AZ 2014 Track and Field Watch List

AZ Track and Field Watch List

Margot Kelly

Mar 02, 2014

Keep checking back to see who makes the Arizona Milesplit 'Watch List" in Track and Field.

Journal Questions:

Name: Tiffany Riley (Tiffany's Milesplit Profile)

High School: Liberty High School

Year of Graduation: 2015

Track and Field PR's:

800: 2:15.54

1600: 5:23.27

When did you first get involved with track and field? How long have you been running:

I first got involved with track in 7^th grade when I was able to compete in the Peoria elementary district track meet in the 1600m. The meet was so exciting and I instantly fell in love with the track atmosphere. I had been running since 5^th grade on my schools cross country team and I never really realized my potential in the sport until my freshman year season at Liberty.

What is a typical training week like for you?

My typical training week is all work and preparation. I have to get physically and mentally ready for anything my coach throws at me. The week usually consist of Mondays and Tuesdays being hard reps of 1200m, 800m, and 600m tempo runs, Wednesdays (if there’s not a meet) include longer runs like a 1600m tempos, and Thursdays and Fridays are usually speed days full of 300m and 400m with short breaks.

What are your goals for the upcoming track season?

This season my goals are to PR and drop lots of time on both my 800m and 1600m. I can’t wait to be competing in Division I this year and I’m looking forward to hopefully a back to back 800m state champion title.

How do you prepare yourself mentally for a race? Do you have any superstitions?

I don’t really have any superstitions, but I always prepare myself by imagining and picturing the upcoming race. I imagine my start, the walls I might hit in the middle, and the glorious finish. It keeps me focused and ready for anything.

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 my school moved up to Division I, so I extremely excited to be able to compete against the top dogs of the state in some of the bigger meets in Arizona like the Chandler Invite. I will also be competing out of state in California for the second time at Arcadia in April.

What message would you tell younger runners who aspire to be at the top?

Never be afraid of your dreams. If anyone were to have told my freshman self that precisely one year later I was going to become the 800m Division II State Champion I would have laughed in their face. I didn’t even make it to state in the 800m as a freshman and I dreamt of winning any first place medal. My sophomore year I pushed myself harder than I had ever before and always kept my eyes on that dream. So to any runner out there that dreams to be at the top- Anything thing is possible!

If you had to attribute your success to one thing, what would it be?

My success is all thanks to my coach, Brian McCallister. He is the reason I’ve been so successful in my track career so far. He has believed in me and transformed me into a top state runner. He saw my potential before I even recognized it and I’m truly grateful to have him as my coach.

Do you have role models or mentors in track and field?

I admire anyone running a faster time then me. I always look up to the best runners out there no matter if they’re an Olympian, state champ, or your everyday runner.

How many events do you compete in and which event is your favorite?

I compete in 4 events including the 1600m, 800m, 4x800m and 4x400m relay. I love the 800m, but the 4x400m relay is by far the best race of the night!

What are 3 things we don't know about you?