Cross-Country Training

DESPITE BEING WELL INTO THE WINTER THERE IS STILL TIME TO IMPROVE OVER THE INCREASINGLY MUDDY AND SLIPPERY TERRAIN

- David Lowes

IF YOU mention the three major running disciplines of track, road and cross country to any endurance runner, many will offer a different answer if asked “which is the harder?”

The answer is they are all equally tough depending on the distance, intensity, pacing and how well the runner is prepared. However, as with any athletics discipline, specific preparation and planning makes all the difference.

Train specifically for the country

Those with a passion for cross country will already have notched up quite a few races in the form of leagues and championships by now. Although the season started off with firm and dry underfoot conditions, recent weeks have been wet and that will have added another dimension when it comes to achieving good performances. For those who are naturals over the country it’s often a case of the wetter and muddier the better and they will take the majority of underfoot conditions literally in their stride.

However, many runners are not as naturally gifted on slippery leg sapping courses and although it may well be a psychological malaise, more often than not it is down to not training specifically.

Cross country is unique with every course being different – and even the same regular venue can change dramatically due to weather conditions leading up to an event. I always remember my first junior international at the Cinque Mulini race in Milan. I went there with much trepidation as the previous year’s event was run in knee deep mud. However, much to my delight I won the race in road racing shoes as it was bone dry! Although this may be the case in the spring in certain parts of Europe it’s unlikely to be the case in January in the UK.