Tips For Running Faster In Cross Country

BY: Cecilia and Alessandra

What Cross Country runners need to know this season. Many cross country runners are having a hard time running and staying motivated or they are looking to be a varsity runner.  We interviewed Mr. Wells for a better understanding about what each runner can focus on this season.

Staying Motivated

Finding motivation can be hard while running those long distances. Here’s what Mr. Wells had to say about staying motivated for runners: Focus on your training, not just the courses. You should build up your strength with training, along with building up your strength you should build up your confidence. Your mindset matters too when it comes to running, You should have faith in yourself when it comes to running that two mile course. Another part is the physical aspect. Mr. Wells said that stamina is important. Keeping your running steady can give you that boost you might need. Cardiovascular health is also important. Take care of your heart, eat healthy, and exercise. It will help keep your mind at ease as well. Motivation is environmental too. Take in the atmosphere while running, but don’t bump into people of course. Before races just enjoy that feeling of excitement, and importantly… Have fun!

Tips For Long Distance Running

You want to know more about what you need to do to run that long distance? No problem! Build up your strength and speed. A lot of injuries occur when a runner goes from zero to full speed quickly. You should jog at first and then get faster. Focus on a score or time you are trying to beat, it also helps to find one runner to follow behind most of the race then pass in the end! Preparing yourself is also important. Take your time with stretches, you will be exerting yourself while running! Like Coach Wells says, “Invest in the stretch”. Make sure you are also breathing properly during meets. By not breathing properly it can lead to early fatigue, one technique we recommend is rhythmic breathing.

Tips For Future Varsity Runners

Here’s what you need to know to be a varsity runner. Motivation has been brought up a ton, but seriously any athlete needs to stay motivated. Which means varsity runners do too. Keeping yourself balanced will help you more than just with running too. Along with motivating yourself, you should motivate your peers too. Tell them to “Keep going!” or “Good job!”. Not only does it make them feel great. It will make you feel great too, and be spotted by coaches.  A huge part of working hard to be a varsity runner is showing up to practice consistently and being on time. Coaches don’t want you to show up late or not be there for 90% of the practices. They look for kids who work hard to achieve their goals. You want to be a part of a varsity team? Be on time and show up.  Another big part is taking opportunities and changing up your courses. Try a new distance out. You won’t get any better if you only run the same distance every day. Branch out and try to go a little farther each time, but don’t push yourself over the edge. You’ll only get hurt.  Lastly, be proud of yourself no matter if you don’t win a race. No varsity team wants a person who isn’t proud of themselves and is  grump all the time. So just be proud that you are a runner! Now lets Run! Run! Run! Bulldogs!