Why should my friend quit track?

Question

I have this friend, and she takes track (aka. track and field). Everyday she complains about how she hates it, how hard it is, how she's missing out on everything after school because of it, etc. I told her she should just quit. Walk away. She says she doesn't want to be a quitter. Also, she says her parents tell her she's comitted to it, so she has to finnish the season. Now, she's telling me she might want to take track in the spring too! She says her coach tells her that she's really good, so she doesn't want to quit, even though she's hating it. Do you think she should quit, stop after the season, or continue doing it? why?

Answer 1

I assume that you are in High School.

You will find that your high school days are over and gone before you know it, and the opportunities to do things like run track will be over also. High school is a great time in your life. Make the most of it now.

I did track for 3 years, and I wasn't particularly talented, but I really wish that I had worked harder at it and done more. That time was long ago for me, but I think about it a lot.

She should stick with it and enjoy the talent that she has.

Answer 2

well it is always going to be hard at first for a runner. Getting on the right pace can take hard work. I remember when I first started cross-country. My legs were in pain and I could hardly walk. It's now been 6 months since the season and I have been working hard and determined and I have gotten my time down to a 24 5K. Nothing comes easy at first, if her heart is really in it then yes she should continue. But if she's not seeing herself doing track for a while then maybe she should just do track as a fun thing. It is fun after you get your pace and feel of the sport down. People say that running is crazy but it is a real stress reliever. I think she should just stick to it and you should be a friend to encourage her to keep going. She probably just needs someone to tell her she's doing great. So be there for her no matter what decision she makes. Hope things work out =]

Answer 3

She should quit, she's miserable and probably making others around her miserable, wasting the coaches time and even if she's good she may also be taking up a spot from someone who is willing to put in the time and dedication even if they aren't as good. She needs to grow up and realize that when you make a commitment other people make commitments and their time is being taken up. If you hate something why do it? Sports for many is about the "love of the sport" and I don't see her having any enjoyment or love for it, whining about missing out on everything after school, whats she missing out on, hanging out at the mall?. If she's any good she may go far and gain a lot more than she's missing out, travel the world, meet some great people, etc
Is she going to quit everything is hard, wait until she gets into the adult job world

Answer 4

This is going to sound really bad, but complaining about track is one of the things that is common among most high school track teams. My entire team spends each practice saying things like "I hate track" or "This sucks so much-I hate Coach so much right now" or "XC is so much better than this." Track is a rough sport. Since she's still running, I'd also assume she has to like something about it. She should do whatever she wants-but my guess is she'll keep running, if she hasn't quit yet.

Answer 5

It sounds like she likes something about it or she would have quit already. If she is talking about continuing in the spring, she must really like it. There are some people who think the only way they will get attention is by saying extreme negative things, and then good friends like you will respond by giving them attention and trying to dissuade them from quitting. Maybe if you stop responding when she complains, and respond really enthusiastically when she is positive, she may start to change her approach. If you are comfortable, you could also say, "when you complain you are not fun to be around. I really like to hang around you when you are more positive."

Answer 6

She might like it, Some times some people just need to complain to there friends about the hard stuff. If her coach tells her that she is good, tell her to keep pushing herself. Maybe you should join with her, so she has a good firend at her side.

Answer 7

You should encourage her. Some people are just complainers, even if they are really good and like it. Most people don't even realize that they're being Pessimist Pattys. You might want to point out that she's making everyone miserable by listening to her complaining. She should stick to it, maybe she'll stop after she realizes it's not so bad.

Answer 8

Honestly it is not your choice... let your friend do what she wants. High school ( if thats where u are) will be over soon, it goes by sooooo fast so all you can do is join sports, get involved, and have fun. You only get 4 years so dont influence her decision and make her regret it. Maybe you could join track and have fun together

Answer 9

I think that if ur friends reall yexcells in track, then she could keep doin it because she can get into track in college and she can get a free education. I dont think it is worth quitting somethin that u r good at because ur friends r not goin to be there when u graduated and lookin for job

Answer 10

i always say i hate track but yet i keep doing it. its just a weird thing. when people ask me why i do track i dont really have an answer. its actually pretty fun but sometimes you hate it and some people just arent track people.