“Running is hard. There’s nothing really quite like it. Other than practice, there’s really no strategy. You just go out and do it.
I love track and cross country, and became pretty serious about them during my Freshman year at Biddeford High School. These sports bring you close to others, and they become your family. I like that team feeling where you know that everyone has your back.
Sometimes, I get nervous before a meet. We all do. A lot of it is just wanting to get going, to get started. But once you’re in the race, then you lose all of those thoughts. I’m only left with happiness once I cross the finish line. It makes any nervousness I experience worth it.
I practice six days a week and take Sundays off. This summer, I started off running 30 miles a week and worked myself to up to 60. In season, though, I run about 30 miles a week to save my energy for competing.
The best part of a race is reaching the finish line. I like the process of competing, of course, but when you reach the end, you find yourself wondering how you were able to do it. It’s definitely a unique experience.
When I go to sports events to either watch or participate, I make a point to cheer people on. Especially those who might be having a hard time. I know the exact pain I feel when I race down the track, and I want others to know they have supporters who see them.
My biggest hero and supporter is my dad. He always pushes me, attends every track event and always helps me. He would be there if I got last place and he'd be there if I got first. It doesn't matter how well I do, he’s always there and for that I am grateful. He was an athlete himself, so he understands the work that goes into it.
Right after High School, I want to continue my running career. Right now, I’m still working with a few schools to figure out how to achieve that. I also want to major in Business.
And someday, too, I’d like to participate in the Boston Marathon. But that’s a big one. I’ve never done a marathon, but I want to build up to it.
If someone has an interest in running, but hasn’t started yet, I want them to know the first two weeks are the hardest and that they shouldn’t give up.
Through the years, this sport has shown me that I can achieve whatever I set out to accomplish. I hope other people, if they haven’t tried the sport, can learn the lessons it taught me too: That even when the going gets tough, you are always tougher. You can make it through anything in life.”
A list of Chris’ accomplishments to-date:
Cross Country:
- 2019 First Team All-Conference (Top 7 runners in Southern Maine)
- 2019 Qualified for New Englands
- 2019 BHS Team MVP
Indoor Track:
- 2019 Southwestern Champion in Junior 800: broke the league record, finished 5th in the state of Maine, and qualified for New Englands
- 2019 Second Team All-Conference in the 600
- 2019 First Team All-Conference in the 800
- 2019 BHS Team MVP
Outdoor Track:
- 2021 Second place finish in the 800 in the State Meet
- 2021 BHS Team MVP
