Tell me about your triathlon history & how you got started in the sport...
Even though I was born in a huge city, almost every weekend my family took me to the countryside. The direct connection with my family and with nature is one of the most beautiful memories of my childhood. Later, when I joined the army, I had the same experience on a larger scale and I got to know the impossible topography of my native Colombia . I felt like I could reach the sky from the top of the Andes, I fell in love with the magic of the Caribbean , and I found it's possible not to see the sun for days at a time in the deep of the rain forest. Somehow all this is connected with triathlons, somehow all this has taught me to adapt under the most primitive conditions...AND I LOVE IT!

Looking ahead, what athletic goals have you set for yourself in 2008 ...
I live down to earth, so I see 2008 as a fun and challenging year - training with the team in Central Park and in the Hudson River, competing 140.6 in the Adirondacks, 26.2 on this jungle of concrete, and of course having fun on the SBR series in the amazing Harriman State Park.

What is your favorite thing about competing in triathlons?
It doesn't matter if I compete in sprint, olympic, half or full distance, and it doesn't matter if I spend 1.5 hours, 3h, 8h, 12 or 17 hours on the course; I know everytime I race I will learn more about myself than I had previously known.

What gets you motivated for a big race, or hard training session?
The opportunity to get stronger, more skilled and, of course, to have a fun with my team. Training and racing is like a party on the road!

What's your favorite meal to eat before and after a big race?
I eat everything before a race- I mean everything! I've found my body is an incinerator. Perhaps that's why after a race I need a cold six pack to suffocate the fire!

What other hobbies do you enjoy?
#1 travel (I've been in 28 states, 22 to go ...)
#2 read (1000 plus books)
#3 ski and climb
#4 sleep and food ...
#5 more food and more sleep .

What is the best piece of advice you have for other triathletes?
If you have found something in life to love and want to be committed to (not neccesary just triathlons, but in everything) just take a look at the american breakfast of bacon and eggs: the chicken was involved, but the pig was committed, now you can apply this to fitness or triathlons, commit with suffering and joinment, dreams and reality , stomage and stamina to finish it. Pain is temporary, but quitting lasts forever.