Getting to Know: Victor Pataky

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 is about Victor Pataky. 

Q: Why did you move to Greenville?
VP: I moved to Greenville to join the ASICS GTC-Elite program. Greenville itself also attracted me because it is a great place to live! 

Q: What about the Greenville Track Club-ELITE program was most important in making your decision to join?
VP: During the two years after I graduated from college I trained alone most of the time. Having teammates that keep me accountable and pushing me to my best day in and day out was the biggest reason I decided to join.

Q: What do you like the most about GTC-ELITE?
VP: I enjoy my teammates! They always keep me company on runs and push me to be my best. We all have very similar goals and we all want the best for each other. It’s great being surrounded by like-minded people.

Q: Have you experienced improvement in your running since joining the program?
VP: Yes! My training has been more consistent and I have a new PR in the 3000m Steeplechase.
Q: Which competitive distance are you focused on?
VP: In the fall/winter I focus on the marathon. In the spring/summer I focus on the 3000m Steeplechase.

Q: What is your favorite place in GVL to take friends or family?
VP: I love to take friends and family to Conestee Park. There are a lot of hiking trails that are very scenic! A close second is Timmons Park. It’s pretty tucked away but has a mountain bike trail, a really fun disc golf course, and pickle ball courts!

Q: What is your favorite eating establishment in GVL?
VP: Without a doubt, it has to be Sushi GO. It’s the best sushi place in town and it has a large variety of Japanese cuisine. Go check it out!! They do delivery at the moment!
Q: How is your training with the program different than what you experienced previously or in college?
VP: The training theory and methodology is very similar to what I had been doing in college and post-collegiately. The biggest things that have changed are more consistent workouts/weekly volume, and the emphasis on ancillary work.

Q: Which model of ASICS footwear is your favorite for training? For racing?
VP: The GEL Nimbus is my go-to shoe for just about any training run. On the roads I enjoy racing in the Tartherzeal. For track I use the Cosmoracer LD spikes.

Q: When you cook, what is your favorite meal?
VP: This is a hard one… I love cooking and cook just about every meal at home. Anyone that has lived with me while I’ve been in Greenville knows that I’m that guy that watches cooking videos in my freetime. If I am cooking for myself, a really fancy steak dinner is great. Recently I have been challenging myself to cook without using anything for reference. It’s a lot of fun and, so far, has not disappointed!
My favorite meals to cook are ones that I share with others. Usually I make Hungarian or Thai food (for example Chicken Paprika or Tom Ka) if I invite my friends over for dinner. Most have never had Hungarian or really authentic Thai so it’s always fun. Cooking and meals to me are about bringing people together and enjoying everyone’s company. 

Q: What was your major in college and why were you interested in that field of study?
VP: I have a Bachelors of Science in Behavioral Neuroscience (BNS) and a minor in Psychology. I also completed the Pre-Physical Therapy track. I honestly did not know what BNS was until the very end of my freshman year. My Pre-PT advisor is a BNS professor and basically peaked my interest when we were deciding what I should major in and which major would help me the most with what I wanted to do. BNS lined up with the Pre-PT requirements so it naturally was the best way to go at the time. I really enjoyed the classes and found the subject interesting. It’s very cool to be in a sophomore level class and have the answer to one of your questions be “No one knows yet, so you can go find that out!” 

Q: Where are you employed and what is your current position?
VP: I am the Director and Coach of the GTC-Rabbits Youth Program. It has been a fantastic experience to start this program and give back to the community. I always look forward to the practices and everyone that knows me well can attest that I brag about the kids a lot!​

For more details about Victor's performances please visit VICTOR PATAKY.
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