Edward Dela Cruz Jr. competes in a half marathon in Moscow, Russia in Aug. 2023.
RUN Saipan President Edward Dela Cruz Jr. on Wednesday marked his seventh year of running at least a mile every day.
He has covered 6,099 miles after 2,555 days of running — and is looking forward for more.
Asked what motivates him, he replied, “Absolutely nothing. If this was driven by pure motivation it would have died like a New Year’s resolution. I would say this is an addiction to the runner’s high. I need it every day to function.”
With that kind of mindset, it seems like anyone could go through the same journey. But what about physically? Seven years of running daily must put the body through some wear and tear.
“When you do something for 2,555 straight consecutive days, you get pretty efficient at it,” he said. “So yes, it’s been easier. It’s great. I’m physically and mentally healthy and thanks to running I’ve made so many great friends, memories and have built amazing relationships thanks to it.”
Dela Cruz said it all started seven years ago when TJ Manglona, who is now a Precinct 5 House member, gave him a call and invited him to run on Beach Road.
“That’s how it all started,” Dela Cruz said. “It started with ‘I’ll do it for 30.’ Then it became 100. Then 300. Now it’s 2,555.”
Dela Cruz does not plan on stopping at all. “I want to do this as long as I can. Again, it goes back to vibranium-clad conviction.”
His advice to streak runners?
“Have a good health insurance plan but don’t listen to doctors. You just need them to patch you up. When you do a run streak for as long as I have you’ll realize it’s not in your best interest to listen to physicians. We don’t see eye to eye when injuries happen.”
He added, “And I have had a lot of those in the last two years. If you want to make it past five years invest in KT Tape and a very good health insurance plan.”
