Author: TBH Head Coach, Yamuna Thiru
Cross county season is fast approaching and if you’re not a convert here are a few reasons why you should give it a go:
- Times don’t matter. It’s all about your finishing position.
- The course and conditions vary from one year to the next and times can’t be compared
- No need for a watch, except to make sure you don’t miss the start.
- Great sense of community and camaraderie.
- Best pit stop for fuel with cakes, teas & coffees available.
- You’re part of the TBH team and everyone counts. That’s a huge motivation to be the best that you can on the day.
How does XC help you as an athlete?
You build aerobic capacity, endurance and a competitive edge. You get used to running on feel and rate of perceived effort rather than obsessing over pace.
The undulating (mild understatement) course, and the soft terrain means you don’t get the same elastic return for each foot strike as you would on the road. You work harder to cover the same distance and build strength and endurance in the process.
You can’t get into the same rhythm as you would on the track/road. This might sound like a negative but learning to cope with the variation brings mental resilience which will stand you in good stead for all races.
How can you improve your performance at XC?
You can work on:
- Strength and conditioning- especially calves, glutes and core,
- Single leg work,
- Agility and balance,
- Ankle mobility.
The club sessions will help as they are an integral part of building your endurance and speed. There will be hill sessions every 4-6 weeks. Work hard on the hills and learn to love them.
Did you know?
Some of the best track and road runners started their careers and excelled in cross country.
Think Paula Radcliffe, Faith Kipyegon, Beatrice Chebet and Jakob Ingebrigtsen.
If you’re still not convinced have a look at the comments from the converts, and read our beginners’ guide.
In short…
Cross country = competition, community, camaraderie, coffee and cake. So get your spikes on!
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