Meet this month's Athlete Spotlight -- Garrett Flores! Garrett is coached by coach Mark and is passionate about endurance sports. Garrett has been training for over a decade and has been a great athlete, teammate, and friend! Check out the Q & A with Garrett:
Age: 29
Occupation: Research
How long have you been swimming, cycling, running, and/or doing triathlons?
I have been training consistently since 2011 when I joined cross country and track in high school. I started cycling in 2015 to supplement my running, with breaks to accommodate for life circumstances. In 2016, during my junior year at UTSA, I joined the UTSA Tri Team in hopes that it would help me get back to training consistently. That Fall I even did my first triathlon at the US Open in Rockwall! No amount of pool swimming could have ever prepared me for the choppiness during the swim! After a brief Fall semester doing triathlon, I transitioned back to running with a rejuvenation for the sport. That was until the COVID-19 pandemic when I lost all motivation to train when many races were cancelled. In the Summer of 2021, I was trying to get back to running seriously but wasn't really enjoying it. I decided to try a few bike rides to change things up and started to really enjoy it. I had always wanted to do another triathlon so I signed up for Dam09 at the end of the Summer to keep me motivated. Since then I have been balancing triathlon and run specific training depending on the season. I have found that switching between both sports helps keeps me fully engaged and prevents burnout.
What aspects of training and/or racing do you enjoy most?
I enjoy the process of training and working toward a goal. Reaching a goal is sweet, but I have always thought that you have more control over your training for a race than the race itself (to a certain degree). There are so many things that can go wrong on race days that are out of your control such as weather or bike mechanical issues. As long as I know that I put myself in the best position to succeed from a training aspect, I can deal with whatever the outcome may be.
What has been your favorite training or racing event, and why?
CapTex in Austin. I have done it the past 3 years and the atmosphere is always top notch. I also like that I have been able to improve each year I have done it.
What is your favorite post-workout or race meal?
I really like Chick Fil A after hard group rides. Post race I love a glass of wine and sushi.
What is one recent accomplishment you are proud of?
2024 was a super successful year for me training/race wise, so that makes this question tough. I am super proud of my marathon build up for CIM because not only did I qualify for the Boston Marathon in 2026, but I also ran massive PRs in both the 5k and half marathon leading up to it!
What do you want to be when you grow up?
I am currently developing a list of potential retirement jobs. So far I have:
1. Work at a winery
2. Work at a meat market
3. Work at a running store (again)
What is something no one knows about you?
I love watching the weather on TV. When I was a kid I would be glued to the TV during the evening news because I knew I would get to watch the weather. Now I am glued to weather apps! If anyone has connections at KSAT, I'd love to see the weather studio in person!
Why do you race/train?
Training has become a integral part of my day to day life. It helps me develop a daily routine, it helps me distress (but also adds stress too!), and it has been one of the foundations of my marriage. It helps me to become the best version of myself.
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