[#flashbackfriday]: Back to where it started, MAPAWA Trail Marathon

Event: R.O.X. Mapawa Trail Marathon 2014, Oct. 26, 2014 (REGISTATION, more info here >>)
R.O.X. Mapawa Trail Marathon 2014 – 42K, register >>
R.O.X. Mapawa Trail Marathon 2014 – 22K, register here >>
R.O.X. Mapawa Trail Marathon 2014 – 11K, register here >>
Related stories: A CDO-ana’s 5 Things To Do in Cagayan de Oro, The City of Golden Friendship
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“Running has thrown me into adventures that I would otherwise have missed.” – Benjamin Cheever

The quote above best describe Netz Baleta’s relationship with running. She may not look like your typical runner. She was in her early 30’s when she started running back in 2011 because it was the fad. But the fun runs awakens not only the runner in her, but the adventurer in her. From fun runs, she got herself into traveling for races, to climbing, spelunking, biking, and, according to her, anything that ends with “ing.”

But it was MAPAWA Trail Marathon 2013 in which she took a leap of getting into longer distance running: marathon and ultramarathon in one! Having an adventurous spirit, she thought of making her marathon something more challenging.

Indeed, she was not disappointed. Sharing her most memorable parts of the race:

“I remember while on the run, I used to pick guavas from the trees along the way and ask for the marshals for salt. Ah!!! That’s a hunger relief…

The friends I met along the way, the picture takings and smiles also make it more memorable for me!

Photo from Netz Baleta

Another thing memorable for me is that despite being a CDO resident and having been to MAPAWA Park a few times already, the scenic view never grows old to me. The view is always something memorable to me.

And, most of all, I was happy to see my kids enjoyed the adventure of trail running. They joined in the 5K category. So seeing them at the finish line in my first marathon, which turned out to be also an ultramarathon, made it really more memorable for me.”

After the MAPAWA Trail Marathon 2013, it awakened another part of her. She realized that she has a very good endurance and stamina for longer races. It made her more confident at getting into ultramarathon races. She joined the Camiguin 360 Ultramarathon, then her last was the 1st Davao Sundown Ultramarathon.

For now she’s taking a rest, per doctor’s advice, for the mean time. But she said she will surely be back in R.O.X. MAPAWA Trail Marathon 2014 (register & more info >>) to support her beloved CDO city’s race.

Asked what made her stick with running for 3 years, she answered:

“Before, I felt bored and feeling not physically fit. But when I met running, I’m feeling way much better. It adds color to my family because running has introduced to us different kinds of adventure which we do together. And, I gain more friends.”

Photo from Mapawa Run / Studio 8

Netz Baleta may not look like our typical runner, but she has a heart like one!

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Posted by:

Rose Buenconsejo. A runner who runs after runners, and their stories, and her dream to become a NEDBANK.
Promo Girl, runroo.com
View her aktib race calendar >>