Kamal: Welcome to this podcast, Juan. I'm very excited to have you here and chat with you about your running journey. Juan: Thank you for having me. Kamal: Great. So let's start by learning a little bit about your background. Juan: I've done a little bit of everything. I've run my whole life. I used to play a lot of basketball, soccer, football, and squash. I had many injuries, especially hamstring injuries, so one day I decided to stop those sports and focus on running. I started with 5Ks, then half marathons, and marathons. I never stopped running after that. Now, I also do Iron Man's and marathons, but I don't play basketball, soccer, or squash anymore. Running has become a part of my life. Kamal: That's great. What do you do professionally? Juan: I'm a real estate broker in Miami. I handle everything from residential to commercial and construction. My base is in Miami, but I also have offices in Beaufort, Georgia, and New Orleans, LA. Kamal: That sounds interesting. How do you balance your professional life with your running? Juan: Being a real estate broker allows me to manage my own time. My wife, who is also a runner and triathlete, is my biggest support. She helps me hit my goals, and we both support each other. We don't drink much, but when we do, we enjoy it. We love to travel, and marathons are a great excuse to do so. Our lifestyle hasn't changed much; we just have to manage our time carefully. Kamal: How does running impact other aspects of your life? Juan: The adrenaline, the push, and knowing my body are exciting. Always having a race to look forward to keeps me motivated. Running helps me maintain my discipline and manage stress. It's also a great way to travel and see new places. Kamal: You've run many marathons and even Iron Man's. How do you train for these events? Juan: Training for an Ironman is easier for me because it involves varied training. I swim, bike, and run, which keeps things interesting. For marathons, I start from a base and build up gradually. My training plans are always evolving. The discipline from training carries over into my professional life, helping me stay organized and focused. Kamal: What are your future running goals? Juan: Right now, I'm focused on the New York Marathon. After that, I'll take a break during the holidays and start training for the London Marathon in mid-January. I'm also considering doing another full Iron Man in Spain next summer. Chicago is definitely on my list for next year as well. Kamal: That's a packed schedule! What's your favorite marathon experience so far? Juan: The start of the Berlin Marathon was very exciting. Passing through the gate near the finish line was a powerful moment. The atmosphere and the people made it unforgettable. I've signed up for the lottery again for next year. Kamal: It's been great chatting with you, Juan. Best of luck with your upcoming races and professional endeavors. Juan: Thank you. It's been a pleasure.