From Triathlon to Trail Running: Lucía’s Inspiring Journey and the Power of Coaching
Lucía, a passionate trail runner from Madrid, transitioned from triathlons to trail running and hasn’t looked back since.
With the support of her Arduua coach, David Garcia, and the global trail running community, she has overcome injuries, gained strength, and pushed her limits to achieve new goals. In this interview, Lucía shares how personalized coaching has not only helped her conquer tough races but also transform her running experience.
Read on to discover the key benefits of focused training, the importance of strength work, and how a supportive community can elevate your trail running journey.
Can you introduce yourself to the Arduua community?
Hello! My name is Lucía, I’m 30 years old, and I’m from Madrid. I live with my partner, who also loves to run, and I work for a multinational sports company. I enjoy traveling, especially when I can combine it with sports in beautiful, natural settings.
How did you get into trail running?
I started trail running when I decided to switch from triathlons to just running. My partner began trail running first, and I joined him later because I found running in the mountains to be so beautiful. I started training with David, and I’m really happy with my progress. I plan to keep improving and enjoying the sport.
Which race from this season are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of my performance in El Soplao. It was my first challenging race, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I had never run that distance in the mountains before. I chose to run it because it was recommended to me, and it turned out to be a wonderful experience. When I crossed the finish line, I felt so happy to have completed it. I finished with a good time, without any discomfort or complications, and I was overjoyed!
How did you prepare for the race in the months leading up to it?
David set up my training plan, which included daily workouts except on Fridays. I incorporated some cycling and swimming as I enjoy those too. David also included strength and core sessions, which have helped me strengthen my body and recover from issues like iliotibial band syndrome and back pain.
You joined Arduua Coaching in October 2023. What were your expectations, and how has Arduua training helped you?
My main goal was to be able to run without pain. I was dealing with lower back and iliotibial band issues and couldn’t seem to recover. After a few months of consistent training, the pain subsided, and I started improving in my runs. I never thought I would be able to run so well and pain-free!
How has your experience working with Coach David been?
It’s been great! I’m very happy with him and the training plans he creates for me. My work schedule is very unstable, but David understands this and adjusts my training accordingly.
Now that you’ve conquered El Soplao, what are your next trail running goals?
I’d like to run El Soplao again to improve my time. I’m also planning to find a race with a longer distance to challenge myself further and see what I’m capable of achieving.
What advice would you give to other runners dreaming of participating in races like yours?
If you have a goal, having a coach is the best thing you can do. They help you work on your weaknesses and improve your performance. Strength training is also very important, and we runners often don’t give it the attention it deserves—a coach will make sure you do. I’ve learned that with consistency and hard work, you can improve significantly and get closer to your goals. Trail running is incredibly rewarding because you get to enjoy this beautiful sport while being connected to nature.
What do you think of the Arduua global community?
I feel very connected to the Arduua team, even though we’re all spread across the globe. Being part of this community has positively influenced my training and mindset. It’s inspiring to be part of a team that shares the same passion and enthusiasm for trail running.
Lucía’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the right support system. With her positive outlook and dedication, we’re excited to see what heights she’ll reach in her future trail running endeavors!
Are you inspired by Lucía’s story and interested in joining the Arduua community?
Whether you’re new to trail running or looking to improve your performance, Arduua’s online coaching programs can help you reach your goals. Learn more about our coaching options here.
/Blog post by Katinka Nyberg, Arduua Founder.