to start out, im a sophomore in HS and im the best runner on my team. (well...i've always been the one to place the highest in all the cross country meets.) recently, one of my coaches told me that i needed to stop running so far ahead of the team and run with them at practice. i dont understand how im supposed to get better if im not putting forth any effort at practice. to run with some of the girls on my team would honestly have to be at about 9 minute pace, when my natural "running/training" pace is about 7:45-7:50. The coaches say that the other girls need a self esteem boost, and if they run with me, they'll supposedly think,"oh im running with (name not necessary)! wow, im getting better!" Should I actually care and become a slower runner, or should I continue running and pushing myself to become better?
(the other day i raced 3 miles on a relatively flat course...it was 90 degrees, but i ran a 19:56...i cant help but think i couldve won it-i got third in the varsity race-if i hadnt been running with the other girls.)
so are my coaches being ridiculous?