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Cross Country Running Tips

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These Cross Country running tips are a good place to start if you're interested in this exercise. This popular form of running is a great addition to your jogging routine.

The United States of America Track and Field (USATF) reports that:

"Cross country dates back to the turn of the 20th century as an Olympic Sport when it was contested as a team and individual event at the 1904, 1912, 1920 and 1924 Summer Games. USATF conducts championship events at the Association, Regional, and National levels. Athletes of all ages (youth, open, and masters) participate at a variety of distances."

Both Canada and the UK have regional organizations.

This is a truly diverse and fun type of running to consider. Competitors have to complete a course which runs over open and rough terrain. The terrain often includes grass, mud, woodlands and water.

Most competitions are held in the fall and early spring when conditions are muddy. If you don't mind getting dirty Cross Country running can be fun.

Training

Training for Cross Country means training on various surfaces under all sorts of weather conditions. Most races are about 5km or 3.11 miles, though some can be longer. If you're training for a typical Cross Country race then training for speed is important if you want to do well.

However, if the course is longer, say 6k or 10k depending on the event and your gender, then an important cross country running tip is to integrate endurance training into your schedule.

Gear

Fortunately, very little gear or specialized equipment is needed. The basic attire is layers particularly if your training during cold weather months. The biggest difference between Cross Country running and other types are the shoes.

Usually Cross Country running shoes have spikes which may or may not be replaceable. The teeth are designed to help runners maintain contact with the ground. It can be quite slippery without them!

However, if the spikes are replaceable than that can be a great advantage. You'll be able to run on flats when the terrain is smooth and adjust your spikes to the demands of the terrain.

If you like variety and a terrain that keeps things interesting, Cross Country running may be exactly what you want.



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