The recently concluded Houston Marathon last January 16th, 2022 featured one of our own USTNAI board member, Reggie Antonio, RN, MSN, PCCN who completed a half marathon (13.1 mi) clocking at 2:09:42.

In today’s feature story, I had the opportunity to talk with Reggie regarding the half marathon that he has successfully completed. This story is about commitment, determination and simplicity of purpose.

When asked about what prompted him to start running marathons, he’s quick to say that he initially started cycling then eventually was inspired to take up running in 2019 and completing his first marathon in January, 2020. Preparations took three months prior to entering the marathon. This training gave him excellent opportunities to relieve stress, “clear his mind” if you will, with the intent of being better version of himself. Creative ideas for USTNAI were borne out of this training.

Preparing for the Marathon

To run a half marathon, he developed a routine and the discipline to running slow at first and building up gradually for endurance. Due to the weather in Houston, he prefers early morning or late night runs while the temperature is much cooler. At times if the weather is hot, he opts to cycling at home. The cross-training involves 3-4 miles of running and then cycling at least 3-4 days/week.

Running with a Purpose

With running a marathon (or half marathon) Reggie hopes to accomplish not only by being healthy but more importantly by inspiring his children to enjoy the outside. So, instead of his children being in front of the computer,  he is able to re-direct their physical energies and encouraging them to be involved in and to find volunteer opportunities for marathons events. Now, his wife also has joined running and so what’s started as an individual effort, has now become a family affair for the Antonio household.

When asked about what he wants others to know about him, Reggie says this:

“…. I am content with overall simplicity in my life, I’m God-loving and consider myself as a servant leader…”. The last words during this interview, he emphasized this, “Do everything with a Purpose.”

About Reggie Antonio

Reggie graduated Class 1993 from the UST College of Nursing, Manila, Philippines.

He relocated to Beaumont, Texas in 2003 initially. He is currently residing in Pearland, TX working as an Administrative Supervisor at the Michael E. DEBakey VAMC. Additionally, he also works as a part-time Supervisor (PRN) at the HCA Healthcare in Pearland, TX. Presently he serves as the USTNAI VP for Central and president-elect for USTNAAMH 

As a USTNAI Board member, this year alone, he’s instrumental in several of the programmatic initiatives such as Alay ng Puso Mask project targeted to raise funds for the UST nurses at the UST Hospital during this pandemic. He is also spearheading the community outreach initiative for Siquijor in 2023. Last year’s success of the first USTNAI Solidarity Run and this upcoming April-May, 2022 Run are primarily attributed to Reggie’s tireless efforts and speaks well of his servant leadership role within USTNAI. He is encouraging everyone to register and join this Solidarity Run in April-May this year and offer support to the Community Outreach initiative. Please visit USTNAI SOLIDARITY RUN Website for details about the Solidarity Run.

Congratulations, Reggie! See you all at the Solidarity Run.

by Sallie Poepsel , Communications & Marketing Chair