Pedro Esteso: Reborn on the Track and the Road

He returned with strength, rediscovering happiness on the athletics track and on the road

Two races to return to the world of high competition

First on Saturday afternoon at the "II Popular Athletics Meeting from Asphalt to Track" held at the Moratalaz Track (Madrid), and then, on Sunday on the asphalt at the "Milla Real Valle de Cayón" in Sarón (Cantabria). Return to competition After more than two years away from the world of national competition, as he himself tells us: "They were two days that are hard to forget, on the one hand because of the reunion with good feelings and emotions. To feel like an athlete again, to put on a bib, to lace up my spikes and the fact that I was able to complete both races without pain or physical discomfort."

To prove to myself that I am fully recovered physically and mentally from the traffic accident I suffered. Also, to be able to share these good moments with the people who are by our side. Right now I feel very combative." Without a doubt, a much-anticipated return in two special testing environments for Pedro Esteso, who for some time now has been professionally dedicated to the world of sports training. He is the sports director of Urban Runners Club Elche and Enforma Sports Training Center in Callosa de Segura. His desire is to remain linked to the world of athletics in its purest form and participating at the level that his body and age allow.

Throughout the weekend, he was able to enjoy the atmosphere, the company of his friends in the stands, and hundreds of messages and expressions of affection through phone messages and social media. The excellent organization of the event in both races delighted the spectators. High-level races were witnessed, highlighting the beauty and aesthetics of athletics in its purest form.

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First Race

For his part, in the "II Popular Athletics Meeting from Asphalt to Track" held at the Moratalaz track (Madrid), the Urban Runners Club athlete participated in heat B of the 800m.l. distance. He achieved a good time of 1'56"32, a time that currently places him as the Spanish leader of the year in his M-35 category. He currently holds the Spanish record both outdoors and indoors in this distance and category. This recorded time, above all, gives him a lot of security and confidence to continue with his training and physical preparation, which is aimed at arriving in shape for the Spanish Veterans Championship to be held at the end of June in Elche.

Fears

And as the middle-distance runner from Elche tells us, these two races have helped him gain confidence, peace of mind, and continue his constant fighting spirit both on the track and in life. He confessed to us on Saturday, during the warm-up before the race in Moratalaz: "I was very tense, I remembered that the last time I competed at a high level was at the World Veterans Championship in Budapest and I did it injured. I admit that in those moments before, I was scared, more than nervous, I was very afraid of not finishing a race again due to some pain, I didn't know if I would be able to finish the event."

On the track again

I was so tense during the warm-up that it caused muscle discomfort in my calves. I was too worried about feeling pain again. But then I put on my spikes, started to look for positive images in my mind and concentrate on what was important until that fear of failure disappeared just at the moment of the starting gun. I started running with confidence, I lengthened my stride and there was no pain with each step. I forgot about past issues and dedicated myself to enjoying that unique moment that life was giving me again, which is running in lane 1 of an athletics track. I felt how I moved after each step, at a very high competition pace, that's for sure. The sensations were good after having been away from a track for so long and I think it can be improved.

Satisfaction

What I liked most was the smile that appeared on my face when I crossed the finish line. It was a feeling of relief and of leaving behind very difficult moments. I felt that I overcame them in that last stretch of the home straight, which felt a bit long, but which I reached with strength and knowing deep down that for me I had completed a good competitive event. Furthermore, I was lucky enough to be able to share it with my friends and family who were in the stands."

Second Race

And on Sunday afternoon, with a morning trip included from Madrid to Cantabria, it was Pedro Esteso's turn to put on another bib. He couldn't miss the event he has been attending since 2004, one of his favorite miles in Spain, the "Milla del Real Valle de Cayón". A race with which he has a close relationship of affection and friendship in this Cantabrian area that treats him so well every time he sets foot in this part of northern Spain that he is so fond of.

Back among the elite

At that starting line, the crème de la crème of Spanish middle-distance awaited him, a high-level race that once again saw Carlos Alonso, one of the fittest athletes of the moment, as the winner. In this Men's Elite race, our athlete from Elche was able to stay in the leading group for two of the three laps of the course, which was packed with spectators, with nearly 4,000 people cheering on the almost 1,000 participants throughout the afternoon.

And as Pedro tells us: "The fatigue from the previous day didn't allow me to fight a bit harder during the race, my mind wanted to but my legs couldn't give any more. I'll stick with the magical and unique moments I always experience before, during and after this race, which for me is very special for what it has always meant to me, throughout my sporting and personal career. The E.D.M Santa María de Cayón and its director, Juanmi Cano, have always made me feel like one of the family in this mile that I will never forget. In all the editions I have competed in, the warmth of the public, perfect organization and the great work and effort of their town hall are always appreciated."

Athletics: a passion

A very positive return to high-level competition for our athlete, who at 39 years old concludes: "I am experiencing a third or fourth youth for and through athletics. Age should not be a limiting factor in pursuing one's dreams. I owe it to athletics, this sport-passion to which I declare myself completely hooked and grateful for the multitude of pleasant memories and experiences.

Enriching and character-building experiences, shaping my personality, and unforgettable moments over 25 years. This weekend has allowed me to experience something very special that I had been searching for a long time: something as simple as being happy running and without worries. I wish and hope that all people who identify with Juan Carlos and me in the way we understand our running life can feel it too.

I thank you for your support and desire to continue sharing kilometers together…THANK YOU ALL!” – Pedro Esteso