University of Tennessee Athletics
Vol Profile- Tim Kelly
January 22, 2002 | Cross Country
Jan. 22, 2002
Vol Profile: Tim Kelly
Vol Profile: What helped you make your decision to transfer to Tennessee last year?
Kelly: "I visited here in high school and I liked it a lot. I went to American (University) because I had received a full ride. I would have had a good scholarship coming here but I went where the money was and I didn't really think about my running, just the money. When I got here I met Tony Cozy, he went to school here. I met him at the Goodwill Games when I was in high school and I liked the coach a lot. I thought I could really go somewhere, running-wise if I came here."
Vol Profile: What type of mental preparation do you go through before a race?
Kelly: "I don't do that much mental preparation, I just think about where I want to be at a mile in a race. Most people do more mental preparation then me. I just go out there and run and whatever happens, happens. If I have a bad race I don't let it get me down, I just think about my next race."
Vol Profile: Is there anything particular that runs through your mind as you are racing?
Kelly: "During the race you are hurting and things are going through your mind and you just try to tell yourself not to give up. When you start saying to yourself that you are going to die or slow down, that's when you've really got to push the race. If you're tired then they're tired and if you pass them they are thinking the same way."
Vol Profile: Different races have different terrain. Do you prepare differently for different terrain?
Kelly: "Yes, because in our SEC meet, the first 300 meters you go out and take a 180 degree turn. It's more important to get out in front. At our pre-SEC meet, I kind of had a problem with that and there were a lot more teams, so I wasn't where I wanted to be at the mile. If you are in a good spot for the mile it kind of sets up your race. If it's a long straight you'll know that getting out won't be as imperative, but if it's short, like the Auburn course, then you know you have to get out a lot harder. If it's hilly then you know you have to pace the set."
Vol Profile: Coming from New York, what was the biggest culture shock to you ?
Kelly: "I guess it would be the way people drive and the way people talk. People drive a lot slower, and there are a lot less cars on the road than there are in New York."
Vol Profile: What are your hobbies and interests outside of running?
Kelly: "I don't have a particular hobby, I like to make people laugh. I just think up stuff to make people laugh, and I like to play practical jokes on people."
Vol Profile: Do you have anyone that you look to for motivation?
Kelly: "I don't really look up to one particular person. If I see someone run a good race, or professional runners, then I will look at them and I strive to be one of those people that are the best in the country or best in the world."
Vol Profile: After you graduate what would you like to be remembered for?
Kelly: "I guess as a fun person, like I said I like to make people laugh."
