Connect with us

We Speak Track And Field

Pushing The Limits: Taj Peace’s Long Run To Greatness

Published

on

With every stride around the track, Taj Peace proves that distance running is as much about heart as it is about speed. Known for his calm, focus and relentless work ethic, the standout track and field athlete has become a force in the 800m, consistently shaving seconds off his personal bests. As competitors tire, Taj only seems to get stronger. Turning endurance into excellence.

Today we’d like to introduce you to Taj Peace.

What events do you specialize in, and which one do you enjoy the most?
I specialize in the 400m, 800m, 1000m, and 1600m. I enjoy the 800m the most.

How did you get started in track and field, and what drew you to your specific events?
I was always able to hold top speed longer than everyone in other sports I played. So knowing that drew me into running track and specializing in those events.

What’s a typical training week like for you in terms of sprint/hurdle/field event workouts?
I usually get 30-40 miles a week and do 2-3 track workouts a week that vary between speed, speed endurance, and endurance.

What’s the most challenging part of your event, and how do you train to overcome it?
The most challenging part of my event is the mental aspect of it so I always make sure I finish my workouts strong.

What’s your toughest workout or training session-and how do you mentally get through it?
My toughest workouts are definitely speed endurance based workouts but on the mental side of things I just remember what I work hard for and handle business.

Do you have a favorite drill or technique that’s helped you improve?
Plyometrics are definitely the key.

Describe your pre-race or pre-event routine. Any superstitions or must-haves?
Eat a honey stinger waffle, 1 mile warm up, plyometrics, build ups, and pray.

How do you handle nerves or pressure before a big meet?
I just go somewhere alone and clear my mind and pray to god and always know that everything I do is for the glory of him.

What has been your most memorable performance so far and why?
My most memorable performance was definitely winning back to back AAU state championships in the 1500m and the 800m.

What’s one technical aspect of your event you’re really focused on improving right now?
I’m very focused on improving the last 200m of my 800.

How important is mental preparation in your events, and how do you work on it?
Mental preparation is very important to me because everything you do starts in the mind. Meditation is key.

Do you approach your events more with strategy or instinct? Why?
I approach my events with instinct because I learned to trust in all the hard work I’ve put in and to just go out there and enjoy it and win, instead of stressing over little strategies.

What’s your favorite track or field venue to compete at and why?
My favorite track is definitely the track at Virginia Beach Sports Complex.

What kind of music or motivation gets you hyped before competing?
I listen to motivational videos before I compete to get my mind right.

How do your teammates or training group influence your performance?
Me and my teammates definitely push each other to be our best during practice and the competitive atmosphere pays off for every single one of us.

What’s your go to recovery routine after a meet or heavy practice?
After meets I usually go out to eat then go straight to sleep.

How do you balance school, life, and training? Any tips?
Balancing school, life, and training takes good time management. I try to stay organized with a planner, stick to a routine, and make sure I get enough sleep. Prioritizing what’s important each day and not procrastinating helps a lot. Also, taking breaks and staying connected with friends keeps me from burning out.

Outside of track and field, what are your interests or hobbies?
My interests outside of track and field are playing basketball, football, writing, reading, fishing, making music, giving back, talking to large groups of people, and helping other people out.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in your event?
Be patient and consistent. Focus on your form, listen to your coaches, and don’t stress about times early on. Progress takes time—just keep showing up and putting in the work.

Whether you’re a coach, athlete, parent, or sports fan, I’d love to hear from you. Have a story idea? Want to collaborate on coverage? Looking to feature your team or athlete? Use the form below to get in touch.

We Speak Track And Field

Every Step Earned, Every Sprint Fought For: How Parker Duskin Trains, Thinks, And Races Like An Elite Sprinter in the Making

Published

on

Parker Duskin is a driven and dynamic athlete who brings power, precision, and passion to the track every time he competes. Specializing in sprints, relays, and hurdles, Parker has built a reputation for being relentless in training and fearless on race day. With a mindset rooted in discipline, and a deep love for competition, he continues to rise through the ranks.. Whether it’s early-morning lifts, intense hurdle sessions, or national level meets, Duskin is always locked in, and he is just getting started.

Today we’d like to introduce you to Parker Duskin.

What events do you specialize in, and which one do you enjoy the most?
I specialize in sprints, relays, and hurdles. Out of all of them, I’d say hurdles has become my favorite because it challenges me in a way that no other event does. It’s not just about speed it’s about rhythm, timing, and grit.

How did you get started in track and field, and what drew you to your specific events?
I’ve always felt fast , even as a kid I knew I had something different. Once I got to middle school, I finally had a chance to prove it, and I jumped into track with everything I had. That feeling of pulling ahead in a race hooked me instantly.

What’s a typical training week like for you in terms of sprint/hurdle/field event workouts?
A competition-cycle week usually consists of two days focused strictly on hurdle work. The other days are a mix of sprint mechanics, lifting sessions, and race modeling. It’s a heavy load, but it’s structured for peak performance.

What’s the most challenging part of your event, and how do you train to overcome it?
The hurdles are incredibly unforgiving. One misstep can throw your rhythm off and ruin an entire race in seconds. I train to overcome that by dialing in mentally, practicing timing relentlessly, and embracing the challenge head-on.

What’s your toughest workout or training session—and how do you mentally get through it?
Definitely fall training. I’ve done multiple sports at a high level, and nothing compares to the pain of fall track workouts stadiums, figure 8s, and jump runs. It’s brutal, but I survive it by flipping a mental switch and reminding myself that growth lives in the hardest moments.

Do you have a favorite drill or technique that’s helped you improve?
It’s hard to choose one. I rely on a lot of mental cues and form-focused drills that help me stay sharp. Over time, stacking those small technical wins turns into big race-day results.

Describe your pre-race or pre-event routine. Any superstitions or must-haves?
Before a race, I remind myself that this moment will never happen again. I tell myself that pressure is a privilege and I need to make the most of every step in those spikes. That mindset keeps me grounded and hungry.

How do you handle nerves or pressure before a big meet?
Honestly, I love it. Feeling nervous means I care and that I’m still passionate. I channel those butterflies into fuel. It means I’m ready.

What has been your most memorable performance so far and why?
My performance at First Rounds this weekend was unforgettable. Competing against big-name schools and qualifying for the national championships in Eugene felt like a dream. It proved to me that I belong on that level.

Who do you look up to in your sport, whether locally or professionally?
Coach Gabriel, without a doubt. He’s had a massive impact not just on our sprint program but on me as a person. He’s smart, focused, and helps us become better athletes and better men.

What’s one technical aspect of your event you’re really focused on improving right now?
Right now, I’m sharpening up my hurdle technique and testing out a few new things. I’ve got the USA World Team Trials coming up, so it’s a good opportunity to put that work into action.

How important is mental preparation in your events, and how do you work on it?
Mental prep is everything. I run my race mentally over and over before I ever step on the track. Track and field is as much a mental battle as it is physical.

Do you approach your events more with strategy or instinct? Why?
When it’s race day, I run on instinct. The strategy and preparation happen in the weeks leading up. By the time I get to the line, it’s all reaction, no hesitation.

What’s your favorite track or field venue to compete at and why?
Right now, my favorites are the University of Texas and Texas A&M. But I’ve got a feeling Eugene is about to top them all. It’s the dream spot for any serious track athlete.

What kind of music or motivation gets you hyped before competing?
I’m from a smaller town in Washington State so country music helps me relax and feel grounded. But if I need to get hyped, rap music gets the energy going. It’s all about balance.

How do your teammates or training group influence your performance?
My training group plays a huge role. Having a strong circle of athletes around me pushes me to show up and give my best every day. We challenge and support each other constantly.

What’s your go-to recovery routine after a meet or heavy practice?
Recovery is crucial. I always focus on hydration, eating quality food, and getting protein in fast. That recovery window is key for staying healthy and consistent.

How do you balance school, life, and training? Any tips?
Balancing everything is hard, but it’s doable with discipline. I rely on a calendar and stay on top of deadlines. Academics and training come first. Everything else falls into place after that.

Outside of track and field, what are your interests or hobbies?
I love staying active in other ways. I snowboard in the winter. And I usually surf or golf in the summer. It keeps me mentally refreshed and lets me enjoy life outside of track.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in your event?
Be patient, it’s a tough journey. Hurdles and sprints take serious time, discipline, and mental toughness. Remember, you don’t play track… you run it. Everything else is just a game.

Whether you’re a coach, athlete, parent, or sports fan, I’d love to hear from you. Have a story idea? Want to collaborate on coverage? Looking to feature your team or athlete? Use the form below to get in touch.

Continue Reading

Trending