Should I even run XC?

of course you should.

I feel bad for you if you are stressed in the middle of summer. Maybe try yoga?

But yeah, definitely try to run.

You might play a team sport to mix it up and it's more social/teamwork.

Curiosity piques my interest... wrote:

I feel bad for you if you are stressed in the middle of summer. Maybe try yoga?

But yeah, definitely try to run.

Yeah it's college app season. Will do, though thanks for the suggestion

I think your Track and Field times are better than your Cross Country Times.

Get that one strong performance. Whichever you choose, and prioritize.

Bump

Check your iron asap

In addition to low iron, how's the humidity/heat in your area? Could have a pretty serious impact on your effort.

zack morris is trash wrote:

In addition to low iron, how's the humidity/heat in your area? Could have a pretty serious impact on your effort.

I'm in WA so it's alot warmer than I'm used to, in the 90s with 70% humidity.

Committed Runner wrote:

zack morris is trash wrote:

In addition to low iron, how's the humidity/heat in your area? Could have a pretty serious impact on your effort.

I'm in WA so it's a lot warmer than I'm used to, in the 90s with 70% humidity.

And there you have it. Slow your pace, take frequent water stops, and keep grinding through your runs. When it cools down a bit in the fall, you'll be a beast.

Tyhytihdfjyrcvht wrote:

Check your iron asap

It is amazing how often people say "Check your iron". Yes, everything is related to iron...

Thanks for all the support and advice guys, it really helps. You don't think there's anything to be ashamed of taking breaks? Whenever I have to take a break I feel like crap.

Oops should have been my name up there, didn't log out of friend's account

Bump

If you're sleeping less than 6 hours a night that could also be affecting you.

1) Yes, you should run XC.

2) Go to bed earlier.

3) Yes, it has been hot here for the past few days. Tomorrow will be cooler and Sat & Sun much cooler. You'll probably feel better running in the cooler weather.

4) Try running in the early morning say 7am or later in the day like 7pm.

This sounds exactly how I felt in HS when I was either overtrained or anemic. I also think it's harder to judge effort when it's hot out, which can contribute to overtraining. I think you should definitely get your iron checked, because it's just so easy to fix or rule out. If it isn't your iron, take a few days off then come back with just easy running for a while. It's possible that as you start to get over your overtraining, you'll start to enjoy running more and want to do XC. If not, there's no shame in taking some time away.