distance runners: quick poll--xc or track?

Cross

XC-no competition

participate - XC

watch - track

Cross

track attack

Training - XC for the softness of the grass.

Racing - Track Mon thru Sat ... and TWICE on Sun.

track!

xc

xc definately; much more spirit in xc if u ask me

xc

Track

The numbers are there all black and white

I find that people who like track are better competitors than cross runners. The only people I know who like xc more are slower girls on my team. XC has spirit, but track is the showcase for running.

xc. Track is just speed and running around in circles. XC has scenery and some difficulty in the courses.

I think cross is nice for the scenery and the varying terrains, etc etc. But I prefer track because I like the accuracy of it. I like the fact that the track is exactly 400m and everyone completes the exact same distance while being timed electronically. With cross there are alot more variables and I'm more of a numbers kinda person.

Track. It's more intense, and I think it favors those who are mentally tough enough to handle the effort of 12 1/2 to 25 hard laps. Also, I was always in much better shape by the time track season rolled around.

You can also see your progress more easily on the track. Comparisons between track races are apples-to-apples, while comparisons between XC races aren't.

Without a question... TRACK, XC is merely a season to strengthen me for track. Pure rythym runnner here.

I have to agree with Nike Wearer that many people who idolize Cross Country (xc boy, the runs, that kid) are slower (usually immature) runners, who think XC's just the greatest because of the hills and difficulty, etc. They're trying to give themselves credibility in their running, because while not the fastest, they at least compeleted something rigorous and challenging. They're the same kind of people who try to say track is "lame" or "gay" because it's just running around in circles. While it may not be as "visually stimulating" as a cross country race, in both situations you're racing and shouldn't be to obsessed with the scenery.

That said, all these kids who rant and rave about XC being the greatest usually haven't really found their groove on the track. Maybe they're still developing, or maybe they simply don't have it. They can't stand up to the raw speed and braun of the track, the tactics, or the simple man vs. man competition. There's no differences in terrain, no obstacles to encounter. Just an even playing field in which the smartest and/or fastest runner wins.

I love track and XC both very much, but as a racer, I think the track is more exciting and difficult. I've excelled in both, but have come to have more respect for track.

I think there may be a little more to it than that. I like cross country a lot, but I definitely think track is a lot better. However, I didn't think so in high school. In high school track you can only race up to 2 miles, which I was decent in. On the other hand, I was MUCH better at longer events like the 5K, which I got to run in cross country. It wasn't until college that I got a much better appreciation for track, when I finally got to race the 5K and 10K. Now I can definitely say I love track a lot more.

xc