We will continue our watch list until the week of the State Meet!
Journal Questions:
Name: Meredith Alarcio-Caldon
High School: Canyon del Oro
Year of Graduation: 2014
Track and Field PR's:
Discus: 130-11.75
When did you first get involved with track and field? How long have you been throwing?:
I first got involved with track and field when I was in 8th grade. My uncle suggested to me that I throw shot put and discus because of my size and strength. I had to give up on shot put because swimming caused me to have a bad shoulder, sometimes discus even hurts. But I have been throwing discus ever since.
What is a typical training week like for you?
Every day I throw at least 40-50 throws and we have practice 5-6 days a week for 2-3 hours. We lift on two of those days and do a running or abdominal conditioning after practice. I swim year around but towards state and the end of track season, I take a break from swimming.
What are your goals for the upcoming track season?
My goals for the season are to throw in the high 130’s and to further my high school’s discus record.
How do you prepare yourself mentally for a race? Do you have any superstitions?
I like to think that I have a routine to do at every meet but in reality, I don’t. I have tried to do the same stretches, to take the same amount of deep breaths, wear the same socks and spandex, and to relax; but it never works. So normally I just end up picturing how I want my throw to look and then I try to match that. But a big part of my preparation is relaxing, stretching, and staying loose.
Will you be competing in any out of state track meets during the season or post high school season?
I haven’t competed in any out of state meets this high school season but I hope to this upcoming post season.
What message would you tell younger runners who aspire to be at the top?
I work hard when we throw and condition at practice and I would advise the younger athletes to do the same. More importantly I would tell younger athletes to always listen, respect, and learn from your coach; your relationship with him or her is very important in your success.
If you had to attribute your success to one thing, what would it be?
I probably wouldn’t be throwing if it wasn’t for my uncle opening me up to discus and track, but dedication and hard work to the sport is also very important.
Do you have role models or mentors in track and field?
My cousins and my uncle have really been role models for me in track in field. All competed in track and field when they were in high school and a couple of my cousins competed in college at Cal Poly San Louis Obispo and San Diego State University. All of them worked hard at practice and in school. One of my only dreams is to be as successful as they are.
How many events do you compete in and which event is your favorite?
Discus is by far my favorite considering it’s the only event that I compete in. I honestly love discus and I wish that the high school track and field season was longer
What are 3 things we don't know about you?
1. I'm an only child.
2. I set a new girl's discus record for my high school this season.
3. I love my track team.
Quick 4:
Favorite Pre-race Meal?
I don’t really have a specific meal, just to make sure I eat something but not something heavy.
Favorite Meet?
The Willie Williams Invitational at the University of Arizona is my favorite meet because I have gone every year since freshman year and I improve every time I compete there.
Celebrity Crush?
The swimmer in me has to say that Ryan Lochte and Michael Phelps are my celebrity crushes. They are both such amazing athletes and they’ve worked hard to get to where they are now.
Perfect temperature to compete in?
I’ve decided that I sit around too much in evening meets and I get stiff and don’t perform well. So I love competing in the middle of the day when it is warmer outside.