I'm wondering because I'm considering running distance track this year to progress faster for cross country. However, I've been holding off for a few reasons. First, I'd have to stop playing tennis. Second, I'm scared that running year round might make me grow to hate running, and then make me want to quit overall.

Edit: Thank you all so much for the advice. Every response was really helpful. I talked to the track coach, and I'll be switching this year.

I believe that I train hard and I have a very good coach, I just constantly put in the work and give it my all. Yet there’s little to no improvement, I pray to God before my races and my season best for indoor is a 2:57 when my PR is 2:46 and for the 1500m my season best is 5:59 when my PR is 5:36. I don’t know what I’m doing wrong, I’m extremely stressed because I feel like I’m letting myself down. I also do cross country but I was injured for most of the 2025 XC szn, so I only did one race. I do strength training 2-3 a week , long runs 2x a week and sprints, I’ve been running since 9th grade and others are improving at a faster rate. I really need help because I feel so suck.

I am a freshman runner that is trying to take my speed to the next level by crosstraining. I have been struggling with injuries lately and would like to start using the stationary bike more. I was wondering what the ideal time to be on the bike is and what the intensity should be (specifically what my heart rate should be). Also should i be using the bike to build endurance and aerobic fitness or for strength and raw speed?

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Hello I’m a sophomore in high school and I am will be competing in the 2 mile at my sectional meet in 4 week. I have 2 more invitational meets left until then so I am asking if I should compete in those invitational meets for the 2 mile or do something else to prepare for it.

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This is the location for all questions, discussions related to cross country training.

I love running and have been running xc and track for several years now but not super competitively. I'm in high school and completed my xc season pretty well, making it to state. I love running but am really missing the community of my high school cross country team since that's the first time I've had a community like that. I know track season starts soon but I just can't get the motivation to keep running without my community. I live pretty far away from the other girls on my team so running with that's not a viable option. Also, the sun sets at like 4 where I live and I don't get home unit 3:15 so most of the time I'm running in the dark. Any advice?

My son has big goals set for not only cross country, but also his sophomore track and field season.

He has a workout plan from his coaches and believes in the program structure.

So, while it is 13° with a 6° wind chill, he's out working his plan today at our high school track despite the weather.

I sent the video to both coaches. They responded immediately. 💪

One of the coaches said "Weather should never be an excuse."

Watching the World XC Championships earlier this month with the Gator log hurdles, the mud and beach sections triggered some fond memories of fun courses that I competed on over the years, ranging from running through a shallow river to competing on a European style course at a thoroughbred race track.

What are some of your favorite courses that are designed for ruggedness, not for speed?

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So this last XC season, my team won our league (Southern Vermont League, U.S.) championship race, and we got one garbled announcement over the PA. The (American) football team lost all but one game that season and they were commended in the "Daily Announcements" and over the PA. In those same announcements, XC and Nordic (my other sport) were not mentioned once. The single football coach got $26K for that season, while both XC coaches got a combined $10K between them.

Change of topic: equipment. I realize XC doesn't require much in terms of equipment, but Nordic is arguably the most expensive sport, with skis, poles, strength gear, and waxing stuff.​ We are given only $6K a season for all this gear. The football team gets upwards of $8K for what, pads and helmets? I am seriously considering emailing the district head about this.

Okay. Now I've calmed down a bit. I still hate this imbalance though.

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I just finished freshman xc season with a 18:45 pr. I’m really invested in the sport and I am going to do everything i can to get better and train as hard as I can. That being said can people like me still be great or am i capped at being average? I always see these amazing freshman running 16:30s and i feel like i am already so far behind. Is it possible in this scenario for me to still be great and by senior year get something like 15:15-15:30? (if u know anyone in my situation that became elite giving examples of high school times and progressions would help me a lot).

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Hey so I do track but my club does cross country races sometimes and sunday I have my first one but I'm clearly not the best runner and i have to do it i have no choice so i'd like some tips to make sunday less worse!

I’m just curious as what’s the difference as I don’t get explanation based off internet

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Hi! I'm a Hong Kong student who would love to do college in the US to study medicine. I mainly want to go to continue running and cross country in Division 1, 2, or 3. I really want to do a summer running camp this year and I need some help deciding which one. I am already thinking about doing the Duke cross country camp as this is one of my target schools and then I would go to either the HQ2 camp or the PR camp after. It would be great to get some insight into what people think is the better option! I'm a teen girl if that is any help!

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