Many people argue that cross country is one of the hardest, most physically challenging sports there is out there. A lot of people shudder at the idea of running two or more miles on hilly, steep, muddy and rocky trails. The funny thing about that is that is not even the worst part. In order to run two to four miles in races, one must prepare. “How do you prepare your body to run this long?” one might ask. That is where my argument comes in. Being a cross country runner of four years, I have seen, done and heard of a plethora of ways and strategies to become a successful cross country runner. Some are outlandish, ridiculous and just plain out stupid; but some are also rewarding, beneficial and worth the hard work. Personally, I feel like having a good strong balanced diet, learning how to pace yourself and maintain a positive, motivational attitude and the key ingredients in being a successful cross country runner.
Some people have this idea that cross country runners, or just runners period, only eat salads or small meals. This is absolutely false. Running takes a lot out of your body. It makes your metabolism work a lot harder and it burns a great deal of your energy. Food is your main source of energy and if you are just eating salads, then you are not going to get the amount of energy you need to successfully run 3 miles or more. When I was a runner, I made sure to eat a good, nutritious breakfast. I would eat scrambled eggs, with a little bit of cheese, grits, hash-browns, or toast, sausage or a piece of ham. The eggs and ham will give you your protein, which is very important because protein builds and repairs muscles. The cheese on the eggs, gives you a source of vitamin D, which builds strong healthy bones. The grits, ha...
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...w quickly you'll be done. Also, keep in mind that you are not racing for just you, but for your team also. Letting go of all the negative vibes and thoughts can make room in your mind for the thought that can help you succeed.
Cross country is not a hard sport, contrary to popular belief. People often think that you have to be born with the stamina needed for running four or five miles at a time. There are so many different things people think is necessary, like running sprints, heavy miles or lifting weights and building strength, but in reality these things are minor. Although being physically fit is idealistic, it is not the most important thing needed to be successful because having a well-balanced, nutritious diet, pacing yourself and setting a strategy, and having the right positive attitude can put you in the shape to be a successful cross country runner.
They race against themselves: to conquer their wills, to transcend their weaknesses, to beat back their nightmares" (603). This quotation shows that running is not always competition, but it helps runners overcome their
In East Africa, there is an area know as the Great Rift Valley. It is in this Great Rift Valley, where the world’s most dominant long distance runners come from, Kenya. In the past three decades, runners from Kenya have simply dominated the sport of long distance running in all facets including cross-country, track, and the marathon. In the world rankings for marathon running, Kenyans hold 8 of the top 10 spots for the men and 6 of the top ten spots in women’s rankings. (Entine, Par. 2) But how can one country be so overpowering in a sport that anyone can participate in? There are a number of factors that all work together to make Kenyan runners the best of the best. Rigorous training regimens, the physical geography of Kenya, country and world support of the athletes, genetics and early participation of children are all factors in the study of why Kenyan runners are by far the best long distance runners in the world. To start off, you must look at the physical geography in which the Kenyans train.
Its not quite easy to be a successful track runner. You have to be devoted enough to observe your eating habits, be able to weightlift, and constantly practice plyometric drills. Plyometrics are exercises used to strengthen leg muscles; which can include regular
There are even steps for cross country runners who aren’t as good as everyone else. The most important step in my opinion is to master walking without anyone seeing you. By doing this it lets people think that you hadn’t walked at all so they will think that you have more endurance than you actually do. Next when you do walk, fast walk. That way your pace isn’t as slow, therefore; it makes it even less noticeable that you walked. Lastly don’t compare yourself to anyone else in the race. You are doing what you can do they just may have been running for a lot longer than you. Set a goal of how fast you want to run and really work towards it. A good thing
Muscular endurance- As the player must continue running, their muscles will begin to tire and lactic acid will build up in their muscles. To ensure the players muscle don’t fatigue, the coach of this elite athlete has clearly targeted their muscular endurance. Shown through the multiple resistance trainings and circuit training, the athletes muscular endurance will be sure to improve.
The training in these sports is an enormous difference. In cross country a runner trains by going miles upon miles each day to build their stamina, as a sprinter this is far from my favorite part. This is a sport where an athlete has to have the will to stay true to a course instead of cutting and cheating themselves the training they will soon need. Cross country is a mentally tough sport, an athlete has to have the mindset that they will be able to go that distance. While in track the athletes also train to build their stamina, it is a different aspect they need it for. This is a sport with no shortcuts, but knowing I pushed myself as hard as possible in those short, intense workouts. Both of these sports consist of lengthy stretching to stay as healthy as possible for the real purpose.
Running may have a heavier toll on the body than any other sport, literally. With each stride, force of two to three times the bodies weight is hammered on the joint, muscles, and tendons.
I joined my school’s cross country team in the summer. At the beginning we performed pre-season workouts. The training was tough, but my proud personality and the very thought of what I had to gain kept me motivated and helped me push through the pain. Every time I felt like giving up or quitting, I would say to myself, “This pain is only temporary; remember that the reward will be permanent, and it will be worth the pain that I endure today.” I was able to push through the
Of the more than twenty million Americans who are running today, most who start do so for the wrong reasons, with the wrong attitude, and tend to lose interest after a few weeks or months. Many quit. This is usually because they become concerned with superficial goals such as time and distance and never discover the more profound mental benefits that running offers. (Lilliefors 15)
Running is an action or a movement, but actually it serves as more than just that. Running is what the human body was made to since the creation of the human species. Over many years of evolution the body has evolved and become adaptable to different types of running. Many who begin running at such a young age whether it is long distance or sprints,but have never stopped and realized, wait how is this affecting my body? Many believe that there is all good to running and that no harm can come from it. Others may argue that it comes with a series of lasting internal injuries that may not affect them at the moment but affect them in the long run. The physical characteristics associated with running can come with a list of positives, but have we forgot about the negatives ? Runners remain with lasting injuries that serve as injurious to the body . The benefits and downfalls in the physical aspects of running serve in areas such as the heart, bones, and joints.
As a distance runner for the Buena Vista University Cross Country and Track team, in Storm Lake, Iowa, my experience with low mileage training and high mileage training came out wit...
“Ability is what you are capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it,” (Lou Holtz). Anyone is capable of doing anything they set their mind to as long as they are working towards that goal or aspiration. If you motivate yourself, you will see the positive outcome of your hard work and dedication. You have to remember to encourage yourself no matter if you fail or know you’ll succeed. Track and Field has been beyond meaningful to my life. Not only has it taught me many valuable lessons, but it also helped unearth potential I didn’t realize I had. Track and Field is my sport because challenging myself and my body
Completing an ultramarathon a feat for anyone. However, for a 16 year old girl it seemed impossible. So why not? As a varsity cross country runner I am no stranger to running. The contradictory love-hate relationship strains the mind and body like to no other. My Junior year I started falling out of love with cross country, the distances, the races, and the running in general had gotten monotonous. I live by the phrase “You must be comfortable with being uncomfortable.” I constantly seek new challenges pushing myself beyond normal bounds. I wanted to do something incredible, so when I saw a sign for a 50k (31.5 mile) race in a few months I knew that it will be perfect!
I tried to zone out the negative stories I heard by telling myself, "I can do this. I just drove through town on a practice run and I did perfectly fine."
The exhaustion you feel after finally crossing the finish line at a marathon is like nothing you have felt before. You are completely drained physically, mentally, and emotionally. Your legs hurt to the bone, at the same time you are gasping for air while your throat screams for moisture. All of this is a small price to pay for the overwhelming feeling of self pride and accomplishment you are overcome with. Running the marathon is only half of the process. Training is very important with steps such as finding motivation, diet, safety, stretching, and last preparations the day of the marathon. With many physical, mental, and social benefits the hardship is well worth it. I greatly enjoy running and hope to one day run a full marathon.