Isidro: run to clear my mind and come back stronger
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Member of the Kuristo club since November 2025, this running enthusiast, used to urban races, now dreams of taking up trail running in 2026. For him, running is above all about pleasure, mental clarity... and sometimes, rice pudding at the finish. Meet a regular runner, driven by escape and pressure-free challenges.
How long have you been part of the club?
I’ve been part of the club since November 2025.
Are you a casual, regular, or hard-core runner?
I’d say I’m a regular runner: I run two to three times a week.
Have you always been athletic?
No, I haven’t always been athletic. In fact, I feel like I do more sports as I get older, which is kind of the opposite of most people.
How did you get into running and join Kuristo?
I’d already been running for many years. I started occasionally joining fun runs with a friend, and gradually, I enjoyed it more and more. As for Kuristo, I’d been in other running clubs before, but the location and lack of time made it hard for me to attend regularly. After some major changes in my life in 2025, I decided to get back into it with more determination and look for something friendly and close to home.
What’s your most memorable running experience?
There are many, but probably the Madrid Marathon, for the incredible atmosphere and the joy I felt, even if the finish was a bit tough.
And your worst memory?
Running is always enjoyable, but if I had to pick something, it would probably be a small race in Kortrijk that wasn’t well-marked. I took a wrong turn and ended up running fewer kilometers than planned. That said, it was still pretty fun.
Do you prefer trail races or urban races?
I’ve mostly done urban races, but I much prefer running in nature. Now that I’m in Belgium, I’m lucky enough to do it more often. I’d like to try trail running starting in 2026.
What motivates you to run even when you don’t feel like it?
I mostly run to clear my head—it’s almost a necessity for me. After ten minutes of running, everything becomes clearer, and that’s what helps me get out there even when I lack motivation.
Do you run more for performance or for pleasure?
Always for pleasure.
Music or silence during your runs?
Music most of the time, unless I’m running with a group or the scenery is so beautiful that I prefer to run without music to fully enjoy it.
Which race do you not want to miss?
I really love the Brussels 20K for the atmosphere and the route.
What’s your goal for the year?
My goal for the year was the Ghent Marathon, which already took place in March (editor’s note: he improved by nearly 40 minutes in his second marathon 💪). Now, I’m thinking about a trail race of over 30 km, though I haven’t chosen one yet.
What’s your ultimate dream?
To be surrounded by the people I love, without needing anything more.
A movie or series that marked you?
I particularly love sci-fi movies and those about space, especially Contact by Robert Zemeckis, with Jodie Foster and Matthew McConaughey.
A book you recommend?
There are several, but in the world of sports, I’d mention Into Thin Air or Born to Run. Both are very inspiring.
Your favorite dish?
I’ve grown to love desserts, like rice pudding or torrijas—a kind of French toast we eat in Spain at Easter.
Your favorite drink?
Sparkling water and coffee.
Your dream place to live?
The small village in southern Spain where my grandparents lived.
And you, why do you run?
Whether it’s for pleasure, performance, or simply to clear your mind, running has a unique way of bringing us together. Inspired by Isidro’s story? Join the Kuristo to share your passion, discover new routes, or simply run in good company. We’ll see you at the starting line! 🏃♂️💨
