The marathon sprint: The physical and mental demands of campaigning

Campaigning for public office is unlike any other endeavor. It combines the breakneck pace of a sprint with the grueling endurance of a marathon.

- GEORGE ROYECA

Unlike running a business, where strategies unfold over years, or even a TV production that spans a season, political campaigns condense monumental tasks into mere months. In the Philippines, where elections are both a national obsession and a democratic cornerstone, the physical and mental toll on candidates is unparalleled. To succeed, one must embody both resilience and adaptability, balancing the high stakes with unrelenting energy and focus.

Campaigning demands an almost superhuman level of stamina. A typical day starts before dawn and ends well past midnight. Candidates crisscross towns, cities and provinces, attending rallies, speaking engagements and meetings with stakeholders. From bustling city centers to far-flung barangays, every stop is a chance to connect with voters. But these sorties aren’t leisurely visits; they’re tightly choreographed sprints requiring punctuality and precision.

The logistics are brutal. Traveling through the Philippines’ diverse and often challenging terrain is no easy feat, whether it’s navigating Metro Manila’s traffic or crossing provincial islands by boat. Campaigns are not glamorous road trips – they’re physical endurance tests. Candidates often eat on the go, skip meals and sacrifice sleep, which can wreak havoc on their bodies. It’s not uncommon to hear of candidates suffering from exhaustion or falling ill mid-campaign.