(Photos courtesy of Emma Tucker)
Chiles senior Emma Tucker is the 9th best returner in 3A and owns a personal best 5k time of 18:44.20 which earned her a third place showing at the state meet in 2014. Tucker is one of the top runners on a Timberwolves team that looks to bring home a team title as well!
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I got my start with running way back in 2nd grade when I set the girls school record in PE class while doing the presidential fitness challenge. It wasn't until 6th grade that I began to train consistently and race more competitively though.
Do you remember your first real race?
My first real race was the Buchholtz Preseason Jamboree and I remember running off the starting line to hug my mom right before it started because I was so nervous and had only been training for a week. My coach made me run with an older girl so that she could pace me but I remember being less tired than she was and when passing my mom again at mile two I was excitedly jumping up and down and waving at her to let her know I was feeling good.
How is your summer training going?
Summer training has been great. I have the pleasure of getting to go work with some of the most dedicated and hardworking teammates and they really push you to be better everyday.
What is your favorite workout?
I love a good tempo run, but mile and 200 repeats are right on up there too.
Which meets will you be running in this year?
Our meet schedule has not been released yet and I am sure it is subject to change, but FSU Pre-State is a likely one that we will go to.
Do you have a favorite course? What do you think is the toughest course in the state?
I don't have a favorite course because there are parts to love and hate about any course that you run, if I had to choose though, I would have to say that ARP (the state meet course) is my favorite but also one of the hardest.
Out of all your running accomplishments so far, which stands out the most?
Of my running accomplishments thus far, I would have say that 2nd place in the 1600 at state is my favorite, especially knowing that Alex Wallace, best friend and teammate, medaled along side me.
What are your goals for the upcoming cross country season?
My goals for this upcoming season are to be low 18's and to place well at state as a team and individually.
What do you love most about running?
I love everything about it. I love how you can push yourself and even when you don't think you can push your self any harder, if you really want it, you can find the will to keep going and I feel like that can be translated to other aspects of life as well.
Finish this sentence... Emma Tucker is_______.
Emma Tucker is another kid that didn't get her letter to Hogwarts.
The Low Down
We wanted to get in-depth and personal with Emma. Check out the low down.
Do you have a favorite quote?
Never stop improving- Lowe’s
Do you have any pre-race rituals or routines?
I don't really have a pre-race ritual or routine but I have self-diagnosed claustrophobic feet which means I end up tying and retying my shoes multiple times before they are the perfect amount of tightness and looseness, which has become a routine in an unintentional way.
What is your favorite food?
I don't have a single favorite food because that's just impossible, but I'm currently craving strawberry shortcake so I'll go with that.
What was the last movie you saw?
The last movie I saw was Mean Girls. I've seen it a thousand times and it really doesn't get old.
What brand of shoes do you train/race in?
For years I trained exclusively in Nike Free 3.0s but I have recently converted over to Saucony's Kinvara which is another great neutral shoe but it offers a lot more support. For racing I also normally wear Saucony spikes.
What professional athlete would you like to meet the most?
Lauren Fleshman. She has been an inspiration and idol to me for years. I actually met her once way back in 6th grade after the fl.runners Titusville meet but I thought I ran badly that day and was embarrassed, so I refused to tell her how I did when she asked. I would like to have a chance to redeem myself.
What is something most people don't know about you?
I can make the Perry the Platypus sound as well as quack like a duck.
Lastly, if you were stranded on an island with three things what would they be?
A bottomless milkshake, a map of the stars, and the TARDIS.
