From running to MMA fighting

Multi-titled long distance runner and renowned fitness expert Leszl Lumidas Gitaruelas is set to do battle in another sport.

The 39-year-old Cebuana is gearing up for her debut fight in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) this Saturday when she faces English fighter Ellen Harper in the undercard of the “Ultimate Beatdown” MMA event in Johur Bahru, Malaysia.

Gitaruelas was once a consistent podium finisher in some of Cebu’s biggest running events in 2008 and 2009.

She transferred to Malaysia to seek greener pastures but came home in 2011 for a vacation and won in the Y101 Armscor Run. That top place finish in the 10.1-kilometer race with military obstacle course was the last win for Gitaruelas in Cebu.

“I never intended to stop running,” Gitaruelas said. “It’s just that I can’t focus on my training in Cebu.”

While in Malaysia, she decided to try another sport. She said she felt motivated to try MMA after gaining support from her friends and family.

“I hesitated at first because my family was not that supportive,” Gitaruelas said. “But now, they understand my interest in joining the sport and they now support me. They keep motivating me to push hard and fight hard because a lot of people said I have the potential of becoming a good fighter.”

Gitaruelas is now training hard for her fight in Malaysia. She spent a month here in Cebu training under the renowned YawYan ArDigma of Master Benigno “Ekin” Caniga Jr. She started training last March and was halted for a month after she suffered an injury. She resumed training in Johur Bahru by practicing Muay Thai for a few weeks.

“I’ve trained for a short time and I know that it’s not good. But I’ll do my best to win this fight.”

Although she is facing an experienced opponent, the Cebuana said she isn’t nervous. In fact, she feels excited to step inside the ring for the first time.