How can I effectively prepare for the Cross Country season?

Question

This is my first year doing XC. I did Indoor and Outdoor High School Track and fField, and I was a sprinter, so long distance is a new experience. I run normally about a mile or two, but i feel that's not enough, mainly because a XC race is 3 miles. How can I prepare more effectively?

Answer 1

First thing is a mile or 2 isnt enough. You have speed because your a sprinter but youll need endurance. You need to get 20-30 miles a week. running mornings and afternoons somedays helps to where you cna run less miles in a single run and still reach 20-30 for the week. You should run atleast 6 miles at the most for a long run once a week.Also being a sprinter you know what it feels like when your running as fast as you can, it can be painful at times, but you need to get use to dealing with that pain for a longer period of time becuase a crossconutry race last more than a few seconds like sprinting..I hope this advice helps. Good luck

Answer 2

I agree that you should definitely get in some miles over the summer before XC season in the fall. You will be a lot more prepared for XC if you build a good base over the summer.

Answer 3

Be ready. You are going to enjoy the fun trips you take. I hope you enjoy running and streching alot.

l

Answer 4

you should probably summer run. prob about 10-20 miles a week

Answer 5

i agree with Budy, but with a few things to add.

-first off, always purify your diet; take out the fats and things.

-secondly, run in the mornings so you aren't running in the sun

-third, 10-20 miles a week is a good start, maybe a month and a half before the season, but try to push that to 30-45 miles a week in the 2 weeks prior to and during the season. Chances are your coach will run you about that far and you don't want to be lagging.