Tipton Simply Wants To Have A Good Time Racing And Biking

Grace Tipton ran 20:41 over the Cave Creek Golf Course at the State Championships.

Name: Grace Tipton

School: Cactus Shadows HS

Year: Sophomore

PRs

800m -- 2:35 @ Rattler Booster Invite
1600m -- 5:27.78 @ Scottsdale Distance
3200m -- 11:49 @ North East Valley Championships
5km -- 18:21 @ Cactus Shadows Dual
Grace Tipton is currently the no. 2 sophomore in Arizona. As a freshman she placed 7th in her sectional race at Rose Mofford Park in Phoenix and moved on to finish 24th in the Division 2 Girls race at the State Championships. This season, she's run 18:21 for 5km and has finished top-five in each of her races this season including an early season victory at Fountain Hills.
Where are you from and when did you begin running?
I moved out here about 4 years ago from the northern suburbs of Chicago. I ran cross-country for the first time in 8th grade. We raced about 1.5 miles and I was definitely not very fast!
Do you have a favorite pre-race routine or ritual you could describe for us?
Starting a few days before a race, I try to eat very healthy and get a lot of sleep. I also wake up around 2AM to have something to eat the night before a meet.
What has been your favorite moment in your cross-country career and why?
My favorite moment in cross-country was when I ran my first 5k (Instrasquad). After this race, I began to run with some faster kids on the team which allowed me to make more friends as a freshman.
What's your favorite cross-country meet and why?
My favorite cross-country meet is Rose Moffard Sectionals because I loved racing through the baseball fields while seeing my teammates cheer for me from under the fence.
What are your goals for the 2018 Arizona HS cross-country season?
My goal for this season is to medal in the state division championship race. I was pretty close to medaling last year! I also think it would be fun to run a sub 18-minute 5k this season.
(Right: Grace Tipton placed 2nd in the Girls Large School Varsity race at the Desert Twilight Festival last Friday.-photo by John Hays)
How do you spend your 'off time' away from school and the track?
When I'm not running, I'm usually biking, hiking or camping.
Do you play any other sports at your school?
Yes, I'm also on the CSHS mountain biking team, so I usually bike a few times during the week.
Did you have a role-model from years past at Cactus Shadows? If so what was the most valuable lesson they taught you?
Yes, my role model from last year was Signe Fremel (Cactus Shadows, 2018). We ran with each other nearly every practice last year and she basically told me everything she knew about racing. The most valuable lesson that she taught me was to embrace the encouragement of my teammates while also encouraging them. She also had good sportsmanship and taught me to have a good time during races and cross-country events.
Are you involved in any other activities at Cactus Shadows? If so which one(s)?
I'm a part of Chinese club and Veterans heritage project.
Will you race at any post-season meets?
I hope to race at NXR this year.
Is there anything you would like to add?
Shout out to my #1 fan, Brandon Holmes.

Fun Stuff!

What's your favorite vacation spot?

My favorite vacation is Olympic National Park.
What's the last movie you watched?
I'm only slightly embarrassed to say that it was the My Little Pony movie.
What's your favorite sports team?
Don't really watch sports…
What's your favorite workout?
Long run! I love running with my teammates for 8-10 miles!
If you could go on a long run with any professional athlete who would you pick?
This is probably really common, but definitely Jenny Simpson because she seems extraordinarily dedicated. She also trains in Boulder, Colorado and that would be an awesome place to run!