What to expect in cross country?

Question

Okay so I'm in 7th grade and this is my first year to play sports for my school. Since they won't let 6th grade and below play..Anyways, I am going to be in basketball and cross-country. I know pretty much what to expect from basketball, because I have played for church league teams before. But what do I need to expect from cross country, and will it be a problem because I have asthma?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Answer 1

Welcome to the world of distance running!

It really is a lot of fun and I'm glad that you chose this sport.

First of all practice practice and yes, practice.

You are a beginner so you need to start off running 1 to 2 miles daily. Run in the mornings and in the evenings, it's cooler during those times of day. Try work outs such as accelerations, ( this is where you start off slow and increase your pace until you reach your max and then hold that page for a short period of time) hill sprints, flexibility drills,and also core exercises.  Alternate your workouts throughout the week. One day, make it a tough workout such as sprints and hill workouts. The next day, try running long slow distances. Your longest run should be scheduled for Sundays. Because you are a beginner, set your longest run at a 3 or 4 mile. Time yourself to check if you're progressing any. If you want to be a good runner you should have practiced during the entire summer break. In order to be good, you must get your base mileage in first before you go out with the rest of the team and die out there on the course.  So with that being said-just make sure you have practiced running and I'm sure you'll do well. Hey, there is a bonus to working out-you get a great set of abs.

Eat a diet full of lean meats, whole grains, low fat dairy products, fruits, and yes veggies. The day before races, make sure you eat plenty of carbs. For breakfast that day, try avoiding greesy foods such as bacon, sasuage, or other fatty food items. Eat a big breakfast of pancackes that day because they really keep you full and give you tramendous amount of energy. Eat bananas because they prevent side stitches.  Avoid drinks such as Gatorade because they contain a lot more sugar that what you'd expect. Drink water, water, water, and oh yeah, water. Also chocolate milk is a good item to drink after hard practices.

Most Middle School races are 2 miles. That may not seem like a lot to you, but you are expected to run at least a 5 or 6 mile run during practices or other events. During duell meets (these are meets against schools of your surrounding countys) it isn't possible to win medals. However, there is something called Invationatal meets. These meets are the ones where you are able to bring home that gold. Try your best at every race because it would be best if you set a personal record for yourself. Reach towards your goals, and go far over your limit. During races, you cannot push, shove, or hurt the other people. Stay within the bountries of the course and make sure you know where you're going.

Keep good form while running. Never let your armd cross over your chest because it makes it harder for oxygen to get into your brain. When you feel out of breath, simply stick your b***s out. (and I know that sounds weird)  This will help you a lot better if you keep good form. When you feel like your feet are gliding over the ground then you know you are in good position. Purchase a pair of spikes and I highly recommend Nike. Foot Locker has some great deals. You will need a pair of spikes for races because this will give you grip during tough courses. Just buy simple running shoes for practice.

Basketball is a great way to keep in shape for running. If you tend to enjoy Cross-Country, then you can also run track in the spring time. Have fun with your running.

I do not think your asthma will interfere much with your running. Have your mother bring your inhaler to you during races if needed. I'm sure your team will take care if all your medical needs. A lot of runners do have asthma so it's not a big issue.

I didn't mean to write so much, sorry about that.

Have fun with your running!

xoxoxoxo

Oh and remember: Cross-Country and track are the only real sports, everything else is just a game.

Answer 2

uhhhh it depends how bad your asthma is you should start running to get in shape so you dont have an asthma attack if your asthma is not bal you will be fine if its bad you might struggle  

Answer 3

you better hope that you are hella good at running because thats what its all about and you run long distances.

so expect ALOT of running. but you'll be happy in the end because you'll be in very good shape.

i was going to do it but i don't have enough time for it.

good luck :)