Can I run XC/Track in college?

Question

I've never really ran before, was never in track or cross country in highschool

my friend wants me to try and get on the team with her at Indiana State and i'd like to start running to keep in shape, but i'd be more motivated if i was running with the team

we're both going to be college sophomores this year but she's been running since highschool

if i train hard for the 5k and drop time my entire sophmore year is there a possibility i can earn a place on the womens XC team for my junior year?

or do you have to run XC/track in highschool to be able to run in college?

does anyone know how strict the coaches are at an in-state university?

Answer 1

Thw two people above me are absolutely correct. But I must warn you, without prior xperiance it will be very difficult for you to catch up with most people around you. You must be ready to work.

Try running with your future teammates for 2 weeks. If you can handle what they do, then you should be fine. If not, try a running club for the rest of this year to get in shape and try again senior year. In addition, try shorter distance track this year.

Answer 2

It depends.... upon the strictness of the college staffs....

Answer 3

The coach is probably not going to care whether you've run in high school or not. It'll all depend on how good you are when the season starts. Coaches aren't strict about experience, they're strict about ability. So, if you're serious about it you should start training asap. You can always go on some runs with your friend during the offseason and see where you're at compared to someone on the team. If you can keep up with her, you should be all set.

Answer 4

You could run with out a doubt. Now if you choose to be out of shape and not train extremely hard for the season, you will not be running for college. It takes lots of work and some good legs but with enough training and diet you should be able to run.

Answer 5

You're allowed to run without any experience if you want to.  The real question is can you be competitive?  Collegiate teams are not a running club.  If you can run and compete with the other athletes then go for it.  Even if your times are just a little bit under what theirs are for the 5K/10K you can still learn a lot more and improve your times.  If your goal is only to stay in shape join a running club.  The coaches only have so much time to devote to the teams and if you're not serious about competing don't waste the coach's or the rest of the team's time.