I don’t want to run in college

Then don’t

I just finished out my eligibility at a P5 school. I would say if you don't want to make running the center of your life don't run in college. There are a lot of sacrifices you have to make and you give up a lot of experiences and opportunities a regular college student would have.

except the one disappointing conversation you have with your parents, everyone will be happier if you don’t run in college.

It's time to start being your own man.

Some people let others dictate their entire life. Don't let that happen.

Does he type like he is elementary school or does he write like he is elementary school? Do elementary school students even use typewriters nowadays?

What type of educated person would use "were" in place of "we're?"

Sometimes auto correct can't read your mind.

Pathetic, He'll regret it later in life.

What's P5 mean?

Congratulations on making the first important decision of your young life. If running doesn't make you happy, think about how miserable you will be. It will be like having a job you hate but in your case your options are open to do other things in your young life. Trash cans are made to dump things that don't work anymore. It is about time for you to used it to "dump" running and move on. "ppl are constantly asking me where I’m running next year". So what! f.k em they don't control your life and you don't owe them jack. Free yourself from what other ask, think, etc. Do what you think is best for you, physically and emotionally.

Good luck in whatever you decide to!

What is your contribution on how to advise this young person besides trashing his/her writing skills? Your anal obsession with spelling is noticed, as well as your inability to give good advise to this young person.

Tell them your are running... for political office. Then do what you want. It's your life. Running in college is a HUGE commitment.

This is the most important factor. If you don't enjoy competition, it will never be worth it to run in college. When I was in your shoes, I almost decided not to run in college--I was really worried about missing out on "normal" college life. But I knew that I loved racing, so I decided to walk-on at a good P5 school and it was the right decision for me. Turns out I didn't miss frat parties at all, and I loved being on a team, getting pretty fast, and competing. But you have to love competing.

If this is legit, don’t do it if you don’t feel committed. People have become suicidal over forcing themselves to compete and plenty of others want to take that spot. If anything run again when you are ready, maybe join the club team if you are just looking to have fun, assuming you go to a bigger school.

I didn't want to run in college either. I had enough of that in high school, and knew too many who got burned out, and quit running altogether, which I didn't want to do.

And the thing is, I found a lot of people on campus who were in the same boat, who had run previously, and wanted to continue, but not for the team, so I always had people to run with. One need not feel they have to give it up, or run for the team. And it's good to have that first year to find your footing, and what kind of student you want to be. If you miss it, there would certainly be nothing to stop you from walking on as a sophomore.

I only made that comment because he trashed the OP's question.

Now I will address the OP's original question. It is obvious that his heart is not into running in college. He is apparently not a superstar. I enjoyed running in college but that is not for everyone.

I walked on a D1 team. Ended up doing it for three years before calling it quits to focus on school. I have regrets both ways. Sometimes I wish I would have gave it one more go my 4th year to see what I could have done (it took me three years to become adapted to college running, and make a breakthrough). But I also wish i would have concentrated more on school earlier on, and went all in on a club sport like Ultimate Frisbee or something less time demanding.

If I were you, I would primarily pick my school based on academics and future employment prospects. Don't go to a school just to be on the track team, then end up with a crappy degree with no job prospects. Find a good school, with plenty of internship/co-op opportunities, and go all in on that effort first and foremost. If you can then also add in the D1 team on top of that, go for it.

Consider D3. You will still have to work hard, but it won't be as all-consuming and I'd argue you'll get all the benefits of the high stress program without as many negatives.