Running is taking over my life

This same thing happened to me about a year ago. I was running the best i ever had and running was my only focus in my life. Unlike you I didn't notice it though until it was too late and i was totally mentally burnt out. Now i run maybe twice a week to not get too out of shape. If you are feeling a mental burn out i would take some time off.

Ric has good advice. You could also scale things back. Cut down your mileage a bit and/or take more days off. Perhaps a month of this will get you out of the rut. I, too, have struggled with overtraining and being too focused on running. One must believe in oneself and be happy about the accomplishments one has made. Measure yourself not so much by what others think being "fast" or "good," but by whether or not you are accomplishing your goals. This is easier said than done, as there are always faster runners out there. I wish you well. Enjoy your runs...smile while running...be patient and happy...running is a great blessing.

Since you are a freshman in college, the first thing you have to do is SCHOOL WORK. If that is not your priority, then you don't have to worry. Either the school or your parents will soon stop you from running because of your poor grades.

The next thing you need to realize is that what you are feeling means that you are currently doing more work than you can adapt to for much longer. Talk to your coach about balancing things better, NOW.

It took over my life for 35 years and 87000 miles.

I totally blocked out all other sports and activities..

Coached, directed a half marathon for 10 years and other races...wrote a running column in a newspaper for a decade, and was totally consumed...

Then, I thought Id better get find a girl and get married before its too late...

Found one when I was 41 years old..married

She dies 11 years and 11 months later of GBM

While, trying to get her treated I moved to the big city and started watching the spectator sports.

STH of our MLB team..and STH of our NHL team.

Man, the things that I was missing for 4 decades.

I never heard of Derek Jeter until 2009.

Then, I got disillusioned with the spectator sports...Money, money, relocation threats, money, taxpayer funded arenas..relocation threats..

Now, full circle, Im trying to get back to the only life that I really ever enjoyed..

Running.

Broken down..9:20 paced workouts, women wearing tu-tus beating me in local races....

But, running really in those early years hadn't taken over my life at all! glad to be trying to be back!

I know where you're coming from. However, I never question my obsession with the sport because I was born for this lifestyle. HOW BAD DO YOU WANT IT?