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Two years ago, Ashley Rivera started running because of heartbreak. From there, the actress-host gradually fell in love with the sport.

But this year, her frequent runs have taken on a different purpose.

GMANetwork.com interviewed Ashley during the launch of the Puma Philippine Half Marathon Series 2026 and the brand's new running shoe, the Puma Deviate Nitro 4, on Friday, May 21, at The Victor in Bridgetowne, Pasig City.

During the interview, she shared that running has been helping her mental health, especially as she worries about her mother, who is currently battling cancer.

“I found running therapeutic, so it became my outlet,” she said.

“Kung dati, pinagdadaan ko yung aking pagiging single at heartbroken. Ngayon naman, medyo mabigat ang pinagdadaanan ko dahil sa mom ko. For those who don't know, she is battling cancer.

“So, ito yung pinaka-gift ko na lang sa sarili ko. I have to move, I have to be active para medyo mawala yung isip ko sa mga bagay-bagay. So running is very essential for me right now, and I really do enjoy my running.”

Aside from running, Ashley has also tried the current fitness craze, HYROX.

“I think kasi na-enjoy ko yung running. And as you all know, lumalaki na yung community when it comes to running. People find friends and partners, you know, luckily.

“So, aside from running itself, it's also the community that made me enjoy it even more. Marami akong nakikilala with different reasons why they started running, and it's always fascinating to hear. Tuloy-tuloy ko ito.”

Earlier this month, Ashley joined her first HYROX race in Hong Kong.

When GMANetwork.com asked if she felt the same satisfaction from running and HYROX, Ashley laughed and answered, “Ay, hindi! Mamamatay ka sa HYROX. Pang-minsan lang ang HYROX. Ang running kaya siya as consistent naman.

“Pero it was a really fun experience. Kakakaiba siya, the vibe, the adrenaline, the overall experience—masaya siya sa mga taong competitive na tulad ko.”

When asked if she plans to join again, she replied, “Oo naman. I'm really hoping na makasama ako sa Australia. If not, baka sa Korea sa November.”

Related gallery: Filipino celebrities try the HYROX fitness challenge

Meanwhile, in sports like running and HYROX, choosing the right shoes is important.

According to Ashley, she strongly trusts Puma shoes, which she often uses for running and recently for HYROX as well. During the 5-kilometer fun run held on Friday, she showed off her Puma Deviate Nitro 4 shoes.

“Gamit na gamit ko talaga. it's really reliable. Masarap sa feet, it's lightweight, and aesthetic din,” Ashley said.

So what does she look for when choosing the right pair of shoes?

“Dahil po sa yabang, kailangan may carbon plate kasi nakakadagdag siya ng ego at feeling ko gumagaling ang performance,” the Sparkle GMA Artist Center talent jokingly answered.

For beginners, Ashley shared this tip: “You have to know din for what yung shoes mo. If you're doing training, doon ka sa training shoes. If race day, doon sa race shoes. You have to do your research.

“For me, I've tried other brands, but so far ito yung pinaka-swag sa paako. I'm wide-footed so okay siya and stable. May ibang shoes kasi na nakakatapilok, so delikado yun. Alamin mo what works for you.”