XC Watchlist: Tia Tardy- Mattanawcook Academy
Athlete Name: Tia Tardy
School: Mattanawcook Academy
Year of Graduation: 2017
2013 State Meet Finish: 3rd in Class C 20:47.55
Tell us how your summer training is going?
Well actually I do a lot of music camps over the summer, so my time to train is very limited. But when I am home one of my college friends Josh Wheeler lets me tag along and train with him!
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
My goals for the upcoming season would be to definitely decrease my times, and improve my form, as well as my diet. and definitely have NO injuries!
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I have been running since 5th grade. I was one of the tiniest on the team so I was a little intimidated running against some of the BIG 7th and 8th graders. When I had my first meet I was so nervous when the gun went off that I just sprinted out in front of everyone! I was scared to let anyone pass so I maintained my first place position until the end. I was so excited to have won my first meet. I made it my goal to win every meet that season. (Kind of a silly goal) But it actually worked and I won all of the meets my first year. I got to the point where I wanted to keep my winning streak going and at the end of my 8th grade year I achieved my goal and had a 24-0 record.
Will you be competing anywhere out of state this season?
I hope to! That would be a fun experience. I did last year for New England’s, so I am hoping for some qualifying times!
What is your favorite course to run in Maine?
My favorite course is definitely Belfast!
What is the toughest course to run in Maine?
For me probably the Ellsworth course. However that was my very first meet of the season and I was not expecting those grueling hills. This year I will hopefully be more prepared!
What meet during the regular season do you put extra emphasize on to compete well at?
I was really pumped for the Freshman meet at Belfast. I definitely put an extra emphasis on that one!
What is your favorite cross country race so far in your high school career & favorite cross country memory?
The Freshman meet because I got to see how I ranked with all the other people my age! My favorite memory was when Orono’s Lily Koffman and I hammered it out at the end of the Bucksport meet she is a great runner and I was so excited to be with her the whole race. It was a real photo finish!
When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?
When i’m not running I am singing, or jamming out!
Favorite quote?
Favorite quote would be, “The best pace is a suicide pace, and today looks like a good day to die” -Steve Prefontaine.
What shoes do you train in?
I train in Saucony’s! But I have run in Asics and Brooks!
What shoes do you race in?
Last year I ran in Asics, but I am running in Saucony’s this year I believe!
What professional athlete would you most like to meet?
Gahhh…..Mary Cain!!!!
What is something that most people don't know about you?
Something that most people don’t know about me is that I am a singer! And that I enjoy singing as much as I love running! I will sing for anyone, anywhere, anytime!!
More on Tardy
Personal Bests
- 1,600 Meter Run 5:30.33
- 2.5 Mile Run16:42.00
- 2.x Mile Run (CC Short Course)18:46.95
- 3,200 Meter Run12:20.83
- Three Mile Run19:52.00
- 400 Meter Dash1:02.76
- 5,000 Meter Run 19:56.51
- 800 Meter Run 2:24.12
- Long Jump17-4
