My journey in this sport began in school, where I excelled as a sprinter in the 100 and 400 meter events, as well as in relays. These early experiences taught me the importance of discipline and teamwork, where motivation and success depend on how much each member is willing to give of themselves.
I noticed a significant change when I joined a running team in Chile called Full Runners. This group allowed me to improve my running skills while also meeting people with similar interests. When I moved to Madrid, I joined Triboost to continue enhancing my performance and to meet local people, which helped me integrate into Madrid's society.
Five years ago, I decided to expand my horizons and started running longer distances, participating in over 10 half marathons. This year, in 2024, I ran my first marathon at the Rock'n'Roll Madrid, achieving a time of 3:35:48.
Hiking has been a passion of mine since a young age, especially enjoying outdoor activities in the Andes Mountains, known for their changing and spectacular nature. This hobby has led me to explore significant altitudes, climbing several times to over 4,000 meters above sea level. I have had the opportunity to climb Cerro Leonera at 4,940 meters above sea level twice, once leading a group, which allowed me to develop leadership and teamwork skills. My greatest achievement so far has been the ascent of Cerro El Plomo, which reaches 5,424 meters above sea level.
I have only completed one triathlon, and it was the sprint distance at Piedra Roja. I thoroughly enjoyed the preparation for the different events and the challenge of completing the triathlon, as it combines swimming, cycling, and running, requiring a diverse and comprehensive training regimen. This experience allowed me to discover a new passion and set the goal of completing a full Ironman someday. The idea of facing such a demanding challenge and overcoming it is one of my greatest personal ambitions.
For me, being part of a team that helps me achieve this goal is crucial. Following the advice of experienced coaches, working as a team, and motivating each other are essential elements for success in a challenge as great as an Ironman. I firmly believe in the importance of support and camaraderie, as these are crucial factors for maintaining the motivation and commitment necessary to overcome the difficulties of training and achieve ambitious goals.
I have a great passion for reading, which I usually do in English, especially historical novels, as they allow me to understand how our society has been formed and learn about the most important leaders in history. I enjoy works like "Africanus," which narrates the life of Scipio Africanus, the novels of Genghis Khan and the Mongol Empire written by Conn Iggulden, and Bernard Cornwell's "Saxon Tales," which describes the consolidation of England under the leadership of Alfred the Great. These stories not only entertain but also provide valuable lessons on leadership, strategy, and the evolution of civilizations.
In addition to historical novels, I am also drawn to books that enable me to learn and develop in various fields. In the realm of personal development and continuous improvement, I enjoy books like "Atomic Habits" by James Clear, which offers practical strategies for forming good habits and eliminating bad ones, and "The 5 AM Club" by Robin Sharma. In the field of history and human evolution, "Sapiens" by Yuval Noah Harari provides a fascinating look at the history of humanity, from the era of hunter-gatherers to the modern age. "Zero to One" by Peter Thiel, co-founder of PayPal, discusses how to build companies that create new things, focusing on innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. "Sell to the Mind, Not to the People" by Jürgen Klaric centers on neuromarketing strategies to better understand consumer behavior and improve sales techniques. "The Customer Success Professional Handbook" is an essential guide for those working in customer relationship management.
Finally, in the realm of spirituality and personal reflection, "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho, "Siddhartha" by Hermann Hesse, and "The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari" by Robin Sharma are books that inspire me to seek a deeper purpose and live a fulfilling and meaningful life.
I had the opportunity to sail thanks to the invitation of a family member who is a Navy reserve in Chile. This experience took place in October 2017 and consisted of a month-long voyage from Puyuhuapi to Puerto Williams in the Chilean Patagonia. During this time, I learned to navigate and lead teams. In the first two weeks, until reaching Puerto Natales, I focused on acquiring navigation and leadership skills. From Puerto Natales to Puerto Williams, I was the second in command on a four-person sailboat.
Throughout the journey, I was responsible for studying and determining safe anchorage spots, making important decisions about where to stop. Additionally, I covered several navigation shifts at the helm, being responsible for the safety of everyone on board and ensuring we stayed on course. This experience not only tested my ability to learn quickly but also strengthened my leadership and decision-making skills in high-pressure situations.
Leadership played a crucial role in this adventure, as it involved coordinating and motivating the team in challenging conditions. The ability to learn quickly was essential for adapting to the demands of navigation and decision-making, ensuring that each action was executed with precision and responsibility. This experience taught me the importance of mutual trust and effective communication in team management, qualities that I apply in all areas of my professional and personal life.
I have a great passion for traveling and experiencing new cultures. Throughout my life, I have had the opportunity to visit 28 countries, which has allowed me to immerse myself in their histories, meet interesting people, enjoy their cuisine, and experience their diverse cultures. In 2017, I traveled alone for three months in New Zealand with the aim of improving my English, exploring its landscapes famous for hiking, and learning about the Maori culture. During this trip, I made a group of international friends with whom I still keep in touch today.
My travels also include a significant experience during my childhood when I lived in Paraguay for five years. This experience left a deep impression on me and sparked a lasting interest in understanding and appreciating cultural diversity. This influence was one of the reasons that motivated me to pursue an international master's degree, which has allowed me to meet people from different backgrounds and enrich my global perspective.
Traveling has taught me the importance of adaptability, empathy, and openness to new experiences. Each country I visit offers a unique opportunity to learn something new and grow both personally and professionally. These experiences have been fundamental to my development and have inspired me to continue exploring the world and its many facets.