Meet Tatiana Ayala | Motivational Speaker/Athlete

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tatiana Ayala and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tatiana, what do you want people to remember about you?
I spent most of my life in fear of greatness, making sure I stayed in the slightly above average percentile always. Playing it safe, but also denying this desire within me to do great things. One unexpected day, life as I knew it completely changed and it was the wake up call I needed. I started running and meditating, and slowly came to the realization that the true reason I felt so sad was not because of the events that happened, but because I was unhappy with myself. I was unhappy with my life as a whole, depending on the exterior for motivation, gratification, and appreciation.

These last two years, I have spent taking care of myself; mind, body, and soul. This burning desire to change, to grow, to the the wheel of my own life so I never had to be in that situation again. And so this never ending HARD yet beautiful trip to find myself started. With my confidence and self worth out the window I started to run and read. I began to face my shadows and fears, analyze every belief I ever had, and cultivate self discipline I slowly began to feel like myself.

Through my journey back to me, I discovered that the one thing that sets my soul on fire is helping others. My dream is to run the world spreading love, hope, and motivation. To be able to connect with people everywhere and light the spark of hope in them. For people to see me living at my greatest and make such an impact on them that they too go after their dreams. When your world comes crashing down, you have a chance to do something you couldn’t do before: rise up.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My journey is just beginning, but if there is one thing that I can take away from it so far is that motivation dies quickly. It is through consistency and discipline that magic happens. These upcoming months I have three half marathons, where my goal is to run a 1:40 (currently at 2:24) by the end of the year.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
A week in Miami seems like 24 hours anywhere else. There is SO much to do and see. I would say some must go places are Blue Collar, Itamae, Boia De, and New x Arson for FIRE food and Aubi& Ramsa, D’Bakers and Fireman Derek for desserts. I love early morning runs on the Venetian Causeway, Key Biscayne, and South Pointe on the weekends. There is a special energy seeing restless Miami early in the Morning a mix of people leaving the clubs while others start their days. After, grabbing a smoothie and breakfast some of my favorite spots are PuraVida, Lilikoi, and Juicense. I love going to the Fairchild Tropical Gardens, Pinecrest Gardens, and Museum Park. A sunset ride on the Miami Eye in Bayside is ABSOLUTELY stunning – the view and colors in the sky are UNMATCHED. Definitely a night out in Calle Ocho to experience all the spice of Miami in one block. Spa day at the Standard, Lapis or Carillon is the perfect way to spend a Sunday. Can’t leave without hitting some great picture spots like the Giant M at Albert Pallot Park, the rooftop of the garage at Miami Design District, or any mural in Wynwood.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I always say it take a village. I am blessed to have an extreme solid support group and would not have endured as much without them, but today I want to give a shout out to coach Frankie Ruiz. It was thanks to him selecting me as a runner for Michelob Ultras first edition of #teamULTRA305 in 2019 that I started running. My entire life changed thanks to this opportunity. As a very influential leader in South Florida he has created a beautiful community that thrives together and promotes health and wellness.

Instagram: @tatzmania_