Running Smart with Hector — Trail & Nutrition Insights
A Collaboration Rooted in Passion, Performance, and Mountain Spirit.
At Arduua, we believe in the power of real stories, real people, and a shared love for the mountains. That’s why we’re excited to start a new collaboration with Hector Blandin Santamaría — a passionate trail runner, Certified Higher Technician in Dietetics, and long-standing Frontrunner for Team Arduua.
This new chapter builds naturally on everything Héctor already represents: grit, humility, consistent performance, and a deep interest in how nutrition can fuel trail success. As we begin this collaboration, Héctor will share his experience and knowledge with the wider Arduua community — offering practical guidance to help other runners optimize their performance through nutrition.
Here’s your chance to get to know him — not just as a talented athlete, but as someone committed to helping others thrive on the trail.
Who Is Héctor?
“My name is Héctor, I’m 29 years old, and I’m originally from a small town near Madrid. After working for several years as a forestry technician, I decided to pursue my passion for health and sports performance. I recently completed my training as a Higher Technician in Dietetics, and I’m now fully focused on building a career in this field.”
Today, Héctor combines his academic background, personal experience as an athlete, and love for mountain running to help others understand how nutrition can become a true performance ally.
From Pandemic Discovery to Mountain Obsession
A few years ago, Héctor’s life revolved around football. That all changed during the pandemic.
“I started watching Golden Trail Series videos online, and little by little, I got hooked. I began running in the mountains and realized it was what I truly loved. Out there, I feel free — there’s no pressure, no clock. It’s like playing.”
Finding Arduua
Héctor discovered Arduua after a podium finish at the Gran Maratón Montañas de Benasque.
“I was new to the sport, and still unsure of my level. After finishing second, I talked with another runner who mentioned Arduua. That led me to connect with the coaching team — and I’ve been training with Coach David García ever since.”
2025 Season Highlights
The 2025 season has been a breakthrough year for Héctor, both in performance and progression:
- 🥇 Trail Barco de Ávila – 21K
- 🥇 Trail Calamochos Casavieja – Half Marathon + Vertical K Combo
- 🥉 Trail Peguerinos – 32K / +2000m (3:50:59)
→ Nutrition strategy: ~95g/hour from isotonic drinks, gels, and guava - 🥇 Stage 2 Victory – Riaño Trail Run (26K / +1400m)
→ Part of a two-day race: Stage 1 (21K / +1800m), Stage 2 (26K / +1400m)
“My goal this year was to increase distance and elevation step by step. With the right training and a personalized nutrition plan, I’ve adapted well to the challenges. I treat trail running with the same seriousness as my profession. I don’t negotiate with effort.”
The Power of Nutrition
Nutrition plays a central role in Héctor’s approach to performance.
“I studied nutrition to better understand my own training and recovery. Along the way, I realized how powerful it can be — not just for myself, but for other runners too. What we eat defines how we train, how we recover, and how we perform.”
He believes in practical, evidence-based strategies adapted to the demands of trail running, including:
- High-carbohydrate base
- Fuel periodization (based on training volume and intensity)
- Balanced real-food and sports nutrition integration
- Recovery-focused eating after intense sessions and races
A Week in the Life — Training + Fueling
Training Volume:
- 6 sessions per week
- 10–13 hours total
- ~70 km
- +2000 to +3000 m elevation
Weekly Structure:
- 2 mountain-specific runs
- 1 strength training session
- 2 intensity/interval sessions
- 1 or more recovery runs
Nutrition Focus:
- High-carb approach
- Fuel adapted to daily training goals
- Carb loading before races
- Structured post-race recovery meals
Looking Ahead
Héctor isn’t focused on long-term targets — he prefers to embrace the process.
“I don’t set fixed goals. I focus on enjoying the day-to-day work — the early runs, the fatigue, the post-training meals. Still, I’d love to race Zegama one day. And I’m slowly preparing to tackle an ultra in the near future.”
Advice for the Arduua Community
“If I can share one thing, it’s this: enjoy the sport. If you love the mountains, even the hardest days will feel worthwhile. That joy keeps you going. Improvement is just the result of showing up with purpose.”
About Héctor Santamaría – Trail Runner & Nutritionist
Age: 29
Location: Madrid, Spain
Background: Former Forestry Technician, now focused on sports nutrition
Education: Higher Technician in Dietetics
Specialty: Performance nutrition for endurance and trail athletes
Arduua Role: Team Arduua Frontrunner & Community Collaborator (Nutrition)
Athletic Focus: Trail races 21K–40K with +1000m–2600m elevation
Key Achievements (2025):
- 1st – Trail Barco de Ávila 21K
- 1st – Trail Calamochos Half + VK
- 1st – Riaño Trail Run Stage 2
- 3rd – Trail Peguerinos 32K
Let’s Connect — This Is Just the Beginning
Whether you’re curious about optimizing your race fueling, recovering faster, or simply want to exchange ideas with someone who lives and breathes mountain running — Héctor would love to hear from you.
This collaboration is all about sharing knowledge, supporting each other, and helping more runners discover how nutrition can become a true performance ally.
Feel free to reach out and start the conversation:
Whether you’re looking to fine-tune your nutrition strategy, improve your recovery, or simply share ideas with someone who lives and breathes the trail — Héctor would love to connect with you.
This collaboration is all about supporting each other, learning together, and helping more runners discover how small choices in nutrition can lead to big results on the trail.
Feel free to reach out directly:
Héctor Blandin Santamaría
📧 santamariablandin@gmail.com
📸 @santamaria_68
- Katinka Nyberg – Founder of Arduua
📧 katinka.nyberg@arduua.com
📸 @katinkanyberg
We’re excited to walk this next stretch of the trail together — stronger, smarter, and more connected than ever.
/Katinka Nyberg