Today was PSACs for XC and the women race a 6k, which was a big change from a 5k at the start of the season but has gotten a lot easier. I have had very good race and other races I had a lot to learn from this season, there is no race gone to waste because you can learn from every time you run. I have learned throughout my season that I need to go out slower and then work up to catching people and today I did that. Today was one of my best races that I have had in a really long time and I really needed that because I was starting to get worked up and really down on myself. When racing today I really felt my body pushing through the wall and going to a different level and ended up getting a new PR and finding my purpose in running a little bit more.
Today I have decided to make a post about a topic that is talked about often but maybe not enough, especially with college students. This topic is mental health and trying to understand it. Mental health can affect everyone differently and there is a wide spectrum that someone can be diagnosed as. As a student-athlete and a female, I have may fair share of dealing with mental health and anxiety and some days are way better than others. When I am having an off day, I find myself secluding myself from everyone, in negative mindset, and I also struggle with sleeping. Knowing your symptoms is a good start to realize you may be struggling with your mental health and need to seek help. Asking for help is the first step to get better and steps in the right direction. It is okay to not be okay.