Boca Raton Christian junior Tucker Hindle is coming off of an 11th place showing at the 1A Cross Country Finals. Last year, as a sophomore, Hindle was 10th at the state meet in the 3200m. We caught up with one of the top runners in 1A Region 4 to talk about his start in running, this coming outdoor season, and much more!
How did you get started in track?
I started running in 8th grade to get into shape for tennis. The coach at the time had been wanting me to run all during middle school, but I kept playing tennis instead. I finally decided to run with the team in the summer and although I was awful, I found a love for running and the rest is history.
T
hat summer really motivated you to put in the work and take your running to the next level didn't it?
In 8th grade cross country, I placed last in my district in a time over 30 minutes. After that I wanted to succeed in this sport so badly so I began training with one goal in mind; become a top athlete in the state. My coach was the perfect fit for me to accomplish this goal. He put me into a training system that he new could help me if I was willing. This past season I placed 11th in the 1A Cross Country Finals in a time of 16:28. Approaching my senior year, I'm looking to take home the state title and achieve my four year goal.
Coming off of a strong cross country season, what has your training been like?
After the state meet I started to focus on high mileage and being consistent. I have two long runs and a recovery day with tempos or intervals in between. Nothing too fancy, just consistent.
Recently you competed at the Jimmy Carnes Indoor Meet. How important was it to race and where do you feel you're at based on those performances?
My races at Jimmy Carnes encouraged me a lot. My 3,000m time (9:25.71) is comparable to a little faster than last seasons personal best in the 3200m (10:03.81) and my mile (4:39.50) was only a few seconds off. For not doing any speed work and not racing recently I'm very happy with my times.
What meets are you really keying in on and looking forward to?
I'm really looking forward to the races I get the chance to race the runners in my area like Nic Jacobsen, Casey McCracken, and Joel Lacy. Also, I'm looking forward to regionals where I hope to double in the 1600m and 3200m.
How have you had to adapt running at a small school like Boca Raton Christian?
Running at a small school has been tough. I was the only male runner this past cross country season and it certainly was weird not having a team or training partner. I've learned to self motivate myself out on runs so I feel it's more difficult for training but it's taught me good lessons. I do have better relationships with my teachers at a small school so even one teacher took the step to ride his bike along side me on my long run.
You were 10th in the 3,200m last year. What are the goals for 2015?
This year the goal is simple. I want to drop my time to at least 9:30 and beat the runners that can return next year to race.
What can fans expect to see from Tucker Hindle?
They can expect to see an athlete that will be a top competitor whether it be at a local meet or be the state meet and to see it all done for the glory of God.
Personal Bests
- 1,600 Meter Run - 4:36.28
- 3,000 Meter Run - 9:25.71
- 3,200 Meter Run- 10:03.81
