Carlos Vázquez García got in touch with Coach Urban in January 2012. At the time, Carlos was a first year undergraduate student in biochemistry at the King’s College London (KCL). As a Spanish native from Zaragoza, Carlos has been involved with athletics since the age of 12. However, when Carlos started at King’s he did not had a lot of time initially for athletics. At the end of his first term he joined the King’s Athletics Club in order to compete in the London Colleges League.

Considering his age, Carlos had achieved a reasonable standard and set of PBs – 1500m 4:23 (2009), 3000m 9:40 (2009), 3000m Indoor 9:44 (2010) and a Road 10k 36:44 (2009). In order to improve further, Carlos was looking for a training environment, which would keep him motivated and a pathway for improvement. In addition, Carlos was after advice and guidance especially how he can structure his training around his studies and busy social life.

Coaching Carlos was challenging initially. As a volunteer club coach at the time Coach Urban expects a lot from athletes. Quite often Carlos would not be on time for the warm-up before a track session and was expecting a more relaxed approach to training. Carlos was not able to handle the volume (4k to 6k) and intensity (5k pace) of the training session. Carlos’ strength were his leg speed and his light frame. Areas Carlos needed development were his aerobic base, speed and strength endurance.

Carlos was very keen to compete on the track and was looking forward to learn about the English running/athletics club scene and compete in the BUCS. In order to make the team and represent KCL at the BUCS Carlos needed to improve his aerobic power.

Prior to his final year Carlos started a placement with GSK. The placement allowed him to apply his knowledge in the pharmaceutical industry. This meant he would have to move away from London to Stevenage. A new environment, which meant he would need to establish a new training environment as well. However, Carlos managed to get in touch with the local running club (Stevenage & North Herts) and joined up with a few runners similar to his ability. Carlos benefited a lot b joining the local club and managed to continue to improve his PBs. Most recently, Carlos competed for his club in the Southern Athletics League (Division 1) where he managed to set PBs in the 5000m (16:41) and 2000m S/C (6:52). In addition, for the first time he won a 10k and broke the 35 minutes barrier in the GSK 10k.

Carlos winning the GSK 10k and receiving the prize from Dame Kelly Holmes.