Q&A with Northern Valley Regional runner Ivan Timochko
DEMAREST, N.J. — For anyone involved in Track and Field and Cross Country running in Northern Valley, the name Ivan Timochko is well known. Fifteen-year-old Ivan, a sophomore at NVD,聽 has been a standout for years, showing a remarkable aptitude for running since he started at 6 years old. Below are just a few of the highlights of his career:
- 2020 Millrose games 2nd place/Silver medal in 800 meters
- 2021 Cross Country #1 freshman in the state of NJ for 2900 meters in 8:57
- Haworth grammar school 1-mile all-time record in 4:58聽 (only student ever to break 5:00 minute mile)
- 2019 USATF Junior Olympic Championship 4th overall 1500 meters = 4:58
- New Balance Games 2nd place/Silver medal in 1000 meters = 2:49
- Top 10 Freshman indoor 2021-2022 for 600 meters
- My personal bests are
- 400 meters = 54 seconds
- 600 meters = 1:30
- 800 meters = 2:06
- 1500 meters = 4:28
- 1-mile = 4:44
- cross country 2900 meters – 8:57
- cross country 5k = 17:04
What are your personal goals?
Ivan Timochko: My personal goals are to go to the Olympics and compete in the 800 and 1500-meter races and win a Gold medal.聽 I also plan to complete college and earn a degree in Kinesthesiology or Physical Therapy to help other runners develop better form and strength, and also prevent injuries.
How has this sport changed you as a person?
Timochko: This sport has helped me to realize what my body and mind are capable of doing. It has helped me to remain focused, both on the track and in school.聽 It also provided me with an easy transition to high school as I already knew many of the cross country and track & field athletes from running with them before I started high school.
What is the greatest satisfaction you get from this sport?
Timochko: Breaking new barriers and times. I was VERY excited when the Northern Valley Demarest team won NJ state sectionals this school year for 3 back to back seasons which has not happened in a long time.
Do you have a training routine?
Timochko: I closely follow the plan that my coach gives me which includes 6 days of running and 2-3 days of weight training.聽 I incorporate hot yoga and also maintain a consistent sleep schedule daily along with mobility work, drills, massage, and physical therapy when needed to evaluate and enhance my performance.
Have you ever had to overcome something difficult (health-wise, mentally, etc.) in order to perform your sport?
Timochko: I have had a few minor injuries and really bad seasonal allergies this year that affected my breathing while running.
Is there a mental routine you perform either before competition or to get the best out of yourself?
Timochko: I like to channel Eliud Kipchoge’s thinking in that “No Human Is Limited” and when things seem tough, I calm my mind with meditation and focus on my races and workouts with grit.
Do you see yourself in this sport in college? Beyond?
Timochko: ABSOLUTELY!聽 Running is something you can do your entire life and still be competitive in track and road races into your 90s!
Aside from the sport, what else do you enjoy doing?
Timochko: I enjoy weight lifting, yoga, swimming, biking, hiking, and walking my dogs.聽 I also like doing building projects and hands-on artwork.
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