I'm a freshman walk on for a D1 program. I came late to running, but managed to be sub 4:20 and 9:20 as a senior in HS.
I didn't run a bunch of miles in HS, especially during the season. In the summer before jr and sr year, I'd average about 45 mpw and peak at about 65 mpw. But a lot of it was long slow distance stuff--little to no tempos, fartleks, progressions. No speed work. I upped it a little prior to college averaging ~ 60 mpw and peaking at about 75 mpw. Added in more up tempo running.
During the HS XC and track season, I'd run a lot fewer miles (~ 20 mpw during track, probably 40 - 45 mpw during XC). Rarely lifted weights.
So, off I go to college. My volume is now over 80 mpw during the season. Also, the intensity is much higher than I'm used to. Example: 2 mile warm up (~ 6:00 pace), 4 miles at 5:00 to 5:10 pace, 2 mile cool down, strides, lift. Long runs are 14 - 16 miles at 6:10 - 6:30 pace. Mile repeats are sub 5:00 with little rest.
Keep in mind that my 5K XC PR was about 5:10 pace in HS. So, now I'm doing 4 mile tempos at my previous 3+ mile PR. I'm getting my butt kicked, but enjoying the ride.
I feel so much stronger, both physically and aerobically, than HS.
Long story short is that I'm disappointed that my times are not improving more. Ex. 8K about 26:00, 3K indoor sub 8:50. Not horrible, but not good either.
I'm wondering if my body is just adjusting to the higher volume and intensity? Hopefully, I'll see a breakthrough at some point in the next several months if I keep up the hard work. Also, I've been training through races. I haven't rested or peaked for any race in college.
I'd like the perspective of other athletes and coaches out there. I know time will tell, but I'd like to hear if others had a similar experience. And, more important, what happened? Did you break through? Plateau? Quit running?
How did you stay positive when you're working really hard, but not seeing big PRs? And getting owned by your teammates?