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Cross Country training?

I've never done Cross Country before, and to be honest, I'm scared shitless. I'm one of the best runners on the track team (freshie), but all I do is the 100 and 200 sprint. And that's all I can ever do. I die at most of my workouts. I can barely jog two laps around the track. Which is... PATHETIC. That's why I want to do Cross Country.. To get in better shape so I can do better at my sprints. A FEW THINGS I'M WORRIED ABOUT... 1.) I just don't have the body for it 2.) I'll loose my "fast-switch" in sprinting How should I train, we start practice in April and I'd like to start training in about 2 weeks when track is over on my own. are these fears real? Is it just a bad idea?

Public Comments

  1. Start eating a protein enriched diet, that's how all elite athletes achieve their fitness and figures. Train 5-6 times a week and ALWAYS have one day off for recovery so your muscles can recover and regenerate. You don't have to train flat out, but everyday just push yourself that little more. Increase your speed or endurance for as little as 5 minutes and you'll increase your fitness rapidly.
  2. i think that's a great idea. I did track in high school I did sprints as well as the mile race. I hated the mile one but I was good at it so I did it. You will not loose your "fast-switch" sprinting ability. Just keep practicing both-sprints and long distance. if you start training right when track is done which is usually about june? you'll be in great shape by the time cross country rolls around...good luck. you can do it. just believe in yourself.
  3. When I was in Track they made the sprinters do conditioning workouts too. (not that I'm familiar with that, I was a miler) But, I remember all of us having to run 6.5 miles, and then coming back and doing 6-400s (that's 8 miles in one practice) I knew some of the guys on cross country, and it never affected their sprinting ability. I've found that it's better to use your entire stride. Stretch out your legs and do some striding exercises. Run at about 60% at first to get your stamina up, then intensify.
  4. I ran 3 miles a day for 2 months before cross country starts at my school. and i average a 12 minuet 2 mile. so try that
  5. good luck. I'm a cross country runner and if your cross country training program is anything like at my schools you have no chance, sorry but its the truth. You can still try if you want. Best way to start out is to just run. Start out just going easy for a mile. Just keep up building up how long you can run for. It doesn't have to be running fast, just run easy for longer and longer. Before you know it you should be able to run 50, 60, 70 minutes. After that you need to work on prolonged speed. Try running faster than your normal pace for short times-15-20 minutes. Those are basic workouts that should help.
  6. Don't worry. Worrying that is the worst thing u can do. Eat healthy and keep trying. I did cross-country for 3 years and I now do track work. Just keep fit and stretch a lot. Good Luck. Hope u enjoy it and do well. Natty x
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