We are starting our Arizona Watch List series and will continue with it for the next few weeks. As the cross country season gets underway new athletes will be added to the list. Good luck to everyone! See you on the course!
Journal Questions:
Name: Diana Garcia
High School:
Tempe High School
Year of Graduation: 2013
Best time in a 5K and a 3 Mile Race:
5K 18:45 and 3 Mile Race 19:09
What are your goals for the upcoming season:
My goals are veered more toward my team, but my personal goal is to run a 5K in under 18 minutes. I also want to qualify for Nike Cross Country Regionals.
How is your summer training going? Your favorite workout? What kind of summer mileage do you run?
My summer training went great; I ran more mileage than the year before. It was fun running with the girls and cheering them on. My favorite workouts are the long runs and fartleks.
How long have you been running and how did you get started:
I have been running for a little over a year now. I started running my sophomore year at Tempe High School. It all began when I was having a conversation with my friend Karen about getting in shape for the next soccer season. She convinced me to come out for track and the journey began.
Will you be competing out of State this season? If so, when and where?
I will be competing in San Diego at the Mt. Carmel Invitational on September 15.
What are your favorite courses and the toughest courses to run in State and out of State.
My favorite courses are the ones at Kiwanis Park. We train there and I am so familiar with the park that I have come to love it. The toughest course is the Doug Conley course at Rolling Hills. I enjoy hills, but that course has enough hills to go around.
So far in your high school career, what is your favorite cross country race or cross country memory?
My favorite cross country memory is sitting on the beach after the Mt. Carmel Invitational with the girls and having a sense of accomplishment.
When you are not running what do you like to do?
When I am not running I am doing schoolwork or doing community service. When I’m not doing either I am with my friends. We like to go out to eat or dance and new activities are always encouraged.
Do you cross train (lift, swim, bike etc)?
I do cross train. In the afternoon I lift with the team, and we save Fridays for a pool workout with the swim team.
Do you think you would like to run competitively after high school?
I would really like to run competitively after high school. I plan to run in college and hopefully continue my running after graduating from college.
What were your favorite Olympic sports and did they inspire you in any way?
My favorite Olympic sports are running and soccer. These sports inspire me to continue to do what I love and do better in every aspect.
Quick Six:
Favorite Pre-race Meal?
I would have to say my favorite pre-race meal is a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with water.
Kind of shoes you train in?
I usually train in Nike Shoes.
Favorite athlete (running or otherwise)?
My favorite athlete is Javier “El Chicharito” Hernández. He is a Mexican soccer player that has achieved so much in so little time.
Favorite TV show or movie?
I don’t watch TV often and I would have to say my favorite movie is “Amarte Duele.”
Favorite song?
My favorite song is “Ayer me dijo un Ave.” It is also in Spanish and is sung by Saul Hernández, the lead singer of the Caifanes.
Favorite quote?
This year I found that this quote that I can relate to. I really liked it and you can find it on the back of our cross country shirts. “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.”