Mapawa Trail Marathon: A Race To Remember

Running the Mapawa Trail Marathon for my first 42km marathon was a humbling success. I have not imagined to win the first place but fate put a twist on trails that set my heart on fire.

Mapawa Trail marathon official map with elevation profile of  2,274m elevation gain and loss. source

Two months ago, I was only doing my usual routine - heat training, uphill training and long slow distance workouts in CDO uptown. Those days were a mix of exciting and agitating emotions given that the farthest distance I've run thus far is 32km. So part of my training is to improve mental skills. I don't know what could happen during and after Mapawa Trail run. I don't want to expect either. I don't have a PR to beat so initially, Kenn and I agreed to finish the race in sub 8.

On the day of the event, I got ambitious upon seeing the podium. I pictured out myself standing there, receiving my awards of recognition after a strong Mapawa Trail Marathon finish. Then I prayed, "Lord, kahit top three lang sa first marathon ko."

When all runners were lined up before the starting mark, I decided to apply the technique I used on my Mapawa 15km night run - to run behind the majority then slowly get ahead of everyone; but the gong startled me add to the fact that Kenn's pushing me forward. I have no choice but run. 😁 As much as possible, I have to cover more distance while the sun's not yet up and while I still have the energy to shuffle my legs. While approaching the first station at 7km mark, Kenn dropped by to take care of hydration. I went ahead then he ran after me shouting to verify my bib number and said, "Ikaw gauna sa bae!" His reaction was so intense I can't help not to laugh. All at the same time, I am overwhelmed as well. Shortly thereafter, another female runner was behind me. Kenn said it was still too early to worry.  I'm not good with mind games so although I was anxious, I tried to relax and run on my pace. I don't want to waste our initial efforts. I want to maintain our lead. Later on, I was already enjoying the run and managed to laugh over jokes.

We went up and down rolling hills with different terrain, but most of the time on open trails. (c) Mapawa Trail marathon

Then at some point, our knees had a quick break upon passing by this terrain. Would you rather run or walk? (c) LadySoda

In all of the running events I've joined, Mapawa Trail marathon is by far the best race I've participated in. I have not suffered from leg cramps nor experienced heat exhaustion. Maybe because I have learned how to handle myself with my previous experiences including the Mapawa Night Run and Mt Megatong Trail Run. Whenever I feel my legs harden, I would stop and stretch quickly. I am also doing well with my supplementation and hydration, making sure to take it every hour to prevent exhaustion and  fatigue. It's one of those running essentials that I need to perfect in the next marathons I'll sign up for. On top of that, Kenn was supporting me all throughout the course. Somehow, having a running buddy makes every run memorable and fun.

Breathtaking, isn't it?

This trail could've been muddier if it rained. Thank God it haven't! (c) LadySoda

What I love about the trails in Mapawa is that  it's challenging. There were lots of open and single-tracked trails  that every runner should take. A number of technical downhills and some nagging knee-pain uphills. There were inescapable boulders and muddy trails to pass by. Albeit all these, the scenic views, the cold streams, and the will to overcome yourself made Mapawa Trail Marathon a worthwhile run.  Although challenging, Mapawa  Trail is a friendly course to run for a first time marathoner like me. Should I say, every challenges along the course is manageable.

My ambition to stand in the podium, the courage not to waste our efforts to maintain the lead, and the desire to hit out target time - these all pushed me forward until Kenn and I ran towards the finish line hand in hand. We were 36 minutes and 10 seconds behind our target yet for the record, I end up 1hr 40mins ahead of the next. (See official results here)