I’m sorry in advance about how dumb this is going to sound but if I wanted to run XC in college would I also have to run track? I’ve read on a few sites that you’re expected to do both and I was just wondering if anyone could clear this up cuz I definitely won’t be running XC if it means I have to run track. Thank you!!
Our family prefers cross country to track as well. Meets are short and to the point. They are held in usually beautiful locations over rolling hills, meadows and forests (or at least around a golf course)! But it is pretty hard to stay in shape for XC without running year round and that usually means track. You better check with the coach of the school you plan to attend. If you don’t want to do that, then check with some of the athletes themselves. I would imagine you would have better luck with your plan to run only XC at a DIII school. Good luck regardless…I understand the predicament.
^I agree that normally people are on both XC and track, which makes sense from a coach’s point of view as they need distance runners for both.
It does make for a competition season that runs pretty much the whole academic year for distance runners between XC, indoor track (where applicable), and outdoor track. In that sense I think sprinters, jumpers and throwers have it a little easier.
Agreed. Distance running is very much a “lifestyle” requiring a great deal of commitment and time. For the most part many high school runners are going to keep running or working out in college in some capacity: club, occasional 5K or half marathon or recreational. The question is whether the extra time required to be a college varsity runner (over and above simply keeping in shape) is worth it. The amount time/commitment needed will depend on the division and program of each school. Whether that extra time is worth it is an individual decision.
There are some schools that field cross country teams but do not have track and field teams – notably Vanderbilt in men’s and Northwestern in women’s (I think).
Agree with above comments that distance running is big commitment. Beyond cross county, indoor, and outdoor seasons most college coaches will expect you to train in the summer, too.
I suppose you could contact coaches to see if someone might take you exclusively for cross. But, the fact that you don’t want to run track might tell you all that you need to know. Perhaps a running club is a better option?
@startingblock is correct that NU does not field a varsity women’s track team (only XC). No men XC or track. But in truth, they run distance in track during the spring at a very high level and still travel to California for good racing. It may be considered a “club” but the commitment is very real for the distance runners.
You may be able to walk on and do XC only, but you are unlikely to get recruited for XC only