Member Highlight – Tania Noguera

Intro by Aude Hofleitner
This month, I am sitting down with Tania Noguera. Tania started running last summer thanks to the DPMR newbies group. She continued on to run her first 10K ever (!) and one leg of the Pt Mariah Marathon. This year, she ran the 18k at Broken Arrow (under quite windy conditions!!) and followed up with Mountain Tiger last weekend…  An exciting trend powered by the energy from DPMR group runs.

Where are you from and where do you live now?
I am Ecuadorian/Spanish living in Truckee for the last four years. 

When did you begin running and/or long-distance running, if that applies? Why?
My parents loved running, and they would take my siblings and I jogging to a nearby hill every Saturday as part of a fun family activity when we were kids in Ecuador. Later on, as a teen in Spain, I would sometimes hike/jog through the shorelines of the little Mediterranean coastal town I grew up in.  As an adult, I ran here and there but without consistency or goals. I ran mainly to deal with stress or sadness, but never out of joy. Last summer, I learned about the DPMR newbies club and started running with the group. It definitely transformed my running experience as I started to finally find joy in running. Having a group of supportive and welcoming athletes made it easier for me to start increasing my distance, my pace and the smile on my face after I would accomplish something that felt hard.

Do you race? Does racing motivate you? If not racing, what motivates you?
This year, I finished my first race: Broken Arrow 18K. Signing up for it supported me getting more consistent with my training, and getting more comfortable in my body. For example, running in snow is something I never did before, and I never even considered it as a possibility (considering that before moving to Truckee I never lived in the snow). This year it was fun to test it and experience it as I was preparing for the race. Racing adds a level of commitment and consistency, but what motivates me is experiencing the mountains from a different perspective, and allowing my body to show me what it’s capable of. Running is helping me address and overcome my self-limiting beliefs. 

Do you have any dream races (either hoping to qualify for or get selected for)?
“Never say never,” so who knows, maybe as I keep running, I will be adding dream races to my bucket list.

What was the best running advice you’ve received?
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! I also have been working with a local chiropractor that created a routine of super basic exercises and stretches to prevent injuries and get stronger. 

Do you have a favorite on-trail food or nutrition strategy and favorite post-run meal or beverage?
I am a big fan of the Neversecond gels and electrolytes. As a post-run meal pasta would be a top choice. 

Do you have a favorite recipe to share?
I love cooking. Last year, I got an outdoor paella stove and large paella pan, and I love exploring making rice with different flavors and ingredients. There are lots of recipes for the traditional paella valenciana online, but if you are curious on new paella takes, chef Dabiz Munoz is your guy: https://www.tiktok.com/@dabizdiverxo/video/7233063204006432027 

What was your favorite recent running experience?
My husband and I started training together this year. He has been my main support in this whole journey. Last week, we ran up Castle Peak and it was beautiful, the flowers, the air, the birds, the company. Also, we have been taking our training as our weekly dates, so after running we get to explore our favorite restaurants in town. 

What was your most challenging/ character-building running experience?
Castle Peak to Basin in May covered in snow.

What are your upcoming racing/adventure plans?
I just ran Mountain Tiger, and am planning on a section or two of Point Mariah. After that, I am looking forward to trying to run up Imbabura volcano in Ecuador. That volcano is a very important place for my family, and we hike up all the time. I’m curious to see if next time I can run up. 

What do you do for a living? Is it hard to fit in time for training?
I have worked in climate advocacy/philanthropy for 10 years, but last year I decided to quit to be more present with my little 2 year old. Most of my training has happened thanks to the support of amazing nannies, but we have also been running as a family, pushing the jogging stroller around the neighborhood and even on some dirt roads. 

What led you to join DPMR?
Community! DPMR is a safe space for people like me, who are just getting started. It’s also great to get to know the local community of amazing runners, and be in the loop for new events and activities. 

What has been your favorite DPMR experience so far?
The Thursday Hill training with Martin. For a new runner like me, this kind of training is very hard both physically and mentally. I love the leadership of Martin, I love the challenge, and the support of all the other runners. 

Favorite local trail?
I still have a lot to explore, but I have been really enjoying running Johnson Canyon and learning about the history of that area.  

Do you listen to audio while you run and if so, what have you been enjoying lately?
Yes, I listen to a lot of upbeat music from salsa to spanish rock, but what I have been trying lately is to enjoy the silence to be more present with my experience. That presence is something that I want to bring more into my life. 

Recovery technique(s) that you swear by?
Foam rolling, stretching, massages and routine chiropractor visits. 

Do you have a favorite piece of running gear (hydration system, shoe, clothing layer, sock, etc.)?
Tahoe Mountain Sports really makes it easier to find new favorites 🙂 I am enjoying the breathability of Rab t-shirts. 

What other outdoor or indoor interests do you have? 
Some easy skiing, kayaking, fishing, climbing.