Does working out help me in Cross Country?

Question

I have been working out and my upper body is pretty muscular now, but I decided to run Cross Country this fall instead of football. Is that a good or bad thing that I worked out my upper body?

Answer 1

Its important in running to have strong core muscles, but being really muscular is a disadvantage in long distance running. You don't want to bulk up too much or it will slow you down. Do weight training no more than 3 times a week, and you might want to increase your running and add more variety (speedwork, long runs) . Try doing 800 meter repeats once a week for speedwork, and add in a long run once a week as well. Make sure to alternate harder days with recovery days to make sure you don't get injured.

Answer 2

its neither but i would get some cardio work in if i were ypu

Answer 3

Don't overdo it. You won't build up significant muscle mass while being a long-distance runner. Just look at the professional athletes. They look almost malnourished. Muscle mass is only important for short-distance runners.

Having said that, do keep working out, just don't overdo it. Treat it more like therapy session.

Answer 4

the work on your upper body will help you, but only a little. it helps because of the breathing, but other than that, not alot. you shouldn't run too much everyday because you'll just wear yourself out. pace yourself & you'll do fine. like work on upper body one day, the next run, and repeat the process.

:)

Answer 5

yes it does! you need to workout your arms,legs and calves.one very important thing to remember to do is to not over do it especially if your a cross country runner you don't want to strain your muscles.

hope this helps!