Tips on making the top 5 in junior varsity cross country race.?

Question

Hello! I really want to make varsity cross country. To do this, at my first race, next week, I must have a really good time in my JV meet. Can anyone give me any advice on how to do really good? I did run a lot over the summer and am in pretty good shape. I just always get so nervous. Is it better to pace myself to what I want my time to be, or just to stay in the lead? (I'm a sophmore if that helps.)

Thanks!

Answer 1

Ok defiantly  run the day before horrible idea to not run your legs will be tight and you will feel like c**p. Im not sure what you mean by alot but i'm guessing a good 2-6 depending on your mileage.

Yes run the day of to to warm up you don't have to a set distance but usually a easy one works to just get the legs warm. and dont forget strides!  

Answer 2

one thing is to not be in the lead the entire time this will wear you out stay in 2nd or 3rd place or maybe even 4th the entire time until the race is almost done then try to quicken your pace a little to do even better. One thing is to keep running until the race don't run the day of the race or even the day before but run the other days to prepare yourself even more. Don't run to slow if your goal is under 17 minutes and if your behind the time speed up some.