Running In College

<p>Hey! I am trying to decide whether or not I want to run in college. I mean, I know I will keep running, but I don't know if I want to be on the team or just train by myself for local races, maybe even a marathon someday. Anyone who is in college and has any views on this??? How is the college team experience? I'm a middle distance track runner and I do cross country as well. Please respond!</p>

<p>R u a state acclaimed runner?</p>

<p>I've run at state once and have been an alternate twice but I've been dealing a lot with injuries and I don't want running to consume my life. I want to try intramurals in college too....</p>

<p>so have I ...lol i ve been injureed soo many times. if you wanna do it in college, you need to maybe fill out the NCAA recruit form or let the college you're applying to know that you're interested. i would do the same except my major take alotta time and there would be no time for track. u should really think about though. alotta top colleges give really good scholarships.</p>

<p>I'm running XC for my school. It's kind of a walkon thing that they don't take too seriously. I do it mainly to keep in shape. Do it if you enjoy it.</p>

<p>I run (err, jump) for my school and I guess it really depends on where you're going. I'm at a DI school, so you always hear the phrase that "being an athlete at a DI school is a job" and it really is. During the season, you probably won't have much free time outside of school and track, so keep that in mind.
The team experience is amazing, though. It's not like high school in that sense, but when everyone is on the same (more elite) level, it really makes for better practices and better meets. I was the only jumper on the team and was pretty much on my own, but the team was always there to support me.
College track was pretty much the best thing to ever happen to me though, I've met so many friends at other schools through it, and it's almost like a little fraternity of sorts - you'll meet people that you'll have bonds with the rest of your life. Not just at your own school either, I know that I can go to nearly any school we've competed against and have a place to stay if need be.
Lastly, don't be ****ed off if you don't do well - that almost ruined my season. I was hating track all season because I was training so much harder than I was in high school and I wasn't improving, but my coach kept telling me: "Don't worry yet, I'm training you for the championship meet." He was right, last meet of the season I had two huge PRs in the long and triple jump and made the whole season worthwhile.</p>

<p>I know its kind of late, but what are your PRs? Then we can talk about running in college.</p>

<p>Yeah if you are getting recruited, go for it. If you try to walk on, especially at a school with a good team, you will just keep getting frustrated.</p>

<p>i'm walking on to the xc team at a d1 school in the fall. hopefully it wont be too time consuming...they did get last at the pac10s last year, so they're not too competitive...</p>