Cross country in HS?

Question

Ok, well 8th grade is almost over, and so is track so I'm starting to think about cross country :)

I actually have never ran cross country before, because it is always during the basketball season for my school, but I have ran track.

I'm really interested in doing XC because I'm going to a new school next year and because it is in the fall I think it would be a good way to meet people right off the bat!

I'm doing a XC camp this summer at the HS but before then i think I'm gunna continue to go running and sutff!

Right now I run around a 6:12 mile give or take about 5 seconds and I'm 14 years old and a girl (if that helps :P)

I ran 3 miles yesterday and my coach timed us

I got a 19:38, is that any good? It was just at practice so I wasn't exactly killing myself or anything :) but if I wanted to run in HS would that be an ok time?

Also what should I expect? Especially this summer! I'm excited but curious as to what I'm about to get myself into!!!!

Thank you tons!!!!

Answer 1

I have been running for 8 years now and would recommend the following:

I would strengthen the core: calves, quads, hams, back and abdominal (the "six pack" muscles along with the obleks), chest and arms. But when strengthening these muscles, I would focus more on the muscle endurance not the muscle bulk. For more advice for this, I would consult with a personal trainer. For the running part, I would stay flexible as it helps/contributes to your balance (so do the muscles in your core) but also helps prevent some injuries like pulled muscles and shin splints. Also, I would try to make up a schedule where you can run for X amount of days and try to have a long run. I would start off slowly, running about 2-3 miles per run for the first week and increase my mileage per week. Make sure you have the following: a good diet, hydration, sleep, a good sense on how to take care of your body, and sleep. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Good Luck!!!

Answer 2

19:38 just in practice is rediculous - you will run faster with all the adrenalin rush and everything too.

DEFINETLY DO CROSS COUNTRY - and if you don't do cross country then you made the wrong the decision

i don't know how good ur high schools team is, but you could definelty make varsity if you can pull those times during practuce----

so... take cross country

it is really really fun, it gives you great workouts and keeps you in shape, and you will make friends with upper classmen and meet really really cool people.

it is so much fun - its hard though and i won't deny that, but it is a blast like when you finish, you feel so good about yourself

so take it and keep working hard and good luck!!!!

Answer 3

That time is awesome - it would have been good for 8th place in our varsity league championship last fall. You absolutely should run XC.

Answer 4

do it!!! those are some really good times!! if you have those times without running before then by the time your a senior you will be unbelievable!! good luck!

Answer 5

a 19:38 is good! Cross country will help alot for track. I'm a sprinter, and i ran xc this past fall and i hated it. but i made varsity and when track came i started running the 800, and my 400 time decreased. XC helped me with my endurance and mentality for track