I haven't written in this blog for awhile now, although I wasn't really sure what to write. I have recently changed my look on running and I think it will benefit me in the long run. My coach recently asked me if I've enjoyed my overall experience here and it made me reflect on my freshman year and my time as a runner in high school. A lot has changed within me over the past six months. I can honestly say that for awhile, I lost my love of running. In high school, I spent a majority of my career working towards building a foundation for my college career. I had goals I wanted to achieve, and most of them I reached. I thought I built a solid base for a smooth transition into college running, and I can honestly say that there is no way to prepare yourself. High school running is a completely different sport. While the Southern Section provides more than enough competition with fine talent and runners whose times would win other state meets; the feel and the mentality of running changes completely. In high school, the team travels to the meet, you race a few races, you hang out with your friends, its business and leisure combined. In college, the dynamic of racing is completely different. If you have a mark to get into a meet, then your mark is entered. If you get into the meet, then you travel to the meet, if you're expected to be able to run competitively. It is more business...something that I thought I was used to, I had to run times to get into Arcadia and IEC, etc. I thought for sure I would be running faster once I got to college, and I have found myself taking steps backwards. But I've just realized the drastic changes you experience in your first year of college. Despite the normal "you are away from home, on your own, less sleep, etc. etc." excuses, one must take into account classes, a new coaching staff, training schedule, diet, mileage, a new lifestyle. Recently I watched a video on Southern Section superstar Christine Babcock, who now competes for the Huskies at UW; I'll post the video below but the point I got from it and from my experiences here at Nebraska so far is this: as my high school coach once said, distance running teaches you not only discipline or running, but it teaches you about life. With the great amount of discipline needed to be a successful distance runner I can agree with that statement, but I've also learned that while distance running can be a roller coaster of high's and low's; life usually is thrown at you unexpectedly as well. I can say now that I know what has held me back from accepting this transition and that is me fighting it, fighting the reality that I might have to take a few steps back before I jump ahead. While I am grateful and reflect back on the good times I had in high school especially with the great Southern California competition, the most helpful advice I think I am able to pass on to those looking to run in college is this: don't try so hard to prepare for it, do what you're doing now, enjoy your high school years and make the best of each race you get; when you get to college be open to change, don't resist what you cannot control, sometimes you can be the biggest hurdle you have to overcome.
As for me, I am still training. I am not really close to where I was my senior year regarding racing thats for sure but training has been positive ever since I looked at it in a new light and just relaxed. Outdoor season begins in a few weeks, I am not completely sure what I'll be doing, although I know I am considering redshirting and focussing on Cross, regrouping, and rebuilding my base; keeping my chin up with a goal I feel I can accomplish.
Perserverance: http://www.flotrack.org/coverage/238144-2011-University-of-Washington-Final-Qualifier/video/468751-Persevering-Christine-Babcocks-College-Journey
