All-MileStat.com XC Runner: Mackenzie Haight
(George C. Marshall)
By Brandon Miles / November 30, 2012 12:57 PM
MileStat.com is
attempting to interview the vast majority of the 40+ runners over the next week that the website has selected to be on this
year's All-MileStat.com Cross Country Team. We will announce the full team (7 members on each first, second, and third
team) shortly after the Foot Locker Nationals next Saturday in San Diego.
After just barely
making it to the state meet with a 14th place finish in the Northern Region Championships, George C. Marshall junior Mackenzie
Haight did not just barely make it on the podium in his second state meet appearance. Haight became his school's first All-State
cross country finisher in many years with his 10th place time of 15:52 in the Group AAA race at Great Meadow. He followed
up his state meet race with a personal best run at Foot Locker South and 15:49 clocking for 49th place in the seeded race.
Despite missing all of last outdoor season, Haight started out strong this fall with a top 10 finish at Monroe Parker Invitational
and also placed well later in the season at the Glory Days Grill Invitational with his first sub 16 minute 5K performance
of 15:56.
Interview with
George C. Marshall junior Mackenzie Haight
What was your summer
training like entering this season?
I was coming off
an injury in the Spring so I eased into the summer training but picked it up in July with two great camps: the PR camp at
Capon Ridge and Blue Ridge Running Camp.
What would you
consider as your best XC race of this season and why?
States; I was able
to successfully execute my race strategy and I accomplished my season goal of getting an All-State finish.
What is your favorite
XC course to race on and why?
Burke Lake because
of the history and because I often am competing against the best Northern Region runners when racing there.
What is your preferred
pre-race meal on the night before a big race?
Definitely buttered
noodles and a baked sweat potato.
Do you have any
pre-race superstitions or routines that you stick to before a race?
No, I just try
to stay relaxed but focused.
What brand and
model of shoes do you train in as well what shoes do you race in?
I train in Nike
Pegasuses and race in the Nike Zoom Victory XCs.
What was the toughest
or best workout that you did all season?
It was really the
whole week after regionals; I did a lot of tempo work that gave me confidence going in to states.
What was the biggest
obstacle, challenge, or setback that you had this season?
Not racing as well
as I had hoped early in the season and having to regain confidence.
What did you learn
from this past season that you will try to apply for future seasons?
The importance
of proper nutrition and recovery in addition to my training.
What do you think
were the keys for your successful cross country season?
The support of
my Coach, parents and teammates.
What is your favorite
saying or advice from your coach?
It's not how you
start, it's how you finish. He also calls everyone a 'jokah' a lot.
What are some of
your hobbies or favorite things to do outside of running?
I like to draw
and paint.
What is an interesting
fact about you that most people probably do not know about you?
I was born in an
ambulance at my house!
How many hours
a week do you think you spend on average on MileStat.com?
Too many!
http://va.milesplit.com/articles/96833-all-milestatcom-xc-runner-mackenzie-haight-george-c-marshall
