Get into cross country

It feels like the cross country season started properly this weekend with many of the area leagues taking place up and down the country so it seems like a good time to encourage all runners to have a go on the softer surfaces.

As we know, running is booming. Twenty or thirty years ago, it seemed that the only people running, were serious, competitive athletes who would be given strange looks from the 'normal' population or shouts of "get those knees up" from the pesky kids hanging around on street corners but running has arrived in a new era and now it is completely normal to go out for a run each day as part of a healthy lifestyle. (Not that that has stopped comments from some pesky kids!)

Twenty or thirty years ago, it also seemed to be only the die-hard, crazy people who went running around muddy fields and up and down brutal hills in all kinds of weather but, with the recent rise of mud, water and fire themed runs, this has also become far more normal. Thank goodness - because we know it is good for you and has a fabulous social element too!

So, how is it good for you?

Well - the softer surfaces, for a start a re less impactful - and so kinder to the joints - but also demand more work as you sink down further and have to use more power to push yourself up and forward. Your feet and lower legs become stronger as the grass doesn't give you the same energy return as the road.

It is also so much better to be breathing air that isn't polluted by traffic fumes as well as being able to listen to bird song or water running in a stream rather than urban hustle and bustle in our towns and cities.

And, what about the social element?

People are beginning to realise that, no matter how much they didn't like cross country lessons in PE at school, running for your club in an area league (or any other race) is fun! Other people who enter those mud, water and fire themed runs are also having fun but, they haven't yet realised that you don't have to pay those sort of prices to get some of the action. Your local cross country league will be full of people like you. Remember, this is not the 80s and 90s. It isn't an exclusive club only for elite athletes. Go along and watch, if you don't believe me, and you will see the same runners that run on the roads with you also running around the cross country races with smiles on their faces as they race over hill and dale, through woods and parkland before sprinting into the finishing funnel, pleased with the knowledge that they've earned points for their club before gathering in the club hut or the local pub to de-brief and share some banter after the race.

Interested? If you are already in a club, ask your coach or team manager for more information. If you are not yet in a club, it's time you joined! Find a club in your area and see what you are missing!