Jan Castillo, medical student and a prominent figure in trail running
REAL STORIES
Publicado 19 Nov 2024
/
Por
Ona Canales
Jan Castillo is one of those people who, at first glance, inspire terrible envy. The first thing that comes to mind, after meeting him, is a question as obvious as it is inevitably filled with jealousy: how can he maintain such an active sporting life as a third-year medical student (who passes his subjects)?
At 12 years old, he started running on some weekends along the paths of Collsuspina, and today he is an elite athlete who is a benchmark in mountain running. Or trail running, he says. Sounds better.
I ask him why I should run in the mountains. Every athlete will tell you their sport is the best. Of course. He adds that the mountain makes him feel very small, and when he runs, he thinks of nothing but the here and now. He clarifies - probably to make me feel better - that everyone is good at something. I run.
He confesses that his dream is to balance his medical career with his sports career. I look at him and cannot quite believe it's possible, but then I remember he's already achieving it. At just 20 years old. And the envy returns, of course. But he doesn't rely on a salary or emotional stability. If one day I can no longer pursue it professionally, it will always be my hobby. I will never stop running. He finishes the sentence, and it seems a very beautiful way to see the glass half full. This stands out in Jan. Optimism as his trademark.
It has long puzzled me that everyone seems to be running now, and I take the opportunity to talk to him about it. What's happening, that now my friends run 10-kilometre stretches on any peaceful Sunday afternoon? Why do I keep seeing 'running clubs' everywhere? Have they come to stay, or are we still experiencing the after-effects of hyperactivity from a hazy lockdown that we've already forgotten? Jan is clear about it: this is here to stay. It's an inexpensive, addictive sport with flexible hours and easy to practice. It makes sense, of course. And the running clubs too: people get out of the house, socialise, do sports, and disconnect. What more do you want?
I listen to him and feel like going for a run. I, who has never seen the appeal of this sport. I'm so easily persuaded. You now run for 20 minutes and you already notice the effects, he says, especially on a mental level. 20 minutes you could have spent sitting on the toilet watching TikTok. Great, it makes me feel worse. But how do I establish a routine? That's what I find most challenging, really. Try to hold on for a month or two, three days a week. If you manage that, I don't think you'll stop. It's both a physical and mental psychologist. And it's free, I think.
Perhaps I will have to consider it.
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