Episode 541: Stephanie Garcia – Retired Professional Steeplechaser; Reflections on her Career, Retirement, Motherhood, and The Evolution of her Running

I’m so excited to have Steph Garcia joining us on the podcast. Stephanie is a retired steeplechaser for New Balance. She competed in the 2011 and 2015 World Championships for Team USA. In 2016, she placed fifth at the US Olympic trials. She was part of Furman Elite after college and then went on to run with Kim Conley and drew Wartenberg and trained with Kim for a few years before retiring. Steph is now the mother to one. Since she has retired, she’s dabbled in some Spartan races and trail races a bit. She’s a run coach and works in communications for Collegiate Sports Associates. It was so much fun to hear her reflections on her career and hear about her emotions during the Olympic Trials this year. I loved chatting with Steph and hope that you enjoy this episode!! What we talked about: 2:30- Her feelings during the Olympic Trials and reflecting on her own experience 16:30- Her first marathon and running postpartum 28:00- Trail running 30:00- Obstacle course racing 41:50- Setting goals in this period of her life 36:30- Reflecting on her sponsorship with New Balance 39:25- Her decision to retire from professional running 47:45- Qualifying for the 2015 World Championships 56:45- Reflecting on all of her relationships with her coaches 1:00:45- End of podcast questions Show notes: Steph on Instagram Book recommendation: Demon Copperhead Connect with Lindsey: Lindsey on Instagram Lindsey on Twitter Support our sponsors: 2Before Use the code “Lindsey” for 30% of 20 packs plus free shipping Previnex Use the code “another” for 15% off Training for a Half Marathon or Marathon? Check out Lindsey’s Training plans! Lindsey’s Training Plans