knower of things squared wrote:
Dee Tree wrote:I ran D1, my son ran D3. I wish my experience had been as positive and life-enhancing as his. 90% of 18 year olds aspiring to D1 are better suited to D3.
My son runs D1. While my son's experience has been very positive despite a year long injury, I agree with this--most runners would be better off in D3 vs D1.
D1 distance running, especially at the top tier, is hard core. If you're ridiculously talented or have a lot of talent and love a challenge, go for it. Also, you better be durable. Otherwise, you'll probably have a more rewarding experience in D3 or a lower tier D1 program, IMO.
You don't need to go to college to run fast.
You are correct though, D1 vs D 3 is a totally different expectation. Edwin Moses was D3. It didn't slow him down.
If you're going to college for an education, it might be better to do it at a D3. If you expect have it paid for, it may be that you have to sacrifice a bit more than you are prepared to do.
Before my brother died I asked him why he turned down a full ride to UCLA. (Back when Lew Alcindor was a soph) He said the coach's expectation was that he'd run hurdles, sprints, relays, jumps each meet.. He was a Triple Jumper with a goal to go to the Olympics. He saw the college scene as one that was not conducive to his long term success for him. So he turned it down, and did quite well, achieving his goals.
Its all about choices. Understand what you are getting in to. If you want to coast and study, stay off the scholarship athlete circuit.