Top 6 Reasons: XC Benefits for Track Runners

by Emily Rosario @EmilyIsFocused

SO, let’s first start with the fact that XC and Cross Country are the same word.

Cross Country, also known as, XC is a phenomenal way to build strength for Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field.

Ever since I began running as a novice in high school, to now, a current elite professional middle distance runner, I have found to believe that this (training and competing for XC) is MY BEST WAY to earn strength and endurance gains for the latter part of the season.

So why do I share it with you?

Maybe you’re stuck in your training, and you have been dying to get a PR, but all else has failed and want to try something new.

Either way, here’s the reasons why I LOVE XC:

1. Great way to reduce stress on the joints, meanwhile also strengthening them with unpredictable terrain.
2. Makes you work harder; this isn’t a flat round track. It’s hilly, muddy, messy, but VERY fun.
3. It’s the hills that pay the bills; the more you train on hills, the more than likely your body will thank you. I.E., the final 200-400-800 meters (your last bit before the finish line) is stronger from the background training you did in XC
4. It’s a great way to start training for track without overuse of the left turn ((running around the same oval, over and over again)
5. Personal Gains are almost always achieved. I say almost, because you still have to do the work that helps (lifting, eating right, supplementing, RESTING, all that jazz.
6. The grass works on your turnover; and the better your turnover, the faster you’ll run on a flat track.