Tuning Up with University of Iowa Hurdler, Lillian Harden
Q&A with Iowa University Hurdler, Former Texas State Champion, on Faith, Fast Lanes, and Favorite Tracks
Tune-Up Tuesday is an extension of The Monday Morning Coach, helping all of us to stay motivated past the Monday morning motivational and into Tuesday when the reality of persistence is more difficult to carry out than the concept itself. The objective is to interview and profile artists, athletes, former athletes, and coaches to offer varying perspectives on how music influences the way we compete, workout, and stay motivated when it’s sometimes difficult.
While coaching one of my hurdlers preparing her for her first run of post-district meets, we came across a prolific young athlete who boasted some of the most impressive times in the state of Texas in 2024. I had the opportunity to watch her compete at the 2024 Texas Relays, and then again later in the year at the UIL 6A Texas State Track & Field Meet. She dominated both races and won the 100-meter hurdles girls Texas 6A State gold medal.
Her name is Lillian Harden and she’s now at the University of Iowa for her freshman year. Lillian is an inspiring leader, not just with her words, but also her actions.
I reached out to ask Lillian if she’d be willing to participate in a Q&A for Tune-Up Tuesdays, and she was the first person to reply and graciously answer my questions. Her responses, demeanor, and speedy reply was just as impressive as her work ethic, competitiveness, and speed on the track. Her willingness to give her time is indicative of her willingness to give max effort into whatever she sets her heart out to accomplish. Below we discuss her tastes in music, what motivates her, and what she does to “tune-up” up her Tuesdays when it’s hard to find motivation.
Lillian might just be one of the next best athletes that the United States of America will be cheering on at a World or Olympic championships.
So without further ado, I’m excited to introduce you all to Lillian Harden, her tastes in music, and how she Tunes up her Tuesdays!
The Monday Morning Coach: Apple Music or Spotify?
Lillian Harden: Apple Music
TMMC: What’s currently playing on your streaming service?
LH: “There Was Jesus” by Zach williams and Dolly Parton
TMMC: What’s a genre of music people might be surprised you’re into?
LH: Christian. Christian and gospel because Jesus is the way the truth and the life
TMMC: When preparing for a big meet, event, or test what’s your go-to song, playlist, album, or genre? And why?
LH: Any Naomi Raine song (my playlist is called Jesus)
TMMC: What were you listening to in preparation of becoming a Texas High School State 6A Champion in 2024?
LH: “Nobody” by Casting Crowns
TMMC: How has your taste in music evolved over the years, and what does that say about your personal growth?
LH: I used to listen to a lot of pop and rap and songs, but it didn't fill me like gospel has. I used to be a luke warm Christian and would just say I’m Christian, but I now believe and have faith that I’m a believer and I follow His way—and only His will and way.
TMMC: Do you prefer listening to music solo or sharing it with friends? Why?
LH: Solo, because not everyone is a believer and I struggle with people judging me for what I listen to. I catch myself putting on popular songs to impress other people because I understand not every one likes gospel.
TMMC: What’s an album or song, or who’s an artist, that’s helped you get through a difficult stretch of a season (of life, work, or a sport’s season)?
LH: “In The Room” by Maverick City
TMMC: If you could collaborate with any musician, living or dead, who would it be and why?
LH: New Edition!!!
TMMC: Okay let’s talk about competition: What does competition mean to you and how has it influenced your outlook on life today?
LH: Competition is really not you against someone else. It's truly you against yourself. At the end of the day, not everyone has the best days, and not everyone is on the same level. So, if you are able to beat yourself and get a better time or improve in some way then that's best to know. In comparison to everything being compared to someone else's progress.
“Competition is really not you against someone else. It's truly you against yourself.” —Lillian Harden
TMMC: What or who is your biggest motivation to give your 100% everyday (doesn’t just have to be music-related)?
LH: My Parents.
TMMC: Did you have any aspirations for specifically running at a Division 1 school when you were younger? If so, what advice would you give to your younger self in preparation? If not, what was most important to you in choosing a school to compete at?
LH: No! I used to be a gymnast all the way up to freshman season in high school and I wasn't good enough to go to college until I started hurdles the following year (sophomore year). I knew I was going to college for track my sophomore year of high school, so [the reality of competing in college came] a lot later on. I was totally convinced I was gonna be a collegiate gymnast.
TMMC: If you had to create a soundtrack for your life, which three songs would definitely be on it?
LH: “In The Room” by Maverick City, “Where Are u Now” by Justin Bieber, and “Hold On To Me” by Lauren Daigle
TMMC: Lastly, how do you “tune-up” your Tuesdays when work, life, or workouts feel monotonous or difficult?
LH: I fake it until I make it and make sure I'm surrounding myself with people so I don't feel alone and not overthinking
TMMC: Lillian, it was such an honor having you participate in this week’s Tune Up Tuesday and I’m sure the readers appreciate you sharing more about yourself!
You can follow Lillian Harden at @ Lil.yharden here on Instagram and TikTok