email from Nick regarding XC (Cross Country!) and competing. Reproduced here in case of member eMail problems.
Manchester Area Cross Country League.
For many of the membership, winter races and cross country are very well understood! Conscious that we have a number of new members (excellent), and we may have some existing members (not XC savvy) looking to race over the country this winter, a few thoughts!
We affiliate to the Manchester Area Cross Country League.
It’s a five race series, with the first race being at Wythenshawe Park on Saturday 13th October. The ladies race at 1.40pm and the men at 2.30pm.
If you scroll down on the home page of the website, there is a nice video…What to expect on race day!
We have to enter all those interested in a block…That said, any stragglers we can pick up, but ahead of each of the race weekends, entries close at 5.00pm of the Wednesday of race week.
I am entering all of those that have expressed interest to our Captains…Andrew & Janine…Similarly, all those that ran last year.
For our newer members…
Cross Country is great fun, and the staple winter training diet of many of the world’s top distance runners! Its very team focused…The atmosphere is fabulous…The men cheer on the ladies…And then the reverse! Bring a warm change of clothing, and some nibbles! It’s exhausting.
As I mentioned recently, I am away from training until Tuesday 9th…We will talk about race day then and also focus the training around the XC.
A few suggestions…
- XC is very different to road or even trail running. For those unaccustomed, and generally…May I suggest the following…
- Try to get a few of your own runs done on softer ground…The Carrs/Jim Evison etc.
- Aim to do a few fartlek sessions…Some shorter faster reps and then some longer reps of a 1k/1mile or so.
- The races always start fast…Consolidate your place and then throttle back into position!
- If you intend (and recommended) buying some studded off road shoes, or some winter spikes, take advice…And then if you do buy, have a few easy runs in them of perhaps twenty/thirty minutes to get used to the different feel.
- Consider running Cheadle Hulme parkrun. In the winter its similar to XC!
- Club vests must be worn!
It’s fun…fast and furious! As a club, we have done particularly well in recent years…With some new members…Both male and female, we can have another great season!
Look forward to seeing you all on Tuesday 9th!
If you need any help etc…Please do drop me a note.
Best regards,
Nick