One of the top distance runners on the cross country/track & field team since he arrived at UC Irvine, Hector Garcia has been working to reach new heights in 2019. The junior runner has already started out strong with three top-10 finishes in the young track & field season. With another month before the Big West Championships, Hector will have numerous opportunities to set new marks, and eventually improve on his 16th place finish at the conference meet last season.
 
As running has become a staple in his everyday life, Hector has had plenty of experience to validate the high expectations. And, before his next race, he shares a little about what has helped him become the best runner for himself and for the Anteaters.
 
Q: As a standout in both cross country and track, when did you develop a passion for running and when did you decide that you wanted to run competitively?
 
A: I have always had an affinity for running. Growing up, I always wanted to be the fastest kid on the playground or field. But it was not until my second semester of freshman year in high school when I decided to run competitively. During track tryouts I ran a 4:52 mile with no training. Everyone was like "who's that freshman?" which was cool because I kind of felt like the typical "jock" in every high school movie, which I was not, because I am 5-foot-5 on a good day. When I ran that mile, I knew I wanted to run competitively and see how far I could get. I was also unaware of what track and cross country was. At that time, I thought the only events in track were the 100m, mile and marathon - boy, I'm glad I was wrong about that! Another close friend of mine, Genesis, explained to me what cross country was, and I gave it a try my sophomore year. That same year, I made it to CIF State Championships, and from there I dedicated myself to the sport.

 
Q: You were a highly decorated athlete in both sports in high school, how has that experience helped you at the collegiate level?
 
A: It has helped me a lot! My awards are a reminder of the hard work and commitment I have given to my sport. I'm not from the most advantageous running background. I started out running with $20 LA Gear shoes, basketball shorts, and a bunch of cotton tees. My parents did their best to support me through my running endeavors, and my high school coaches were also some of the most supportive people I have met. So winning those awards became a reminder of the people who helped me out the most in my athletic career. I am not only running for myself, but I am also running for them. So I carry that same mentality throughout college. I have had to work hard to get where I am and there is a sense of pride knowing that I haven't let myself, or the people who have supported me, down.
 

Q: What are some of your personal goals going into this track and field season?
 
A: Every track and field season I want to get better. So my goal for this season is to be better than I was last year. It's as simple as that!
 

Q: Who is one athlete that inspires you the most in your sport and why?
 
A: My favorite athlete in the sport is Nick Symmonds, an American 800m runner. He is an unconventional runner. He is a very "bulky" runner and his running form is not as elegant as the running form of the Kenyans. But I have always admired that. He also shares a lot of stuff about his training and emotions as a pro athlete, which not many elite athletes do.
 
 
Q: Previously, you've mentioned eating three bananas exactly 13 hours before a race. Have you added any changes to your pre-race rituals?
 
A: Ah yes, what a great question! Previously my teammate, great friend, and housemate, Sam Ayala, said that eating three kiwis 13 hours before a race has given him great results. He has tried to persuade me to try it, but I am a sturdy oak tree that refuses to be moved. Sometimes I leave three bananas on Sam's bed with a small note a day before a race to remind him that bananas are better than kiwis. This has been an ongoing passive aggressive battle for a while and I hope to come up on top.
 

Q: What are some of your aspirations for when you complete your career at UC Irvine?
 
A: Athletically, I want to continue to challenge myself. Athletics has always been part of my life so I want to continue that for as long as my body allows me to. I want to do a marathon again - the last time I did one was as a sophomore in high school. I also want to do an Iron-Man, which consists of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bicycle ride and a marathon. Once I get bored of running everyday, I'll probably hit the gym and do some weightlifting, powerlifting, and calisthenics. I want to be in shape for as long as I can!
 

Q: As the founder of a book club, what are some of your favorite books that you have ever read?
 
A: My favorite book, by far, is the Green Mile. It's a book that made my eyes sweat. The book focuses on themes of compassion and moral dilemmas. Without going into a full book review, it gives a poignant reminder of the cruelty in the world. I also enjoyed reading the whole Lord of the Ring Trilogy. My favorite genre is Horror and some of my favorite horror authors include Stephen King, Shirley Jackson, and Edgar Allen Poe.