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If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
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Salute to Seniors series feature on Fluvanna County distance runner Chris Markham. The school record holder in the 1000 (2:37.93 best), Markham just missed All-State honors this past indoor season in the event with a 9th place finish in the Group AA State Indoor Championships at Liberty University. Highlights from the Mary Washington bound Markham in the spring included winning the Jefferson District 3200 meter title and setting a new 3200 PR of 9:49 to advance onto the state outdoor meet at the Region II Meet on his home track at Fluvanna County. Markham was the 2013 Region II Champion indoors in the 3200 and ran a 5K personal best of 16:20 at Foot Locker South to finish his high school cross country career last November.
Interview with Fluvanna County distance runner Chris Markham
What was your most memorable race?
That would have to be the 3200m in the Region II Outdoor Championships. It was my last ever home race and potentially my last race of my high school career. I was ranked 12th in a very deep and talented field, needing at least 6th to go onto States. I was in 9th with two laps left and 7th with one lap to go. I picked off two guys to finish fifth, and ran a PR of 9:49, breaking my own school record. After my race all my friends, coaches, and family was there to congratulate me. It was the perfect way to top off my high school career.
Who would you consider your greatest competition over your four years?
My greatest competition over the past four years comes from within Region II, especially the Brentsville guys. Ben Lemons, Corey Tooke, and Kyle King have been pushing me during cross country since my junior year. Guys within the Jefferson District such as Anthony Tamberinno, Sidney Noble, and Malloy Owen are always fun to run against because they all know how to race really well and they get the best out of me.
What was your greatest accomplishment?
That's a tough one. Making it to States in cross country during my junior year in just my second season of cross country was definitely a big one. I PR'd by a minute from the previous season, running a 16:47 and placed 15th in Region II. I've made it to States every season since, and considering where I was just two years prior, it was quite an accomplishment. Also up there is my Regional 3200m my senior year during Indoor track where I went from fifth to first in 100m and won the race even though I kicked a lap early (Lopez Lomong style). That same season I broke the great Matt Winkler's 1000m school record, with a 2:37 at the VT invite.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
At States during Indoor of my senior year, I ran the 1000m and went in ranked 11th. My goal was top 8 so I can be All-State. I was in the top eight the whole race until the very last second, when I was out-leaned at the line. I finished 9th by .03 seconds. That was by far the most painful thing I've ever had to accept. If I could change anything, I would've leaned just a little more.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
Probably the biggest obstacle I've had to overcome is my lack of experience in the sport of running. I ran outdoor my freshman year, but was a hurdler and a sprinter. I ran the 800 just for the heck of it and I ended up doing really well and my coach convinced me to run cross country the next year. I primarily ran to get in shape for basketball tryouts, but after being All-District in my first season, I've stuck with it ever since. I've constantly been learning how to race and train properly and I still have things to learn heading into college.
What will you miss most?
Definitely the teammates and coaches I've made over the years. My teammates have become more like brothers to me than just teammates, and I'll never forget a single one of them. My coaches: coach Casto, coach Brogan, and coach Szarmach, all have made such a big impact on my life and have gotten me to the point that I'm at today. Each and every one of them have contributed to my success.
What advice you would give to younger athletes?
No extra mile never goes unnoticed. The amount of work you put in reflects in your race. There are no shortcuts when it comes to working out and the people who understand this are the ones who stand out.
What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
Coach Casto has taught me not only how to push me to my limit, but how to be a better person and leader to my team. He sees the potential in anyone and gets it all out of them. He saw my potential as a distance runner even when I was a hurdler and he got it out of me. He knows exactly what to scream at you during a race to get you to push even harder. His confidence in me made me have more confidence in myself which helped get me to where I am.
What are your college plans?
I will be attending the University of Mary Washington to run cross country and track and to continue my studies. Go Eagles!
Who would you like to say thank you to?
My coaches first of all, for always pushing me. My teammates for always having my back, even if they did let me fall into Maymont lake every now and then. My parents for always being there for me, making me pasta dinners, and tending to my every need. Lastly, the Lorenzoni's of Ragged Mountain for being so good to Central Virginia runners over the years.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Run, because some people less fortunate than you cannot
