Tabal flies to Italy to resume training in Tuscany

Cebuana marathoner Mary Joy Tabal will be back at the Tuscany Training Camp in Italy to kick off her long training program for the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia.

Tabal, a gold medalist in the 29th Southeast Asian (Sea) Games, will leave for Italy tomorrow. She will be training under the tutelage of Italian coach Giuseppe Giambrone.

“I’m expecting a more intense and productive training. I’m excited and grateful for this opportunity,” said the former Southwestern University (SWU) stalwart.

The 28-year-old Guba-native will hone her skills as she looks for a bigger task ahead, including the Asian Games and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

John Philip Dueñas, Tabal’s long-time coach and trainer would want to see his ward improve to another gear.

“Coach Philip (Dueñas) wants to see how far I could go. This training would really help me (improve),” said the ace athlete of Motor Ace Racing Team Tabal.

Tabal will be staying in Tuscany Training Camp for more than a month and will be back in the country before the 41st Milo Marathon National Finals on Dec. 3 in Cebu, where she will be gunning for her fifth straight title.

Tabal said that she will be competing in the Milo National Finals, but the main focus of his training for the Asian Games.

After the Milo Marathon Finals, Tabal will stay in Cebu for holidays before flying back to Italy in January.

“I’m very thankful for all who supported me, the MotorAce Philippines, (Cebu City) Mayor Tomas Osmeña, the City Council of Cebu, Thirsty, and also to Trunkx Adarna for extending his support for my training,” said Tabal.

Three days ago, Tabal has received the P500,000 cash incentive from Cebu City government. The cash incentive will be used for her training.