Any other collegiate 800m runners out there who are being asked to run x-country for their universities? I'm a sub 1:50 800m runner who is now running as the 5th man on our x-country team. I have to admit I find this very very difficult. I feel as if I don't have the mentality to hang tough in a 5 mile race, though in the 800 I can go balls to the wall. This season is grinding me to into the ground. I do admit when I did x-country last fall the base served me very well in 800 and I expect the same. I just wish I was mentally tougher in x-country. Every guy on my team thinks I should be running much faster based on my ability. I can crush in practice, but they seem to fail to undertand that resting between intervals goes a long way. They also mistakenly believe that speed=talent whereas distance stamina=toughness. I think aerobic ability counts for a hell of a lot too.
So, very, tired.