How running builds community, confidence, and time for yourself

At the recent Foot Locker X adidas Fashion Run, runners gathered at Key Coffee Glorietta for a morning of movement, style, and community. For Karla Ochoa, Richie Pilares, and Andie De Guzman, running brings different things into focus: the friendships built along the way, the time they make for themselves, and the confidence that comes with finding a style that feels right.

We interviewed Karla Ochoa, a runner and member of We Ken Run. To open up the conversation, we talked about how running has become more than just a fitness activity for many people, and asked how We Ken Run has helped build a community where people find connection, motivation, and a sense of belonging?

Karla shared, “We Ken Run has built strong connections among members because we share the same core value—a deep love for the sport! We find joy in seeing each other improve and have fun along the way. We build camaraderie by celebrating everyone’s achievements—the finish lines they’ve crossed, the lifestyle changes they’ve made, and the wiser runners they’ve become.”

She continued by saying how members enjoy seeing one another improve and have fun, and they celebrate each other’s finish lines, lifestyle changes, and growth as runners.

“We build a sense of belonging by sharing stories about races, marathons, and life lessons.”

Learning from one another, she says, helps the members grow stronger together as runners.

For women who juggle careers, family responsibilities, and personal commitments, we wondered how joining a running community can help them make time for themselves and develop a more sustainable fitness routine.

According to Richie Pilares, a working mom and runner, the hardest part of maintaining a fitness routine is protecting time for herself. When work becomes demanding or family needs pile up, workouts are often the first thing sacrificed, she says.

Richie believes, “A running community fixes that by providing accountability and structure. Having set group runs makes your personal time a fixed priority on your calendar rather than an afterthought. Plus, the shared camaraderie takes the friction out of staying consistent—it turns exercise into a refreshing mental break rather than just another item on a busy checklist.”

With the demands of work, relationships, and everyday responsibilities, we explored how running has become an important part of personal wellbeing, both physically and mentally.
 
For influencer Andie De Guzman, “Running has become so much more than just a physical activity for me. With everything I juggle between work, training, and my personal life, running is one of the few moments where I get to focus on myself. It’s also taught me to appreciate what my body can do and enjoy the process, not just the results.”

We also discussed how running is increasingly becoming a form of personal expression, where performance meets fashion. We asked Andie how she would describe her personal running style, and how does what she wears influence her confidence and motivation.

Andie shared, “I’d describe my style as sporty, feminine, and functional! I love that performance and fashion can go hand in hand. Feeling comfortable and confident in what I wear makes running even more enjoyable.”

We asked Andie to share her experience running during the Foot Locker X adidas Fashion Run using her adidas Adizero EVO SL. “I love how the EVO SL combines performance and style! It’s lightweight, responsive, and feels great on the run.” She concludes, “I also appreciate its versatility, and the sleek design is definitely a bonus. It’s a pair I’d happily wear both on and off the road!”