Discover the sports passion of Aran de Mingo and how his childhood in La Llacuna shaped his love for the outdoors. From team sports to Trail Running, cycling, and hiking, Aran combines his enthusiasm for exercise with his appreciation for nature.
Tell us a bit about yourself and how you got into the outdoor worlD
With a childhood spent playing in nature in La Llacuna, Aran shares how he merged his love for team sports with his passion for nature, incorporating activities like Trail Running and cycling into his life.
Aran: “Well, I’ve always been a big sports enthusiast since I was very young. I acknowledge that it wasn’t inherited from my family, as both my mother, father, and sister have always leaned more towards artistic pursuits. It’s true that I remember my childhood outdoors in the village, La Llacuna, playing in nature for many hours. I suppose that over the years, I connected my passion for team sports (basketball) with my sense of well-being in nature. Currently, all the sports I practice have the context of nature (Trail Running, cycling, mountain biking, hiking…).”
What is your favorite adventure sport and why?
Between running in the mountains and exploring new places on a bicycle, Aran reveals his passion for outdoor sports and the connection with nature that it provides.
Aran: “Well, when I get asked this question, I always have doubts about the answer, haha. I acknowledge that I love running in the mountains. It’s probably the sport I enjoy the most, and at the same time, I feel more connected to nature. Although, I admit that mountain biking, road cycling, and, in recent years, gravel, bring me a lot of joy and allow me to discover many new places, travel, etc.”
Could you share your best memory or experience practicing this sport?
Among hours spent with friends overcoming seemingly impossible challenges, Aran highlights his best experience, emphasizing the concentration and connection that he can only find in this context.
Aran: “I admit that the best moments I’ve had are sharing this sport with friends for hours. Achieving challenges that seemed impossible and situations of maximum concentration while practicing them that I haven’t been able to experience outside of this context.”
What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the outdoor sector (or your sport) today?
Aran emphasizes the organizational challenge within Trail Running, with various federations and private circuits, calling for coherence to understand the sport.
Aran: “Organization. Trail Running has been a sport that has grown a lot in recent years; important circuits, sponsors, etc., have entered. Right now, it’s a sport where there are two interested federations and many private circuits that are even more powerful than the federations themselves. It needs order to understand the sport and to make everything coherent.”
What advice would you give to someone who has never practiced this adventure sport?
With practical advice and a call to enjoy the journey, Aran provides guidance to newcomers in outdoor activities, emphasizing the importance of taking their time and seeking advice on the right equipment.
Aran: “Well, enjoy the journey, don’t be in a hurry to reach milestones, take it step by step, and don’t try to do an ultra (> 42km) after two months. I also think it’s good to go with a group of people who can show you new routes, techniques, etc. Finally, by professional default, get good advice on the ideal equipment to start, especially when it comes to footwear.”
What activity on the RocRoi platform would you like to try that you haven’t experienced yet?
With a lingering curiosity, Aran reveals his desire to try RocRoi‘s rafting activity, an experience that has been close but that he still hopes to explore.
Aran: “Well, I’ve wanted to go rafting for a long time. It’s an activity that I’ve been close to doing on several occasions, but for one reason or another, I haven’t been able to do it.”
Through the words of Aran de Mingo, the intrinsic relationship between sport and nature is unveiled. From his childhood to hours spent with friends in the great outdoors, Aran exemplifies how outdoor activities are not just a passion but an endless source of adventure and connection with the natural world.
