So this is my first year running XC and I’ve recently been reading articles about how cross country actually makes you slower in middle distance and sprint events, (I run the 800m mainly however I’ll occasionally run the 400m and the 1500m or rarely run 200m.) It’s something related to fast twitch fibers turning into slow twitch fibers, ultimately making you into a slower runner. Is there any truth to that statement?
no
not running fast makes you not run fast
so make sure you are running fast as part of your cross country training
When I was a h.s. senior the first three guys in region (decides who races at state) final, 800m had one h.s. cross-country season total for the three of them. Two or all three of them were varsity football receivers in the fall. What else will you do? Cross-country is better than you do nothing over the summer and fall. A 5K XC meet once a week for eight or nine weeks most likely will be harmless for an 800m runner. If one only jogs at nine or ten minutes per mile, sixty miles a week over summer it will have an affect on your neuromuscular coordination.
It is all Good Baby just run cross country and stop complaining
The only case in which it could make you slower is if you were normally doing something that was "faster" during the fall - like soccer, football, or even doing sprint training. If you weren't, then it won't make you slower by any means.
You'll have improved some of your endurance and potentially be able to increase your workout volume come track season, which will be good for you.
However, someone else said the only way you don't run fast is if you don't run fast. That's definitely true. Make sure you're doing strides at least 3x a week, and ask your coach if you can do some 200s or 300s at a faster pace now and then to keep in touch with your sprinting mechanics. You'll inevitably do this during the sharpening phase of your season, but its good to keep it up.
First off, the 800 isn't a sprint event. It's a mid-distance event. All cross is going to do is condition you better. You'll be waaaay better off in the long run. Put your head down, do what your coach tells you to and quit complaining.
No.
I went from 50mpw to 70mpw over the summer and fall for my senior year XC season. Went from 53mid and 2:02 to 49.9 and 1:52 in the 400 and 800. Made me a hell of a lot better. Only avoiding all fast running will make you slow. Do strides at 800m pace or faster a couple times a week with plenty of rest and lift and you’ll do a lot better.
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