I run for a college that recently has dropped xc. However, my school still has a track program and I want to continue to train, specifically for races 800-1500 and possibly some 3ks and 5ks. As of right now my school is without a distance coach, so I am curious as to what type of training I should do especially in terms of periodization. Basically, how should I adapt my training with the absence of xc and how will this possibly effect my track season?
ok...instead of X-C races in the fall, you simply run road races, 5k and 10k races from Sept to Nov...it will simulate X-C season. You do your highest mileage from Sept. to Dec. building up your base endurance, with 6 x interval miles on Monday and a hard 10 miler on Wednesday and compete on Sat or Sun. If you have any teammates that you can train with in the fall, so much the better; but, you can do it on your own if you have to. good luck.
You can still enter a lot of xc races unattached. You can even enter as a team if you'd like; you just won't have any money.
Good advice. I guess I am also wondering if cross country is a neccesary tool for the betterment of a 800/1500m runner? Is running 8k's on grass in the fall going to improve my much shorter races on the track in the spring? Could xc being cut be a blessing in disguise and help out my performance on the track? Or will my performances suffer? Also more comments and adivice on training, periodization of training, etc please.
"Despite what some coaches might say, the majority of past successes were built on a sound endurance background forged by most on the mud and hills of strength-building cross-country events. Bypass this as an integral part of a competitive foundation and you automatically reduce the chances of sustained success on the track from 800m up to the marathon."
From an article by Steve Cram, found at
http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/apr/01/athletics.comment
Personally im an 800m/1500m runner and run a full xc season because i both enjoy xc and believe that it helps my track as well. But obviously I have never tried not running xc in the winter and its just my personal experience...