Buchholz's Chris Godwin is picking up where he left of in 2010. Godwin finished 10th at the state meet and has started off his senior year with a bang running 15:52 at the 11th Annual Bobcat Time Trial Jamboree. Godwin talks about his favorite course, goals for the year, and more in this Cross Country Q&A.
How did you get into running and do you remember your first race?
My friend Ryan Bell wanted to join to stay in shape and he asked me if I wanted to join with him. I thought it would help condition me for tennis so I agreed. He ended up quitting after a couple of days and I just stayed with it. My first race was a great experience. I didn't know anything about strategy so I just ran at a steady peace that felt comfortable and I ended up with a 17:02.
You started off 2011 with a 15:52 at the 11th Annual Bobcat Time Trial Jamboree. That's a solid start for your senior year.
I feel like it was a good time to start with. I planned on running my first race in the 15's and I did. It was at our Santa Fe College course. I like the course a lot. It has one steep hill that we run up twice, but it's not that bad. I felt strong and ready to run my race. I feel prepared for the rest of the season.
What do you attribute that strength too?
I attribute it to summer training with my team, building my base back up, and the support of my coaches and family.
What did your summer training consist of?
My summer training consisted of a lot of mileage. I did somewhere around 65 miles per week. We also went to Warrior Running Camp at Berry College in Georgia. Camp was really fun. It was my first actual cross country camp and I had a blast.
Do you have a favorite workout or trail you like to run?
My favorite run is a trail run called Pig Trails which goes behind a neighborhood near our school. I honestly don't know why call it Pig Trails. That is what the seniors called when I joined sophomore year. I'm guessing it was named after a runner who found it because we tend to nickname runs after people.
Do you have any funny running stories?
A funny running story I have is when I was a sophomore at the flrunners.com Invitational I was watching Armando Del-Valle and Matt Mizereck battling it out for first place and I thought they were insane for being able to run that fast. I never guess that I would be one of the big dogs like they were.
If you weren't running what would you be doing?
If I wasn't running I'd probably still be out on the tennis court practicing my serve.
Who is your toughest competition?
My toughest competition is really anyone who is in front of me, but if I would have to say exactly who it would be Elliot Clemente.
What meets are you looking forward to the most?
I look forward to the big meets such as Mt. Dew Invitational, flrunners.com Invitational, Pre-State, State, and the south east regionals as well.
This is your third year running. You finished 64th in the state as a freshman and 10th last year. How would you assess your high school career so far and what are your goals for your senior season?
My high school career has been an amazing and thrilling experience that I wouldn't give back. My best memory is finishing in 10th place at state last year. I wanted to get All-State very badly. This year my goals are to run as close to the 14's as I can and I would love to run in San Diego at Foot Locker Nationals against the fastest kids in the country. For me to have a good season I would have to run to my full potential every time I put on my spikes and to have fun doing it.
Personal Bests
-
1600 Meter Run4:27.62 -
3200 Meter Run9:34.00
-
5000 Meter Run15:33.78
-
More Coverage