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Original poster

X country running - how hard?

19 replies

Chocolateteabag · 09/09/2021 16:29

Does anyone do x country running on here?

My running club has some coming up and I'm wondering if I should drive them a go
I mostly run on trails and I'm guessing x country will be on the muddier end of that?

Is it a massive step up?

I mean - I know I'll just give a go and see but would be good to hear what others think/have experienced?

OP posts:

fellrunner85 · 09/09/2021 18:08

I love XC but it's REALLY hard!! It's very fast (compared to trail running, anyway) and very muddy. But so much fun, and the camaraderie at events is great.

lljkk · 10/09/2021 05:07

What's the difference between 'Cross-country' and Trail?
Why does a person have to go faster in X-Country, what happens if you go slow?

LegendaryReady · 10/09/2021 05:17

Cross country is tough and if you're talking about the county leagues, the standard is HIGH. In a mixed road race I generally finish about half way in the field. In a women's XC league, I finish in the bottom third.

However, that is absolutely not a reason not to do it. Such fun and the team element is fantastic. Our club is very inclusive and we have runners of all abilities welcome in our team. The organisers are sometimes not so keen, they see these as events for county runners (they are used for county selection) but we're gradually changing attitudes.

Later in the season there will be mud, lots of glorious mud.

My top tip is to take plenty of warm dry layers and get out of your wet kit as soon as you finish. You have to learn not to care about changing in a field. I don't know if all the leagues plan things the same, but for ours, women run first and, it being a team event, we stay to cheer on the men (the men are always in time to support us too). It gets very cold very quickly if you're wet and muddy in a field in January.

It's fantastic training too. It will make you strong.

LegendaryReady · 10/09/2021 05:21

@lljkk

What's the difference between 'Cross-country' and Trail? Why does a person have to go faster in X-Country, what happens if you go slow?

Trail runs tend to be a summer thing so it's not that different to running on the road, just more uneven.

XC is a winter sport. Mud is the main difference. Lots and lots of mud, which makes it hard. Usually hills too. The events are only open to club members and used for county selection so the standard is high, though they're open to all club members. If you're slow, you'll come last, but that's OK.

lljkk · 10/09/2021 05:24

Ah, Thanks. I didn't realise these were race categories (so actual sport competitions).

fellrunner85 · 10/09/2021 07:06

What @LegendaryReady said. Also, the terrain is different. Trail runs tend to be on footpaths/tracks, whereas XC is usually held in a park and involves laps of a muddy field.

allypally32 · 10/09/2021 07:19

Yes the standard at XC events I attend is very high and very different from trail running. It could depend on the league that your club is in though. There is a lot of pressure to do well and be part of the scoring team for the club. The distance is much shorter than usual trail runs but they are very tough and I find the shorter distance makes it harder as you need to run fast. Some of the hills are so steep and slippery with mud due to the volume of people running and the weather conditions, the downhills are the worst! There may also be other features like water to run through!
Give it a go and have fun!

Original poster

Chocolateteabag · 10/09/2021 08:21

Ah - well I should maybe have waited to read all your replies first but I have signed myself up to at least try a few

Our club seem happy for lots of of us to do it so hopefully all will be well as I'm not at all fast

I don't mind mud - sounds like I'm going to get flashbacks of running round the school pitches though

But faint heart etc etc!

OP posts:

OverByYer · 10/09/2021 08:39

I run with a club and have tried a few cross country races.
I didn’t enjoy them at all. Really muddy and slippery and I felt really nervous about falling or slipping. Really hard work too.
Some people love it though.
I prefer trail or road races.

rainbowandglitter · 10/09/2021 08:46

I love xc. Definitely get proper xc shoes though otherwise you'll have no grip

Forestcantrun · 10/09/2021 10:30

@Chocolateteabag good luck with your events. I'm very new to running but I'm under pressure from my dad to try XC for the winter. I'm not sure my joints would like it though🤣 I've entered a trail run as a compromise.
Let us know how you get on and how you alter your training to suit. I'll be interested to hear how you fare.

Original poster

Chocolateteabag · 23/11/2021 04:32

Finally popped my XC cherry on Sunday!
It was everything you all said it would be - muddy tough and cold! And very quick! (Not me that is)

I came in the third quarter of the group which is absolutely fine with me - I'm not going to ever be winning anything - just want to keep on going

There is another one in a couple of weeks - definitely need some warmer tracksuit bottoms to change into before then! Plus I forgot to take anything warm to drink for afterwards

OP posts:

fellrunner85 · 26/11/2021 16:36

Oh that's great! Well done OP. Definitely take coffee, tracky bottoms and a cosy hoody for next time. My club usually bake too, so there's cake in the tent after

Luckystar1 · 26/11/2021 16:40

Well done OP, what distance was it? And what were the speeds like? I’d consider doing a race or two, but I’m very nervous of being worse than last!

Original poster

Chocolateteabag · 26/11/2021 16:43

This one was 6.6k - 3 laps of the course for the U17 boys, Ladies and Veteran men (60+)
The men then did 4 laps

The next one is a bit shorter at 4.5k but might be a lot muddier

It was tough but not as bad as I was expecting - I need better pre and post run clothing though!

OP posts:

Luckystar1 · 26/11/2021 16:45

Well done OP. And do you have any idea roughly what time you did it in? (Just trying to gauge if I’d be even remotely able)

Original poster

Chocolateteabag · 26/11/2021 16:47

I did 6.6 in 40 mins - lots finishing in 45-55 mins though
I would say go for it! You can only come last and someone has to - and is that really so bad? You'll have done more than the person who didn't bother

OP posts:

needtoseperate · 26/11/2021 16:50

XC is my absolute favorite form of running! just had to say that! I go pretty hard you'd have to check Strava and my club won the league last time. but then I like being cold and wet triathlete it's the most fun you can have with your clothes on!

Shopgirl1 · 28/11/2021 01:32

I love xc training, go every Saturday in winter and it’s a great way to start a weekend - the varied terrain and open nature of it make it harder than road running, but you can go at your pace in training.
The races are brutal. Short and sharp pain, but still fun - the standard is very high as it’s all club runners and team scores.
Xc is amazing for fitness.

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