My 14 year old 8th grade daughter has been having a rough cross country’s season. Last year as a 7th grader she was 7th at districts and 9th at a large prestigious meet her team won. This year, her times are way off where she was a year ago.

Informationally, she’s absolutely gutted about her performances. Cried her eyes out after districts became she felt it was her fault they got second. I am asking trying to understand what is going on for her benefit, not mine.

Constants: She is 5’2” and 3/4”. About a half inch taller than last cross country season. She’s maybe a couple of pounds heavier than last season but not by much. She had her 1st period in 5th grade so it doesn’t seem puberty related.

Variables… she played more soccer during the summer of 2023. She’s actually trained more for cross country this year due to cutting back on soccer a bit. She’s now on ADHD meds this year which I would have thought would improve performance if anything.

Her Apple Watch has shown max heart rates (I know it’s not a perfect HRM) reaching 118-120 during races this year. I have no data to compare from 2023.

I am probably being the over-protective dad but I am worried about COVID related cardiovascular issues ( we have all had it at least once this year) or something else heart related. Is it possible it’s just an off year due to a growing body (that hasn’t actually grown much) and I am just over thinking it?