He is a VERY accomplished runner, with one of his biggest accomplishments being placing in the top 100 in the Boston marathon in two different years. Not only was he a ridiculously fast marathoner, he also has insane mile, 5k, 10k, and half pr's.
Mike Markley's Personal Bests:
4:19 Mile Park Avenue Mile 1983
15:11 5k Syracuse American General Insurance 1982
24:55 5 mile Upper Arlington 1982
31:10 10K Cleveland Revco 1983
47:53 15K Columbus Day Columbus, Ohio 1977
4 times 53:11 to 53:20 for 10 miles 1st time 1974 last in 1983
2:28:22 for the Boston Marathon 1975
2:29:00 Columbus Marathon 1980
I mean...that is holding 5:39 for 26.2 miles. 5:39 is pretty close to my mile PR for an ALL OUT 1 mile (just saying!)
I have yet to run a marathon, and actually do not have any desire to at the current time. I definitely have ONE on my bucket list, but personally I am more of a sprinter (what up 800) and am built for shorter distances. I think maybe in my 30's or possibly even 40's I will attempt one though. Right now I am actually the most motivated I have been in about 5 years to do some races , but I am training for a 5k (May 11), and hopefully a 10k and a half marathon in November (but possibly one in August).
My dad instilled in me several things from years of watching him train and run. First and most importantly, he never told my sister or I to go run or exercise, but greatly influenced us by his own actions and example. I think this was crucial because we both view running and exercise as something enjoyable and GREAT for mental health, rather than a chore or a punishment. I think I can speak for him, my sister and I that we are all in much better moods when we get in some form of exercise. He also showed what setting goals and hard work could accomplish. His running wasn't just for personal health, it was to achieve his goals and in his case WIN races and set PR's. I have always been very competitive, so this is something that came pretty natural to me, but it was great to have him as a role model for this in both swimming and running. It's pretty amazing to me all that he was able to achieve such success in running as both a father and working a full time job. Although he does not still run today, he bikes a ton and is still the picture of health.
Amanda Markley running her first marathon in 2014. 3:53.29... I guess marathoning runs in the family.
