A Race for

Improvement

When ESPN Run Latin America profiled Magna’s Eva Isabel Garza in February, the TV program dedicated to runners highlighted her inspirational athletic achievements, including completing 26 marathons and one ultramarathon.

Garza, the first Mexican woman to finish six major marathons in New York, Chicago, Boston, Tokyo, Berlin and London, earned her country’s prestigious “Six Star Runner” medal. She logged 253.2 kilometers or 157 miles in those races.

In addition, Garza also tackled the grueling Ultramarathon of the Canyons in Guachochi, Mexico, in July 2016.

Barefoot runners known as “Tarahumaras” traditionally run the long-distance course that winds through desolate mountains and canyons. Garza didn’t go shoeless for the event. She wore her spiked Salomon running shoes, shorts and a tank top, powering through temperatures that soared to 100 degrees Fahrenheit at times during the 12-hour race. A backpack that held five liters of water – and a determination to never stop moving – kept her going.

“If you get hurt, they will send a donkey to take you back up,” she said. “No ambulances will come. The hardest part was to go up out of the canyon because the elevation is so steep. I never wanted to quit, not even once. By doing it, I conquered something in myself. I didn’t have any limits afterward. I felt stronger. I trust myself. I can solve any problem that comes into my life.”

I enjoy my job because we measure everything, which makes us more competitive. I also measure everything when I run, including if I’m reducing my time. It’s similar to reducing the cycle time at the plant. Running helps me to do my job in a better way. It taught me how to manage my time and be more efficient. Running helps me to solve problems in my mind. Continuous improvement is possible if you focus on discipline and perseverance.

That attitude explains why Garza was selected to serve as ambassador by organizers of the 2020 Monterrey Marathon in Mexico, a virtual 42-kilometer event due to the COVID-19 pandemic. ESPN Run used the occasion to film a “day in the life” story about Garza, the senior continuous improvement and Mafact leader at Magna Mirrors Monterrey.

Whether she’s training for the 2021 Ironman Cozumel competition, her latest challenge that combines running a marathon, swimming and cycling, or managing improvements at the Magna plant, Garza’s philosophy is simple.

“There is never an obstacle to making improvements in every part of your life,” she said.

She added: “I enjoy my job because we measure everything, which makes us more competitive. I also measure everything when I run, including if I’m reducing my time. It’s similar to reducing the cycle time at the plant. Running helps me to do my job in a better way. It taught me how to manage my time and be more efficient. Running helps me to solve problems in my mind. Continuous improvement is possible if you focus on discipline and perseverance.”

Today, her Magna co-workers turn to Garza for advice and encouragement as they exercise and get fit.

“One process engineer who never ran before came to me and said ‘I want to win,’” Garza said. “We talked about everything from the type of food you eat before a race to tempo runs and resting along the way. He followed my instructions, did a 5K race in 20 minutes, and came in second. I’m sure he will run faster next time.”