University of Minnesota Athletics
Sky's the Limit in Markland's Second Season
2/3/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Track & Field
Feb. 3, 2015
By: Rachel Timmerman, Athletic Communications Student Intern
MINNEAPOLIS - After a year filled with adjustments and new experiences, sprinter/mid-distance runner Titania Markland said she feels like a different person - physically and mentally.
When she came to the University of Minnesota for her freshman year, it was also her first time coming to the United States. Markland grew up in Annotto Bay, Jamaica.
"Everything was very different for her," director of women's track & field and cross country Matt Bingle said. "The weather was different. There was so much change."
Markland had difficulties breathing the cold Minnesota air while she was running. Bingle said the stark change caused her to perform inconsistently at times.
"It was too cold, and I was always complaining because I'd feel really tired," Markland said.
But the sophomore said she has adapted to the temperature change.
"This year, my system has adjusted to the climate a bit, so I can tolerate it for a longer period of time," Markland said. "It's a big difference from my freshman year to now. I feel stronger and I can see my improvement. When I compare my times from my first track meet here to my first track meet this season, all my times have improved."
She has also matured mentally, after being away from her family for a year, and she's learned how to focus all her energy into her races.
"I have grown because I am not afraid anymore," Markland said. "I learned to just be in the moment."
Her improved confidence was one of the reasons Bingle asked her to take on a bigger leadership role on the team this year.
"I kinda asked her to [lead] in her own quiet way," Bingle said. "She is soft spoken, but she's got a fire inside her. A lot of the younger girls look to her as a role model, and she does a good job at taking care of the younger ones on the team."
The Jamaica native is also seen as an inspiration in her hometown of Annotto Bay.
"She may be one of the only people from that high school to get a scholarship to the United States," Bingle said. "She's looked upon as a leader in that community; that's what I'm trying to get her to do here."
With the season already started, Markland has big goals for herself. Aside from excelling in competitions with her Gopher teamnmates, she said she hopes to make it back to Jamaica this summer and compete for her home country's world championship team.
Whether that goal happens in the short term or the long term, Bingle is confident that Markland is capable of making it there.
"She's really blessed with a ton of ability," Bingle said. "She's a very talented young lady. I'm really excited to continue watching her run."
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