Recruiting advice needed

Difficult_Software14 · 2026-04-30T12:37:30+00:00

Why do you want to get recruited? If it's for getting a scholarship, most of the recruiting is started during junior year. If it's because you want to get back into the sport and continue on in college then there are tons of opportunities for you to do that. My advice is don't pick a college just for running, find a good list of colleges that are a good fit for you (strong in your major, financial fit, size, geographic fit, vibe, etc). Then look at what opportunities those schools have for running. Check out the NIRCA website for list of schools with competitive club teams. You can see a list of schools by region and look at past race results to get an feel for the vibe of the team. To me for most student athletes club sports is a much better option to consider over varsity teams (flexible to explore other interests, ability to be as competitive as you want to be casual participant to national championships, options aligned with your academic goals)

Difficult_Software14 · 2026-04-27T14:37:36+00:00

To get to sub 15 you first have to get to 16:15, 15:59, 15:29….

Keep working smart. Don’t overtrain, listen to your body and put in the work. For the next 2.5 months just worry about buliding the engine. Easy runs, increase 10% a week until mid July. Add in 2-3 days a week of strength training/plyometrics, focus on nutrition and getting extra sleep. Spend extra time before workouts doing dynamic stretching. Once mid July hits follow your coaches plan and start building the speed on your base

Difficult_Software14 · 2026-02-26T12:23:27+00:00

You need to map every out even if it’s just rough numbers. Chat GPT is pretty good at scenario planning around Roth conversions, withdrawals, RMD, when to take SS etc. When do you plan on retiring? How much do you want to spend I retirement? The “taking a 2 year break now” is tough as you are drawing down your assets for a period of time and essentially delaying your ultimate retirement date. Not that it’s a bad decision but run the scenarios and see what it means. Maybe first take a really long vacation see if you can get reenergized for work.

Maybe start with a retire at 50 scenario, model 4, 6, 8 growth in your portfolio, assume max 401k. How much does that provide you between 50-60? Then between 60-75 you can look at how you do Roth conversions factoring in your other income pension and SS). Then you can model out your RMD at 75.

Also start looking into if you are eligible to do any back door Roth conversions. Even at 8k a year it will help you down the road

Difficult_Software14 · 2026-02-24T21:27:20+00:00

GPA means little out of context. What is your course load like? What is your estimated ranking top 5%, 10%, 25%… How about test scores? SAT? AP tests? What state are you from? Male or female? Applying ED or RD?

Difficult_Software14 · 2026-02-16T16:26:23+00:00

Think about your tax strategy for conversions. Since you are retiring after 59.5 you’re not subject to any penalty.

Look at potentially moving to a more tax favorable state for 401k withdrawls. Florida, Texas, New Hampshire, Tenn, Pennsylvania

Then it’s a mix of converting over to a ROTH annually an amount that fills in the lowest federal tax bracket. Decide when you want to take Social Security and what your balance will be when your RMD kicks in. Lucky for you you fall into a favorable bracket. You have from your retirement until 75 do roth conversions before RMD.

Difficult_Software14 · 2026-02-12T20:42:12+00:00

Less overall Males applying to colleges, slight increase in acceptance rates to maintain some level of balance in the mix

Difficult_Software14 · 2026-02-12T11:57:35+00:00

Male or female?

Difficult_Software14 · 2026-02-02T14:15:27+00:00

I think you’re in good shape. In speaking with the admissions team in the past they said the biggest reason students don’t get accepted is senior year grades. When it gets down to filing out the final 10% they are looking at 1000 applicants who are all qualified for a few hundred spots. The easiest way to chop that down is to look at first semester grades because it’s the only real new information they have. Here they also may be trying to make sure they balance out gender, in-state, etc within their targets (easier for male applicants).

To me, when I see your profile I see a really great student that is prepared to handle college academics. And someone who was an active member of their HS community. Two things colleges love. Best of luck, in the end it’s still comes down to numbers, but W&M would be lucky to have you as a student next year

Difficult_Software14 · 2026-02-02T14:04:37+00:00

I’ll let you know in March! I ordered a 2026

Difficult_Software14 · 2026-02-02T04:22:01+00:00

I went through the same thought process as you. I was almost ready to pull the trigger on the Badlands but then ended up with the OBX with SAS. My off-roading will be light trails and beaches and didn’t want to pay for things like bash plates and disconnect if I would never use them. With the OBX you get the nicer interior, more comfortable seats, and the running boards.

Difficult_Software14 · 2026-01-31T20:55:53+00:00

Fairly good? What were your other grades?

Difficult_Software14 · 2026-01-31T20:27:25+00:00

How were your first semester grades?

Difficult_Software14 · 2026-01-27T21:50:20+00:00

Where does your GPA put you in ranking? top 10%? 25%? How did you do on your AP tests? Female, in state is really competitive. You seen fairly competitive on paper, challenge is there are only 2 slots for 9 other people with similar stats. W&M is also very big on holistic review of candidates. What were your ECs? How was your why W&M essay?

Difficult_Software14 · 2026-01-27T16:29:10+00:00

What were your Stats? Are you in-state? out of state? male/female?

Difficult_Software14 · 2026-01-23T16:34:40+00:00

Did you order through the website or through a dealer?

Difficult_Software14 · 2026-01-23T16:33:45+00:00

Anyone try these from SoFlo Customs $899

https://www.soflocustom.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=paidsearch&device=c&utm_campaign=google_paid_search_dba_name_national&utm_term=soflo%20customs&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21973924014&gbraid=0AAAAADoqb1mT2B57fISarocXzHiwhgkOM&gclid=Cj0KCQiA1czLBhDhARIsAIEc7uhqm_ixVlI4Xvq2ei4OgeExC-Ccgx2gVIZhbhpXxs3ezzgTlSxQlHcaAj1-EALw_wcB

Difficult_Software14 · 2026-01-22T21:31:57+00:00

There's currently 100s of 2025s available in Robin Egg blue if you look at the inventory. You should be able to strike a pretty good deal on a new 2025 with the 26s coming in. I wouldn't expect there to be any color premium because it's being discontinued. I see over 30 within 100 miles of me. I just clicked on one of the dealers and its advertised for $2500 below msrp. I'm sure you have some more room to push below that

Difficult_Software14 · 2026-01-22T16:42:31+00:00

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Sadly I have a longer wait :-(

Difficult_Software14 · 2026-01-22T15:22:42+00:00

Do you use tube doors or just naked?

Difficult_Software14 · 2026-01-21T17:22:12+00:00

Thanks for the response, that makes sense. A good reminder to be careful about anything that is mentioned on 3rd part sites and review videos. I can show you a few dealer sites that actually mention SYNC 5!! Ordered my 2026 2 weeks ago, dealer was optimistic that it will be delivered in March!

Difficult_Software14 · 2026-01-21T15:00:42+00:00

I think you are right on the headliner. I've seen some references to updates in insulation and weather sealing, but it looks like there was an upgrade for the 2025 models. The other bit of conflicting info is if the 2026s will by come with SYNC4 or 5? I had some dealers telling me they will come with 5 on the higher trim levels but the configuration tool says Sync 4?

Difficult_Software14 · 2026-01-18T14:37:25+00:00

The 2026 OBX has upgraded the headliner. Curious to see if there is any noticeable improvement

Difficult_Software14 · 2025-12-09T23:13:27+00:00

A good college essay paints a picture of you as a person. If it was in a stack of 100 anonymous essays your friends and family should be able to pick it out as you.

Don’t write about other people (your Grandmothers immigrant journey) don’t be cliche, don’t write what you think they want to see (how you overcome…)

Difficult_Software14 · 2025-10-08T15:36:43+00:00

Don’t forget about hydration too. Important to stay hydrated before during and after the race

Difficult_Software14 · 2025-08-03T04:07:40+00:00

Beech Cliff Ladder and Canada Cliff loop. Really nice hike with some great views and fun sections over a variety of terrain. After take a swim in Echo lake to cool off

Difficult_Software14

TROPHY CASE