For endurance athlete Stefano Ratto Schol, running and triathlon are more than sports. They are part of the structure that shapes his daily life. Training sessions bring rhythm to his schedule, racing brings purpose, and the process provides constant lessons. Alongside training and racing, he has learned to carefully manage life with Type 1 diabetes.
Diagnosed at age nine, Ratto Schol has spent most of his life learning how to manage the condition while still pushing his limits as an athlete. Today, he is a competitive runner and triathlete with impressive personal records, including a 2:37:22 marathon and a 15:59 5K. His long-term goal is even more ambitious. He is chasing a sub-2:30 marathon.
“I’ve always been somewhat involved in sports growing up, even before being diagnosed with diabetes,” Ratto Schol said. “My parents were very active, especially my dad.”
His early athletic background eventually led him to endurance sports. While attending college, he began swimming competitively. After realizing that many of his peers had been swimming since childhood and had a speed advantage, he decided to try something new. “I decided to try a triathlon and did surprisingly well, even while focusing mainly on swimming,” he said. “I instantly loved the camaraderie and the atmosphere, so I started training more seriously.”
The appeal of endurance sports was not just competition, but also the process. “I’m really drawn to the structure and rhythm of training sessions,” he said. “I love indoor training and putting in the work on my own.”
That work has produced strong performances across multiple distances. In addition to his marathon best of 2:37:22, he has run a 1:15:22 half marathon split during a marathon, a 34:29 10K, and a 15:59 5K. In triathlon, he has also qualified for the Ironman World Championship in Kona during his first Ironman in 2013 and finishing the distance in 10:59:28.
Despite those achievements, his races always begin with the same intensity and mindset. “I always go all in,” Ratto Schol said. “I love pushing myself to the limit, but I also race with a plan.”
Preparation plays a major role in that approach. Before each race, he mentally “rides the race”, mapping out pacing, nutrition, and potential challenges.
“Before each event, whether it’s a triathlon or a run, I mentally rehearse the race, plan nutrition, and think through contingencies for when things don’t go smoothly,” he said. “Regardless of how the day goes, I always aim to finish knowing I gave everything and learned something new.”
For Ratto Schol, preparation also includes carefully managing diabetes. He was diagnosed in 2001 while living in Peru, a time when public understanding of Type 1 diabetes was limited. “It definitely turned my world upside down,” he said. “At first it was overwhelming to think about taking multiple shots a day and constantly checking my blood sugar.”
Family support played a key role in helping him adapt. “My family was incredibly supportive,” he said. “They never treated me differently while also making sure I stayed on top of everything.”
That support helped him pursue goals in academics and athletics. Eventually he moved to the United States, earning an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University on a full F.C. Austin Scholarship.
Today, Ratto Schol works as a senior vice president at a management consulting firm, a career that requires frequent travel. Balancing work, family, and training demands careful planning.
His training week reflects that reality. Monday evenings often include a short shakeout run after travel. Tuesday mornings are typically reserved for an indoor bike session at a hotel gym. Wednesday features a long tempo run, followed by interval work on Thursday. Friday is a short and easy run designed to prepare for a long Saturday run. Recently, he also joined a running group in Houston for Saturday outdoor runs. “I prioritize efficiency over volume,” he said.
After long weekend sessions, he returns home quickly to spend time with his wife Ana, their daughter Emilia, and their dog Veni. “My family is incredibly supportive, and I try to plan around their schedules,” he said.
Managing diabetes while training for long distances presents its own set of challenges. “I try to schedule training so I have little or no insulin on board to avoid a low. I usually carry gels or candies in case I feel my glucose dropping. If I do go low, I reduce intensity and try to finish the session if possible.”
Racing with Type 1 diabetes adds another layer of complexity. “For races, I always have a detailed plan,” he said. “Sometimes it works perfectly, sometimes it doesn’t, and I’ve learned to accept that. My coach always says, control what you can, prepare for what you can’t, and deal with what happens.”
Some races teach more than others. One of his toughest challenges came during La Ruta de Olaya, a 14 mile open water swim in Lima, Peru. Unusual ocean conditions caused by the Japan earthquake created brutal currents, turning what is typically a four to five hour swim into nearly nine hours. “It was exhausting and not something I’d do again,” he said. “But it taught me that anything is possible when you prepare mentally and physically.”
Looking ahead, Ratto Schol remains focused on new goals. Breaking 2:30 in the marathon and 4:05 in the 70.3 triathlon distance are both targets he believes are within reach.
More importantly, the journey itself continues to shape his life. “Training and racing have become part of my everyday life,” he said. “Staying consistent gives me structure and balance.”
He hopes that balance also sends a message to those around him, especially his daughter. “I hope to set an example for her,” he said. “To show that it’s possible to find happiness by balancing work, sport, and personal life in a way that feels fulfilling.”
