We move on to the topic of diet and there is no issue in sharing that, when practicing athletics, they developed a great fixation on having a perfect diet. “I would dare to self-diagnose with orthorexia”, they opine, “an obsession with eating healthily.” This, combined with other chronic stomach issues (“to make you understand, my favourite dish is plain rice and a French omelette”), has always caused stomach complications. Therefore, they confirm that “finding an appropriate diet in the world of sports is basically essential.”

They have tried all sorts of gels. “The most expensive ones, the best ones, the ones everyone says go down so well… and I can't. No gel agrees with me, not one. Those from Salssa are the only ones I have found that suit my needs.” I am glad to hear that. But why? Maria is clear: “it’s the natural and dried fruit ground with rice flour.” Let me say (not too loudly, to avoid sounding proud) that I think she has a bit of a point.

Come on, let’s finish with some advice. After asking her what she would say to someone who wants to get into sports and has some difficulty doing so, what she answers hits me with an intensity I didn't expect: “Try it. Try it. See how you feel, what sensations you have, and from there we’ll talk. The primary thing is to give it a try. Don’t postpone it, don’t leave it for later. I’ll do it, I’ll try it... No. Try it.”