Tyler Fish talks Running, Missing Coaches Classic

Name: Tyler Fish
Personal bests: 800: 1:59.51 1600: 4:29 3200: 9:44
Academic interests: Business/Management
Hobbies: Hanging out with my teammates, drawing, and singing 
Favorite quote: "Don't dream of winning, train for it." -Mo Farah

How did you get involved in the sport? 
I started running in the second grade with my father. We both ran a road race together and I fell in love with it.

I see you participate in multiple events. Do you have a favorite? Please explain.  
I love all of the events that I participate in but if I had to choose a favorite, it would have to be the mile. The mile seems like it's a very good fit for me because I feel like I have both the speed and the endurance that it takes to run a solid mile.

From your success in 2016, what do you hope to do this season coming up?  
With this being my last track season, I'm hoping to make a push for a state title in either the mile or the 800. I'm also hoping to improve on my times as I get closer to the end of the season. 


800 state rankings

Do you have a specific motivation?
 
My motivation for the season is to improve from last year. I also did not have a very great cross season so that is pretty motivating for track.

What has been your biggest challenge in the sport?
 
I think my biggest challenge has always been to balance running, school, and my social life. That has always been a challenge for me but I have gotten better over the years.

What do you hope to achieve in the future upon graduation this June?
 
I will be attending College of Charleston and I will also be running there so I hope to have a really strong summer and get a feel of the college running experience. It will be very exciting!


What do you hope to achieve this weekend at Bob Jenkins SCTCCCA Coaches Classic? 
Unfortunately, our team will not be attending Coaches Classic this year but we will be at the Hawk Invitational in Charlotte. There should be some great competition there. I'm hoping that I can run solid times in the events I will be participating in and try to get closer to my goals for the year.

Walk us through a race for you (from pre race until post race). 
First, I like to wait about 45 minutes before my race to start a warm up and jog around for a few minutes. After that, I go through a few stretches including some plyometrics and strikers until I have to get to the line.  Once I'm on the line, I try to stay relaxed, trust my training, and stay confident. During my race, I try my best to hit the splits I know I'm capable of running until I finish. After the race, I try to immediately change into my trainers and get a nice warm down in and ,depending on how much time I have between my races, I will grab a snack to eat and stay hydrated with some water.

What goes through your mind during the a distance race and long run at practice? 
Just staying focused on trying to hit my times and stay positive. It's sort of the same for both because on my long runs I try to make sure I'm not running too fast or too slow. It's exactly the same for my races. 

How do you look at being top ranked in the state in the 800?
 
It's more motivation for me to continue to work hard so that I can improve on my time.

How and when do you start training for track and field?
 
I normally take two to three weeks off after cross country and start back up then. My coaches help me to build a base during the offseason and increase in mileage each week and once we get closer to the season, we drop it just a little.

What goes through you mind during each race?
 
Every time I am out on the track I try my best to trust my training and get the win. 

What do you enjoy the most about the Boiling Springs team?
 
I would definitely have to say the bond that my teammates and I have. We look at it as a brotherhood and it helps us even more at practice to know that we can trust each other. 

What do you feel you have learned from your coaches, teammates and the sport?
 
I have learned so much from so many people in my years of running. If I had to choose one thing it would have to be to stay positive in everything you do because it can have a great impact on who you are as a person when it comes to your attitude.

What would like to see happen in the future in the sport?
 
I think it would be cool to see an indoor season for the state of South Carolina. It would be different and it could also lead to faster times in the spring.


Do you see yourself coaching in the future?
  
I could see myself coaching in the future just because I love running so much and I would love to see kids enjoy what I once enjoyed and reaching their potential as a runner. 
 

If there is one thing in the world you could do, what would it be and why?
 
I would have to say meet Mo Farah. I've always loved watching him race and it would be amazing to get to meet him and maybe go on a run with him too.