FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (October 30, 2020) - When Tyler Day joined the Northern Arizona men's cross country and track & field teams in the fall of 2015, no one could have predicted what his career would produce.
During his time at NAU, Day was a member of the three-time National Champion cross country team and became one of the most decorated runners in the program's distinguished history.Â
In January of his final season, Day broke the American collegiate record in the 5000m at the BU John Thomas Terrier Classic, running a time of 13:16.95 breaking Galen Rupp's previous mark. This achievement placed Day third all-time on the collegiate performance list for the 5K.
Later in the season, the six-time All-American clocked a personal-best time of 7:45.70 in the 3K, which ranked him third in the nation and 12th all-time.
After a season of successes, Day was ready to compete at NCAA Indoor Track & Field Championships. Though the meet in Albuquerque, N.M. was canceled, Day still received All-American distinction in both the 3000m and 5000m.Â
Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the outdoor track & field season was also canceled. Although a heartbreaking moment, Day has since signed professionally with Hoka One One NAZ Elite and looks forward to the future of his career.Â
"I know a lot of people in a similar position to mine probably don't get a chance like this, so I'm so happy that I was able to take this opportunity," Day said.
Day signed a professional contract with NAZ Elite earlier this month and debuted his professional career at the Michigan Pro Ekiden, a race organized by Hansons-Brooks team on Oct. 21.
"It's not usual for professional long distance runners to start their careers with a relay so it was kinda cool to have that in my back pocket," Day said.
Day ran a split of 28:46, setting a new road 10K NAZ Elite team record in his first professional performance.Â
"During a time of year when races are usually a customary thing, this year they became not, so they definitely stepped forward, along with our coaches and the other coaches involved in the relays to give us athletes a place to actually race, earn money, and be able to put our training into a final form," said Day, who felt extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to compete during the pandemic.Â
"It was super fun, it was a little nerve racking because it's a little different than the NCAA system but it was weird looking down at my uniform and not seeing the NAU logo," Day added.Â
He attributes much of his success to his training in Flagstaff.
"I owe a lot not only to Coach (Mike) Smith but to all the coaches, for helping me in my collegiate career at NAU, and for helping me find my future as well," Day said.
Day trades one strong coaching staff for another as he transitions to NAZ Elite's Head Coach Ben Rosario and Assistant Coach Ben Bruce.
"The coaches are great; I met Ben when I was a freshman at NAU and that's when Hoka was starting to get pretty big. I remember they had a good signing class that year, and I kinda saw them grow and progress at practice," Day said. "I talked to Ben over the years, but nothing too serious until the latter part of my college years, that's when we talked about a potential spot for me on the team."
He was drawn to NAZ Elite for a multitude of reasons, one being his aspirations to become an Olympic marathon runner.Â
"I thrive off longer distances, and I think a lot of people assumed when I did sign this pro contract I was going to instantly be a marathoner. There were some coaches that were going to strictly recruit me for marathons," Day said. "I feel I am not mature enough or strong enough yet to handle all that mileage and all that training.
"But when the day does come, I'll hit the ground running, pun intended," Day added while laughing/with a laugh.
Day is in good company, with teammate Aliphine Tuliamuk placing first overall at the women's Olympic Trials Marathon, and another teammate, Scott Fauble, who is the 11th-fastest marathon runner of all-time.
"It's nice to be surrounded by people who want to work as hard as you do and want to have the same successes," Day said. "As teammates, they're there pushing you every step of the way and I am very grateful to be a part of this group."
Teammates like his can be crucial to boost a runner's motivation as times get tough, with the ultimate goal sitting far off in the distance rather than each year.Â
Unlike other sports, running's ultimate contest isn't an annual occurrence. Instead, distance runners have to grind through years of workouts to reach their peak performance stage.
"Our big 'World Series' is every four years, although in between those years we still have World Championships," Day said. "The Olympics is the big time and I'm definitely striving to be on that team someday."Â
With the 2028 Summer Olympics on the horizon, it's fair to say that Day is excited about the potential opportunity to compete in Los Angeles, Calif.
"It would be an honor to represent your own country whether that's at World Championships or at the Olympics, and it would be unforgettable as an American to compete at the Olympics in my home country," Day said.Â
However, Day doesn't want to get too ahead of himself.Â
"It's easy to daydream years in advance, but in reality I still have years of training in front of me, I still have more years of success and heartbreak to come," Day said. "I just have to take it one day at a time and focus on myself in the present."
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