<p>I didnt start running track until my senior year of high school, but I fell in love with it. Unfortunately, I already committed to a university before I considered running track or cross country an option. The University that I currently attend has one of the top track/cross country programs in the country, so I dont think it is even an option for me to compete here. Even though I like it here, I am considering transfering to a school where I can run. Should I give up what I have hear to chase my dream? Or should I just let it go and enjoy my life here? Which would I regret more later on? To give you an idea what my career was like: my personal bests at the end of my senior year were 1600m: 5:24 and 3200m: 12:00... what should I do?</p>
<p>work your ass off and make the team where your at. Work harder than any of the guys allready on the team. devote all your time to training, except for studyin...</p>
<p>wait a second, have you even applied for the team at your current university?</p>
<p>what are you going to lose by applying for this track team? If you do not make it and then you realize it is still too important to not have then you can considering transferring.</p>
<p>yeah, I get that, what Im worried about though is if I starting training really hard now, even if I work my ass off, I wouldnt be in good enough shape to even compete with them until the next cross country season. I could give track a shot, but considering the experience they have over me, I dont think it would be enough time. But if I wait until next fall, and Im still not good enough, I feel like it would be really late to transfer to another school to run, so I would blow my chance. Im not being stubborn here, if I am totally wrong please tell me. Its just that I dont want to miss the oppurtunity. Oh, and I go to Villanova.</p>
<p>I don't mean to be rude in the least, but would you also consider first running in a club and then seeing how quickly you progress? I also don't mean to sound rude when I say this, but it would take a great deal of work for you to get to the level of fitness of college runners (although you are likely in better shape than most people on this board). (The one runner I know from Duke was running about a 4:18 1600m, a sub- 9:30 3200m, and I can't quite recall his 5k although it was around 15:00, these numbers being from his senior year of high school, he had to walk on at Duke, although he is now the top runner for the team.) I understand the passion one can have for running as well (as a side note), however, I think you'll be missing out on too much by leaving your current university. Give it (running) a try at the club level, train as much as you can (100 mile weeks perhaps?) and take it from there. None of this means you can't do, as I know a girl who never qualified for states and won the MAC individual title in XC, but it will still require a great deal of work. Best of luck.</p>
<p>I suggest you post this question on the Parent Forum. There are some parents extremely knowledgeable about track programs, what it takes to compete at different colleges/unis. At least one has a son who considered transferring (although he didn't, I believe) who was a recruited track athlete.</p>
<p>Lots of expertise there and wisdom in helping you think through your options.</p>
<p>Okay, thanks for the advice. But just to give a little more background information, im a girl. I know those times would not be competitive for a guy at the level Im talking about. And, Ive already talked to one college coach who welcomed me to the team, if I transfer (and get accepted) to the school. I run on my on my own everyday, because no one around here that I have found so far pushes themselves the way that I do when simply going for a run. I miss it, alot. But I dont know if I am willing to take the risk...</p>
<p>I'd start by talking to someone who currently runs for Villanova. The runners that I know on the team are very approachable and would be happy to give you advice. They can give you an idea of the team's training regimen, their HS times, and the coaching philosophy regarding walk-ons.</p>
<p>Then go to talk to a Villanova coach. While your times may be slower than the typical walk-on, they might be willing to let you run if they see the potential for improving and contributing to the team. </p>
<p>But even if you're allowed to walk-on, you may want to evaluate the situation to see if that's truly the best option for your running. You've probably never trained with athletes who have 1600 PR's that are 30-50 seconds faster than you, but that's a significant difference. It's not just the psychological effects of constantly bringing up the rear (or getting dropped) in workouts, but the faster workout paces will have a different impact on your body, and may actually be detrimental to your development. For example, a relatively easy 10-mile aerobic run for them will be close to your tempo pace. The next day when they're fresh and ready for speedwork, you won't be. It can become a vicious cycle in which your body never has an opportunity to rest and recover.</p>
<p>You may also want to check with your local running store for available training groups both on campus and in Philadelphia. You may find that the time commitment of running with a club fits better with your studies and allows you to be pushed during runs.</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>