NM XC Top 30 Seniors Boys: Jared Garcia

As a Belen cornerstone, senior Jared Garcia completes one of New Mexico's best 1-2 tandems. Photo by Belen Athletics.

With the regular season in the rear view mirror, we now are counting down the days until the state reconvenes in Rio Rancho for the Big Dance. Until then, we will pass the time getting to know this season's Senior Class.

As noted before, questionnaires were handed out at the Jamboree, or emailed to those who were not in attendance, and this is what we get. The Top 30 Seniors were determined from the 5K Rankings before the Jamboree, then adjusted after the Jamboree. If a kid was Top 30 before the race, they received a questionnare, if they raced themselves into the 30, then they were emailed a questionnarie after. With that, we continue our series with the Belen staple, Jared Garcia.

NM Milesplit Top 30 Senior Profile - #6 Jared Garcia

What are your Goals for the 2014 XC Season? How are you progressing toward them?

My goals this season are to win the 5A State Championship individually, and place in the Top 3 as a team. I’ve been working hard at practice and together as a team we have been trying to stay together as a pack.

What does a typical week of training look like for you? Do you Cross Train?

A typical week consists of Monday: Long Run, Tuesday/Thursday: Hills, Wednesday: 3 miles, Friday: 2 mile tempo. I’m not big on cross training.

Describe your favorite workout and tell why it’s your favorite.

My favorite workout would have to be the Tuesday hills course because it’s challenging.

How long have you been running and how did you get started?

I’ve been running since I was five years old and I got started with Junior Olympics. My dad/coach ran when he was in high school and college and so did my brothers.

What is your favorite and toughest race so far?

My favorite race this year is the Jamboree because it’s a preview of how everyone is doing and is a showing of what you need to improve on.

Describe your favorite XC memory.

The practices. Even though we work hard and get what we need done, every practice we have fun as a team.

Out of all your accomplishments, which one(s) stand out?

Breaking and holding school records once held by my brothers, also being All-American

What is your favorite subject in school?

History, because I love it and I like knowing useless facts.

When you’re not running, what do you like to do?

When I’m not running I’m trying to find time to relax and keep up with school.

How have your Coaches influenced you?

My Coaches being my parents, I’ve been influenced to become a better runner and leader. They’ve taught me to remember why I love running and to give it my all in the upcoming weeks. 

What are your plans after graduation?

I hope to go to college and run while getting a good education.

Fast 6

Your favorite pre-race meal: Whatever my mom makes.

What shoes do you train/race in: I train in Nikes and race in Sauconys

Favorite Athlete (running or non-running): Chipper Jones

Favorite song: This is probably the toughest question on here...

Favorite book: Once A Runner

Favorite quote: “God has given me the ability. The rest is up to me. Believe. Believe. Believe…” - Billy Mills