Q&A Interview: Tyrin Begay

Name: Tyrin Begay

School: Pinon High School

Grade: Senior

Where are you from and when did you begin competitive running?

I'm originally from a small place in Arizona called Jeddito. I began running when I was 13. I joined cross country, but then I quit and just did track. When I found success in track in the two-mile, I came out for cross country my freshman year at Pinon.

What does a typical training week look like for you?

Early morning runs are around 5 am. Mondays we run about 7 miles during practice. On Tuesday we'll do a quick 3 miles as a pacing workout. Wednesdays we run about 5 miles. We do a lot of hill work on Thursdays. Friday we get ready for our races with a quick 3 mile run. Saturdays are race days.

What is something that helps you mentally prepare for a race?

I like to visualize the race. We walk the course when we get there and I figure out where to take off.

What's your favorite XC memory?

A memorable race, I gotta' say freshman and sophomore year at the Arizona State Championship, when we went back to back as runner-up against Hopi.

                                  (Photo by John Hays)

Three out of the top four ranked boys in Division IV are on your team. What's the relationship like between the three of you?

We train really hard together. We push each other in practices and races, give little talks on the bus.

What motivational advice of your own do you give the younger athletes?

I tell them, "Focus on yourself, and nobody else. You're running for yourself." Even on the line you can't think too much you just gotta' go. We encourage them to keep up with us as much as possible, because when they keep up that's when our score gets lower.

What's your season goal?

My season goal is to help my team win a State Championship. I don't really care about what place I come in at State. All I really care about is the team score.

(Tyrin was 8th at Division IV State Champs in 2015-Photo by John Hays)

Do/Did you have any role models on the team or from years past?

Adriano Joe is my role model. We've been on the team together since freshman year. He's like a brother to me. I'm very happy to have him on the team. We just try to stick together as a pack.

What's your favorite pre-race meal?

I gotta' eat spaghetti, all kinds of pasta.

Do you have a favorite pro-runner/athlete? Why?

I like watching Galen Rupp. I just like his style and how he runs.

What's your favorite subject in school? Why?

It's gotta' be math. In years past I haven't really been good at math, but I finally understand the equations. I think I really have a good hang at math right now.

What's something unique about you outside of running?

I play basketball. People say I'm a very level-headed kid. I like to go hiking and bike-riding, too.

Do you have a favorite basketball team?

Oklahoma City Thunder!

Will you be racing any post-season meets (NXN or FL West)?

I'm racing at Nike Southwest Regionals with a Native American team called Wings of America.