I run cross country in the fall. I don't want to run track during the winter or spring. I know i will never be able to get myself to run on my own during this time, so, if i dont run at all from the end of october to the begining of june, is that going to affect how well i can run in cross country? I dont want to be so out of shape that it takes me forever to get back into shape and be able to run 3 miles agian. All of my team mates from cross country are doing indoor and outdoor track, when it comes around to cross country season, are they going to be so much better than me that i can barely keep up? thanks for the help to anyone that can help me!
2007-11-15 07:49:09 · 21 answers · asked by Anonymous in Sports ➔ Running
If you don't run track, just keep running anyway.
Yes, the track team who also runs CC will be better off than you if you don't keep running.
During the off season, run at least three times per week, and at least three miles per day.
Now if you want to be GOOD in the fall, 4 or 5 times per week, 6 to 8 miles each run. And push your pace in the last mile EVERY time you run.
2007-11-15 07:53:44 · answer #1 · answered by Jesse R 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
By taking such a lengthy layoff, you basically will be starting over from scratch come cross country season. You need to keep active in some fashion. If you don't want to run, ride a bike five miles a day. Or if that's too much, alternate a day of light jogging with a day of bike riding.
By competing in track, your teammates will have a definite advantage over you because you will be playing catch-up and they will already be in shape - or at least better shape.
When I ran track and cross country, we never quit running and basically trained 365-days a year. During the off-season there were lots of road races and all comers track meets to run in.
I was never a great runner - probably a middle of the pack runner - but I can only imagine how much worse I would have been if I had taken any length of time off.
2007-11-15 16:10:54 · answer #2 · answered by Joe B. 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You will probably need to do some sort of train thoughout the winter and spring or else everyone will probably be way faster than you. It will also be way harder to get back into shape. Here are a few of my ideas.
Swim. Swimming is a great way to stay in shape and it is also easy to learn if you don't know how. All runners that I know swim at least once a week to stay in shape and work all of their muscles, including ones they don't get to work during running.
If you don't have access to a swimming pool you could do weights, working with your arms and your legs. This will not be as affective as swimming but it is better than doing nothing. If you do decide to do weights be sure to do your arms too because your arms are very important when you run.
You could also join a local gym to run on a treadmill or do a stair machine. This will keep you in very good shape and they also have weights and sometimes a pool so if you do all three things then you will be in better shape then your running buddies.
If you do some of the things I mentioned then you will be way better off then if you were to do nothing. If you do nothing then you will be way behind in your training and it would be way hard to get back into shape. I wish you the best of luck with your future running.
2007-11-15 16:33:50 · answer #3 · answered by Girlygirl22 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Every week off takes two to make up, so if you take 6 weeks off it will take around 10-12 to get into basic shape again.
Do 3-6 miles 4-5 times a week with a larger run on the weekend 8-10 - this will keep you in shape.
2007-11-15 16:40:17 · answer #4 · answered by snfcricket 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do indoor track. Runners really need to keep up their skills regularly. Some female runners even continue to run when they're pregnant! They have to do less, of course, but it depends on how much they were doing originally. So a marathon runner can still end up running a great deal in comparison to the average person even while pregnant.
2007-11-15 15:53:27 · answer #5 · answered by ameeker 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Try to start in the Spring. Since you have trouble like everyone else to say "okay i'm going for a run now" you should find somebody to run with. Also make a schedule for running so you won't put it off.
2007-11-15 16:33:17 · answer #6 · answered by Garnett 5 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You definitely need to run during winter and spring. Otherwise you'll get out of shape. Get a running buddy-someone who you can jog with. You can provide moral support to each other, and encouragement. The running won't seem as bad then.
2007-11-15 15:53:32 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It could possibly take up your whole fall of next year to get back in shape...It's too risky
Just run a few miles each week and keep up with leg excercises and stretching!
Good Luck
Love*
2007-11-15 15:52:35 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you run atleasta mile every day over the summer and gradually i ncrease your distance, then you will not need to practice during the spring and winter. THe big issue is that you do practice during the summer EVERY DAY.
2007-11-15 15:52:49 · answer #9 · answered by Laffmaster 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Doing nothing in this situation will have absolutely no results. I suggest you decide what you want to happen in the fall, and plan a training program to produce those results.
Good Luck
2007-11-16 08:33:41 · answer #10 · answered by snvffy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋