Should I try it again? Please Help?

Question

So yesterday were the tryouts for my high school cross country team (I have never run before and am a freshman) and I went. Well it wasn't the best experience. First I heard that we were suppose to have trained this summer which I didn't do any of. And the first part of tryouts were to run around the track for 30 min at your own pace, mine being very slow. It was about 23 minutes over when I got an awful cramp in my right side and had to stop. The cramp was so bad that that spot is still sore today. I felt really bad, and kind of embarrassed that I was the only person who didn't finish and it scared me because the couch said that would be the minimum time for all of our work outs and I could barely do that. Also on Friday we are required to run 2 miles in 17 minutes.

So my question is should I go back to tryouts today or do you think I'm not ready yet and should try it again next year? Part of me rather be cut instead of quiting. I just keep thinking of the "what if?" I get better and love the team.

Any help please! I couldn't sleep all night with this on my mind, and my body aching! (Also any advice on how to prevent and stop cramps would be great!)

THANK YOU!!!!!!

Answer 1

XC practice is a reallyy good stress reliever in high school.  If your heart isn't in it, don't do it you'll hate it.  But if not, I'd say keep at it and maybe you'll make the team!  Don't let any negative thoughts enter your head during tryouts. You'll get better if you put the miles in.  Tip for your tryouts:  while running keep your head up and look at the back of the head of the person in front of you.  Helps me go faster.

Push yourself =] Really.  Don't be afraid to push yourself.  You will pass out before you die haha =P

For breathing:  develop a breathing pattern . It also gives you something to focus on besides any pain you're in.  Try breathing in and out always on your left foot.  I think I read somewhere that because of the positioning of your organs that makes cramps less likely?  Don't quote me though.

Answer 2

It should get a little easier today and dont think you should quit because quitting is adictive, you dont want to be a quitter and if you want to do it again next year your coach will associate you with being a quitter. Suck it up and go back out there, you will look better doign that than not showing up.

Answer 3

I think you should go back to the try outs and just be a positive person that is willing to listen. If the coach sees that you are willing to learn from her, then she'll probably consider putting you on anyway. My coaches always told me it was better to be not-as-good but willing to listen than really good but doesn't take criticism/learn from them.

The coach will expect you to get better from the first try out. Just give it your best, train a bit outside of the tryouts/practices. If you don't make it, you can always try again next year after a summer of training. You'll know what to expect, and can train for that. If you make it, great!

"Winners never quit, and quitters never win." Show the coach you're willing to work.

Good luck!