Getting to Know: Eduardo Garcia

During this time of uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic non-essential operations are basically restricted or limited -- including running competitions. So we will use this "social distancing" period to learn a little more about our ASICS Greenville Track Club-ELITE athletes. This blog features Eduardo Garcia. Eddie is a former Southeastern Conference champion in the 10,000 meters and holds multiple national records for the United States Virgin Islands. 

Q: Why did you move to Greenville?
EG: I moved to Greenville in April 2018 to reach my potential in distance running and to pursue my dream of competing at the Olympics in the marathon. It has been a great decision and I have enjoyed living in Greenville!

Q: What about the Greenville Track Club-ELITE program was most important in making your decision to join? 
EG: For me, the most important factor in joining the Greenville Track Club-ELITE program was all of the resources and support that the club receives in order to help runners reach their goals. The number of sponsors and community support is amazing. 

Q: What do you like the most about GTC-ELITE?
EG: I’d have to say the shoes and apparel that we get from ASICS are pretty nice. 

Q: Have you experienced improvement in your running since joining the program?
EG: I have improved my lifetime bests on both the track and roads since joining GTC-ELITE in 2018. Some highlights include improving my marathon time from 2:25 in 2017 to 2:18:50 in 2019. This time qualified me to compete at the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru in the marathon representing the United States Virgin Islands. I’ve also run 29:18 in the 10,000 meters on the track and 1:05:25 in the half-marathon. All are National Records for the Virgin Islands.

Q: Which competitive distance are you focused on?
EG: 10,000 meters up to the marathon

Q: What is your favorite place in GVL to take friends or family?
EG: One of my go to places to take family or friends in Greenville is Falls Park on the Reedy. It’s in the heart of downtown and is a nice place to take a walk.

Q: What is your favorite eating establishment in GVL?
EG: This is a hard one because Greenville has a lot of cool spots to eat, but I’m really into Biscuit Head. My fiancé and I eat there often on weekends. 

Q: How is your training with the program different than what you experienced previously or in college?
EG: Mike Caldwell has a calculated and methodical approach to training, which I like because there is a purpose for every workout. Both athlete and coach are on the same page, so communication is very important here. The training here really places an emphasis on recovery, which I believe is crucial to staying healthy and reaching optimal performance. I believe the recovery days lead to better consistency with training and allow for workouts to be more effective as a result. 

Q: Which model of ASICS footwear is your favorite for training? For racing?
EG: I really like the new Nimbus Lites!!! These shoes offer a lot of cushioning and durability. The shoe also contains some recycled material, which I believe is an awesome initiative from ASICS to look out for the environment. For racing, ASICS sent me the new Meta Racer, which is getting ready to release to the public soon. Those are gamechanger shoes!

Q: When you cook, what is your favorite meal?
EG: I’m a breakfast guy and my go to meal is quite simple, but timeless! 3 scrambled eggs, 2-3 slices of turkey bacon, toast, and Cocoa Elite (protein recovery drink). 

​Q: What was your major in college and why were you interested in that field of study?
EG: I majored in Sports Management in college and I wanted to learn about the business side of sports. I was able to get a solid foundation for principles of accounting, finance, management. and marketing in the sporting industry. 

Q: Where are you employed and what is your current position?
EG: I’ve been employed with Fleet Feet Greenville since 2018 and I’m a retail sales associate. I enjoy helping walkers and runners find their right pair of shoes. 

For more details about Eddie's performances please visit Eduardo Garcia.