FOR Mikaela Sullivan, running is all about tactics and keeping her eye on the prize.

The 15-year-old St Joseph's School Year 11 student from Tenterfield recently competed in the Queensland Little Athletics Championships.

"I mainly run in the 800m and 1500m," Sullivan said.

"I like middle distance running the most. I competed in three events. I got second in the 800m, first in the 1500m and 14th in the 400m."

The Border Blues Little Athletics Club member said she mostly enjoyed the tactics behind her races.

"I would say middle distance is more about thinking about race tactics but sprinting is about being fast," Sullivan said.

"In my races I don't sprint but I do go out hard, then I pace myself for the middle part and at the end give it everything I have left."

Sullivan said while Little Athletics was on hiatus for the winter she had school athletics and Darling Downs cross country trials to keep her working hard.

"It would be great to go the Olympics or even the Commonwealth Games one day," she said.

Sullivan said running and athletics provided more than just fun.

"I know a high jumper who now plays professional basketball," she said.

"Athletics and running can also help with a lot of other sports and fitness."

Sullivan, who has been running since she was four years old, said hurdler Sally Pearson was one of her role models.

"I think she is amazing and I love that she connects herself with junior clubs," she said.