “I have to be proud of myself that despite it all, I do show up.” For beginners struggling with consistency, that may be the healthier mindset to adopt. Sometimes, progress can simply be continuing. </p><div><strong>How to Choose Your First Running Shoe </strong></div><p>One of the most common questions beginner runners ask is whether the “right” shoe actually matters.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:514px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1778498877897F_HOKA_S26_W_Mach7_DTL_175.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner"><em>Photo courtesy of HOKA</em></span></span></span>For Bernos, the answer is yes, but for simple reasons. She encourages beginners to focus on three things:</div><div><strong>1. Comfort Comes First </strong></div><p> “In order to enjoy your runs, it’s important that your shoes are comfortable,” she says. “Walk in them, run in them in-store if you have to.” A shoe can have all the newest technology, but if it feels uncomfortable, beginners are less likely to enjoy running consistently. </p><div><strong>2. Cushion Can Help Beginners Feel More Supported </strong></div><p>Bernos personally prefers shoes with more cushioning, especially for longer runs. “I love my shoes with more cushion,” she says. “Beginners might find these more forgiving, too. For people just starting out, softer cushioning may help runs feel less intimidating physically, especially during recovery days or longer distances. </p><div><strong>3. Style Can Be Surprisingly Motivating </strong></div><p>Fitness does not always have to be serious. “As a self-proclaimed <em>maarte</em> runner, I admittedly feel more motivated when my gear is just as <em>maarte</em> as I am,” Bernos says with a laugh. For her, enjoying the look of your gear can genuinely make the experience more fun and motivating.</p><div><strong>The Importance of Finding a Shoe That Grows With You </strong></div><p>As beginners improve and grow, their needs change as well. A shoe that initially feels supportive should also be capable of adapting as runners become stronger and more confident. Bernos says the HOKA Mach 7 stood out to her because it balanced comfort and performance without feeling intimidating. </p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:514px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17784906856741171904-FYZ_4.png" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner"><em>HOKA Mach 7 in Frost/ Neon Yuzu</em></span></span></span></div><p>“It’s such a comfortable daily shoe that supports even speed sessions,” she says. “I was so excited when I first tried it on and I knew it had many miles to go in my rotation.” </p><p>She also describes it as “lightweight and bouncy,” which makes it appropriate for beginners while still offering room for progress over time. </p><p>“It’s comfortable, forgiving, but still grows with you as you get stronger and faster,” she explains. </p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1778490723233HOKA MACH 7 Frost _ Neon Yuzu_2.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><p>And yes, aesthetics still matter. “Major plus points: I love the colorways available,” she adds. “I got the Frost / Neon Yuzu.”</p><div><strong>Two Simple Ways Beginners Can Stay Committed </strong></div><p>Starting is one thing. Staying consistent is another. When asked how beginners can remain committed to running, Bernos’ advice was refreshingly simple</p><div><strong>1. Run With Friends </strong></div><p>“<em>Budol</em> your friends,” she jokes, a playful Filipino expression that means convincing others to join in). While running is often seen as a solo activity, Bernos believes community can make the experience far more enjoyable. “Running may sound like a solitary sport, but it’s so much more enjoyable when you’re chasing goals with your people.” For beginners, having accountability and companionship can make early morning runs feel less difficult and more rewarding. </p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:514px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1778498521015E_HOKA_S26_D_Mach7_ST_031.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner"><em>Photo courtesy of HOKA</em></span></span></span></div><div><strong>2. Focus on Your Own Journey </strong></div><p>Bernos returns to the belief that running should not be driven by comparison. “Run for you,” she says. That may sound simple, but it is often the difference between building a sustainable relationship with movement and constantly feeling inadequate.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:514px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1778498559155B_HOKA_S26_W_Mach7_HERO_046.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner"><em>Photo courtesy of HOKA</em></span></span></span></div><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/health-beauty-fashion/2026/4/30/women-s-activewear-brand-vika-debuts-in-ph-with-pickleball-event-1241" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">RELATED STORY: Women&#x27;s activewear brand debuts in PH with pickleball event</a></div><div><strong>Redefining Fitness Beyond Weight Loss </strong></div><p>One of the most important things Bernos hopes women can unlearn is the idea that fitness should only exist to make people smaller. “I wish fitness could be celebrated simply as the empowering journey that it is, and not just a way to lose weight and shrink ourselves,” she says. “Strength is so beautiful.”  </p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:514px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1778499019760G_HOKA_S26_D_Mach7_HERO_030.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner"><em>Photo courtesy of HOKA</em></span></span></span></div><p>For Bernos, running has ultimately become part of a much larger and meaningful personal journey. </p><p>When asked to describe she is, she answers with quiet confidence, “I’m a morena multisport athlete, content creator, and host documenting my self-discovery online,” she says. “I share what it looks like to show up for yourself through beauty, fitness, and everyday life.” </p><p>Running often starts with showing up before confidence has been formed. Start slow, start shy, start nervous. But just start. We forget that oftentimes the biggest breakthroughs come from the most humble beginnings. </p>

<p>From overcoming self-doubt to finding joy in movement, Ayn Bernos shares beginner-friendly advice on staying committed to running, choosing the right mindset, and why progress is about more than speed or performance.</p>

From overcoming self-doubt to finding joy in movement, Ayn Bernos shares beginner-friendly advice on staying committed to running, choosing the right mindset, and why progress is about more than speed or performance.

Want to start running? Ayn Bernos shares beginner-friendly tips for staying committed

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Want to start running? Ayn Bernos shares beginner-friendly tips for staying committed

Mawi Fojas De Ocampo

Published May 11, 2026 07:37 PM PHT

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Updated May 11, 2026 09:39 PM PHT

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