Cross Training Questions - i want to start cross country, but wondering if i could make it?

i want to start cross country, but wondering if i could make it?

I really want to start cross country I like running but I don't know if I have the endurance to do it My mile time is pretty slow (8.30-9.15) and Im not as physically fit as the runners but im also not overweight oh yea..i also have asthma but it doesn't kick in that much any more also, during the summer training camp the runners run about 4-8 miles everyday on weekdays i'm really scared that if i join, i will literally throw up on the first run so yea any suggestions or training tips??

Public Comments

Anybody can run cross country if they really want to. It just takes a will to do it, and endurance will come with practice.
DO IT! I wish I had more time to explain, but trust me- you can do it. I was literally in your exact same situation when I first started running, but if you want it, you can improve so much! Running cross country has made me a happier person and the decision to join the team has been lifechanging! So don't worry, join the team!
Based on the information you gave, I see no reason why you should not sign up for cross country. Your mile time is fine. You may not be as fit as the other runners, but that will change quickly. You have mild asthma, but I know many people who run with asthma. One of them is my brother, who regularly runs about 8 miles every other day. Oh yeah, he did cross country and loved it. I'm sure you know how to deal with your asthma since you're already running, but always remember to obey your body. Believe it or not, most people can run far more than 8 miles with practice, and I'm pretty sure you can count yourself among them. The primary obstacle is what is happening in your own mind. Dude, you have mild asthma and you're already running. In my book, you're already a warrior. Training to run cross country is going to be tough at first. It's tough at first for everybody, and there is no getting around it. It requires practice, practice, practice, but most people, including you, can get there. Gradually, you will have to add some miles, day after day, until you can feel comfortable running those long miles. In time, you will wonder why you even thought you would throw up on the first run. Silly thoughts.. :) I hope you go for it because I know you will do great! Good luck.
Don't be scared. Everyone is out of shape on the first day and trust me you'll get alot better by the endof the season. I'm in CC too. an 8 min mile is not that bad. Its pretty darn good if you can keep that pace for 3 miles. Just keep running and it willhurtat first and then the pain will go away.
you should do it. i bet you will be fine. you will dif. improve so much.good luck
You could definitely do it. Many members of my cross country team are just like you; in fact, almost half the team has asthma. Just remember to bring your inhaler (or whatever you need) on runs with you. Your mile time will improve once you start running-it does for almost everyone, and even if it doesn't, don't worry, I've got a friend who's been running 3 years and has the same time as you. On the first day of practice, and over summer runs, the coach should understand that you're a new runner, and are not used to the schedule that cross country runners keep. When I first started to run, my coach helped ease me into the schedule slowly; it's highly doubtful s/he will make you do an 8 miler within the first week. If you really want to keep up with the more experienced runners, however, it would be helpful to start training now, and gradually increase your mileage each week; for example, start at about 18 miles a week, spread out in different workouts, and keep adding a mile or so more to your workouts each week. By the time cross country starts in the fall, you could be doing 28 to 30 miles a week-and that'd be really good for a new runner! That's how I trained for my first cross country season, and it really did work. This helps to build up your endurance over time, which is the correct way to do it. It helps if you've got a friend who's new to running join with you; it's just easier to try something as hard as running with someone else to run with; and it's better for motivation. About the throwing up; everyone does it. Experienced runners, newbies, everyone! The best advice I can give you is to try and not run in the heat of the day when it gets warmer out; run in the early mornings or when it gets cooler at night. Heat is one cause of runners puking. Another is eating too soon before your run. I don't eat anything for an hour before my run; so if I'm leaving for a run at 5:00, I'll eat an apple or something simple like that (no Mexican food!) at around 4:00. It's not like you can't eat before a run; just don't eat anything complex, like Mexican food, spicy food, soda pop, ummmm (I'm trying to think of anything that my team has puked up before-very happy thoughts here) Like Nike says-just do it! Good luck!
i did cross country and i was really slow at the beginning, but the coach worked with me to build up my speed and help my running style. Cross country (at least at my school) accepts anyone who wants to join the team. Make sure that you have a water bottle (or 2!) ready for after practice, and don't ever give up!