Athlete Spotlight: Brandon Garnica


Athlete spotlight interview with Springville senior Brandon Garnica. Brandon Garnica is one of Springville's front runners but often gets overlooked due to teammate Grant Gardner.  Yet Brandon doesn't seem to mind that, he and Grant have been able to form one of the most impressive one two punches in the state.  They look to lead a very deep Springville team to it's first state title in school history. Brandon has improved drastically and consistently throughout his high school career. Last season he finished 4th at the Utah State XC Championships in the 4A division. and he will be the 3rd fastest returner in the 5A division behind Gardner and Aidan Troutner.


Brandon Garnica's Personal Bests

800m1:57.65Region 8 Championship (2017)
1600m4:20.05BYU High School Invitational (2017)
3200m9:21.34Arcadia Invitational (2017)
2 mile (xc)10:16.00Westlake Grass Relays (2016)
3 mile14:18.09Pre Region 8 Meet (2017)
5k15:47.80Bob Firman Invitational (2016)



How did you first get started running?

I first starting running because my parents suggested it to me and they also run.


Favorite workout?
 3 x mile repeats at goal race pace or the Springville Grinder Run.

Least favorite workout?
7 miles runs. 6 is just great. 8 is just amazing, but 7 is a wired distance.

How do you personally prepare yourself mentally and physically for a race? 
 Two days before the race I get a really goods night sleep. Nigh before I image how the race is going to go down and how I'm going to do extremely well.  Drinks a bunch of water.  On my warm up before the race I stretch, listen to my pump up music, then walk to the starting line.  Then I take a few strides, do a team prayer then I'm ready to run a race.

Pre-race superstitions?
I've got to lay face-down in the grass and just breath really deep and smooth, on the starting line in front of everyone.  I kinda think its similar to the Canadian Olympic swimmer Santo Conderlli and how he flips his father the bird before every race to release stress and to tell himself and others that he's ready to race. 

Most memorable race?
 2016 State XC meet and how I placed 4th in 4A and 9th overall in Utah.

Where are you at on college decisions?
 I'm working on that.  Sending some emails this weekend.  

What are your top 3 goals you wish to accomplish this season?
 Win state (Team),  
Top two at NXR(Team),
Get on the podium at NXN(Team)