Hive athlete Krystal Roxas is a runner who finds inspiration in family, friends, and the ups and downs of life. She’s quite the inspiration herself, so we caught up with her about her running journey and life wisdom she’s gathered along the way.
Tell us about yourself – where are you from, and how did you get to where you are today?
I am a first-generation Filipina-American, born and raised in the Bay Area. Because basketball is such an integral part of Filipinx culture, I grew up OBSESSED with it. I played basketball in middle school and I must admit, I have a pretty good jumpshot. I tried out for the basketball team in high school and was cut—the coach told me that I was too short. That discouraged me from trying out again and discouraged me from wanting to play any sports. I stopped being active and I developed the habit of always eating too much junk food. I became overweight.
When I got to college, I decided that I needed to make a change, and so I turned to using the elliptical religiously. I had friends that ran and they’d invite me to join them, but I would always say no. I HATED running. Running was always our punishment when I was playing basketball, and that negative association I had with it kind of stayed with me.
When I hit rock bottom in 2014, I decided to do something positive for myself and I signed up for the Nike Women’s Half-Marathon. I figured that committing myself to train for this would benefit both my physical and mental health—and it did. I became obsessed...obsessed with the runner’s high, obsessed with the feeling of accomplishment. I signed up for more half-marathons and marathons.
In 2017, I ran The Speed Project, a relay race from Santa Monica to Las Vegas with my run crew, Concrete Runners. It was at The Speed Project that I met my significant other, Justin. I moved to Los Angeles in 2018, and now Justin and I live four miles away from The Speed Project start line.
Why did you start running and what do you love about it?
In 2014, in a span of six months, my grandmother passed away, I was laid off from my first full-time job, and I got into my first car accident. Needless to say, 2014 was one of the worst years of my life. I turned to running as a form of meditation and therapy, and it has changed my life in many ways. Running has given me happiness and this unwavering belief in myself. Running is the only thing that makes me feel like I could fly.
Tell us about your mom and how she has inspired you.
My mom, Jennifer, is one of eight children, and the only daughter out of all her siblings. She left the Philippines and came to America when she was 16 years-old in hopes of finding better opportunities and a better life. However, life was made a little more difficult when she had me at the age of 20 and had my brother at the age of 28. She raised us as a single mother. She has sacrificed so much, provided me and my brother things we needed and wanted. Not once has she ever complained. My mom’s hard work has led to her success, but she remains so graceful and humble. If I could be half as incredible as my mom, I’d consider my life a job well done.
