Meet Blanca Bribiesca
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Currently: Joshua Tree, CA
When did you first start running?
I started running in High School, I joined the XC team freshman year and continued running all 4 years Varsity. Never did I realize it would set me up with a great conditioning foundation for my future career as a United States Marine.
What is the furthest distance you have run?
The furthest I’ve ever ran is 26.2 miles in Virginia for the Marine Corps Marathon. One and done, got the T-Shirt.
Why do you run?
I run because I have ADD… ha! But on the real, I am high energy and need a natural reset and calm in my life. I also love to challenge myself. Running takes me away from the busy life. It allows me to soak in nature without distractions. And with every step, I am beyond grateful to even have the ability to move my body. “Use it or lose it” and I choose to keep going for as long as the Good Lord allows it.
What is your favorite race?
My favorite race was the San Diego Hot Chocolate 10k. For starters, I ran it with great company…my sisters! Two, It’s a distance I’ve grown fond of doing. Three, I ran with no expectations or a hard goal time to meet. My only goal was to take in the energy & the environment around me. During this race, I engaged in conversations and noticed I was smiling a whole lot more than usual. When I finished the 10k I was on the longest lasting running high I had ever experienced. Absolutely amazing!
What advice would you give to new runners?
Showing up for yourself is already a win.
You are not defined by your speed or strength, people will remember how you showed up. That is the hardest part and you did that one step at a time.
Honorable Mention:
Blanca is now a retired Marine and owns her own home decor store called Shop HABITAT in 29 Palms, CA. It is a beautiful eclectic home decor shop in the heart of 29. If you ever visit Joshua Tree or the 29 Palms area - definitely check it out, you won’t want to miss it!
- Thank you Blanca for inspiring us all! #FuerzaAthlete
Meet Nancy De Haro Castañón
Hometown: Perris, CA
Currently: Bay area, CA
How long have you been running?
The running journey has been ~10 years - on and off.
What is the furthest distance you have run?
The furthest distance ran to date has been a marathon - 26.2 miles!
Why do you run?
I run to stay connected to my body, mentally sharp and physically fit. Running every morning gives me the energy to get tackle anything throughout the day, especially since I work 4/10hr days; so my weekdays are long.
Who inspires you?
Kobe Bryant
What’s your favorite quote related to running?
“I consider that the sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed for us” (Romans 8:18).”
Fun fact, I had this verse (Romans 8:18) on my bib when I ran San Diego Marathon!
What advice would you give to new runners?
My advice to new runners is to just “start”.
Interesting Fun Facts about Nancy:
I love solo travel and have been on 8 two to three week-long trips, the most recent one this last summer where I hopped around 7 countries most of August.
I met Daddy Yankee when I was in high school, and he kissed me on the cheek! I also met a former Italian Prime Minister (Giuseppe Conte) in Florence while on vacation a few years ago (no kisses were exchanged).
Love international movies and foreign languages. I studied abroad in Germany for a summer and took Portuguese in college, am trying to learn some French and Italian now.
- Thank you Nancy for inspiring us all! #FuerzaAthlete
Meet Gloria Ortiz
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Currently: Oakland, CA
When did you first start running
I got into running after high school. In high school, I played a few sports, and running was always part of the training. I would run with the teams during training, but never on my own until after high school. When I was 20, I really started running on my own around the college town I was living in, and it was nice to continue that every time I went back home to LA.
What is the furthest distance you have run
The furthest distance I've run is a 10K. I'm a fan of short and easy runs. :)
Are you currently training for a race?
My goal this year is to run the Berkeley Half-Marathon. I'm running the Avenue of Giants 10K in May and plan to sign up for more races to keep me motivated and on track for the race in November. I would like to increase my running distance this year so that I can hopefully run a full marathon sometime in the future.
Why do you run?
I'm really into hiking and backpacking, so running helps me stay active! Other than for staying active, I run to make community and get outdoors. I don't particularly like running outside on my own, so I'm happy to have found the Fuerza Athlete run club for the community and chats while running and the post-run cafecito talks!
Honorable mention:
Gloria is also a badass chemist, earning her PhD in Chemistry from UC Berkeley - she is a chingona and such an inspiration to the community and the next generation. Keep shining!
- Thank you Gloria for inspiring us all! #FuerzaAthlete
Meet Edna Temilo
Hometown: Houston, TX
Currently: Martinez, CA
When did you first start running?
I first laced up my running shoes in 2012 to complement my newfound love for CrossFit. I needed some cardio to keep up with the intense workouts, so I started running. (I needed to get fit in order to get fit!)
How long have you been running?
I ran consistently for about 2-3 years over a decade ago, but recently, I've gotten back into it for the past 7 months. It's been a rediscovery, and I'm enjoying the journey!
Back in 2012, after a year of running that included a few 5ks, 10ks, and my first half marathon, I set an ambitious goal for 2013: to conquer a half marathon every month. To my surprise, I also won a spot in the Nike Women's Marathon, where I completed my first and only full marathon that year.
While the pandemic slowed my fitness progress, by the end of 2023, I found renewed motivation during a reflective long walk. That's when I decided to embark on a personal challenge: gearing up to run a solid 40 miles for my upcoming 40th birthday in 2024!
What is the furthest distance you have run?
The furthest distance I've run is 26.2 miles, which I accomplished in 2013.
Are you currently training for a race?
Yes, I'm training to run 40 miles for my 40th birthday. While it won't be an official race, I've mapped out a course on one of my favorite trails.
Why do you run?
Honestly, I'm not the biggest fan of running, but I keep at it because it's straightforward yet therapeutic. It's a simple way to exercise and clear my mind—it feels like a journey through a lifetime in just one run.
What advice would you give to new runners?
Don't overthink it—just get out there and start running. Your body is capable of amazing things, and every step counts toward your progress.
Random fact you would like to share with the running community?
Back in 2017, I signed up for my first (and only) triathlon. To prepare, I took swimming lessons at the local aquatic park because I didn't know how to swim (other than doggy paddle). Shout out to the high schooler who patiently coached me through those early strokes.
What would you like to share with the Latinx endurance athletes?
Keep pushing boundaries and challenging yourself. Whether you're into running, triathlons, or any other endurance sport, your determination and resilience are truly inspiring. Embrace the journey—it's not always about loving every moment, but about the strength and growth you gain with every step.
I also want to say how much I love seeing us out there on the trail, even though it's not as often as I'd like. It warms my heart to see Latinx athletes pushing themselves and achieving greatness. It makes my insides smile to know we're out there, representing and thriving.
- Thank you Edna for inspiring us all! #FuerzaAthlete
