Hey Newbie!
Starting your cross country running journey can be both fun and a little scary. But no worries…I’m here to share some tips to get you started on the right foot:
1. Check Your Running Form
How you run determines how well you run. Doing it the right way will help you get to your finish lines faster.
Why It’s Important
Good running form helps you avoid injuries and use your energy better, so you can run longer and faster.
How to Do It
Hire a RUN FASTER NOW Coach so they can watch you run and give you tips to fix any problems.
2. Run Hills the Right Way
Hills are a large part of cross country. Knowing how to run them well can save your energy and protect your knees.
Why It’s Important
Running hills the right way helps you conserve your energy and avoid hurting yourself.
How to Do It
Take shorter steps and keep a steady effort when going uphill. On the downhill, use gravity but stay in control.
3. Focus on Your Own Effort and Progress
Focus on your own effort and progress. They are the only things that you can control. You have no control over what the other runners can and cannot do.
Why It’s Important
Everyone gets better at their own speed. By focusing on your own improvement, you can set and hit goals that keep you excited.
How to Do It
Keep track of your own running times and distances. Celebrate your progress, even if it’s small. Every improvement counts.
4. Practice Mental Toughness
Running cross country is not just about being physically strong; you also need to be mentally strong.
Why It’s Important
Being mentally tough helps you push through tiredness and pain during your trainings and your races.
How to Do It
Tell your body what it needs to do to be successful when you want to give up, like “keep going” or “go faster.” Practice your success commands during your trainings and on race day.
5. Finish Your Runs and Races Strong
The last part of a cross country race is your chance to shine. Finishing like a sprinter, rather than a tired distance runner, can make a big difference in your race results.
Why It’s Important
A strong finish can improve your time and place in a race. It also makes sure that you give the race everything you’ve got, so you don’t have any regrets.
How to Do It
Add sprints to your training routine and practice sprinting in the last 100 to 200 meters of your runs and races. This will help you finish races strong.
Starting your cross country running journey with these tips will help you do well. Remember, everyone’s progress is different, and getting better takes time. Focus on improving yourself, practice mental toughness, and pay attention to your form. With hard work and the right approach, you’ll become a better runner and enjoy your season.
If you’d like more help with your cross country confidence and performance, contact me today!
Cheers to your strong cross country season,
Martise : )
