Name:Christopher
Mondie
School:Jackson Academy
(Mississippi)
Q: What does your
training look like right now given the current situation?
A:Actually, over the
past few months I have been doing a lot of running, conditioning exercises,
core strengthening, and healthier eating. My running consists of alternating a
4 mile run with 400m or 800m several times a week. I run either in my
subdivision or on the track field.And,
I do upper and lower body weight training 3 times a week.I do these activities in the evenings.I increased my water intake to 1.5 gallons a
day.And, I give my body Wednesdays and
Sundays off for recovery.I started this
in January in preparation of the Track season and decided to keep this schedule.
Q:What are you
doing to stay busy other than run right now?
A:We began virtual
classes at Jackson Academy within one week of the COVID-19, so I actually still
have class.Five of my 7 classes meet
virtually.That consumes my weekdays
Monday - Thursday from 9:30a to 2:00p.After that, I spend time studying, talking with my friends on the phone,
watching old NCAA meets and Olympic events online, and playing video games
sometime.
Q:What was
your most memorable race/moment?
A:In the state
championship meet last year in May, it rained the entire day.My team and I won first place in the 4x4 and
4x2 and I placed first in the 400m.That
was a very hard day because I have never ran rain like that.But it was actually fun and showed us our
strength, trust in each other, and teamwork.Our coaches kept us motivated the
entire time.
Q:What was the funniest thing that happened during your running career?
A:Last year in March
2019 I was running the 400m and for some reason my shoes were not tied
tight.I did not realize it until I took
off.Of course, they fell off.I had to make a split second decision to stop
running or keep going.I did not give it
a second thought.I finished the race in
only my socks.I came in first place
anyway.My feet were hurting
afterwards, but I knew quitting was not an option.Needless to say, there were so many jokes on
the sidelines and at school the next day.
Q: Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
A:There is this one guy
that runs for MRA or PREP.He and I are
always neck and neck for each event.It's a really fun competitive thing we have.He keeps me on my toes because he is always
right there beside me or close by when I cross the finish line.I can't recall his name.
Q: What was your greatest accomplishment?
A:When I got the MVP
for Track last year.That was absolutely
great and my coaches are the best motivators.
Q: If you could do it all over again what would you change about your
running career in high school?
A: When I was in 10th grade it was half way through
indoor season when I realized I was underperforming.I realized that I was not eating properly and
that was impacting my running and speed.I am so much more aware of what foods I need to eat to fuel my stamina
and body more and I made that adjustment quickly.
Q: What will you miss the most?
A:If we don't have a
track season this year.I will bea little disappointed because of the hard
work we all have been putting in to make our senior track season the best.
Q: What advice would you give to younger athletes?
A:Stick with it.There will be multiple instances while you are growing up where you will
want to do other things other than track or in its place by not attending
practices, but if you do, when the season begins you will be beating yourself
up about it because your body might not be ready.Go to practice.It will pay off and your body will thank you.
Q: What kind of an
impact has your coach had on you and your team?
A:Our coaches are great
motivators and keeps our morale up during this COVID stuff.They work with each athlete and helpthem further develop their skills.They place athletes were they will have the
greatest impact and success individually and with the rest of the team.
Q: What are
your college plans?
A:To attend a four-year
college/university and major in Biomedical or Chemical Engineering and
contribute to the research and world around us.And, I would love to run track on the college level.
Q: Who would you like to say 'thank you' to?
A:My mother.She is my greatest supporter and gives so
much of herself.And, also to my coach,
Coach Walker, and the coaching staff at Jackson Academy..
Q: Is there anything else you'd like to add?
A:I would love to run
track in college.I am passionate about
this sport and enjoy it.
Q: Favorite Meal?
A:Off-season:The All-Star Breakfast at Waffle House
Pre-Season and In-season:Lots of fruit, salad with chicken, lots of
water, and vegetables.
Q: If you could be
any animal what would you choose? and why?
A:A hawk because of
their ability to fish and hunt.
Q: Your favorite superhero?
A:Don't have one.Sorry.
