Tabal ready for Laoag challenge

Cebu’s running pride Mary Joy Tabal will use the passing of her father last year as a motivation to achieve new heights and become a six-peat champion in the 42nd Milo Marathon in Laoag City on Sunday, Dec. 9.

It can be recalled that it was an emotional ride for the Southeast Asian (Sea) Games gold medalist Tabal last year when she won her fifth straight title less than 24 hours after her father, Rolando, died.

Tabal has moved on from the pain and chosen to remember only the good memories left by her father. Before flying to Laoag City, the family of Tabal commemorated their father’s death anniversary.

“It was a positive and lively anniversary. Remembering him as a father and paying thanks to him. I also asked for guidance for my coming races,” the 29-yearold Tabal told SunStar Cebu. “The emotion will help me push more and give my best because my father will always be proud of me.”

The camp of Tabal is not relying only on the prayers as they have left no stones unturned in regard to the training program for the grueling 42-kilometer race.

“Right now I’m physically ready because I know I have satisfactorily completed the training requirements. I think the only thing left is to pace myself emotionally since the marathon is a long endurance sport, and so many things can happen on the race,” she said. /