Four Good Cross Country Running Tips
What other sport makes so many demands as cross country running does? Between the hills, the weather and the competition, there are enough difficulties to challenge even the best athlete. If you would like to discover a few tips on how to help you along your way to becoming a better cross country runner, read on:
Training in the Pre-Season
The competitive season for cross country might only last for three months, but that doesn’t mean the other nine months should be wasted. What are the best cross country runners doing during that time period? The answer is — training, of course. There are many different sports to choose from during the spring and winter. Just remember to lace up your cross country running shoes and go for one long run every week, at the very least, to keep your base endurance levels in shape.
Learn How to Run Hills
A huge part of cross country running involves going up and down hills. Learn how to handle the hills, and you will find yourself several steps ahead of the competition. It’s not just about going uphill either — there is also a right and wrong way to run down the hills.
Keep Loose and Relaxed
Cross country racing means huge levels of discomfort and fatigue — it simply goes with the territory. The best way to deal with the pain is to keep loose and relaxed. Whenever you strain or fight against the fatigue, your muscles tighten up and you slow down. Stay loose and in control, and you’ll find your times improve as your fatigue lessens. Not only will you race faster, but you will also find the entire process to be much more enjoyable.
Run in a Pack
Whenever you’re in a race where the crowd goes out too fast, the best strategy is for your team to run together in a pack and gradually overtake them. There’s no better way to demoralize the competition than to pass them as an entire team in a pack.
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