Athlete of the Week: Max Carmona

Karina Rodriguez | THE RIDER

Sophomore Max Carmona is a UTRGV Men’s Cross-Country runner. He began his collegiate track and cross-country career in 2018. In 2020, he won the 800-meter run WAC Championship with a time of 1:52:30, making him the second-best in program history.

Q: What inspired you to do cross-country?

A: “Well, my sophomore year of high school, my friend Jesus Gracia and my other friend named Jesus Gonzalez just asked me to join, join there. That’s why I started.” 

Q: What are your favorite ways to train?

A: “In the track, I like to do speed endurance a lot. I like to do a lot of speed stuff because I do the 800 and the 400 but I am more into the speed training than long-distance training. I do both.”

Q: What do you do to relax?

A: “I take a lot of naps after practice because I practice three times a day. I run twice and then I lift weights. So, between those times, I take a nap and I do homework. Oh, and I go fishing, too.” 

Q: What would you say makes you good at your sport?

A: “I mean, not that I hate losing, but I don’t like to lose, you know. So, that is what motivates me to do my best.” 

Q: How do you think cross-country has changed your life?

A: “Well, it just makes me a stronger person overall. Both in running and mentally too because it’s a lot of mentally–you have to be mentally strong to get there, you know?”

Q: What is your favorite way of preparing for a meet?

A: “For a meet, I get plenty of rest the night before. I roll out with the roller. I go with my training team and we usually do little runs to get some blood into our legs and just feel fresh. Eat good. I have to eat good before a meet.” 

Q: What is your favorite movie or show?

A: “It’s either “How to Get Away with Murder” or “La Casa de Papel.”  

Q: What is your favorite type of music?

A: “Trap Reggaeton. You know, Bad Bunny, things like that.” 

Q: What do you plan to do after graduation?

A: “Well, I either want to be a game warden or [if] not, a Border Patrol [agent]. I want to be in Border Patrol. If not, later on in my career I want to be in the DEA.” 

Q: What is your favorite animal?

A: “My dog. Hercules.”