How can D3 athletes feel successful knowing D1 exists?

Wait, I thought Division III was the best one. Isn't it like levels in a video game - Division 1, Division 2, Division 3. Three is at the top.

Why should a University fund a department? Why should a University fund a dining hall? Why should a University have housing? It’s all about experience and allowing students to explore their passions. Who gives a crap if there’s a slow runner like yourself. If they love what they do, why stop them?

Knowing your diploma says M.I.T. on it.

How can DI runners feel successful knowing Kenya and Ethiopia exist? Why does anyone from outside Kenya and Ethiopia even run marathons if Ethiopia puts 6 across the line in under 2:05 in a single race?

Because we're all just trying to get better and challenge ourselves. If we always compare ourselves to those who are faster, the sport would be dead, because there would only be the top few right?

Because I was surrounded by D3 girls who wanted exactly the same thing out of college that I wanted.

....,... wrote:

Virtual reality wrote:

?

I was an OK D3 runner. I have an OK D1 runner working for me.

I guarantee he’d trade his running career for my business career. The free shoes don’t exactly close the pay gap.

So that’s how I feel successful knowing D1 exists. We both made the same amount of money from running and I have more money now.

You don't have to punish him with minimum wage just because he's better than you.

Win USA XC Club Nats like Ian Lamere, D3 Runner.

Well I wasn't very successful at D3 either. Should I hang my head? But by age 30 and beyond have held my own against numerous former D1 athletes in cross country and masters track/road races.

Because we actually can run successfully and still graduate in four years.

I was a good-not-great DI runner in a Power-5 conference. When I scored at my conference meet, I "felt successful," even though I ultimately never qualified for nationals. The existence of another, higher, NCAA level didn't lead me to think my conference-level achievements were a waste of time.

to OP

by running faster.... did plenty of times in college and after college. It's about the clock

....,... wrote:

Virtual reality wrote:

?

I was an OK D3 runner. I have an OK D1 runner working for me.

I guarantee he’d trade his running career for my business career. The free shoes don’t exactly close the pay gap.

So that’s how I feel successful knowing D1 exists. We both made the same amount of money from running and I have more money now.

Your envy towards your coworker is embarassing. Plus your coworker is 20 years younger than you. By the time he’s your age he will be far superior in earnings.

On average D1 runners make more money since the top ranked schools in the nation are D1. But thats besides the point because there is almost an infinite amount of variables that determine salary.

By going to big invites and taking lots of D1 scalps.

There are a lot of very mediocre, if not downright bad, D1 runners and teams. Conversely, the best D3 runners can typically make the top 7 on almost any D1 team.

how can d1 athletes feel successful knowing elites exist? it's all relative

Funny, since I've never met at D1 athlete that looked down on D3 athletes.

Envious guy wrote:

....,... wrote:

I was an OK D3 runner. I have an OK D1 runner working for me.

I guarantee he’d trade his running career for my business career. The free shoes don’t exactly close the pay gap.

So that’s how I feel successful knowing D1 exists. We both made the same amount of money from running and I have more money now.

Your envy towards your coworker is embarassing. Plus your coworker is 20 years younger than you. By the time he’s your age he will be far superior in earnings.

On average D1 runners make more money since the top ranked schools in the nation are D1. But thats besides the point because there is almost an infinite amount of variables that determine salary.

Point is unless you are a pro, your running career doesn’t matter the second after your last race.

And yes, I wish I was as fast as he was. No question about it.

Also he’s an employee, not a co worker. If he goes on to a better career than me, that’s great, my goal as a boss isn’t to hold people back.

As a d3 runner who went from a 10:13 two mile in HS to 13:54 5k post college I feel very fulfilled and somewhat successful. I suppose it’s all relative.

D1 athlete, D3 athlete both have pr's of 47 sec's in the 400m. Which one is faster?

I don’t believe it without a name. That is more improvement than Lamere made.