Anderson excited about US race, says to be No. 1 is his goal

Skechers Performance Philippines announced that actor Gerald Anderson is the new face of its “Go Like Never Before” campaign, which pushes individuals out of their comfort zone and empowers them to aspire for greatness, during a press conference at Makati City’s Dusit Thani Hotel on January 17. 

It also announced that Anderson would be the Philippines’ official bet to the 32nd Skechers Performance Los Angeles (LA) Marathon on March 19. The marathon is one of the biggest running events in the West Coast, where Skechers Performance USA has been a title sponsor for two years now, attracting both professional and amateur runners from around the globe.

Asked how he felt about joining the Skechers Performance LA Marathon and representing his country, Anderson seemed raring to go.

“I’m just so motivated. I’m so excited. When you really want something and when you work hard for it, magkakatotoo talaga (it will really come true),” he said.

During the open forum, Anderson was asked about his thoughts on running in Skechers Performance shoes. He replied: “These (Skechers Performance shoes) are really the best shoes for running. Even before they got me (for this campaign), when I hear Skechers (Performance), I think of running.”

“I started training in Skechers shoes back in November 2016, and (I noticed) a huge difference. The comfort (they give) is really different. With Skechers shoes, my feet aren’t as beat up, so the next day, when I need to train or go to a taping, I can do it again because of the comfort and technology (the shoes are engineered with),” he said.

As the new face of Skechers Philippines’ Go Like Never Before campaign, Anderson feels that its message is something he truly identifies with.

“You always want to be No. 1, and that’s my goal. Being No. 1 doesn’t mean beating everyone else or being better than someone else, it’s being the No. 1 you, the best you could be,” he said.

The actor also expressed his motivation and state of mind in training for the upcoming marathon: “I really want to go. I have to really prepare for this. I told Skechers that I’m 110-percent committed to training and getting ready for the 42-kilometer (marathon).”

“It’s better to stay ready than to get ready,” he said.

Indeed, the celebrity athlete has been warming up his gears since last year, when he joined several marathons. Last November, Anderson joined the Powerman Asian Invitational, where he wore his favorite Skechers Performance Go Run 4—equipped with the brand’s M-Strike Technology—and made it to fourth place under the Male 25-29 age category.

“This is a true story: The campaign was just about to start and they (Skechers Performance) gave me some pairs to wear for my races. During the Powerman Asian Invitational, ang ganda ng time ko, and that was the first time I wore Skechers. So it’s really the best shoes (for running),” Anderson said.

After the LA marathon, Anderson said he’ll continue to clock in more miles.

“After the 42k marathon in LA, I’ll join another one. I’ll join more triathlons. I’ll join more marathons, and run.”

When asked for a piece of advice he would give those aspiring to run marathons, Anderson recommends that making the commitment to actually start an active lifestyle is key.

“Get off the couch, get out of the house, wear your Skechers, and run,” he said.