2019 Member Spotlight – Hernando Herrera

How did you get involved in triathlon?

A good friend quit smoking their 2-pack cigarettes and ran a 1/2 marathon about 6 months later. That prompted me to get off my lazy sofa and consider getting back in shape. I was never a great athlete and I get bored easily, so I figured I would try my hand at being equally mediocre at several disciplines all at once!

What was your first triathlon?

Reston Sprint during my NTP year (2014)… great/friendly atmosphere to stick your toes in the water!

What is the biggest mistake you’ve made in a triathlon?

There have been many, but the one that most frustrated me is (repeatedly) forgetting that my race top pockets can’t hold things once I lean forward on the bike… I lost many gels and nutrition bars, until I finally bought a race belt with a pouch. (I’ll eventually buy a proper race top that will solve this problem!)

Any memorable races or experience?

During my first time racing Peasantman, we encountered a HORSE that had gotten loose and was trotting near us! Delaney Chambers calmly got the horse to stop and then she ran with it until she found a park ranger. I, of course, felt that she was getting unfair assistance, but decided to keep my mouth shut! Somewhere there is a picture of her and that horse!

What do you enjoy outside of triathlon?

Reading and hiking in the woods or up a mountain.

Any fun facts about yourself that you’d like to share?

I grew up horseback riding in Colombia, South America, and I’ve survived multiple falls… including two that were at a full gallop. (All those falls probably explain many of my cognitive issues these days!)