PAUL HALFORD LOOKS AT THE DIFFERING DISTANCES ON THE CROSS COUNTRY SCENE
THE DEBATE around equalising the distances for men and women in cross country was raised again last week when the English Cross Country Association (ECCA) published results of its survey into the issue.
Out of 244 questioned at the English National at Parliament Hill in February, 47.9% (of which 50.4% were female and 49.6% were male) replied “yes” to the question “Do you think that senior men and senior women should run the same distance at the National Cross Country Championships”. Those that replied “no” totalled 52.1% (of which 66.9% female and 33.1% male) (News, p26).
All this was in response to an online petition campaigning for equality started in January by London runner Maud Hodson. It has so far gained more than 2500 signatories after quickly garnering much attention from the press and leading personalities in the running world.
Former world cross-country champion Paula Radcliffe entered the debate on Twitter, writing: “Distances are guidelines. If the course is an excellent XC course & 8.63km or 9.13km, both are ok. It’s about the racing and the nature of the course. Some will suit some more than others that’s cross country. Men and women can race the same course.”
In a separate earlier post, Radcliffe questioned why the focus was on female runners moving up in distance, putting forward the argument instead that men could come down in how far they go instead.
“Cross country isn’t actually about the distance, it’s about quality racing over cross country,” she added. “Cross country has enough issues we need to work on without getting sidetracked. And why not change men’s to women’s distance if obsessed with ‘equality’?
この記事は Athletics Weekly の March 22, 2018 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は Athletics Weekly の March 22, 2018 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
Carbon Footprint
You'd have had to have been running on a different planet to miss all the recent debate about carbon-plated shoes. The talk of bans and performance enhancement has been so widespread that even non-runners are asking their running friends about the potentially magical footwear.
Trail time
WHEN looking for a trail or off-road running shoe, it’s often all about the grip. However, given that no two paths are the same, careful consideration is required. What’s the terrain like where you’ll wear the shoes the most? If you’ll be negotiating soft, wet and muddy conditions then look for deeper lugs. For tackling gravel tracks and forest trails then more evenly spaced lugs will work better. When it comes to cushioning, consider how hard the ground will be; if it’s soft then you’ll be fine in low-profile shoes, but on those firmer tracks reasonable cushioning will be called for.
Stay neutral
EVOLVING every year, if not month, neutral cushioned shoes are seeing developments in cushioning materials and dynamics at a pace which is nothing short of astonishing. The latest models feature new polymers in the midsoles to give them a cushioned feel while at the same time keeping their weight to a minimum. Give them a spin and choose the most comfortable for mile after mile of shock absorbing running.
Support network
WHEN it comes to ‘over-pronation’, a common question is ‘how much is over?’. With no hard and fast rules, it’s best to choose a shoe that instinctively feels right. Gait analysis can often assist in helping you make this choice and your specialist running store is always a good place to start if in doubt. To help you make that choice, here’s a selection of some of the best ‘support’ shoes around.
Need for speed
THE racing shoe segment of the market is becoming somewhat split. This is partially due to the rise of carbon-plated footwear but also the fact that many shoes are becoming much lighter. Here we take a look at some of the leading contenders to toe the line in.
Gadget show
WITH technological products to enhance every area of life, running is now no different. From headphones to treadmills, the devices to aid performance and recovery are endless. Here we take a look at some of the latest gadgets and gizmos to enhance your training.
What's in a shoe?
We bust some of the jargon around footwear
How To Prime Your Immunity
Taking steps to shore your body’s defences has never been more important. Here’s how to do it, says Peta Bee
English Schools Survival At Stake
Covid-19 could lead to ESAA losing thousands this summer
Covid-19: Athletics Events Are Wiped Out
Unprecedented calendar changes due to Covid-19
