Welcome to an exclusive glimpse into the world of triathlete, Andrea Madrid the Colombian champion and top triathlete in the sport. In this captivating interview, we delve deep into the remarkable journey of an athlete who has conquered the toughest challenges, shattered records, and set new standards in the world of Colombian triathletes. Andrea is the daughter of the national water polo legend Luis Guillermo Madrid. He built an empire in the national water polo, he started as a player and extended this legacy through his family. The love for swimming and in general for sports has been a pillar for this family ever since.
Q: When and how did you begin training for triathlons?
I began my journey in 2018, driven by my deep passion for sports, and an eager desire to try cycling. With enthusiasm, I bought a bike; however, anxiety and nervousness held me back from venturing onto the streets. Determined to conquer my fear, I realized that setting a challenging goal might be the key. Therefore, I registered for my first Ironman 70.3 event in Rio de Janeiro.
From that point on, my daily routine revolved around rigorous training to prepare myself physically and mentally for the upcoming race. The dedication and effort I put into my preparation paid off when I successfully completed the Ironman. The sense of accomplishment was incredibly rewarding, not just because of crossing the finish line, but also due to the entire transformative process that led me there.
Q: How is a week for a triathlete?
My training schedule involves 2 to 3 hours of daily workouts, with Mondays as my rest day. From Tuesday to Friday, I engage in a well-rounded routine that includes swimming, cycling and running.
On Tuesdays, I dedicate one and a half hours to swimming and then follow it up with a cycling session, I repeat this on Thursdays. Wednesdays and Fridays are reserved for swimming and running workouts. Weekends are when I tackle longer, more intensive training sessions. On Saturdays I devote 5 to 6 hours to cycling, focusing on building endurance and improving my biking skills. Finally, Sundays are dedicated to running, with 2 to 3 hours of training to improve my running stamina and performance.
Q: What is your favorite thing about the sport?
Triathlon is a unique and individual sport, where I constantly challenge myself. It’s a personal journey to surpass my previous achievements and become the best version of who I can be. As a triathlete, my main competition is with myself, striving to improving my times and performance.
Engaging in this sport means not only refining my physical abilities but also strengthening my mental fortitude. The long training hours, spent alone with my thoughts, provide ample opportunities to connect with myself on a deeper level. It’s a profound experience of self-discovery and self-improvement. Triathlon has taught me the value of resilience, perseverance, and a lot of self-discipline. Each training becomes a stepping stone towards growth and progress. Being a triathlete it’s a passion that fuels my soul and drives me towards becoming the best athlete and, more important the best version of myself.
Q: What is your least favorite thing about this sport?
I truly enjoy every aspect of being a triathlete, but sometimes the logistics can be a bit overwhelming. Preparing and packing everything I need for both training sessions and races can be quite a hassle. With numerous items to remember, its easy to forget something crucial. For instance, it frustrates me when I have to cycle from a different location than my home base.
Q: Why did you start using BERT?
We require specialized gear to optimize our performance, and active slippers like BERT offer a unique advantage during the transition between swimming, cycling and running. These shoes had offer me a practical solution, proving comfort, convenience, and improved efficiency during the various stages of the race. Their lightweight and flexible design makes them the ideal shoes for training and traveling to the competitions.
I love the feeling of ending my training whether is riding, running or swimming. There’s no better feeling than taking off my training shoes and slipping into my Bert’s. They are my best reward and the best part is that I not only feel super relaxed but I also look good.
Q: What is your favorite thing about BERT
I was unfamiliar with the term “Active slippers” until I discovered BERT. These shoes have become a game changer for any triathlete aiming to boost performance and elevate their overall experience. From the moment I wake up in the morning I slip into these versatile shoes, and they have become an essential part of my pre and post workout routine.
What I love most about them is the exceptional comfort and support they offer, which keeps my feet feeling refreshed and ready for any challenge. Their efficiency and functionality are unparalleled, making them a MUST in my triathlon gear. Moreover, BERT posses a stylish appeal, seamlessly complementing every sport outfit I wear. Whether I’m heading to the gym, hitting the pool, or going for a run, they effortlessly match my athletic outfit.
In short, discovering BERT has enriched my training and recovery experience, elevating my performance and providing me with an unmatched blend of comfort, support and style. They have undoubtedly become my go-to footwear for a successful and enjoyable triathlon pursuit
