Daniel Fuidio’s Leap into Trail Running: A Story of Determination and Growth
Daniel Fuidio’s story is one of determination, adaptability, and a deep passion for the outdoors.
After spending years excelling in triathlons, Daniel made the bold move to focus on trail running, a transition that has shaped his athletic journey in new and exciting ways.
In this interview, Daniel shares his personal triumphs, challenges, and how his love for nature has inspired him to conquer new heights.
This is not just a story about training—it’s about finding joy in every run, overcoming setbacks, and being part of a community that supports you every step of the way.
Can you introduce yourself to the Arduua community?
Hello! My name is Daniel Fuidio, I’m 30 years old, and sports have always been a central part of my life. I’ve played everything from tennis and football to climbing and triathlons, but more recently, I’ve set my sights on trail running. I’m someone who loves the outdoors and enjoys the challenge of training for something meaningful. Right now, I work in an office about 20 kilometers from home, and on good days, when I’m not too worn out from my running training (thanks, David! 😄), I cycle to and from work.
How did you get into trail running?
I started trail running about a year ago. Before that, I’d been competing in triathlons for eight years, but life changes and new commitments—like preparing for an exam and balancing work—made it hard to train for three different disciplines. I decided to focus on trail running because nature has always drawn me in, but I knew I needed guidance, so I reached out to David. It’s safe to say I’m now starting to feel like a real trail runner, and it’s been an amazing journey!
What races have been the highlights of your year so far?
This year, two races were big on my calendar: the Riaño Trail Run (a three-stage race) and the Trail de Peñalara (a 60km race). Unfortunately, I got injured about six weeks before Riaño, which disrupted my training. But I didn’t want to miss out on the experience, so I showed up with less running training than planned but made up for it by putting in time on the bike. Despite everything, I finished the race, and it was an unforgettable experience—the beauty of the landscape, the challenge of the race, it was my first real trail race and I will definitely be back.
As for Peñalara, which is just around the corner (October 13), I’m beyond excited. It’s the longest race I’ve ever done, and it’s close to home, in the mountains where I train regularly. The idea to run it was kind of spontaneous—I entered the lottery not expecting to get a spot, but when I did, I knew I had to go for it. Now, it’s all about preparation, and I’m ready to tackle it with everything I’ve got.
Tell us about your training routine. How do you balance work, studies, and running?
My weekly routine includes two days at the gym and about 3-4 running sessions during the week, ranging from 50 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on the season. Fridays are my rest days, and the weekends are for the longer runs. I’m not one to obsess over mileage, but I think I’ve been hitting around 70-90 km per week, with most of my runs being in zones 2 and 3—low intensity, which has surprised me with how much it’s improved my endurance.
Balancing work, studies, and training hasn’t been easy, but I’ve managed to adapt. I have to give credit to my partner, who helps make everything run smoothly day-to-day. Without her support, it would have been a lot harder to juggle it all and still meet my training goals.
How has your experience working with David and Arduua been so far?
Working with David has been a breeze. He’s very approachable, and if something unexpected comes up in my schedule, he quickly adjusts my plan to keep everything on track. I went into Arduua expecting personalized coaching, but what I’ve received has gone beyond that—David’s dedication and attention to detail have really impressed me. I’ve been able to progress without injury and with a well-structured approach. I would definitely recommend his coaching to athletes of any level.
What stands out about David’s coaching style?
What I appreciate most is David’s daily involvement. He’s not just about the training plans—he’s there for everything from gear advice to nutrition tips. His experience in races similar to the ones I’m preparing for has been invaluable. Having someone who’s been through the same challenges and can offer firsthand advice has made a huge difference in my training.
What do you think of the Arduua global community?
Being part of the Arduua global community makes me feel connected to something bigger, even though we’re all in different parts of the world. We share common goals like improving ourselves and overcoming challenges, and it’s great to know that we’re all working towards similar objectives. Plus, when I travel for races outside my city, I often get to meet others from the community, which is always fun and motivating.
What are your future trail running goals?
I haven’t fully planned my next goals yet, as I’m still focused on finishing this season. For now, I’m enjoying the training and taking things one day at a time. After Peñalara, I’ll think about new races and maybe some sports-oriented vacations!
What advice would you give to someone starting out in running?
My main advice is to enjoy what you do and make sure you’re motivated to keep going. It doesn’t matter if your goal is to race or just to become a better version of yourself than you were last month—find what inspires you and go after it. Having a supportive structure like Arduua from the start can really help, especially when you’re guided by people who understand exactly what you’re going through.
Daniel’s journey is an inspiring reminder of how passion, dedication, and the right guidance can lead to great results. From overcoming injuries to pushing himself in beautiful mountain races, Daniel’s story is one of progress and joy in the sport he loves. We can’t wait to see what challenges he’ll take on next!
How Arduua Coaching Can Help You Achieve Your Goals
Are you inspired by Daniel’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 Arduua Online Coaching
/Blog by Katinka Nyberg, Arduua Founder