Need Help!! Mental game.

High School Running Distance

2 months ago 05/25/2024 3:48am EDT

I’m a good runner and ranked high in the state in the 3200m I’ve ran in the 9:10s. I have been having tons of mental health problems related to running I have panic attacks and can not sleep at all. I have not slept a single hour and it is now 4am and I’ve had multiple panic attacks and just hyperventilating and it’s actually living hell. I never thought that this stuff was real and could happen to me I thought it was just people being pussys. I don’t think I will run tomorrow I think seeing as this problem is only getting worse there is no reason in prolonging my mental health problems. Tomorrow is the race that would qualify me to state but seeing as I haven’t slept at all I don’t see the reason.

2 months ago 05/25/2024 4:19am EDT

re: Mentallylosingit

Sounds like you have put in a lot of good work to get to where you are. Sure it may not be ideal to be stressed out and have lack of sleep, but look forward 5 years and ask yourself if you would regret not at least giving it a try. The truth is, within one year you are going to be the only person besides the other runners who even remembers this race. No one else really cares. Personally, I would adjust my expectations, and just see what happens. If you can move past this, it will likely make you a stronger person regardless of the outcome. You have already done the hard part of getting this far with your training. You don't need to think anymore, just run. If things work out, great! If not - well at least you overcame your mental limits, and now you can kick back and relax knowing you were brave enough to put yourself out there.

TLDR: Choose whatever you will regret less. Don't overthink it.

2 months ago 05/25/2024 4:37am EDT

re: nothing to lose

I am on a relay that is ranked 1# in the state so if I end up dns I will still have the thankfully. I just fear that this will not get any better seeing as it’s happened the last 2 weeks in a row.

2 months ago 05/25/2024 4:39am EDT

re: nothing to lose

And for some reason when I run that I don’t have the same problem it’s just the 3200m relay that’s making me go insane.

2 months ago 05/25/2024 9:13am EDT

re: Mentallylosingit

Sounds like you’re putting a lot of pressure on yourself. Let yourself relax. You’re in high school. This is all for fun. Worst case scenario for a race is that you perform poorly. Even if that happens it’s alright. You’re not letting anyone down. Your team won’t judge you. They know you’re a good runner and a good person. And if anyone does judge you for having a bad day, then they’re the one taking it too seriously. When you race you have everything to gain and nothing to lose.

2 months ago 05/29/2024 6:03am EDT

re: Mentallylosingit

I know this will go against what others say but if it's affecting you that badly I think you should take time out from the sport to get better.

You may as well race tomorrow as you've done the work. But after that, I'd take time out. Good luck and I hope that it gets better for you.

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Need Help!! Mental game.

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