Keep checking back to see who makes the Arizona Milesplit 'Watch List" in Track and Field.
Journal Questions:
Name: Taryn Estavillo (Taryn's Milesplit Profile)
High School: Red Mountain High School
Year of Graduation: 2015
Track and Field PR's:
400: 1:01
800: 2:20
1600: 5:10
3200: 11:08
When did you first get involved with track and field? How long have you been running:
As a skinny 7th grader I put in a lot of bleacher time watching my older cousin Adam compete throughout his high school career. This was my first real experience with the sport, aside from the many stories told by my dad. After learning that track ran in my blood, I decided to give it a shot and joined the AZ flames club team. This upcoming season will be 5th year of running, even though it doesn't feel like it at all!
What is a typical training week like for you?
Our coach has really amped up the intensity of our workouts this season, which is making our weekly training a lot tougher than last year! Mondays are usually fast repetitions like University of Houston 200’s, which happen to be my personal favorite. Tuesdays are our recovery days, which consist of long runs at a moderate pace and some flying strides to follow. On Wednesdays we come back with long interval work or ladders. Thursdays are usually long runs of 5-6 miles at tempo pace. Fridays are shorter speed workouts in the grass, to go easy on our legs. Saturdays are our long press run days of 10-15 miles (these are starting to grow on me). In addition to running I lift 2-3 times per week, usually in the morning before school.
What are your goals for the upcoming track season?
My goals for this upcoming season are mostly team based. I want to help Red Mountain achieve a top 5 finish at state, which has never happened in the history of our school! Personally in my past seasons I’ve focused more on the overall push to win, rather than the attention to detail it takes to win. So this season, as a personal goal, I am going to focus more on doing the small things right, and trust that the end results will be what I desire.
How do you prepare yourself mentally for a race? Do you have any superstitions?
One small “good luck charm” I always race with is a small bulldog pin my dad gave to me that was passed down from my great Godparents. I always have him somewhere on my shoe to remind me to keep fighting. To prepare mentally I usually think about my race 2-3 days in advance and have a goals already set! On the day of the meet I try to have a little bit of fun while also staying focused
What does your season look like and will you be competing in any out of state track meets during the season or post high school season?
This year I will get the amazing opportunity to compete at Arcadia Invitational for the second time. It was a great experience last year and I'm looking forward to more PR’s! As for the post season I will be competing in the Great Southwest, and possibly Junior Olympic Regionals and Nationals.
What message would you tell younger runners who aspire to be at the top?
My message would be to never give up when things are hard! My first 2 years of running weren't great and often I wanted to quit! But, not giving up was one of the best choices I've ever made for myself. Secondly love what you’re doing! All of the passion you have for your sport has to come from your heart if you wish to be successful!
If you had to attribute your success to one thing, what would it be?
I would attribute my success to dedication. Without the dedication of my parents I never would have continued track past my first season. The dedication Coach Krieg and Coach Selby have given to me is something I could never repay! lastly the dedication I’ve made to myself has proved to be successful in my own eyes.
Do you have role models or mentors in track and field?
A few months back I read an article in Runner’s World magazine about Joan Benoit. She was the first ever-female gold medalist in the Marathon. It took her 16 years of training to get there. To me her perseverance is one of the most inspiring stories out there!
How many events do you compete in and which event is your favorite?
Overall I compete in 5 different events. My favorite would have to be either the mile or 2 mile.
What are 3 things we don't know about you?
- I am a pretty terrible swimmer.
- I can drive a stick shift!
- I love sushi.
Best thing your coach ever said to you?
“Running will only take you so far. What's important to me is the young ladies you become” - Coach Krieg
Shout Outs?
Shout out to all of my teammates who have supported me through the ups and downs! Also shout out to my mom and Mrs. Jameson for being awesome Arcadia chaperones.
Quick 6:
Favorite Pre-race Meal?
Peanut butter and jelly sandwich
Favorite Winter Olympic Sport?
Curling
Favorite Meet?
Arcadia Invitational
Cross Country or Track and Field?
Track and Field While I’m running Cross and Cross while I'm running Track
Perfect temperature to compete in?
Sunny and 70
Favorite song at the moment?
Dark Horse by Katy Perry