My Advice to All Collegiate Freshmen Runners

What does dating your high school gf bf have to do with any of this?

I understand your point and I’m not saying you’ll get rich as a pro runner and live off of that the rest of your life. But dedicating yourself to running does not mean you can’t also get a degree that you can use afterwards. I pretty much eat, sleep, and breathe running and I also pass my classes.

Also I was not referring to guys that just get free gear, I was referring to an actual pro contract, being a full-time pro runner.

Cade Flatt should take said advice.

There are two types with HS relationships:

The "oh I can't do anything because my poor sweetie back home might be jealous" while they're probably cheating on you.

Or

The "oh I love you sweetie I can't wait to see you" types who're whoring around and cheating on sweetie with as many ppl they can.

Both don't work and both are horrible distractions.

Amazing I clicked on the title ready to criticize, but I couldn't have said it better myself.

This is a great post, and a good thread with some very useful insights and advice. Let's keep the discussion going.

I'd like to see more comments about OP's point #3 - regarding not all your teammates are going to be runners.

What approach can/should a freshman take when his/her teammates, especially the upperclassmen, are more into partying than training to improve? In particular, with regard to alcohol and drugs? How can you attempt to strike a balance between maintaining your focus and commitment and not becoming an outcast?

I kept my hs gf and divorced 20 yr later, but it was worth every second with her. Otherwise, I agree.

Flash!

As a 50 year old, I agree with the overall message. none of as are that special as we enter college, or anything else. Rather than living through you ego, spend time learning about others.

What the hell is "testosteron messages"?

Had 3 roommates my freshman year. We talked a little bit about our highschool times which kinda established a pecking order but very shortly after our first xc race that established the real pecking order. Also all 4 of us had girlfriends. 3 of us broke up in the 1st week lol

How much should I documenting on my many social media platforms?!

Love this. Would also add:

understand that it may take a year (or two or three) for your body to grow into and adjust to higher mileage. Be patient- it's a long game

#6 is straight up the best piece of advice. 18-22 are peak years for getting totally sh*tfaced, playing party games, and hooking up with randos. It's easy enough to train and race well into adulthood but all the party stuff becomes much less socially acceptable as you age. Not partying more is pretty much my biggest regret from college.

I knew several All Americans who would party hard. There's a time and place if you're smart about it.