Athletics-running: is it just me that thinks it is one of the most annoying sports around?

Question

hi this is sort of a longish story. when i was in under thirteens (11-12) and was just 11 i discovered i was a good runner. i was able to get 2:20 at the 800metres which was pretty good for a newcomer to the sport. i used to enjoy it and did cross country as well like other runners do. now i am 16 and from 11 to now i have only beaten this PB by 6 seconds = 2:14 :( plus other runners can do like 2:05 and faster at my age now and in the club.

its just so annoying i wanna give up. i used to love athletics but now it depresses me just thinking about running. i was made out to be a fantastic runner by my dad, coaches, school teachers ect ect. and now, the club i run for have put me into a 1500 metre steeplechase two weeks in a row, when i am not so good at this distance and am not specialised at all in this event. i just wanna give up completely go on to a different sport. does anyone agree that i should??? does anyonee else know where i'm coming from??

Answer 1

well...my question would be how hard do you work? if you want it badly enough and you work hard enough at it, you'll eventually get it, not matter what the prize is...and if you do work hard, then you just peaked at a very early age...that happens with freshmen phenoms especially....i know a girl who wouldve broken her college men's school record in the 1500 meter freestyle when she was 12, but she doesnt even have her girls college record now...some people just peak early, its frustrating, but theres nothing to you can do about it if thats the case...if its making you depressed, then i would say try other sports, because in the end, having fun is always the most important thing

Answer 2

I actually know exactly where you're coming from.  I saw myself improve greatly for the last year and a half, but i've been plateauing in the mile the last few races.  Sometimes the coaches put you in another event because they think you'll get something out of it.  They might feel you'll gain a bit of explosiveness and a bit of endurance from the longer races.  If you don't like it, you should speak with your coach, because it will make a difference.

I don't think you should quit the sport.  I think you might be getting a bit too competitive with the others for a bit, and that you need to take a little mental breather.  Remember, you've worked hard, and you will beat your PR.  Keep up the work.

Just remember, oftentimes those that are naturally talented have trouble getting better, because they're already in shape.  Others, who aren't naturally so talented, work to get in shape, and then excel.  Just because you aren't the fastest anymore doesn't mean that you aren't doing well, and it doesn't mean you should give up.  Find one thing to do a bit better, work on it, and you'll see your time drop

Good luck!

~Abab

Answer 3

In order to like running, you have to like pain.

Answer 4

The only way you can succeed in a sport is by loving it and always giving 110% at practices AND meets. I use to love soccer to death, but when I got into track at 7th grade I was told that track should be my sport. I did not believe it, but I just kept doing both. Now I am in 9th grade and I love track and running to death and I am not playing soccer after my season is over...which seems like FOREVER! Now I CAN give my whole heart to running and not half and half. Find the sport that fits you, not anyone else but you.

Answer 5

Understandable.  I was around a lot of people in high school who were great athletes, but just got burned out.  It is normal to feel this way.  

If I was in your position, I would DEFINITELY seek out new sports.  In fact I did the same thing.  How do you know you're not the next Lance Armstrong?  Most people don't know that after he quit cycling he tried another sport...running!  He is already an awesome marathon-er.

My point is that maybe you are just an all around great athlete.  Try swimming and cycling, you could be a pretty good triathlete.  Whatever you decide to do...love it.  Good luck!