Running on a Cross Country Team

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DerekWL

2008-09-05 2:13 PM

Extreme Veteran

325

Victoria

Subject: Running on a Cross Country Team

Hey guys!

I hope that the end of the season is treating everyone well!

I'm probably going to post this question in the "Triathlon Talk" forum as well, but I am considering training (and maybe racing) with the cross country team here at UBC this winter. Does anyone have any background in Cross country, and can give me any advice on this decision? I know I need to work on cycling, which I will, but I would LOVE to have structured workouts and to improve my running for my planned running races this winter (2 Half Marathons [maybe more], and MAYBE a marathon!).

Would cross country training prepare me for these distances or is it a lost cause?
Argggghhh I dont know what to do!
Apparently the coaches will be all over me, since most people who try-out for the team are completely new to running.

Thanks a ton,
D-rokk

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meepx2

2008-09-05 4:47 PM

in reply to: #1653367

Vancouver, BC

Subject: RE: Running on a Cross Country Team

I only know what I read from Wikipedia. Seems like it's an obstacle course / moderate trail running type of event, where the distances of the course are typically less than 5 km.

The best thing to do is try it and see if you like it, and see if it fits in easily with your routine.

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hazmaster

2008-09-05 6:10 PM

in reply to: #1653367

Master

1748

Port Moody, BC

Subject: RE: Running on a Cross Country Team

I ran CC in highschool and it was awesome. Running in a pack through forests on tight trails was very fun. As far as improving road running skills, not too sure. Twisted ankles was the #1 injury for all of us and it was a killer. Training alone or in a small group that isn't racing for first may be a better idea and safer and running on trails is always better for the leg joints than the asphalt anyway.

Any running you do will make you a better runner, I read that in a magazine so it has to be true. Increasing tempo, speed and distance no mater where you are running will make you a more efficient runner. For instance, running up Burnaby Mountain 3-4 times a week made a very noticable difference in running in races for me. Easier, faster and much stronger. I would give the CC a try at the very least, could prove to be a fun distraction from the regular road training. Let us know how it goes!

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SmBkRn450

2008-09-05 7:59 PM

in reply to: #1653367

Veteran

177

Subject: RE: Running on a Cross Country Team

I do high school XC, and I find that the structured work outs help you to improve speed for shorter distances. Typically in BC the distances for races are 4-5k for girls, and 5-6k for guys. XC is also good because you do more hill practice... Not sure if it would help you all that much for a half marathon because the distances for races are alot shorter, but it would definatley help keep you in great shape for training after the season is over.

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VanCityJ

2008-09-05 9:52 PM

in reply to: #1653367

Expert

1110

Pitt Meadows, BC

Subject: RE: Running on a Cross Country Team

I LOVED cross country. Even though it won't help a lot on your endurance, it will definitely help your speed, strength and overall running fitness. Really, I don't see a downside to joining the team. Good luck and keep us updated!!

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Triboy77

2008-09-10 9:01 AM

in reply to: #1654447

Veteran

247

Mission

Subject: RE: Running on a Cross Country Team

VanCityJ - 2008-09-05 9:52 PM

I LOVED cross country. Even though it won't help a lot on your endurance, it will definitely help your speed, strength and overall running fitness. Really, I don't see a downside to joining the team. Good luck and keep us updated!!

I second this.

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DerekWL

2008-09-10 11:04 AM

in reply to: #1653367

Extreme Veteran

325

Victoria

Subject: RE: Running on a Cross Country Team

So I had my first practice!

One: There are TONS of fast guys! I mean I wasn't at the back, but I was solid MOP with some guys WAY out front

Two: Intervals HURT! 1200m intervals on 60 seconds rest, went 4:09/4:06 for 2 intervals before the coach told me to stop since it was my first workout!

Three: Some guys dont like to warm-up easy! I especially noticed it with the other rookies, since they were huffing and puffing after our 25 min. warm-up and they definitely had trouble with 10 min. "steady" (pace faster then warm-up pace), not to mention the intervals

Four: I LOVED it! Great bunch of people, even some triathletes in there! Felt like I pushed reasonably hard on the intervals, but not TOO hard, since Sooke (Half-Iron) is this weekend!

Anyways, it was a great experience! Can't wait for the next practice!

I'll keep you updated!