February 2009Willy GilWilliam Gil moved to miami from Medellin, Colombia in late 2000. Having been an avid competitive cyclist in colombia the previous 4 years, he adapted himself to the flatlands and resumed his passion for cycling in south florida. Started racing criteriums but his preference for road races and stage races never faded. Continued racing them in Colombia, Nicaragua, Bahamas and North Carolina.

Currently, William is the president of Melody Farms, LLC, a fresh cut flower import and distribution company. Aside from endurance sports, he describes himself as an outdoorsman, passionate about nature and landscape photography and high altitude mountain climbing.

MP: When did you start racing?

I started racing mountain bikes in 1995, back in Medellin, Colombia. 2 years later that translated into road cycling, which I've been doing ever since. My first running race was the 2006 Turkey Trot in Miami.

MP: What motivated you to get into it?

I started running because a job promotion didn't allow me to train for cycling as much, so figured i would start doing some running. Quickly got motivated with the sport, and the great environment at the races.

MP: Which has been your main event?

I tend to focus on recent results, so my main event would have to be the 2009 ING 1/2 marathon, since I got the results I wanted and felt good throughout the race. The results earned me a guaranteed entry for ING NYC which was what I was looking for.

MP: What about your most important accomplishments as an athlete?

I would say that they would have to be in cycling, probably the 2000 vuelta a Colombia master which I won in my category, and the 2004 Bahamas International Cycling Classic, which I won overall. Adapting to running has been quite a challenge for me and just recently I am seeing results i am satisfied with, and this has me very optimistic for this years' races.

MP: Which one has been your favorite race?

NYC marathon, no doubt about it.

MP: What do you feel you have learned about yourself in the process?

I have learned that discipline and commitment go a long way in regards to obtaining the best performance from your body. I've learned when to stop and listen to my body, and I've learned that challenges and goals should be clear in your head in order to make them happen. I've also learned that running is a far tougher sport than I ever imagined!!!

MP: What's your goal and motivation for this year?

My goal is a sub 3 hour result in NYC.