Starting cross country...??

Question

i signed up to do cross country in the fall of my sophomore year

i am not a runner in fact i hate it....but this is why i joined....i want to improve and like running....not b/c i want to lose weight but b/c i need to improve stamina and speed...so i can barely do a mile let alone 5 miles....how shud i begin training?? even doing one mile is difficult for me....i'm planning to run every morning on summer except weekends....so any tips??

Answer 1

i would gradually work your way into long runs. at our xc practice we do about 6ish miles or so. i would run 20min. at a pace you feel comfortable with for the first few days, trying to add a sprint at the end, working on your kick. then i would gradually add more time. go at your own pace. dont forget to stretch so you dont get injured. stay motivated!

oh and i dont really believe xc and track are the most difficult sports. it is fairly simple and anyone can do it, basicallly you run.  your times and places prove if you are all-region/all-state or whatever. for field sports and such, you have to prove yourself to judges. physically, it can be demanding but i play field hockey and 4hrs of conditioning everyday is a little bit harder than a 1hr long run.

Answer 2

give up now or plan to go nowhere

just because everyone makes xc doesnt make it any easier sport it is the hardest sport in highschool

Answer 3

ok running is NOT THE HARDEST SPORT! swimming is by far